Cognitive abilities and psychosocial functioning in children and adolescents after liver transplantation

Psychological aspects of pediatric liver transplantation (LTx) have been widely understudied so far. In this dissertation, intellectual abilities, attention and psychosocial functioning were assessed. Internationally used and well standardized methods were used. Significant impairments in different dimensions of attention are demonstrated. Up to 47R0of the patients achieved below-average results. When compared to both the standard population and an age- and gender-matched reference group, pediatric LTx recipients exhibited significantly lower intellectual performances. These were associated with a genetic metabolic primary disease and a reduced height percentile at LTx. Psychosocial disturbances were also frequent. In a clinical interview, 48R0of the sample met the criteria for at least one psychosocial disturbance. In patients who have experienced organ rejection, the probability for this was more than doubled. In the future, psychological diagnosis and support should be integrated in the routine medical treatment procedure of these patients