Pediatric Liver Transplantation Outcomes For Metabolic and Nonmetabolic Diseases in Turkey: A Single Center Experience

INTRODUCTION: Liver transplantation (LT) is performed for several indications in the pediatric population, including malignancy and acute hepatic failure among others. LT has become an important treatment alternative for metabolic diseases. In most pediatric transplant centers, metabolic liver disease is the second most common indication for liver transplantation after biliary atresia. Our studies aim is to compare survival outcomes with metabolic and other liver diseases in our transplant program.
METHODS: 189 patients who underwent liver transplantation between 1997 and 2015 due to metabolic diseases and acute or chronic liver failure were included in the study.
RESULTS: We enrolled 189 patients in our study. 54% (n = 102) male and 46% (n = 87) female patients were included in the study.In metabolic diseases group 56 patients were enrolled. Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC) is the first among metabolic diseases resulting in LT; Wilson's disease was the second. Posttransplant immunosuppression was similar for both groups. Although there was no difference in both groups, regarding onset of the post-transplant complications, graft type, recipient age. Bilier and portal vein complications were most particularly defined in the group with nonmetabolic diseases. There was no significant difference in survival between the two groups.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Liver transplantation is an important treatment option for acute hepatic failure and end-stage liver disease. In addition, liver transplantation is an alternative treatment option for some metabolic diseases.