[Liver transplant from living donor]

Area of Science:

• Hepatology and Transplant Surgery
• Pediatric Gastroenterology

Context:

• Spain has a high deceased donor rate, yet pediatric liver transplant needs remain unmet.
• Living-related donor liver transplantation (LRDLT) serves as a vital alternative for pediatric patients awaiting transplants.
• This study addresses the outcomes of LRDLT in a high-volume Spanish center.

Purpose:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of living-related donor liver transplantation in pediatric recipients.
• To analyze patient and graft survival rates, complications, and technical challenges associated with LRDLT.
• To determine the impact of LRDLT on reducing pre-transplant mortality in children.

Summary:

• A retrospective analysis of 57 pediatric living-related donor liver transplants (LRDLT) was conducted between 1993 and 2007.
• Indications included biliary atresia (73.7%) and hepatic tumors (14%). Patient survival rates at 10 years were 95%.
• Common complications involved biliary issues and vascular reconstructions, with donor biliary leak being the most frequent donor complication.

Impact:

• Living-related donor liver transplantation demonstrates excellent patient and graft survival, significantly improving outcomes for pediatric liver failure patients.
• LRDLT is particularly beneficial for low-weight children, overcoming limitations in deceased donor organ allocation.
• This procedure is essential for mitigating high pre-transplant mortality rates in pediatric candidates.