Korean J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr.  2001 Apr;4(1):63-70.

Analysis of Linear Growth in Children after Living-related Liver Transplantation

• Rim SH
• Yun HJ
• Suh YM
• Choi BH
• Kim KM
• Lee YJ
• Lee SG

Abstract

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effective role of living-related liver transplantation (LRLT) on posttransplant linear growth in children.
METHODS
Thirty six children were enrolled who received LRLT at Asan Medical Center from December, 1994 to February, 1999 and showed more than one-year postoperative survival. Mean height standard deviation score (zH) was analyzed according to medical records including heights during pretransplant and posttransplant follow-up periods.
RESULTS
zH of total children showed significant linear growth after LRLT from -1.58 to 0.33 at 24 posttransplant month (p<0.05). zH in children under 6 years of age, to exclude the effect of adolescent linear growth spurt, showed increment in height (p<0.05). Linear growth of children with liver cirrhosis improved and that with fulminant hepatitis was matained same. While stunted children (mean zH=-2.30) achieved good catch-up growth after transplantation, children with normal growth remained same. Children with significant hepatic dysfunction after LRLT such as chronic rejection or posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder showed retarded posttrasplant linear growth. There was no statistical difference according to the type of immunosuppressants.
CONCLUSION
LRLT resulted in adequate or catch-up linear growth in children with acute, chronic and metabolic liver disease. Successful LRLT suggested to be a promising option not only in long term survival but also in normal linear growth.

Keyword

Living-related liver transplantation; Child; Linear growth

MeSH Terms

Adolescent
Child*
Chungcheongnam-do
Follow-Up Studies
Hepatitis
Humans
Immunosuppressive Agents
Liver Cirrhosis
Liver Diseases
Liver Transplantation*
Liver*
Lymphoproliferative Disorders
Medical Records
Immunosuppressive Agents