Publication Date
2-13-2025
Journal
Viruses
DOI
10.3390/v17020254
PMID
40007011
PMCID
PMC11861731
PubMedCentral® Posted Date
2-13-2025
PubMedCentral® Full Text Version
Post-print
Published Open-Access
yes
Keywords
Humans, Lymphoproliferative Disorders, Liver Transplantation, Epstein-Barr Virus Infections, Herpesvirus 4, Human, Child, Immunosuppression Therapy, EBV, PTLD, post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder, pediatric liver transplant
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is strongly associated with the development of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) in pediatric liver transplant recipients. PTLD is one of the most common malignancies following liver transplantation and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Factors such as EBV-serostatus mismatch and prolonged or high levels of immunosuppression impact a patient's risk of developing PTLD. While pre-transplant EBV serological screening and post-transplant monitoring of EBV-DNA levels are strongly recommended, universal guidelines for its prevention and management are lacking. Due to a lack of robust prospective studies, current clinical practices vary widely. The treatment of PTLD typically involves reducing immunosuppression and using targeted therapies such as rituximab, or chemotherapy for refractory cases. This review aims to address our current understanding of EBV's relationship with PTLD, evaluate the available treatment modalities, and highlight evolving strategies for using EBV as a biomarker for PTLD screening and prevention.
Included in
Congenital, Hereditary, and Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities Commons, Digestive System Diseases Commons, Gastroenterology Commons, Hepatology Commons, Medical Sciences Commons, Pediatrics Commons
