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Updated: Jun 30, 2026
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Reduced Complications after Arterial Reconnection in a Rat Model of Orthotopic Liver Transplantation
Published on: November 7, 2020
Pregnancy and liver transplantation
Bijal Surti1, Jennifer Tan, Sammy Saab
1Department of Medicine, UCLA Medical Center, Pfleger Liver Institute, University of California Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
Summary
Pregnancy after solid organ transplantation is increasingly common and can be successful, despite risks. Careful management of immunosuppression and monitoring for complications are crucial for positive outcomes in transplant recipients.
Area of Science:
- Transplantation Medicine
- Reproductive Health
- Immunology
Background:
- Pregnancy in solid organ transplant recipients has evolved from a high-risk event to a manageable outcome.
- Over 3000 female liver transplant recipients of childbearing age were in the USA as of 2006.
- The National Transplantation Pregnancy Registry has documented outcomes for over 200 pregnancies in liver transplant recipients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review outcomes of pregnancy in liver transplant recipients.
- To identify maternal and fetal risks and complications.
- To provide recommendations for conception, contraception, and medication management.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from the National Transplantation Pregnancy Registry.
- Review of reported pregnancies and outcomes in liver transplant recipients.
- Synthesis of existing literature on pregnancy post-transplantation.
Main Results:
- Children born to liver recipients face higher risks of prematurity and low birth weight, but without observed malformations.
- Mothers have increased risks of pregnancy-induced hypertension, pre-eclampsia, and Cesarean sections, though overall mortality is not elevated.
- Acute rejection and graft loss rates in pregnant recipients are comparable to non-pregnant recipients.
Conclusions:
- Pregnancy in liver transplant recipients can achieve successful outcomes with careful monitoring and management.
- Recommendations include waiting at least 1 year post-transplant for conception and individualized medication review.
- Contraception choices and immunosuppressive medication effects during pregnancy and breastfeeding require thorough patient counseling.
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