Retrospective Cohort Study of Associated Factors for Intestinal Complications in Pediatric Liver Transplantation

Background: Intestinal complications (IC) represent serious adverse events after liver transplantation (LT), however limited research has been conducted in pediatric cohorts. This study aims to describe IC after pediatric LT and to identify associated factors.

Methods: Retrospective review of 153 patients having undergone LT, aged 0-18 years, treated in the Swiss Pediatric Liver Center in Geneva. Pre-, per- and postoperative data were analyzed. IC were defined as pathologies or lesions directly associated with LT and attributable to the surgical procedure.

Results: 16/153 (11%) patients developed IC: 10/16 mechanical obstructions, 4/16 intestinal perforations and 2/16 sub-mesocolic abscesses. IC patients had a significantly lower Body Mass Index (BMI) (15.5 vs. 16.4, p = 0.019). Children with IC had significantly higher incidence of previous Kasai hepatoportoenterostomy associated with Ladd procedure (13% vs. 2%, p = 0.055), a history of intraoperative iatrogenic intestinal perforation(s) (31% vs. 5%, p = 0.003) and prolonged LT surgery duration (536 vs. 415 min, p = 0.007). Significantly more children with IC had received basiliximab (69% vs. 40%, p = 0.048). Patients with IC exhibited a higher incidence of post-LT sub-occlusions (p < 0.001) and an increased requirement for post-LT parenteral nutrition (p = 0.027). Additionally, IC patients underwent significantly more reoperations (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: One in 10 children post-LT experiences IC, which are associated with significant morbidity. Pre-LT nutritional status appears as an associated factor with IC, along with the necessity for adhesiolysis during LT, often leading to prolonged operative time. These associated factors should alert medical teams to promote early IC diagnosis in patients after LT.