$Unique_ID{BRK00835}
$Pretitle{Special Procedures and Laboratory Tests, Digestive System}
$Title{How Do They Make the Decision for Liver Transplants in Children?}
$Subject{liver transplants surgery children}
$Volume{P-8, I-8}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


How Do They Make the Decision for Liver Transplants in Children?


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QUESTION:  The tragedy of youngsters needing liver transplants tug at our
hearts.  It must be a very difficult task to select the one child who can be
saved.  Just how do they make this decision?

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ANSWER:  Perhaps it is easier to answer your question by telling you which
young patients are not likely to receive liver transplants.  A youngster
diagnosed with cancer of the liver, terminal cancer elsewhere in the body, and
other progressive diseases that a new liver could not help are not likely
candidates for transplants.  Also if the patient, or the parents, cannot
understand or accept what the transplant will mean in pain, time in the
hospital, time in bed, etc. would probably not have this surgery.
     As for who is likely to be selected, surgeons consider the patient's
disease severity and rate of progression, complications, ability to cope (both
the patient's and the family's), and physical suitability for transplantation.
There is an increasing need for pediatric organ donations.  In a recent
36-month period, of 209 young patients evaluated for liver transplants, 85
underwent the operation and 64 survived at least a year.  The average waiting
time for a transplantable liver increased from 80 to 232 days.  The only way
the problem can be eased, is for every one of us to realize just how important
organ donations are to those who need them, until medical science can develop
artificial organs that work.
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
