Liver Transplant Adult Transition

The Pediatric Liver Transplant team at Children’s of Alabama believes that a clear transition from pediatric transplant care to adult transplant care is essential to ensure that high-quality, developmentally-appropriate health care services are available in an uninterrupted manner as our patients move from adolescence to adulthood. Transitioning to adult transplant care is a process, which requires planning and preparation to facilitate best outcomes.

We are committed to helping all of our patients make a successful transition, and to optimize their ability to assume adult roles and activities through coordination of patient, family, and provider responsibilities. Our transition policy is based upon guidelines provided by the American Academy of Pediatrics’ joint clinical report on transition and The American Society of Transplantation and American Society of Transplant Surgeons’ consensus report regarding transition.

Transitioning to adult transplant care is a gradual process and will require joint planning and preparation beginning at age 12. At age 18, transplant patients followed by our team will begin transition to an adult liver transplant program of their designation and should complete transfer of care, in most cases, by age 19. In the event of liver transplantation (or re-transplantation) in late adolescence, transition will not begin until after the first post-transplant year. Special consideration may be taken for youth with intellectual disabilities. We will work with both parents and patients to develop individualized transition plans that will assist our patients to develop the self-care skills and independence they need to successfully transfer to adult liver transplant care.

Contact Us

Office Phone: 205-638-6631
Email: liver.transplant@childrensal.org