Specialties & ConditionsLiver Transplantation ProgramPre- & Post-Operative Care Keeping the Liver Healthy
Keeping the Liver Healthy
After your child receives a new liver, the next step requires a lifetime commitment from both the caretaker and the patient. Although your transplant team at Lurie Children’s will continue to provide you with support and education, it's up to you to follow their advice and provide them with your expertise and observations as a parent or caretaker.
Immunizations
Whenever possible, all required immunizations such as MMR (measles, mumps and rubella), and varicella should be given before transplant. After the transplant, your child should not receive any routine immunizations until approval is given by the transplant team (usually about six months after transplant).
Modified immunizations will then be given according to the usual well-child schedule. Infants and children who are immunosuppressed, as well as all family members, should receive the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV). However, family members can receive the MMR and Varicella.
An injection called VZIG is always given as soon as possible after your child has been exposed to chicken pox to prevent infection with the virus. Call the transplant team if your child has been exposed to chicken pox.
Cleanliness After Transplant
The most important guard against germs and infection for your child is consistent hand washing for all family members. You should avoid direct contact with people you know to be sick with colds or flu. Keep cuts and scratches, and any open areas in the skin, clean and dry. Inspect them regularly for any signs of infection, and notify the transplant coordinator if any changes occur.
Pediatrician Visits
While you may visit the transplant team often, it is also important to follow up with your pediatrician to monitor your child's growth and development, get immunizations and help you with any problems not related to her liver (for example, an ear infection). It is important that your pediatrician is aware that your child has had a liver transplant and what medications they are taking. A summary letter is sent to your pediatrician after discharge from the hospital and after each visit.
Dental Check-Ups
Regular dental check-ups are important to prevent infection, but should be avoided for the first six months after transplant when the child is taking the highest amount of immunosuppressant medications. Your child will not need antibiotics prior to dental procedures. Your child may also need to see a dentist due to swelling of the gums or bleeding as a result of cyclosporine therapy.
Skin Evaluation
After transplant, the medications prescribed will cause sun sensitivity and put your child at higher risk for skin cancer. It is important to always apply sun screen when outdoors and to check your child's skin for irregular moles or growths.
We recommend a minimum SPF 30 applied liberally 20 minutes before sun exposure. It is also important to reapply sunscreen throughout the day because it can come off in the pool and through body sweat. You can also wears hats and clothing to cover the skin.
Hearing & Vision Evaluations
We strongly recommend a yearly vision exam by an ophthalmologist for those who are on Prednisone. Also, some of the medications that your child receives during transplant can increase the risk for hearing loss. You should seek prompt evaluation of your child's hearing if you have any concerns, such as speech delay.
School
School is an important part of your child's life. The transplant team encourages children to return to school as soon as possible following transplant (about three months). While recovering in the hospital and at home, a tutor may help your child keep up with their studies.
It is important for others to understand that once your child has received a new liver, they’re no longer ill, but needs to continue to take medications and be followed by the transplant team. Please contact the transplant team should your child be exposed to any communicable disease, or if you have any questions.