Factors responsible for hepatic artery thrombosis after pediatric liver transplantation.

THROMBOSIS OF the hepatic artery (HAT) continues to be a serious complication following orthotopic liver transplantation (OL Tx). Several studies have failed to identify possible risk factors that may be related to thrombosis of the hepatic artery. Nonetheless. a clear definition of the responsible factors is necessary to formulate guidelines and protocols for the prevention and management of this dreaded complica tion. In the present study two homogeneous and comparable populations of pediatric patients consisting of children who developed thrombosis of the hepatic artery after OL Tx (HAT group) and those who did not (control group) have been identified. An accurate statistical comparison between these two groups has been carried out in an attempt to identify the responsible factors leading to thrombosis and to develop a management protocol for this complication.