Pediatric liver transplant: results of a single center

Abstract

Objectives: Liver transplant in the pediatric population has become an accepted treatment modality for children with end-stage liver disease. In this study, we analyze our experiences with pediatric liver transplant at our center.

Materials and methods: Since September 2001, 8 deceased-donor and 96 living-donor liver transplants have been done in 101 children (mean age, 6.7 +/- 5.5 years; range, 2 months to 17 years). The children's charts were reviewed retrospectively.

Results: Indications for liver transplant were cholestatic liver disease (n=17), biliary atresia (n=24), Wilson's disease (n=16), fulminant liver failure (n=18), hepatic tumor (n=13), and other (n=13). The median pediatric end-stage liver disease score was 23.1 +/- 11.1 (range, -8 to 48). The median follow-up was 24.2 +/- 19.4 months (range, 1-77 months). Three children underwent retransplant. The main complications were infections (25.9%) and surgical complications (39.5%) (including biliary complications and vascular problems). The incidence of acute cellular rejection was 42.3%. Sixteen children died during follow-up, and, at the time of this writing, the remaining 85 children (85%) were alive with good graft functioning, showing patient survival rates of 90%, 85%, and 83% at 6, 12, and 36 months, respectively.

Conclusions: In conclusion, the overall outcomes of pediatric liver transplantation at our center are quite promising.