Pediatric acute liver failure: Reexamining key clinical features, current management, and research prospects

Liver Transpl. 2022 Nov;28(11):1776-1784. doi: 10.1002/lt.26500. Epub 2022 May 27.

Abstract

This review aims to synthesize the most updated research, outcomes, and trends in the field of pediatric liver transplantation (LT), specifically focusing on children who have suffered from acute liver failure. Pediatric acute liver failure is a dynamic, life-threatening condition that can either self-resolve or lead to death. LT is a lifesaving intervention. With the introduction of technical variant grafts and recent immunosuppression modifications, overall patient survival, graft survival, and waitlist mortality have improved. Furthermore, recent advances in the knowledge of immunologic mediators of acute liver failure offer the possibility of more detailed understanding of the pathophysiology and new areas for research. Given the success of living donor LT for pediatric patients with acute liver failure, this option should continue to be actively considered as an alternative treatment option for patients who are listed for transplantation and are managed at a multidisciplinary tertiary care transplant center.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Graft Survival
  • Humans
  • Liver Failure, Acute* / diagnosis
  • Liver Failure, Acute* / etiology
  • Liver Failure, Acute* / surgery
  • Liver Transplantation*
  • Living Donors
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Waiting Lists