The Role of Pretransplant Infections in Pediatric Receiving LDLT in Indonesia: A 7-y Retrospective Study

Abstract

Background. Liver transplantation is the definitive treatment for pediatric end-stage liver disease. Infections posttransplantation might significantly affect the outcome of the surgery. This study aimed to identify the role of pretransplant infection among children who underwent living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) in Indonesia. Methods. This is an observational, retrospective cohort study. A total of 56 children were recruited between April 2015 and May 2022. Patients were categorized into 2 according to the presence of pretransplantation infections requiring hospitalization before the surgery. Diagnosis of posttransplantation infection was observed for up to 1 y based on the clinical features and laboratory parameters. Results. The most common indication for LDLT was biliary atresia (82.1%). Fifteen of 56 patients (26.7%) had a pretransplant infection, whereas 73.2% of patients were diagnosed with a posttransplant infection. There was no significant association between pretransplant and posttransplant infection in all 3-time points (≤1 mo, 2–6 mo, and 6–12 mo). The most common organ involvement posttransplantation was respiratory infections (50%). The pretransplant infection did not significantly affect posttransplant bacteremia, length of stay, duration of mechanical ventilation, initiation of enteral feeding, hospitalization cost, and graft rejection. Conclusions. Our data showed that pretransplant infections did not significantly affect clinical outcomes in post-LDLT procedures. A prompt and sufficient diagnosis and treatment before and after the LDLT procedure is the best way to obtain an optimal outcome.