Consequences of immunosuppression after pediatric liver transplantation

Promotie: dhr. R. Scheenstra, 16.15 uur, Academiegebouw, Broerstraat 5, Groningen

Proefschrift: Consequences of immunosuppression after pediatric liver transplantation

Promotor(s): prof.dr. H.J. Verkade, prof.dr. A.S.H. Gouw

Faculteit: Medische Wetenschappen

Contact: via de persvoorlichters van het UMCG, tel. 050-361 2200, e-mail: voorlichting bvl.umcg.nl

Consequences of immunosuppression after pediatric liver transplantation

The aim of this thesis is to evaluate the consequences of various immunosuppressive regimens on (long-term) side effects and on graft histology after pediatric liver transplantation (LTx). We determined the relationship between end stage pediatric liver disease and LTx on the one hand and growth and final height on the other hand. We have shown that growth retardation in children with LTx mainly originates in the period before LTx. We describe the result of a study on graft histology up to ten years after LTx. We found mild to severe graft fibrosis in almost 70% of a cohort of pediatric patients 10 years after LTx.