Bacterial infections in children after liver transplantation: A single‐center surveillance study of 345 consecutive transplantations

Background Infectious complications after pediatric liver transplantation frequently occur and are potentially serious. Data concerning strictly defined bacterial infections and their associated risk factors are lacking. Methods For the pediatric liver transplant postoperative period, we analyzed data from the nosocomial infection surveillance (2006‐2015). Results A total of 235 bacterial infections in 162 transplantations (47%) occurred, including 32 bacterial pneumonia cases, 104 surgical site infections, 27 urinary tract infections, and 40 bloodstream infections. Sepsis was diagnosed in 127 cases (54%), severe sepsis in 22 (9%) cases, and septic shock in 41 (17%) cases. Thirty patients (9%) died, and septic shock was the leading cause of death. The carrier status of multi‐drug resistant bacteria and a tacrolimus level >20 ng/mL were independent risk factors for surgical site infections and the occurrence of severe sepsis or septic shock. The length of mechanical ventilation was an independent risk factor for pneumonia and surgical site infection. Conclusion Bacterial infections in the early postoperative period after pediatric liver transplantation are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Physicians involved in the medical care of these patients should be aware of the specific risk factors, and further development of prevention programs is highly recommended.