Liver transplantation is the treatment of choice for children with end-stage liver disease. Few studies have examined the experience of transplantation from the child's perspective. Using a phenomenological approach establishes a safe environment for children to reflect on their lives as transplant recipients. The aim of this study was to uncover the experiences of pediatric liver transplant recipients from the period prior to transplantation, through surgery, and beyond. In-depth conversations with 9 pediatric recipients were carried out. Phenomenological methodology guided the data collection and analysis. The children faced many challenges, including surviving a life-threatening illness while accomplishing normal developmental tasks. The predominant theme was striving for normalcy in their lives.

ObjectiveThe authors report on experience with liver transplantation for infants younger than 1 year of age. Summary Background DataOver the last 15 years, orthotopic liver transplant has become the only lifesaving procedure available for infants with end-stage liver disease. Many transplant centers initially required infants to reach a specific weight or age to minimize morbidity and mortality. Size-appropriate infant donors also were uncommon. As a result, many children, in the first few years of life, died of their disease. The availability of reduced-size cadaveric and living-related liver transplants has offered the ability to transplant the young infant with liver failure. MethodsThe authors instituted a program to aggressively transplant infants with liver failure in the first year of life using both cadaveric and living-related liver donors.

Dysfunctional elimination is common in a general pediatric population. Neither UTI nor VUR diagnosed before 2 years of age was associated with DES in school-aged children.