| Theme | Liver Transplantation -- Current Status and Perspective | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Perspectives on Pediatric Liver Transplantation in Japan | |
| Publish Date | 2013/08 | |
| Author | Yukihiro Inomata | Department of Pediatric Surgery and Transplantation, Kumamoto University Hospital |
| Author | Shintaro Hayashida | Department of Pediatric Surgery and Transplantation, Kumamoto University Hospital |
| [ Summary ] | In Japan, the history of liver transplantation began with living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) for pediatric patients. Annually the number of pediatric LDLT patients is quite steady at around 140 a year. Cumulative patient-survival rates are better than those for adult patients. The latest data shows that 10-year survival rates are 83.2 %. Three fourth of the cases involve biliary atresia, and the others metabolic disease, fulminant hepatic failure, or hepatoblastomas. Because organ donation from pediatric donors is still quite limited, enhancing the indications for split liver transplantation from adult donors is highly recommended. Long-term post-transplant survivors in the pediatric age group, require follow-ups focusing on renal disorders, metabolic problems or secondary malignancies and should be done meticulously. | |