Pre-liver transplantation management of children.
Liver transplantation is the accepted treatment for children with end-staged liver diseases nowadays. Currently, the five year actuarial survival rate is about 80%. In children, the most common indication for transplantation is biliary atresia. Due to shortage of donor organs, portoenterostomy is still the initial treatment of choice for young infants with biliary atresia. This will enable the affected infants to continue growing until a suitable donor organ is available. There are a few absolute contraindications to liver transplantation in children. Severe irreversible disease in any other organs and poor psychosocial support are indications for not performing liver transplantation. Appropriate pre-operative assessment and preparations are necessary for a successful transplant. Post-operative course may be marred by rejection, infections and surgical complications. Long term immunotherapy is necessary.
Quak
S H
SH
Department of Paediatrics, National University of Singapore.
D002648:Child; D000075202:Contraindications; D006801:Humans; D016031:Liver Transplantation; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000379:methods*