Board Questions

1. True or False: The PELD score predicts 30 day mortality and long term outcome after liver transplantation

a) True

b) False

2. Which of the following are postoperative complications not typically seen in the first 48 hours postoperatively?

a) Hepatic artery thrombosis

b) Portal vein thrombosis

c) Rejection

d) Bile leak

3. What is the most common pediatric indication for liver transplant?

a) Urea cycle defects

b) Acetaminophen toxicity

c) Hepatocellular carcinoma

d) Biliary atresia

ANSWERS & EXPLANATIONS

1. B. False. While the PELD score is used to determine position on the waiting list for a liver, it is not a good predictor of 30 day or long term outcomes following transplantation. 

2. C. Rejection typically occurs 7-16 days posttransplant, not within the first 48 hours. Portal vein and hepatic artery thrombosis are two of the most significant postoperative complications and can threaten the life of the graft and the patient. Bile leaks can occur to due to ischemia from a hepatic artery thrombosis or due to dehiscence of the anastamosis.

3. D. Biliary atresia accounts for about 50% of all pediatric liver transplants and is the most common indication for pediatric liver transplant.