Outcome of long-term cognitive function after liver transplantation in children: role of age factor

Objective To evaluate the outcome of long-term cognitive function after liver transplantation in children and the role of age factor. Methods Ninety-five pediatric patients, aged 2 yr and 6 months to 6 yr and 11 months at test, at least 1 yr after liver transplantation, were selected.The children′s cognitive function was assessed using Chinese Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children.The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the age at transplantation: ≤1 yr group (L1 group, n=65) and > 1 yr group (M1 group, n=22). Results Compared with the normal value, the scores of verbal comprehension and total intelligence quotient (IQ) were significantly decreased, and the proportion of children who had above-average IQ was decreased 1 yr after liver transplantation, the scores of verbal comprehension were decreased, and the proportion of children who had above-average IQ was decreased in group L1, and the scores of verbal comprehension, visual space and total IQ were significantly decreased, the proportion of children who had above-average IQ was reduced, and the proportion of children who had below-average IQ was increased in group M1(P<0.05). Compared with L1 group, the total IQ score was significantly decreased, the proportion of children who had above-average IQ was reduced, and the proportion of children who had below-average IQ was increased in group M1 (P<0.05). Conclusion The long-term cognitive function of children after liver transplantation is lower than that of normal children, and the long-term cognitive function of children ≤1 yr is better than that of children >1 yr. Key words: Liver transplantation; Cognition; Child; Age factors