UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh: Leading the Way in Pediatric Liver and Kidney Transplantation

The Hillman Center for Pediatric Transplantation at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh continues to establish itself as a national leader in pediatric transplantation, as evidenced by the latest outcomes reported by the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR). The program’s commitment to excellence, innovative practices, and patient-centered care has resulted in groundbreaking survival rates and long-term success stories for children across the United States and beyond.

Outstanding Survival Rates

The latest SRTR report highlights UPMC Children’s exceptional performance in several key metrics. Standout achievements include:

Pediatric Liver Transplant

• One-year survival with a functioning living donor graft: 100%, with zero failures out of 16 transplants.
• One-year conditional survival with a functioning graft: 100%, with zero failures out of 53 transplants.

Pediatric Kidney Transplant

• One-year survival with a functioning living donor graft: 100%, with zero failures out of 16 transplants.
• One-year conditional survival with a functioning deceased-donor graft: 100%, with zero failures out of 21 transplants.

These numbers place UPMC Children’s transplant program among the top in the nation. The hospital also reported a 100% first-year survival rate for complex multi-organ transplants, including liver-heart, liver-kidney, and liver-intestine procedures. Between adult and pediatric intestinal transplant programs, UPMC has performed the most intestinal transplants worldwide since 1991.

“We’re proud of these outcomes, especially given the complexity of the cases we handle,” says George Mazariegos, MD, chief, pediatric transplantation. “They reflect not only the skill of our surgical teams but also the comprehensive care provided by our multidisciplinary team.”

Beyond Short-Term Metrics: A Focus on Long-Term Outcomes

While SRTR reports emphasize survival at specific intervals such as 30 days, 90 days, one year, and three years, UPMC Children’s is equally focused on long-term success. For pediatric patients, where lifelong care is often required, this perspective is critical.

“In pediatrics, it’s not just about the one-year mark,” explains Dr. Mazariegos. “We’re passionate about achieving true long-term outcomes, which are not always captured in these reports but are vital to the lives of our patients.”

UPMC Children’s offers longitudinal care, seeing transplant recipients annually from childhood into early adulthood. This consistent follow-up is a cornerstone of the program’s commitment to excellence.

Innovative Approaches to Transplantation

UPMC Children’s leads the nation as the most active pediatric living-donor liver transplant center. The hospital employs advanced techniques, such as split-liver transplantation, to maximize donor organ use and minimize waitlist mortality.

“Our philosophy is centered on achieving zero waitlist mortality for children,” says Dr. Mazariegos. “By utilizing living donors and split-liver techniques, we’re not only improving access to transplantation but also setting the standard for what’s possible in pediatric care.”

A Collaborative and Multidisciplinary Team

Success in pediatric transplantation requires more than just surgical expertise. UPMC Children’s attributes its achievements to a robust multidisciplinary team that includes surgeons, medical specialists, radiologists, pathologists, behavioral health professionals, and transition care experts.

“Our team approach ensures that every aspect of the patient’s journey is addressed,” notes Dr. Mazariegos. “From surgical techniques to post-transplant adherence and transition to adult care, every detail matters in achieving the best outcomes.”

Legacy of Leadership and Innovation

Building on the pioneering work of Dr. Thomas E. Starzl, UPMC Children’s continues to lead the field with a focus on long-term, patient-centered care. The hospital has expanded its reach, creating the largest pediatric liver transplant network in the United States. This network enables UPMC surgeons to perform transplants at affiliated institutions, bringing world-class care to children nationwide.

“We see it as our responsibility to share our expertise,” Dr. Mazariegos emphasizes. “By collaborating with other centers and leading initiatives like the Starzl Network for Excellence in Pediatric Transplantation, we’re not just advancing our program—we’re transforming the field.”

Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Future

UPMC Children’s is dedicated to maintaining its leadership through continuous innovation. Research initiatives, advancements in donor utilization, and collaborative learning networks are just a few of the ways the program is pushing boundaries.

“Our goal is to lead by example,” says Dr. Mazariegos. “By sharing best practices and fostering collaboration over competition, we aim to raise the standard of care for every child in need of a transplant.”

With its unmatched outcomes, innovative strategies, and enduring commitment to patients, UPMC Children’s is not only shaping the future of pediatric liver transplantation—it is setting the gold standard.

To learn more or to refer a patient, visit CHP.edu/Transplant, email dawn.wilkerson2@upmc.edu, or call 412-692-6428.