Follow-Up of Pediatric Liver Transplant Patients After Reaching Adulthood

Abstract

BACKGROUND Despite excellent transplantation results, there is a vulnerable period of time in the post-transplant management of pediatric liver recipients, which is the time when a child becomes an adolescent. This period of psychological distress influences compliance and may result in premature transplant failure and graft loss. We performed a retrospective review of pediatric liver transplant recipients, transferred to our service for adults, in order to identify key issues associated with transition into the adult care. MATERIAL AND METHODS We analyzed medical files of 20 liver recipients transferred from pediatric post-transplant outpatient clinic to the post-transplant service for adults, since year 2000 until December 2015. For survival analyses, Kaplan-Meier model with log-rank test and Cox proportional hazards regression model, to calculate hazard ratio (HR), were used. RESULTS Survival rate exceeds 90% in the study population. The major complication was late acute rejection, in most instances due to non-compliance. There were single cases of recurrent liver disease and de novo graft disorders. CONCLUSIONS Dedicated service for young people may be needed to optimize outcomes.