Pediatric Transplant Hepatologists - Aurora, CO

What is Pediatric Transplant Hepatology (Liver Transplant Medicine)?

Pediatric transplant hepatology is a medical specialty that treats children who receive liver transplants. Pediatric transplant hepatologists provide care throughout the liver transplant process and also monitor and manage children's liver disease symptoms. Pediatric transplant hepatologists are physicians with expertise in pediatric gastroenterology (care of children's digestive systems) as well as liver disease and transplant medicine.

Once a patient is identified as a liver transplant candidate, pediatric transplant hepatologists begin medical preparations for the patient to improve transplant outcomes. Following transplant surgery, pediatric transplant hepatologists treat patients to reduce infection, rejection, and other transplant risks. Pediatric transplant hepatologists may see patients with the following conditions:

Liver failure, including acute (sudden) and chronic failure
Liver tumors
Hepatitis, including hepatitis B and C
Liver cirrhosis (scarring of the liver)
Inherited and acquired liver diseases, including autoimmune and infectious liver diseases, alagille syndrome, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, cholestatic liver disease, and others
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), also referred to as fatty liver disease
Wilson's disease (accumulated copper in the liver)

Pediatric transplant hepatologists can diagnose liver disease by liver biopsies (tissue samples) and imaging tests such as CT or MRI scans. They can assess patients' eligibility for a liver transplant and determine the progression of their liver disease. Pediatric transplant hepatologists may also participate in the selection of a compatible living donor.

Pediatric transplant hepatologists can prescribe patients pre-transplant supplements (such as nutrition through a feeding tube) and oral medications for ascites (accumulated fluid). Immunosuppressants (anti-rejection medicines), antibiotics, and incision wound care are frequent post-transplant treatments. Pediatric transplant hepatologists monitor patients throughout their recovery period and educate caregivers about home care.

Pediatric transplant hepatologists may coordinate treatment with pediatric liver specialists, pediatric radiologists, pediatric transplant surgeons, pediatric psychologists, pediatric nurses, dietitians, and child-life specialists.