Prevalence and spectrum of infectious and inflammatory dermatologic conditions occurring in pediatric heart transplant patients on a predominantly mTOR-based immune suppressive regimen: A retrospective chart review

Introduction: Pediatric heart transplant patients are routinely followed in dermatology clinics due to elevated risk of cutaneous malignancy. However, transplant patients may experience other, non-cancer-related dermatologic conditions including skin infections, inflammatory diseases, and drug eruptions that can cause significant medical and psychosocial comorbidity. Methods: A retrospective chart review of all pediatric heart transplant patients at Mayo Clinic Children's Center in Rochester, MN, was performed to determine the prevalence and spectrum of non-cancer dermatologic conditions. Statistical analysis was conducted to look for associations between episodes of rejection and skin condition development. Results: Of the 65 patients who received heart transplants under the age of 18 and were followed at Mayo Clinic, 69% (N = 45) were diagnosed with at least one skin condition between transplant and the time of most recent follow-up. Sixty-two percent (N = 40) of patients were diagnosed with an inflammatory skin condition (most commonly acne and atopic dermatitis), 45% (N = 29) with an infectious skin condition (most commonly warts and dermatophyte infection), and 32% (N = 21) with a drug eruption (most commonly unspecified rash and urticaria). No association was found between presence of skin disease and number of rejection episodes. Conclusions: Non-cancer dermatologic conditions are prevalent within pediatric heart transplant recipients and may directly impact their medical needs and quality of life. Dermatologist involvement in the care of post-transplant pediatric patients is important, not only for cancer screening but also for diagnosis and treatment of common infectious and inflammatory skin conditions.