ABSTRACT

Objective: Gambat Living Donor Liver Transplantation (LDLT) Program, Pakistan, started in 2016. Till now,415 LDLT have been performed out of which 17 were Pediatric (18year and less) LDLTs. Except 3 in hospital mortalities, all other children are living comfortable life. The purpose of this study is not only to share our experience of Pediatric LDLT but to analyze our series in order to make future strategies to improve our healthcare provision.

Methods: From March 2019 to September 2020, 17 Pediatric Living donor liver transplants have been performed without any re-transplantation. Early outcome (first six months’ post LDLT) of these transplants was observed and analyzed from available data.

Results: In 17 Pediatric LDLTs, three patients died within 30 days post-transplant (82.4 % survival rate). Four patients (23.5 %) re-explored. There was no re-transplantation. In our series, biliary complications rate was 11.8%, hepatic arterial thrombosis rate was 5.88%. In 2 patients, there was more than 1-liter blood loss per operatively, while one patient had significant post-operative blood loss. Intestinal complications 11.8% and T cell mediated rejection was observed in 5.88% which was treated successfully with high dose steroid therapy.

Conclusion: In pediatric LDLT immediate patient survival is very crucial aspect. Good long-term outcome with excellent quality of life is the ultimate goal.

Keywords: Living Donor Liver Transplantation, pediatric population, early outcomes