Pediatric Liver Transplant
With a long-standing track record of excellent outcomes and innovative clinical research, the pediatric liver transplant team at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital offers a full range of services before, during, and after a transplant. Learning your child needs a liver transplant can be scary, but our team of SLUCare Physician Group experts will be by your side the entire way.
The SLUCare Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital is ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
Support Critical Research
Learn how you can support the critical research and education performed by the SLU Liver Center.
Patient Success Stories
Read the stories of the young patients who have received lifesaving organ donations at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital.
Conditions We Treat
Liver transplants are performed to replace diseased livers with healthy ones. There are many reasons for pediatric liver transplantation, including:
- Acute liver failure
- Alagille syndrome
- Alpha-1-Antitrypsin deficiency
- Autoimmune hepatitis
- Bilary atresia
- Cirrhosis of the liver
- Congenital hepatic fibrosis
- End stage liver disease
- Liver tumors: Hepatocellular carcinoma and hepatoblastoma
- Metabolic disorders: Urea cycle enzyme defects, methylmalonic academia
- Glycogen storage disease
- Primary sclerosing cholangitis
- Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis
- Wilson’s disease
Transplantation of the whole liver is not always necessary, and there are some instances where only a section of the liver is needed for pediatric transplant patients. In these cases, family members who are genetically compatible can donate part of their livers. Otherwise, the majority of livers come from unrelated, deceased organ donors.
Outcomes
The liver transplant team consistently exceeds national benchmarks and is one of only 42 centers worldwide participating in the international Studies of Pediatric Liver Transplantation (SPLIT) collaborative research group. This commitment to quality and groundbreaking innovation ensures your child will get the best possible care when you come to us for treatment.
This commitment is reflected in our outcomes. Between 2011 and 2018, 93.75% of our liver transplant patients have survived with a graft survival rate of 88.2%. Please contact us for more detailed information about our outcomes.
Our Team
The transplant surgeons at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital are experienced in all types of liver transplant methods, so they can offer the best option to meet each your child’s needs. All of our specialists are on the faculty of Saint Louis University School of Medicine and members of SLUCare Physician Group, the clinical arm of Saint Louis University School of Medicine.
A transplant can be scary, but it may provide the life-changing opportunity for your child to grow. We strive to build a partnership between your family and our team of specialists, so you have the support you need through this journey. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us, day or night. Our team is by your side every step of the way. Call us today at 314-577-5351 to schedule an appointment or request a second opinion.
Give the Gift of Life
Help End the Pediatric Transplant Waiting List
Almost 1,963 pediatric patients in the US are waiting for an organ donation. Contact the pediatric transplant team today to learn how you can join the organ donor list and help change the lives of children who are waiting for a kidney, liver, heart, or bone marrow transplant. View an infographic to learn more about how being a donor can change lives.
