Liver transplantation for pediatric patients: a review and update.
Liver transplantation for pediatric patients has made significant progress since its introduction over 25 years ago. Newer preservation solutions permit elective timing of the procedure and a clearer understanding of the natural history of the underlying liver disease has helped to define those patients most in need of a transplant earlier in the course of their illness. In particular, advances in immunosuppression and in our understanding of immune tolerance will further enhance successful liver engraftment and minimize the risk of infectious illness following transplantation. Gene transfer therapy and "cell" grafts may diminish the need for liver transplantation in selected individuals as advances in molecular biology continue.
Kleinman
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Combined Program in Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston 02114, USA.
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D007165:Immunosuppression Therapy / Q000379:methods; D007223:Infant; D017093:Liver Failure / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery*; D016031:Liver Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D009894:Opportunistic Infections / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control; D015996:Survival Rate; D016896:Treatment Outcome