Research

Pediatric Heart Transplant Response Study

Genetic Contribution to Graft and Patient Outcomes

Protocol Description

This study explores whether inherited genetic differences affect how the body responds to the transplanted heart, causing some children to experience significant rejection while others experience little. Eligible participants who had heart transplants when they were under the age of 21 will be enrolled at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC. The study will collect information from medical records, doctor’s visits, hospitalizations, and test results as well as analysis of blood samples for further comparative analysis and review. A total of 750 patients over a 4-year period will be enrolled among 6 centers, with 140 coming from Children's.

Eligibility Criteria

Children and young adults who had heart transplants when they were under the age of 21 may participate in this study.
Boys: Newborn – 20 years
Girls: Newborn – 20 years

Requirements
With the consent of parents/guardians, a small blood sample will be taken for genetic testing at a time when the participant is having other routine blood work done. The results will be reviewed in connection with the child’s clinical course. Information will be collected for a period of five years or as long as the study is ongoing.
Visits: No visits beyond standard clinical care
Duration: Up to 5 years

Status: Closed for Enrollment

Source of Support
National Institutes of Health