[Reproduction after liver transplantation: a report of 13 cases from a single Chinese center].

OBJECTIVE

To explore the recipient's reproduction after liver transplantation (LT) and assess the outcomes of their offspring.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the reproduction status of 13 post-LT patients among 336 post-LT recipients during a follow-up period. Physical and intellectual status of their offspring were evaluated by developmental index and Denever developmental screening test.

RESULTS

A total of 16 children were mothered or fathered by 13 LT patients. Two female patients mothered a boy and a girl. Ten male patients fathered 6 male and 8 female children while another male fathered a child at 28 gestational weeks. Eleven patients fathered the first gestation 21 mon (medium) since LT, and fathered 15 pregnancies. Twelve of 14 deliveries had a mean gestation age of (38.2 ± 1.8) weeks, with a mean birth weight of (3.1 ± 0.5) kg. Among 12 newborns, 3 were premature and 2 of a low birth weight. Two female patients delivered 2 babies with a gestation age of 37.3 and 40.4 weeks, a birth weight of 2.7 and 3.4 kg, and anoxia neonatorum in one case. No deformity was found. Thirteen of 16 children had almost normal developmental indices and ten had almost normal Denever developmental screening.

CONCLUSION

Post-LT patients of reproductive age are able to reproduce offspring. The short-term development of their offspring is relatively normal.