Authors' objectives: This review aims to evaluate the published evidence on the safety, efficacy, and current status of living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) for the treatment of end stage liver disease in children.

Authors' recommendations: Despite its popularity, the evidence base for LDLT is incomplete. The current limited evidence suggests that LDLT is superior to all forms of cadaveric liver transplantation in children younger than two years of age. However, the safety and efficacy of LDLT was equivalent to, and in some cases worse than, split liver transplantation and whole liver cadaveric donation in older children. Despite its limitations, LDLT is a life saving procedure for some individuals where alternative transplant options are not available, such as for very small children or for elective patients whose condition is likely to deteriorate before a cadaveric graft becomes available. It is unlikely that LDLT would be performed at centres where there is an abundant supply of cadaveric organs. Future initiatives in LDLT must aim to achieve minimal morbidity and zero mortality for donors. Programs performing LDLT must adhere to an extremely high standard of care that includes standard protocols for preoperative evaluation of potential donors and postoperative follow-up of both donors and recipients, as well as strong psychosocial evaluation and support programs.

Authors' methods: Systematic review

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2004

URL for published report: http://www.ihe.ca/advanced-search/living-donor-liver-transplantation-in-children

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Canada

Organisation Name: Institute of Health Economics

Contact Address: 1200, 10405 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T5J 3N4. Tel: +1 780 448 4881; Fax: +1 780 448 0018;

Contact Name: djuzwishin@ihe.ca

Contact Email: djuzwishin@ihe.ca

Copyright: <p>Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research (AHFMR)</p>