Living-related liver transplantation in children at Saint-Luc University Clinics: a seven year experience in 77 recipients

Reding, R.; Chardot, C.; Paul, K.; Veyckemans, F.; Van Obbergh, L.; De Clety, S.C.; Detaille, T.; Clapuyt, P.; Saint-Martin, C.; Janssen, M.; Lerut, J.; Sokal, E.; Otte, J.B.

Acta Chirurgica Belgica 101(1): 17-19

2001


ISSN/ISBN: 0001-5458
PMID: 11301941
Document Number: 527525
The Brussels series of living related liver transplantation (LRLT) in 77 children (< 15 years) is reviewed. Median (range) recipient age at liver transplantation was 1.1 year (0.4-13.1). The main indication for LT was biliary atresia in 55/77 cases (71%). The living-related donor was one of the parents in 74 instances. Hepatic segments 2-3 (n = 67) or 2-3-4 (n = 10) were implanted orthotopically, with a median (range) graft weight to recipient body weight ratio of 3.17% (0.91-8.08). No severe complications or significant long-term sequelae were encountered in the living donors. One and five year survival rates were 92% and 89% for the patients, and 90% and 86% for the grafts, respectively. The retransplantation rate was 2/77 (2.6%), the indication being chronic rejection in both instances. In conclusion, LRLT is now a validated procedure in the living donors as well as in pediatric recipients with chronic or acute liver diseases. In the current context of organ shortage, it provides a valuable alternative to cadaveric LT.

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