Impaired Neurocognitive Performance in Children after Liver Transplantation

Objectives To assess longitudinal neurocognitive development after liver transplantation and evaluate factors associated with neurocognitive performance. Study design Data from neurocognitive testing of 65 children (aged 1 year (n = 35), those who did so at age 80 mL/kg (P = .004; adjusted for age at transplantation: P = .046) were associated with FSIQ. Conclusions Young age at transplantation and large blood transfusions during transplantation are risk factors for poor neurocognitive performance later in life. Children who undergo transplantation before 1 year of age have significantly lower neurocognitive performance compared with those who do so later in childhood. Cognitive performance did not improve over time after transplantation.