Long-term follow-up of portal hypertension after liver transplantation in children

Pediatr Transplant. 2009 Mar;13(2):206-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1399-3046.2008.00993.x. Epub 2008 Jun 18.

Abstract

We aimed to describe the long-term changes in the imaging and clinical features of PHALT in children. A retrospective review was undertaken of consecutive children undergoing their first liver transplant between 1993 and 2003. Details of clinical progress and ultrasound imaging were recorded at one-yr post-transplantation and at last follow-up. Data were extracted on 83 children (median age at transplant 1.7 yr, range one month to 17.5 yr, 44 girls) who underwent 89 transplants. Four of these children died at a mean 5.6 yr (range 3.8-6.9 yr) after transplantation. Of the survivors, follow-up at one yr (n = 83) and at last follow-up (n = 71, median 4.3 yr post-transplant) revealed imaging evidence of splenomegaly in 46% and 44%, ascites in 6% and 4%, and portal systemic collaterals in 12% and 14%, respectively. Gastrointestinal hemorrhage associated with portal hypertension had occurred in no children at one yr and in four (6%) at latest follow-up. Features of portal hypertension on ultrasound scan are common in children before liver transplantation. An important minority of children will suffer clinically significant complications of PHALT during long-term follow-up, caused by both vascular and parenchymal disease.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Graft Survival
  • Humans
  • Hypertension, Portal / etiology*
  • Hypertension, Portal / physiopathology*
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Infant
  • Liver / surgery
  • Liver Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Liver Transplantation / methods*
  • Male
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology
  • Postoperative Complications / physiopathology
  • Retrospective Studies

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents