Ask the Experts - Transplantation in Patients With Down's Syndrome?
A 32-year-old male with Down's syndrome recently underwent a pancreas and renal transplantation and is doing well 8 weeks after surgery. In general, what are your thoughts about transplanting people with Down's syndrome?

Acisclo Marxuach, MD

Some patients with Down's syndrome can function at relatively high levels, and witholding transplantation may be ethically unreasonable. In patients whose level of function precludes their being able to manage their immunosuppression, pretransplantation it is important to identify an individual who will be able to assume control of the immunosuppressive regimen and ensure compliance. It is important to individualize treatment and establish that transplantation would be a net benefit for the recipient.