Identifying factors in post-operative successful adaptation to pediatric liver transplantation.
In order to identify variables contributing to successful adaptation to liver transplantation, 38 families, at least six months post-transplant, were divided according to transplant team members' rating into two groups: those with successful adaptation to transplant and those families at risk for difficulties. Families who had successful follow-up periods tended to be characterized by intact marriages, private insurance coverage, less subjective financial stress, and higher intellectual and developmental functioning in the child. Single-parent families who had no pre-evaluation involvement with liver transplant organizations and had lengthy post-operative hospital stays more frequently had complications post-transplant. Case studies are presented illustrating the application of this information.
Kennard
B D
BD
University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas.
Petrik
K
K
Stewart
S M
SM
Waller
D A
DA
Andrews
W S
WS
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006701:Home Nursing / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D016031:Liver Transplantation / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000523:psychology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012803:Sick Role; D012947:Social Work