Quality-of-life measures for pediatric liver transplant recipients

Abstract

The study by Alonso et al shows that outcomes of liver transplantation in infants, children, and adolescents can no longer simply be described on the basis of patient and graft survivals. Rather, it is incumbent on pediatric practitioners to ensure that post-transplant complications including: renal dysfunction, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, opportunistic infections, graft rejection, and overall quality-of-life are monitored carefully and interventions appropriately taken in a timely fashion. The present cross-sectional analysis of selected centers, part of the Studies of Pediatric Liver Transplantation (SPLIT) consortium, highlights gaps in emotional and school functioning that need to be addressed in the future so as to be able to enhance the day-to-day functioning and long-term outcomes for these children. The study by Alonso et al shows that outcomes of liver transplantation in infants, children, and adolescents can no longer simply be described on the basis of patient and graft survivals. Rather, it is incumbent on pediatric practitioners to ensure that post-transplant complications including: renal dysfunction, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, opportunistic infections, graft rejection, and overall quality-of-life are monitored carefully and interventions appropriately taken in a timely fashion. The present cross-sectional analysis of selected centers, part of the Studies of Pediatric Liver Transplantation (SPLIT) consortium, highlights gaps in emotional and school functioning that need to be addressed in the future so as to be able to enhance the day-to-day functioning and long-term outcomes for these children.