Liver Transplant to Treat Metabolic Disease: Get the Facts

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Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC is one of the top 10 pediatric hospitals in the United States, as ranked by U.S. News & World Report. 

We’re pioneers in the field of liver transplantation — proven to be a life-changing solution for children with metabolic disease. 

Did you know?

  • Liver transplantation can dramatically reduce symptoms and improve quality of life for many children with metabolic disease. 
  • Children’s has performed more than 1,700 liver transplants, more than any other center in the United States. Our one- and three-year survival rates exceed national averages. 
  • We’ve performed more than 330 liver transplants for children with metabolic disease — more than any other transplant center in the nation, including adult centers. 

Leaders in Liver Transplant to Cure MSUD 

In cases like MSUD, liver transplantation can provide a cure. 

In 2004, Children’s Hospital and the Clinic for Special Children in Strasburg, Pa. developed the MSUD liver transplant. 

Since then, we’ve performed over 65 transplants on children and young adults with MSUD — more than any other center in the world. 

Today, these patients:

  • Show normal liver function.
  • Have avoided the risk of neurological complications.
  • Enjoy an unrestricted diet. 

Liver transplant is also a cost effective therapy for MSUD. It reduces the long-term cost of treating acute metabolic decompensation. 

Liver transplant also prevents devastating neurologic problems. 

Living-Donor Liver Transplants for Metabolic Disease 

Children’s is also a leader in living-donor liver transplants. Living-donor transplants eliminate wait times for a deceased donor and can provide excellent outcomes. 

Often, children with metabolic disorders are suitable for living-donor liver transplants. 


Sources: Internal data, Hillman Center for Pediatric Transplantation; Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (www.srtr.org), December 2015 release.