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[Liver transplantation in children]
C M Bijleveld1, P M Peeters, H A Koetse
1Levertransplantatiegroep, Beatrixkliniek, Academisch Ziekenhuis Groningen.
Insights
Pediatric liver transplantation is now possible for infants, thanks to advancements in reduced-size liver transplants. This study presents outcomes for the first 40 pediatric liver transplant recipients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric surgery
- Hepatology
- Organ transplantation
Background:
- The liver transplant program expanded to include pediatric patients following successful adult outcomes.
- Initially, the program had a minimum age of 3 years and transplanted few children annually.
- Advancements in reduced-size liver transplants enabled transplantation in younger children, including infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the outcomes of the first 40 pediatric liver transplantations.
- To evaluate the feasibility and initial results of liver transplantation in children.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of the first 40 pediatric liver transplant cases.
- Inclusion of patients from infancy upwards.
- Utilized reduced-size liver grafts.
Main Results:
- Successful liver transplantation was achieved in 40 pediatric patients.
- The program evolved to include infants, expanding the age range for liver transplants.
- Good initial results were observed in the pediatric cohort.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric liver transplantation, including for infants, is feasible and yields good results.
- Reduced-size liver grafts are crucial for successful infant liver transplantation.
- The program's success in adults paved the way for pediatric expansion.
Abstract:
The liver transplant programme has been initiated after the first good results of the adult transplant programme have been obtained. Initially a few children were transplanted yearly and the lower age limit was 3 years. However, the good results and the introduction of reduced size liver transplants made liver transplantation even in infants possible. In this paper the results are presented of the first 40 children who got a liver transplant.