Studying microRNAs to Improve Immunosuppression After Pediatric Heart Transplant Monitoring Infection and Rejection Risks in Children Up to 18 Years Old

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying pediatric heart transplant patients to identify circulating microRNAs that relate to drug doses and levels, aiming to assess the immune state and predict infection or rejection risks. This observational study follows a group of 100-150 children in the U.S. to better understand how these microRNAs can serve as biomarkers after transplant. Participants will follow their centers usual care schedule after transplant, with blood samples collected at specific times and during events like treated rejection or infection. These samples will help evaluate microRNA expression and other important biomarkers, alongside data on medical history, medications, antibody evaluations, biopsies, echocardiography, and donor-derived cell-free DNA. The study lasts 24 months for each participant, involving regular monitoring and data collection to develop a non-invasive blood test. Researchers will measure how microRNAs predict infection and rejection over two years, aiming to improve monitoring and balance immunosuppression to reduce complications while preventing transplant rejection.

Optimal Pediatric Heart Transplant Immunosuppression With MicroRNAs