Annual Appointments
Annual Appointment
Every year, near the anniversary of your child's transplant, your child is scheduled for an annual appointment. During these appointments, your child usually will have blood tests, an abdominal ultrasound, a GFR (kidney test), a clinic appointment with your primary liver transplant doctor and nurse coordinator, and any additional testing that may be needed.
The goal of the annual appointment is to make sure your child is in optimal health and that your child's new liver is continuing to function well.
Lab work done during these visits includes routine lab work and tests for EBV, CMV, triglyceride and cholesterol. The abdominal ultrasound is performed to make sure the blood flow to the new liver is good, as well as to rule out any potential fluid collections or bile duct problems.
The GFR is performed to assess the function of your child's kidneys. The anti-rejection medicines and some of the anti-infective medicines given to your child can decrease the function of the kidneys. Our goal is to maintain the best function of the kidneys through close management of the anti-rejection medicines and yearly GFRs.
The annual appointment also is used to make sure your family's education regarding transplantation continues. During the appointment, we encourage you and your family to ask questions regarding your child's long-term care.
Rev. 6/07
