Living-related liver transplantation in children at Saint-Luc university clinics: A seven year experience in 77 recipients

The Brussels series of living related liver transplantation (LRLT) in 77 ch ildren (<15 years) is reviewed. Median (range) recipient age at liver trans plantation 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 paren ts in 74 instances. Hepatic segments 2-3 (n = 67) or 2-3-4 (n = 10) were im planted orthotopically, with a median (range) graft weight to recipient bod y 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 yea r 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 indi cation being chronic rejection in both instances. In conclusion, LRLT is no w a validated procedure in the living donors as well as in pediatric recipi ents with chronic or acute liver diseases. In the current context of organ shortage, it provides a valuable alternative to cadaveric LT.