Thrombotic events after pediatric liver transplantation

Abstract

TE may contribute to morbidity and mortality after LT. The objectives were to determine the incidence of early TE post-pediatric LT and compare differences between children with and without TE. A retrospective review of 88 transplanted children (January 2002-October 2007) was performed to determine the incidence of Doppler-confirmed DVT and ATE in the first month post-LT. Fourteen (16%) patients developed TE: DVT in seven (8%) and ATE in seven (8%) patients. Six of 88 (6.8%) developed symptomatic CVL-related DVT. Median (range) time post-LT to DVT and ATE were 7 (4-18) and 8 (1-31) days, respectively. There was no significant difference in age/body weight at LT between patients with or without DVT and ATE. There was no significant difference between patients with or without HAT in age and weight at LT, cold ischemic time, duration of surgery, hematocrit levels, whole-organ graft type, intraoperative FFP, high-risk CMV status, or early acute cellular rejection. In conclusion, the incidence of early TE post-pediatric LT was 16%, including DVT in 8%. Prospective studies are necessary to evaluate the role of prophylactic anticoagulation and potential modifiable risk factors post-pediatric LT.