Identifying Factors in Post-Operative Successful Adaptation to Pediatric Liver Transplantation

Abstract
In order to identify variables contributing to successful adaptation to liver transplantation, 38 families, at least six months post-transplant, were divided according to transplant team members' rating into two groups: those with successful adapation to transplant and those families at risk for difficulties. Families who had successful follow-up periods tended to be characterized by intact marriages, private insurance coverage, less subjective financial stress, and higher intellectual and developmental functioning in the child. Single-parent families who had no pre-evaluation involvement with liver transplant organization and had lengthy post-operative hospital stays more frequently had complications post-transplant. Case studies are presented illustrating the application of this information.