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Abstract: The successful development of pediatric liver transplantation (LT) over the past four decades has dramatically changed the prognosis for children dying of acute and end-stage liver failure. Over the past two decades survival post transplantation has improved because of better preoperative management, optimal nutritional support, innovative surgical techniques, and improvements in immunosuppressive medications. The ensuing improvement in survival rate has extended the range of indications for LT in children to include transplantation for metabolic liver disease and unresectable hepatic tumors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Chronic hepatitis B infection remains a significant global health problem. Acquisition during infancy or childhood causes many of the chronic infections that are responsible for the morbidity associated with this disease. Some children with chronic hepatitis B are candidates for treatment based on the viral load and presence of transaminitis. Three medications are currently licensed for use in children, and it is anticipated that others will be available in the next several years. This article reviews the current knowledge regarding the natural history and treatment of chronic hepatitis B in children. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Pediatric Liver Transplant (LT) is now an established procedure for End Stage Liver Disease (ESLD) with biliary atresia being the commonest indication. Intensive pre-transplant evaluation, nutritional buildup and immunization are the fundamental pre-requisites of a successful LT. With improvement in surgical micro-anastomotic techniques and superior immunosuppressive regimens the success rate of pediatric LT is in excess of 90%. Most of the transplants in our country however are Living related, due to which a fairly large number of children expire awaiting a donor liver. There should be a concerted effort to evolve the cadaveric donation program, so that majority of the children are benefitted. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]