Application of Pediatric Donor Livers After Circulatory Death in Adult Liver Transplantation: A Single-Center Experience.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the outcomes of adult liver transplant procedures using grafts from pediatric donors after circulatory death.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the data of 19 pediatric-to-adult liver transplant procedures from July 2013 to May 2016 in our hospital. Nineteen adult liver transplant procedures were performed using livers from pediatric donors after circulatory death.

RESULTS: We performed 18 orthotopic and 1 piggyback liver transplant procedure. The median graft-to-recipient weight ratio was 1.26% (range, 0.86% to 2.46%). The median warm and cold ischemia times were 11 minutes (range, 8-20 min) and 638 minutes (range, 200-843 min), respectively. Complications after the operation included postoperative pulmonary infection (8 patients), fungal infection (1 patient), cytomegalovirus infection (1 patient), hepatic artery thrombosis and biliary stricture (1 patient), portal vein stenosis (1 patient), and graft failure (2 patients). For patients with graft failure, 1 patient received retransplant and 1 died. The patients were followed for 22.44 months (range, 9.63-44.07 mo) after transplant and showed normal liver function and good health. The 3-year survival rates of grafts and patients were 89.47% and 94.74%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: Appropriate evaluation of donors and recipients and accurate intraoperative and postoperative treatment can ensure successful application of livers from pediatric donors after circulatory death in adult recipients.