Studies of Pediatric Liver Transplantation: 2002 update. An overview of demographics, indications, timing, and immunosuppressive practices in pediatric liver transplantation in the United States and Canada.

Studies of Pediatric Liver Transplantation (SPLIT) was initiated in 1995 for the purpose of collecting comprehensive data from children undergoing liver transplantation. As of May 31, 2002, 1761 children were registered in SPLIT from 38 participating centers in the United States and Canada. This report focuses on the demographics, primary diagnoses, clinical indications for transplant, and probability of obtaining liver transplantation for the 1187 children receiving a liver transplant after registration in SPLIT. Demographic information is also provided for the 1092 children who received their first ever liver transplantation. For this cohort, we also describe immunosuppressive practices at the time of transplant, and how the use of different medications changes with time. Copyright 2004 Blackwell Munksgaard