Neuropsychological functioning and health-related quality of life in pediatric liver disease: The sum of our perspectives is greater than each alone

Lisa G Sorensen*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose of review The review will discuss current data on neuropsychological and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) outcomes in children with liver disease. Research has trickled in over the past 30 years, mostly in small, single-center studies with observational or retrospective design. As medical treatment has advanced, survival has improved dramatically, with the majority now living into adulthood. The focus is shifting toward more systematic exploration of functional outcomes. Recent findings Contemporary cohorts provide evidence for increased prevalence of IQ deficits despite overall average means in children with end-stage liver disease and long after transplant. Recent studies explore specific neurocognitive domains and populations, such as pediatric acute liver failure and metabolic disorders. HRQOL is reduced in pediatric liver transplant recipients, even years later. Current research examines HRQOL in pediatric acute liver failure, infants with chronic liver disease, and specific diseases. A major psychosocial concern is the transition from pediatric to adult care, and the challenges in assessing transfer readiness. Summary As research in functional outcomes becomes more sophisticated (more prospective, controlled, and multisite studies), richer data are available. The most comprehensive understanding of how children with liver disease fare is achieved by integrating perspectives into one picture painted by many.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)644-652
Number of pages9
JournalCurrent Opinion in Pediatrics
Volume28
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2016

Keywords

  • health-related quality of life
  • metabolic disorders
  • motor
  • neurocognitive
  • psychosocial

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Neuropsychological functioning and health-related quality of life in pediatric liver disease: The sum of our perspectives is greater than each alone'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this