Just as important as keeping a child and family members healthy before
transplant, it is important to keep a child and the family healthy following
a transplant. Some simple infection preventions guidelines are listed below:
Wash hands often and before and after meals
Wash hands after using the restroom or changing a baby’s diaper
Keep hand sanitizer available when hand washing is not an option
Stay away from family members who are sick
Use a face mask while in public and avoid large crowds
Stay up to date on immunizations including the influenza (flu) vaccine
Notify the child’s transplant team if the child develops an infection
or cold/flu symptoms while on the wait list. The child may need to temporarily
become inactive on the wait list while ill.
Activity restrictions
The transplant team will provide the child and family with any activity
restrictions after discharge. It is usually advised for the child to not
perform any strenuous activity or to lift anything greater than 5 pounds.
The incision should be closely monitored for any signs of infection including
redness, drainage, swelling or tenderness. The child should avoid swimming
in lakes, oceans or swimming pools until the incision has healed completely.
The physical and occupational therapy departments will share any recommendations
for exercises that should be continued at home after discharge.
Transplant medications
After a child has a liver transplant, several medications will be ordered
to prevent rejection, infection, and other medical conditions. Though
a rejection is more likely to occur in the first few weeks following transplant,
an organ rejection can happen at any time. The transplant recipient will
be on the anti-rejection medications for life. The transplant team will
discuss all potential side-effects and precautions associated with the
medications. The team will instruct the parent/caregiver about when it
is important to report any side effects to the team. No over-the-counter
medications or food supplements should be started without discussing with
the care team.
When to contact the transplant team:
Fever of 101°F or higher
Cough, runny nose, congestion
Changes in heart rate or blood pressure
Redness, drainage, swelling or tenderness at incision
Decreased activity, tiredness and fatigue
Decreased appetite
Headache
Upset stomach/nausea
Jaundice/ yellowing of eyes or skin
Fluid retention
Medication issues (missed dose or difficulty filling prescription)
Prior to dental work (antibiotics may be needed)
Rejection
Following transplant surgery, the child’s body may try to reject
the new liver. The immune system may see the new liver as a threat and
will try to attack it. The anti-rejection medications are used to help
prevent this complication.
Some common symptoms of rejection may include:
Fever of 101°F or higher
Jaundice/ yellowing of eyes or skin
Dark urine
Light-colored stools
Itching
Swollen or sore belly
Extreme tiredness or fatigue
Feeling grouchy or irritable
Headache
Upset stomach or nausea
Living with a liver transplant
Living with a liver transplant is a lifelong process and it is important
that the child maintains close contact with the transplant team. Medication
compliance can be difficult, especially during the teenage years. Our
support services can help these children and their families to find ways
to best adapt to these requirements. The team will also help transition
the child to an adult provider once it is appropriate and will collaborate
with the adult team to help ensure success for the patient.
