Liver transplantation in children with fulminant hepatic failure: The UCL experience

Pediatr Transplant. 2009 Jun;13(4):414-20. doi: 10.1111/j.1399-3046.2008.01008.x. Epub 2008 Oct 7.

Abstract

The outcome of pediatric LT for FHF was shown to be poor in our center. To better understand such results, recipient and transplant parameters with a putative impact on post-transplant outcome were analyzed in LT for FHF. Between March 1984 and June 2002, 33 children with FHF received a primary liver allograft. The overall results in this series were studied with respect to pre-operative demographic and metabolic variables, peri-operative events, and outcome. Five-yr patient and graft survivals were 71% and 66%, respectively, with a retransplantation rate at 18%. Incidences of perioperative hemorrhage, of HAT and PVT were 14%, 8%, and 4%, respectively. Five-yr acute rejection-free survival rate was 55%. These data confirm the worse outcome following LT for FHF when compared with LT in elective, non-malignant indications such as BA; results in FHF could not be related to surgical or immunological complications in the post-transplant period and it is hypothesized that the MOF associated with FHF contributes to early post-transplant mortality which would justify special management, including aggressive renal and hepatic support.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Liver Failure, Acute / etiology
  • Liver Failure, Acute / mortality
  • Liver Failure, Acute / surgery*
  • Liver Transplantation / mortality*
  • Male
  • Survival Analysis
  • Treatment Outcome