Title: The physical and psychosocial adaptation experiences of youths diagnosed with biliary atresia and treated using the Kasai procedure at infancy: a qualitative descriptive study  

Source: Gastroenterology Nursing 2026, 49 (1): 30-38  

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Date of publication: January 2026  

Publication type: Qualitative descriptive study

Abstract: Biliary atresia (BA) is a disease of the liver and bile ducts. Newborns with BA must undergo the Kasai procedure immediately after birth to survive. Postoperative nutrition, portal hypertension, and splenomegaly affect prognosis on an ongoing basis. With recent advancements in medicine and health care quality, children treated for BA can survive into adolescence and even early adulthood. This qualitative descriptive study explores how these youths have adapted, and their concerns as they continue to age. A total of 13 patients with BA aged 16-24 years were recruited using purposive sampling at a gastroenterology outpatient clinic in northern Taiwan. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with each participant. The participants’ life experiences were extracted into three themes via inductive qualitative content analysis: (1) being responsible for one’s dietary regimen, (2) adjusting one’s mindset about the illness, and (3) facing long-term challenges. Healthcare professionals can provide care recommendations tailored to the developmental needs of this patient group during regular follow-ups, assist them with self-care management and with accepting their uniqueness, provide information, and discuss their future careers and family plans.

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Title: Identification of psychosocial issues in pediatric patients undergoing or waiting for organ transplant: a systematic review

Source: Experimental and Clinical Transplantation 2024, 22 (Suppl 5): 132-138

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Date of publication: October 2024

Publication type: Systematic Review

Abstract: Objectives: Despite increased rates of survival, pediatric organ transplant is characterized by clinical complexities and psychosocial challenges. Understanding and addressing the psychosocial issues inherent in this population are crucial for optimizing their overall well-being and transplant outcomes. In this systematic review, we thus aimed to provide a comprehensive analysis of the psychosocial issues encountered by pediatric patients undergoing or awaiting organ transplant.

Materials and methods: This systematic review was conducted by retrospectively searching PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane electronic databases using the keywords “pediatric kidney transplantation” or “pediatric liver transplantation” or “pediatric heart transplantation” and “psychosocial problems” or “psychosocial issues” or “psychosocial outcomes” or “psychosocial needs.” The literature review resulted in 3746 initial studies, with 6 studies included in this systematic review.

Results: Examination of psychosocial problems experienced by pediatric organ transplant recipients in included studies showed factors such as depression, anxiety, quality of life, medication adherence, psychological distress, children’s psychosocial characteristics, healthy behaviors, mental and somatic well-being, fear of rejection, fear of recurrence, fear of secondary diseases, sleep problems, sadness, and exhaustion.

Conclusions: Pediatric organ transplant intertwines complex medical procedures with intricate psychosocial dynamics, placing nurses at the forefront of care delivery for pediatric transplant recipients and their families. In embracing a holistic approach to care, nurses advocate for the integration of psychosocial support into standard practice protocols, recognizing that optimal health outcomes extend beyond physiological parameters.

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Title: Unveiling the psychosocial impact: pediatric organ transplantation and posttraumatic stress disorders: a systematic review

Source: Experimental and Clinical Transplantation 2024, 22 (Suppl 5): 41-48

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Date of publication: October 2024 

Publication type: Systematic Review

Abstract: Objectives: This systematic review delves into the intricate relationship between pediatric organ transplantation and posttraumatic stress disorder, shedding light on interventions crucial for addressing the psychosocial well-being of young transplant recipients. This review of the multifaceted nature of posttraumatic stress disorder in the context of pediatric transplantation examined the effects of transplant on the mental health of recipients. We aimed to review studies on posttraumatic stress disorder among pediatric patients who have had or were waiting for organ transplant and to systematically analyze the results of these studies.

Materials and Methods: This systematic review was conducted by retrospectively searching PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Cochrane electronic databases using the keywords “pediatric kidney transplantation,” or “pediatric liver transplantation,” or “pediatric heart transplantation,” and “posttraumatic stress disorders.” Descriptive studies were included if they met the association between posttraumatic stress disorder and pediatric organ transplant recipients.

Results: From 267 articles, 5 articles were included in the systematic review. Posttraumatic stress disorder was shown to be more common in pediatric transplant recipients. Rate of low-level posttraumatic stress disorder ranged from 9.2% to 85.2%, whereas rate of high-level posttraumatic stress disorder ranged from 13.1% to 22.6%.

Conclusions: This review highlighted the imperative need to recognize and address the psychosocial effects of pediatric organ transplantation, with a specific focus on posttraumatic stress disorder. By incorporating comprehensive mental health care into the transplant journey, psychiatric nurses can contribute to the overall well-being of young recipients and their families, ensuring that the transformative power of organ transplant extends beyond mere physical survival to encompass psychological resilience and recovery. By acknowledging and addressing the emotional dimensions of the transplant journey, nurses can contribute to the well-being of recipients, ensuring a more holistic and resilient recovery.

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Title: Psychosocial conditions of children after liver transplant: post-traumatic stress, depression, and anxiety

Source: Journal of Pediatric Nursing 2024, Jan 11. [E-publication]

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Date of publication: January 2024

Publication type: Article

Abstract: Aim: This study aimed to determine psychosocial conditions, post-traumatic stress, depression, and anxiety of children who underwent a liver transplant.

Method: This is a relational descriptive study, which was conducted between March 2019 and December 2020 in the Inonu University Liver Transplantation Institute Pediatric Liver Transplant Clinic. The “Child Information Form,” “Child Post-Traumatic Stress Reaction Index,” “State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children-Trait Form,” and “Children’s Depression Inventory” were used to collect data. The study was conducted with 71 children who had a previous liver transplant.

Results: Of the participating children, 56.3% were girls, 63.4% continued their primary school education after the transplant, 32.5% were diagnosed with cirrhosis, 39.4% received the transplant in 2017, 32.4% received it from the mother, and 25.4% received it from a cadaveric donor. Although it had been at least 3 years since the transplant, 47.9% exhibited moderate and 43.7% severe post-traumatic stress responses. There was a significant negative relationship between the age of children with a liver transplant and trait anxiety and post-traumatic stress responses (path coefficients β = -0.268, p = 0.002; β = -0.166, p = 0.023, respectively). There was a significant positive relationship between anxiety and post-traumatic stress responses of the children after the transplant and there was a statistically significant relationship between the path coefficients (β = 0.750; p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Children who underwent a liver transplant had post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and trait anxiety.

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