Pediatric liver transplantation. Introduction of a program for southern Germany in Heidelberg.
Pediatric liver transplantation in Germany is exclusively performed in four centers in the north of Germany. We report our experience with the implementation of a new pediatric liver transplantation program in Heidelberg for children living in the south of Germany. In a pilot phase, we have transplanted eight children with various transplantation techniques including reduced size, left lateral split (segments 2 and 3), and full left split (segments 1-4). All transplantations were successful. No vascular complications occurred. The immunosuppressive regimen we used was cyclosporine A and methylprednisolone. The rate of acute rejection was three of eight patients. No patient required a retransplantation. One patient died due to a severe fungal sepsis he had acquired prior to transplantation. We conclude that in a multidisciplinary approach with careful patient selection a new program for pediatric liver transplantation can be successfully established.
Engelmann
Guido
G
Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Children's Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany. guido_engelmann@med.uni-heidelberg.de
Meyburg
Jochen
J
Schmidt
Jan
J
Lenhartz
Henning
H
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D016572:Cyclosporine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006085:Graft Survival; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007223:Infant; D016031:Liver Transplantation; D008297:Male; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018579:Patient Selection
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D016572:Cyclosporine; D008775:Methylprednisolone