Quality of life after orthotopic liver transplantation in children. An overview of physical, psychological and social outcome.

Orthotopic liver transplantation is now routinely performed as a cure of numerous untreatable paediatric liver diseases. Evaluation of post-transplant quality of life is subjective and very difficult. It has to take into account the pre-transplant quality of life and the emotional stress to the family. Transplantation saves life in 65%-90% of the patients. Several diseases may, however, recur after transplantation, such as hepatitis B, C or NANB, or tumours. Some metabolic diseases may also progress in other organs. Extra-hepatic manifestations or sequelae may persist after transplantation. Complications of transplantation include renal function impairment, hypertension, viral and opportunistic diseases. Of particular concern is the post-transplant lymphoproliferative syndrome. Liver transplantation is able to restore growth. Children are less frequently admitted to hospital after transplantation, take fewer medications, return to school, are less dependent and interact more normally with their peers. Quality of life may not reach perfection, and depends also on the way our society accepts these imperfections.