Thrombotic and nonthrombotic hepatic artery complications in adults and children following primary liver transplantation with long-term follow-up in 1000 consecutive patients

Transpl Int. 2006 Jan;19(1):27-37. doi: 10.1111/j.1432-2277.2005.00224.x.

Abstract

Arterial complications have a major impact on survival after liver transplantation (LTx). The aim of this study was to examine arterial complications in adults and children after LTx. A total of 1000 consecutive primary LTx patients [mean age 40.5 years: 600 males, 400 females, 834 adults; 166 children (age <18 years)] were studied. Forty-two patients (4.2%; 31 adults, 11 children) developed hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT). Thrombosis in children occurred significantly early (mean 5.4 days) compared with adults (mean 418.7 days, P = 0.0001). Nonthrombotic complications occurred in 30 patients (29 adults, one child). Overall, 13-year patient survival after HAT was 43.2% (72.7% children, 32.9% adults). For nonthrombotic complications, 54.3% of adults died and 69.4% grafts were lost. An overall incidence of 4.2% thrombotic and 3.2% nonthrombotic complications was observed. Rate of HAT was higher in children, but survival was better compared with adults.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Arterial Occlusive Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Child
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Hepatic Artery / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Liver Transplantation / adverse effects
  • Liver Transplantation / physiology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Postoperative Complications / classification*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Thrombosis / epidemiology*
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome