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Published on: August 20, 2007
Intestinal transplantation in children
L Sigurdsson1, J Reyes, S A Kocoshis
1Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, 3705 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213-2583, USA.
Insights
Intestinal transplantation offers a lifesaving option for children with intestinal failure and complications from total parenteral nutrition. This procedure addresses irreversible liver injury and loss of vascular access, benefiting many annually.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology
- Pediatric Surgery
- Transplantation Medicine
Background:
- Intestinal failure is a severe condition often requiring total parenteral nutrition (TPN).
- TPN can lead to life-threatening complications, including irreversible liver injury and loss of vascular access.
- Intestinal transplantation has become a viable therapeutic option for select pediatric patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the indications for intestinal transplantation in children.
- To outline the pre- and postoperative management strategies for pediatric intestinal transplant recipients.
- To review the outcomes associated with intestinal transplantation in the pediatric population.
Main Methods:
- This article provides a comprehensive review of current practices and outcomes.
- Information is synthesized from existing literature and clinical experience.
- Focus is on pediatric cases requiring intestinal transplantation due to intestinal failure.
Main Results:
- Intestinal transplantation is indicated for children with irreversible liver injury or loss of vascular access due to TPN complications.
- Careful pre- and postoperative management is crucial for successful outcomes.
- The procedure offers a lifesaving alternative for eligible pediatric patients.
Conclusions:
- Intestinal transplantation is a critical intervention for pediatric intestinal failure.
- Successful outcomes depend on meticulous management protocols.
- Further research and advancements continue to improve the efficacy of this procedure.
Abstract:
Intestinal transplantation has emerged in the last decade as a lifesaving procedure for patients with intestinal failure who are suffering from complications arising from the administration of total parenteral nutrition. Indications for transplantation include irreversible liver injury and loss of vascular access. At least 50 children in the United States may benefit from intestinal transplantation every year. In this article, indications, pre- and postoperative management, and outcomes of intestinal transplantation in children are discussed.
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