Hepatocyte transplantation in special populations: Clinical use in children

Abstract

Orthotopic liver transplantation remains the only proven cure for end-stage liver failure. Despite significant advances in the field, the clinical demand for donor organs far outweighs the supply. Hepatocyte transplantation has been proposed as an alternative approach to whole liver transplant in select diseases. Several international centers have reported experimental trials of human hepatocyte transplantation in acute liver failure and liver-based metabolic disorders. This chapter provides an introduction to hepatocyte transplantation from both a technical and clinical perspective. We will also focus on the special needs of pediatric patients, since historically the majority of clinical hepatocyte transplants have involved infants and children.