European Society of Pediatric Radiology survey of perioperative imaging in pediatric liver transplantation: (1) pre-transplant evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Liver transplantation is the state-of-the-art curative treatment in end-stage liver disease. Imaging is a key element for successful organ-transplantation to assist surgical planning. So far, only limited data regarding the best radiological approach to prepare children for liver transplantation is available. OBJECTIVES: In an attempt to harmonize imaging surrounding pediatric liver transplantation, the European Society of Pediatric Radiology (ESPR) Abdominal Taskforce initiated a survey addressing the current status of imaging including the pre-, intra-, and postoperative phase. This paper reports the responses on preoperative imaging. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An online survey, initiated in 2021, asked European centers performing pediatric liver transplantation 48 questions about their imaging approach. In total, 26 centers were contacted and 22 institutions from 11 countries returned the survey. From 2018 to 2020, the participating centers collectively conducted 1,524 transplantations, with a median of 20 transplantations per center per annum (range, 8-60). RESULTS: Most sites (64%) consider ultrasound their preferred modality to define anatomy and to plan surgery in children before liver transplantation, and additional cross-sectional imaging is only used to answer specific questions (computed tomography [CT], 90.9%; magnetic resonance imaging [MRI], 54.5%). One-third of centers (31.8%) rely primarily on CT for pre-transplant evaluation. Imaging protocols differed substantially regarding applied CT scan ranges, number of contrast phases (range 1-4 phases), and applied MRI techniques. CONCLUSION: Diagnostic imaging is generally used in the work-up of children before liver transplantation. Substantial differences were noted regarding choice of modalities and protocols. We have identified starting points for future optimization and harmonization of the imaging approach to multicenter studies.

European Society of Pediatric Radiology survey of perioperative imaging in pediatric liver transplantation: (2) intraoperative imaging.

BACKGROUND: Liver transplantation is the state-of-the-art curative treatment for end-stage liver disease. Imaging is a key element in the detection of intraoperative and postoperative complications. So far, only limited data regarding the best radiological approach to monitor children during liver transplantation is available. OBJECTIVE: To harmonize the imaging of pediatric liver transplantation, the European Society of Pediatric Radiology Abdominal Taskforce initiated a survey addressing the current status of imaging including the pre-, intra- and postoperative phase. This paper reports the responses related to intraoperative imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An online survey, initiated in 2021, asked European centers performing pediatric liver transplantation 48 questions about their imaging approach. In total, 26 centers were contacted, and 22 institutions from 11 countries returned the survey. RESULTS: Intraoperative ultrasound (US) is used by all sites to assess the quality of the vascular anastomosis in order to ensure optimal perfusion of the liver transplant. Vessel depiction is commonly achieved using color Doppler (95.3%). Additional US-based techniques are employed by fewer centers (power angio mode, 28.6%; B-flow, 19%; contrast-enhanced US, 14.3%). Most centers prefer a collaborative approach, with surgeons responsible for probe handling, while radiologists operate the US machine (47.6%). Less commonly, the intraoperative US is performed by the surgeon alone (28.6%) or by the radiologist alone (23.8%). Timing of US, imaging frequency, and documentation practices vary among centers. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative US is consistently utilized across all sites during pediatric liver transplantation. However, considerable variations were observed in terms of the US setup, technique preferences, timing of controls, and documentation practices. These differences provide valuable insights for future optimization and harmonization studies.

European Society of Pediatric Radiology survey of perioperative imaging in pediatric liver transplantation: (3) postoperative imaging.

BACKGROUND: Liver transplantation is the state-of-the-art curative treatment for end-stage liver disease. Imaging is a key element in the detection of postoperative complications. So far, limited data is available regarding the best radiologic approach to monitor children after liver transplantation. OBJECTIVE: To harmonize the imaging of pediatric liver transplantation, the European Society of Pediatric Radiology Abdominal Taskforce initiated a survey addressing the current status of imaging including the pre-, intra-, and postoperative phases. This paper reports the responses related to postoperative imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An online survey, initiated in 2021, asked European centers performing pediatric liver transplantation 48 questions about their imaging approach. In total, 26 centers were contacted, and 22 institutions from 11 countries returned the survey. RESULTS: All sites commence ultrasound (US) monitoring within 24 h after liver transplantation. Monitoring frequency varies across sites, ranging from every 8 h to 72 h in early, and from daily to sporadic use in late postoperative phases. Predefined US protocols are used by 73% of sites. This commonly includes gray scale, color Doppler, and quantitative flow assessment. Alternative flow imaging techniques, contrast-enhanced US, and elastography are applied at 31.8%, 18.2%, and 63.6% of sites, respectively. Computed tomography is performed at 86.4% of sites when clarification is needed. Magnetic resonance imaging is used for selected cases at 36.4% of sites, mainly for assessment of biliary abnormalities or when blood tests are abnormal. CONCLUSION: Diagnostic imaging is extensively used for postoperative surveillance of children after liver transplantation. While US is generally prioritized, substantial differences were noted in US protocol, timing, and monitoring frequency. The study highlights potential areas for future optimization and standardization of imaging, essential for conducting multicenter studies.

Short- and long-term results of liver transplantation according to age at transplant: a single-center experience of 351 children.

Pediatric liver transplantation (PLT) has very good results at experienced transplant centers. However, there is still an ongoing discussion about inferior outcomes, especially in young infants. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate outcomes of infants compared to older recipients in a single center over 20 years. We conducted a retrospective study of children who received liver transplants at our center between 1991 and 2011. Only patients without other limiting organ involvement were included and compared according to age. The inclusion criteria were fulfilled by 351 patients (173 vs. 178). The most common indication in both groups was biliary atresia (82.1% vs. 49.4%). The 1-, 5-, and 10-year patient survivals were 93.8%/91.8%/91.1% and 93%/90.8%/90.1%, and the graft survivals were 90.4%/83.5%/79.6% and 89.4%/81.8%/77.5%, respectively. Complications such as postoperative bleeding, biliary complications, or perfusion impairment occurred more often in infants. Leading indications for retransplantation (vascular complications/primary nonfunction) and leading causes of death (sepsis/multiorgan failure) were the same in both groups. Significant predictors for patient loss were decade of transplantation, retransplantation, postoperative bleeding, and infections for infants. Predictors for graft loss were bowel perforation, arterial thrombosis, and age >12 months. Children can have excellent results, independent of age at PLT.

[Kidney Cysts and Cystic Nephropathies in Children - A Consensus Guideline by 10 German Medical Societies]. / Nierenzysten und zystische Nierenerkrankungen bei Kindern (AWMF S2k-Leitlinie).

This consensus-based guideline was developed by all relevant German pediatric medical societies. Ultrasound is the standard imaging modality for pre- and postnatal kidney cysts and should also exclude extrarenal manifestations in the abdomen and internal genital organs. MRI has selected indications. Suspicion of a cystic kidney disease should prompt consultation of a pediatric nephrologist. Prenatal management must be tailored to very different degrees of disease severity. After renal oligohydramnios, we recommend delivery in a perinatal center. Neonates should not be denied renal replacement therapy solely because of their age. Children with unilateral multicystic dysplastic kidney do not require routine further imaging or nephrectomy, but long-term nephrology follow-up (as do children with uni- or bilateral kidney hypo-/dysplasia with cysts). ARPKD (autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease), nephronophthisis, Bardet-Biedl syndrome and HNF1B mutations cause relevant extrarenal disease and genetic testing is advisable. Children with tuberous sclerosis complex, tumor predisposition (e. g. von Hippel Lindau syndrome) or high risk of acquired kidney cysts should have regular ultrasounds. Even asymptomatic children of parents with ADPKD (autosomal dominant PKD) should be monitored for hypertension and proteinuria. Presymptomatic diagnostic ultrasound or genetic examination for ADPKD in minors should only be done after thorough counselling. Simple cysts are very rare in children and ADPKD in a parent should be excluded. Complex renal cysts require further investigation.

Oxalate retinopathy is irreversible despite early combined liver-kidney transplantation in primary hyperoxaluria type 1.

In primary hyperoxaluria type 1 (PH1), systemic oxalate deposition (oxalosis) in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is associated with high morbidity and mortality, particularly in children with infantile oxalosis (IO). Combined liver and kidney transplantation (CLKT) is the only curative treatment option in these patients. After CLKT, systemic oxalosis decreases continuously, although only insufficient data are available regarding oxalate retinopathy (ROx), leading to severe visual impairment. We analyzed long-term follow-up data of ROx in 13 patients undergoing CLKT for PH1 at our center between 1998 and 2018. Age at transplantation was 1.3-14.2 years, including nine patients with IO. We performed visual acuity testing, slit lamp investigation, funduscopy, fundus photography, and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) imaging. Severe (grade 2-4) ROx was present in all nine children with IO but not in the four patients developing ESRD in adolescence. A significant negative correlation was found between age at onset of ESRD and grade of ROx (r = -0.66; P < .001). Notably, follow-up assessment after CLKT demonstrated no regression of ROx after a median of 5.3 years (range 0.6-14). The data show that despite early CLKT in IO, ROx is irreversible and the concomitant visual deterioration occurs prior to transplantation.

Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 and AST-to-Platelet Ratio Index as noninvasive biomarkers predict allograft fibrosis after pediatric liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Assessing liver fibrosis in patients after liver transplantation is still largely dependent on liver biopsy. Especially in children, noninvasive methods are of utmost importance. We evaluated tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP1) and AST-to-Platelet Ratio Index (APRI) and their potential as serum biomarkers to predict liver allograft fibrosis (LAF) in a pediatric cohort. METHODS: In this retrospective, observational study, we analyzed 91 protocol liver biopsy specimens from 73 children after pediatric liver transplantation (PLT) and compared histological stage of liver fibrosis using LAF Score (LAFSc) and Ishak Score (IshakSc) to TIMP1-serum concentration and APRI using ROC analysis. RESULTS: In our cohort, TIMP1 and APRI reliably predict LAF. Depending on the histological scoring system, cutoff values for TIMP1 were 328 ng/mL (IshakSc ≥ IV) and 351 ng/mL (LAFSc ≥ 5) with AUC of 0.86 and 0.98. The cutoff for APRI was 0.8 with AUC of 0.87 (IshakSc ≥ IV) and 0.94 (LAFSc ≥ 5). Using LAFSc, TIMP1 and APRI showed excellent diagnostic accuracy to detect severe LAF (LAFSc ≥ 5) with PPV of ≥ 90% and NPV of 100%. CONCLUSION: TIMP1 and APRI are accurate biomarkers to predict severe LAF in children. The use of TIMP1 and APRI will not replace but complement liver biopsies after PLT to further improve our understanding of each individual patient.

Impact on the hepatic flow velocity after pediatric combined liver-kidney transplantation compared to isolated pediatric liver transplantation-A matched-pair analysis.

BACKGROUND: Combined liver-kidney transplantation (CLKT) in children is still a rarely performed procedure. Our aim was to analyze the effect of the simultaneous transplantation of the kidney in pediatric CLKT on the liver graft flow velocity, and vascular complications compared to singular liver transplantation (LTX) in children. METHODS: All pediatric CLKT performed at our institution from 1998 to 2016 were matched with singular LTX and retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Overall 30 CLKT were performed in 28 children (median age 8 years, range 1-16) and matched with 30 children undergoing singular LTX (median age 7.9 years, range 1-16). No significant differences were found concerning the systolic peak flow velocity of the hepatic artery (HA) or the resistance index (RI). Vascular complications of the hepatic vessels occurred in 16.7% (CLKT) and 6.7% (LTX). The 1-/5- and 10-year patient survival was 93.3%/93.3% and 93.3% (CLKT) and 100%/100% and 92.9% (LTX). 1-/5-and 10-year liver graft survival was 76.7%/73.2% and 73.2% (CLKT) and 84.4%/75.9% and 69.6% (LTX). CONCLUSION: The simultaneous transplantation of the kidney in CLKT had no negative impact on hepatic flow velocity or vascular complications. Frequent Doppler ultrasound examinations, accurate volume management, and avoidance of abdominal pressure might be an explanation for the results and an excellent graft- and patient survival.

Alloimmunity and Cholestasis After Liver Transplantation in Children With Progressive Familial Intrahepatic Cholestasis.

OBJECTIVES: Bile salt export pump (BSEP) deficiency is an important reason for chronic cholestasis leading to liver transplantation (LT) in early childhood. The underlying pathology is a dysfunction of BSEP due to various mutations in the ABCB11 gene. Cases of clinical recurrence after LT due to alloantibodies directed against BSEP (antibody-induced BSEP deficiency [AIBD]) have been reported. Most of these patients could be controlled by intensified immunosuppression. METHODS: We here report on 3 children with BSEP-deficiency and end-stage liver disease, which developed AIBD after LT refractory to extensive immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory treatments; retransplantation was necessary in all 3 patients. In 1 patient, a stem cell transplantation was performed successfully. RESULTS: AIBD seems to be induced by triggering factors such as initial impaired graft function or infections after LT. CONCLUSIONS: The underlying mutation may play a role in this process. Intensifying immunosuppression may be able to control AIBD, but some cases seem to be refractory to treatment and require retransplantation. Stem cell transplantation may provide a new therapeutic option for cases refractory to conservative treatment.

Allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation eliminates alloreactive inhibitory antibodies after liver transplantation for bile salt export pump deficiency.

Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis 2 is an autosomal-recessive disorder caused by mutations in the ABCB11 gene, which encodes the bile salt export pump (BSEP). Recurrence of BSEP deficiency after liver transplantation is caused by the development of anti-BSEP antibodies. Antibody-induced BSEP deficiency is typically treated by increasing immunosuppressive therapy. We report, in a child, the first case of allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for antibody-induced BSEP deficiency that was refractory to intensive pharmacological immunosuppression and immunoadsorption. After haematopoietic stem cell transplantation, anti-BSEP antibodies were cleared from the patient's serum and later from the canalicular space of the liver graft.

Acute hepatitis as a prequel to very severe aplastic anemia.

Severe aplastic anemia is a rare and potentially life-threatening disease of the bone marrow often requiring allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Pathogenesis of the disease can vary and often remains enigmatic. Occasionally, severe aplastic anemia is associated with prior severe acute hepatitis. Differential diagnosis of acute non-viral hepatitis challenges the physician as pathogenesis remains unclear.We here present a case of a young patient presenting with acute hepatitis followed by severe aplastic anemia successfully treated with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Due to immunosuppressive treatment with azathioprine for acute hepatitis of putative autoimmune pathogenesis and coincident infection with parvovirus B19, diagnosis of the sequential disease of acute hepatitis followed by severe aplastic anemia was complicated. We discuss the caveats and present a review of the literature.

Sequencing of FIC1, BSEP and MDR3 in a large cohort of patients with cholestasis revealed a high number of different genetic variants.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The bile salt export pump (BSEP, ABCB11), multidrug resistance protein 3 (MDR3, ABCB4) and the ATPase familial intrahepatic cholestasis 1 (FIC1, ATP8B1) mediate bile formation. This study aimed to determine the contribution of mutations and common variants in the FIC1, BSEP and MDR3 genes to cholestatic disorders of differing disease onset and severity. METHODS: Coding exons with flanking intron regions of ATP8B1, ABCB11, and ABCB4 were sequenced in cholestatic patients with assumed genetic cause. The effects of new variants were evaluated by bioinformatic tools and 3D protein modeling. RESULTS: In 427 patients with suspected inherited cholestasis, 149 patients carried at least one disease-causing mutation in FIC1, BSEP or MDR3, respectively. Overall, 154 different mutations were identified, of which 25 were novel. All 13 novel missense mutations were disease-causing according to bioinformatics analyses and homology modeling. Eighty-two percent of patients with at least one disease-causing mutation in either of the three genes were children. One or more common polymorphism(s) were found in FIC1 in 35.3%, BSEP in 64.3% and MDR3 in 72.6% of patients without disease-causing mutations in the respective gene. Minor allele frequencies of common polymorphisms in BSEP and MDR3 varied in our cohort compared to the general population, as described by gnomAD. However, differences in ethnic background may contribute to this effect. CONCLUSIONS: In a large cohort of patients, 154 different variants were detected in FIC1, BSEP, and MDR3, 25 of which were novel. In our cohort, frequencies for risk alleles of BSEP (p.V444A) and MDR3 (p.I237I) polymorphisms were significantly overrepresented in patients without disease-causing mutation in the respective gene, indicating that these common variants can contribute to a cholestatic phenotype. LAY SUMMARY: FIC1, BSEP, and MDR3 represent hepatobiliary transport proteins essential for bile formation. Genetic variants in these transporters underlie a broad spectrum of cholestatic liver diseases. To confirm a genetic contribution to the patients' phenotypes, gene sequencing of these three major cholestasis-related genes was performed in 427 patients and revealed 154 different variants of which 25 have not been previously reported in a database. In patients without a disease-causing mutation, common genetic variants were detected in a high number of cases, indicating that these common variants may contribute to cholestasis development.

Bile salt export pump-reactive antibodies form a polyclonal, multi-inhibitory response in antibody-induced bile salt export pump deficiency.

UNLABELLED: Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 2 (PFIC-2) is caused by mutations in ABCB11, encoding the bile salt export pump (BSEP). In 2009, we described a child with PFIC-2 who developed PFIC-like symptoms after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). BSEP-reactive antibodies were demonstrated to account for disease recurrence. Here, we characterize the nature of this antibody response in 7 more patients with antibody-induced BSEP deficiency (AIBD). Gene sequencing and immunostaining of native liver biopsies indicated absent or strongly reduced BSEP expression in all 7 PFIC-2 patients who suffered from phenotypic disease recurrence post-OLT. Immunofluorescence, western blotting analysis, and transepithelial transport assays demonstrated immunoglobulin (Ig) G-class BSEP-reactive antibodies in these patients. In all cases, the N-terminal half of BSEP was recognized, with reaction against its first extracellular loop (ECL1) in six sera. In five, antibodies reactive against the C-terminal half also were found. Only the sera recognizing ECL1 showed inhibition of transepithelial taurocholate transport. In a vesicle-based functional assay, transport inhibition by anti-BSEP antibodies binding from the cytosolic side was functionally proven as well. Within 2 hours of perfusion with antibodies purified from 1 patient, rat liver showed canalicular IgG staining that was absent after perfusion with control IgG. CONCLUSIONS: PFIC-2 patients carrying severe BSEP mutations are at risk of developing BSEP antibodies post-OLT. The antibody response is polyclonal, targeting both extra- and intracellular BSEP domains. ECL1, a unique domain of BSEP, likely is a critical target involved in transport inhibition as demonstrated in several patients with AIBD manifest as cholestasis.

Hepatic shear wave elastography in children under free-breathing and breath-hold conditions.

OBJECTIVES: To compare hepatic 2D shear wave elastography (2D SWE) in children between free-breathing and breath-hold conditions, in terms of measurement agreement and time expenditure. METHODS: A cohort of 57 children (12.7±4.3 years) who underwent standardized 2D SWE between May and October 2015 were retrospectively evaluated. Liver elastograms were obtained under free-breathing and breath-hold conditions and time expenditure was measured. Median stiffness, interquartile range (IQR), and IQR/median ratio were calculated based on 12, six, and three elastograms. Results were compared using Pearson correlation coefficient, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), Bland-Altman analysis, and Student's t. RESULTS: Median liver stiffness under free-breathing and breath-hold conditions correlated strongly (7.22±4.5kPa vs. 7.21±4.11kPa; r=0.97, P<0.001). Time to acquire 12 elastograms with free-breathing was lower than that with breath-holding (79.3±32.5sec vs. 143.7±51.8sec, P<0.001). Results for median liver stiffness based of 12, six, and three elastograms demonstrated very high agreement for free-breathing (ICC 0.993) and for breath-hold conditions (ICC 0.994). CONCLUSIONS: Hepatic 2D SWE performed with free-breathing yields results similar to the breath-hold condition. With a substantially lower time requirement, which can be further reduced by lowering the number of elastograms, the free-breathing technique may be suitable for infants and less cooperative children not capable of breath-holding. KEY POINTS: • Hepatic 2D SWE performed with free-breathing yields results similar to breath-hold condition. • Benefit of the free-breathing approach is the substantially lower time requirement. • Lowering the number of elastograms can further reduce time expenditure. • Free-breathing 2D SWE is suitable in children with suspected liver disease.

Health-related quality of life after combined liver and kidney transplantation in children.

While reduced HRQOL following isolated organ transplantation has been previously reported, there are no data in the context of children following CLKT. Twenty-three children who underwent CLKT at our institution were included in the study. The indication for CLKT was PH1 in 13 patients and ARPKD in 10 patients. Quantification of HRQOL was facilitated through the use of the PedsQL 4.0 Generic Core Scale. The results of the study were compared to healthy children and published data of children who had undergone LTx or KTx. The CLKT samples' child self-report showed good HRQOL. No statistically significant difference was found between the patients with PH1 and patients with ARPKD (P=.4). Compared to healthy children, a significant difference in the total scale score, the physical health score, and the school functioning was reported. HRQOL did not differ significantly when compared to patients following isolated LTx or KTx. To improve HRQOL after CLKT, a focus on patients' physical health, educational performances, and overall quality of life is crucial. Thus, coordinated medical care across disciplines and psychological and social support is essential to achieve this goal.

The first case of domino-split-liver transplantation in maple syrup urine disease.

The enzymatic defect in MSUD results in accumulation of neurotoxic metabolites of BCAAs. LTX has shown to be a feasible strategy in patients non-responsive to diet. Because of sufficient enzyme activity in extrahepatic tissues in healthy people, the MSUD liver graft is a suitable domino organ. We present the first case of a technical challenging ex situ split of a MSUD domino organ transplanted into two pediatric recipients. The domino graft donor was a 21-year-old female (58 kg) suffering from MSUD with recurrent metabolic decompensation despite strict diet. The organ was allocated to a 14-year-old girl (55 kg) with primary sclerosing cholangitis. Due to excellent organ quality and suitable anatomy, a backward split for a girl of 3 months (5 kg) with decompensated liver cirrhosis due to biliary atresia was performed. The postoperative course was without relevant complications, and the three recipients were discharged on postoperative days 28, 29, and 45, respectively, with good organ function. BCAAs in plasma were normal in the two domino graft recipients, and the MSUD patient showed mildly elevated but stable BCAA concentrations despite an unrestricted diet. Split-domino LTX enabled successful transplantation of three patients of the waiting list with only one deceased donor graft.

Hepatic Artery Delineation on Ultrasound Volumes Comparing B-Flow and Color Doppler for Postoperative Monitoring of Pediatric Liver Transplants.

(1) Background: Accurate hepatic artery (HA) depiction following pediatric liver transplantation (LT) is essential for graft surveillance but challenging on ultrasound (US). This study assesses if improved HA delineation can be achieved by recording two-dimensional US volumes in Color Doppler (CD) and B-flow technique. (2) Methods: Of 42 consecutive LT, 37 cases were included, and HA delineation was retrospectively rated using a four-point score (0 = HA not detectable, 3 = HA fully detectable, separable from portal vein) within 48 h post-LT (U1) and before discharge (U2). (3) Results: Adding B-flow compared with CD alone showed superior results at neohilar (U1: 2.2 ± 1.0 vs. 1.1 ± 0.8, p < 0.0001; U2: 2.5 ± 0.8 vs. 1.5 ± 0.9, p < 0.0001) and segmental levels (U1: 2.8 ± 0.6 vs. 0.6 ± 0.8, p < 0.0001; U2: 2.8 ± 0.6 vs. 0.7 ± 0.5, p < 0.0001). (4) Conclusions: Standardized US volume recordings combining B-flow and CD can effectively delineate the HA along its vascular course in pediatric LT. The technique should be further evaluated as a standard monitoring instrument to rule out vascular complications after LT.

Combined liver-kidney transplantation for children with autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD): indication and outcome.

In ARPKD, mutations in the PKHD1 gene lead to remodeling of the kidneys and liver. These may result in progressive liver fibrosis with portal hypertension requiring combined liver and kidney transplantation (CLKT). There is currently no consensus on the indication for CLKT and data on long-term outcomes are scarce. We analyzed in detail the pretransplant liver symptomatology, laboratory and ultrasound data, histological studies, and genotypes in eight patients undergoing CLKT. The median age was 10.1 years (range 1.7-16) and median follow-up was 4.6 years (range 1.1-8.9). All patients had clinical signs of portal hypertension and abnormal ultrasound findings. Congenital hepatic fibrosis was present in all pretransplant biopsies (6 out of 8 patients) and in all explanted livers. All patients survived; liver and kidney graft survival was 72% and 88%, respectively. Liver and kidney function were stable in all patients with a median eGFR of 70 ml/min/1.73 m² (range 45-108 ml/min/1.73 m²). Height-SDS improved significantly after 12, 24, and 36 months (P = 0.016, 0.022 and 0.018 respectively). The indication for CLKT remains challenging and controversial. A favorable outcome for patients with ARPKD can be achieved by using the degree of portal hypertension, longitudinal ultrasound examinations, and preoperative liver histology as parameters for CLKT.

Liver allograft pathology in healthy pediatric liver transplant recipients.

Liver transplantation offers excellent results for children with end-stage liver disease, and efforts should be directed toward maintaining long-term graft health. We evaluate graft pathology in healthy pediatric transplant recipients with low-maintenance immunosuppressive medications to assess whether protocol biopsies are helpful for adapting immunosuppression and protecting long-term graft function. Liver biopsies were performed on 60 healthy pediatric liver transplant recipients, and histological findings were correlated with laboratory, serological, and radiological results. Fourteen patients (23%) were diagnosed with acute or early chronic rejection, and immunosuppressive medications were increased in these children. Liver function tests did not correlate with histological findings. The incidence of fibrosis was 36% in transplant recipients five or more years after liver transplantation. We observed an unexpectedly high prevalence of rejection and fibrosis in children with no laboratory abnormalities, which led to changes in their immunosuppressive medications. Scheduled biopsies appear to be useful in pediatric transplant recipients with low immunosuppressive medications for early detection of morphological changes in liver transplants. Further studies are needed to evaluate whether adaption of immunosuppression helps to reduce tissue damage and the incidence of allograft dysfunction in the long term.