Introduction
Liver transplantation is the only curative treatment for patients with end-stage liver disease. Neurological complications are one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality.
Objective
To study neurological complications after liver transplantation in paediatric patients.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective study, including all paediatric patients younger than 17 years undergoing liver transplantation over a 12-year period at our centre.
Results
Forty-six liver transplantations were performed in 38 patients. The most common indication was biliary atresia. Up to one-third of patients presented neurological complications, with psychomotor agitation being the most frequent. Incidence of neurological complications was significantly higher in the group of infants than in older age groups. Encephalopathy was more common in patients with acute liver failure than in those with chronic liver failure.
Conclusions
Neurological complications, and particularly psychomotor agitation, are common after liver transplantation in paediatric patients.
