Doppler-ultrasound reference values after pediatric liver transplantation: a consecutive cohort study

ObjectivesDoppler ultrasound (DUS) is the main imaging modality to evaluate vascular complications of pediatric liver transplants (LT). The current study aimed to determine reference values and their change over time.MethodsA consecutive cohort of pediatric patients undergoing an LT were retrospectively included between 2015 and 2020. Timepoints for standardized DUS were intra-operative and postoperative (day 0), days 1-7, months 1 and 3, and years 1 and 2. DUS measurements of the hepatic artery (HA), portal vein (PV), and hepatic vein(s) (HV) were included if there were no complications during 2 years follow-up. Measurements consisted of: peak systolic velocity (PSV) and resistive index (RI) for the HA, PSV for the PV, and venous pulsatility index (VPI) for the HV. Generalized estimating equations were used to analyze change over time.ResultsOne hundred twelve pediatric patients with 123 LTs were included (median age 3.3 years, interquartile range 0.7-10.1). Ninety-five HAs, 100 PVs, and 115 HVs without complications were included. Reference values for HA PSV and RI, PV PSV, and HV VPI were obtained for all timepoints (4043 included data points in total) and presented using 5(th)-95(th) percentiles and threshold values. All reference values changed significantly over time (p = 0.032 to p < 0.001).ConclusionsDUS reference values of hepatic vessels in children after LT are presented, reference values change over time with specific vessel-dependent patterns. Timepoint-specific reference values improve the interpretation of DUS values and may help to better weigh their clinical significance.

Automated summary

This study aimed to determine reference values and their change over time for Doppler ultrasound in evaluating vascular complications of pediatric liver transplants. The study included a consecutive cohort of pediatric patients undergoing a liver transplant between 2015 and 2020. Reference values for hepatic vessels were obtained for different timepoints and showed significant changes over time.