Pediatric Hepatology and Liver Transplantation

This book is the first to provide balanced examination of both pediatric liver disease and liver transplantation – two topics that are inherently related, given that most chronic liver disorders eventually require organ replacement. The different forms of liver disease encountered in the pediatric age group are first discussed in a series of disease-specific chapters that have a reader-friendly, uniform structure covering pathophysiology, diagnostic and treatment algorithms, clinical cases, and transition to adult care. Key topics in the field of liver transplantation are then addressed. Examples include indications and contraindications, surgical techniques and complications, immunosuppression, in pediatric liver transplantation, acute and chronic rejection and allograft dysfunction, and CMV and EBV infection in transplant recipients, long-term graft injury and tolerance. A section on pediatric hepatology across the world includes chapters presenting the features and management of pediatric liver disease in South-America, Africa and Asia. A closing section considers what the future holds for pediatric liver disease and its management, including novel genetic testing, cell therapy and gene therapy. Pediatric Hepatology and Liver Transplantation will be of value for a range of practitioners, from residents making their first approach to pediatric liver disease through to specialists working in transplantation centers.

Lorenzo D’Antiga is a paediatric Hepatologist and Gastroenterologist working in Italy. His current position is Director of Child Health and of the Paediatric Liver, GI and Transplantation Unit of the Hospital Papa Giovanni XXIII of Bergamo. He trained as a paediatrician at the University of Padua and as a Paediatric Hepatologist in the United Kingdom, at King’s College Hospital London. He has worked as Consultant Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist as well as Paediatric Intensivist, specializing in organ failure and transplantation. ESPGHAN member for 15 years, he contributed to the field of paediatric hepatology with publications, scientific presentation and invited lectures. He has been member of the Council of the ESPGHAN as Education Secretary (till 2014) and member of the Education Committee of the UEG (till 2014). He serves as Senior Associate Editor for Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, and as Associate Editor of  Liver Transplantation.