Isabella’s Story: The Team Behind Her Liver Transplant

Isabella Arlt’s progression to liver transplant moved rapidly. When she arrived at Texas Children’s Hospital following several weeks of abdominal pain and jaundice that had been severe enough to interrupt her high school studies, testing revealed that she had a significant liver injury. The decision to place Isabella on the transplant list was made quickly, knowing that the consequences of liver failure for children can be severe. 

“We watched her get sicker by the day. There was a screen in our room with all her lab results, and it was just completely red,” said Vinnie Arlt, Isabella’s mother. 

Built for transplants

Texas Children’s is uniquely positioned to care for children in the fragile state of waiting for a transplant. They perform more liver transplants than most other pediatric hospital and have successfully used unique surgical strategies that aren’t widely available, such as a split liver transplant in which one liver is divided to benefit two recipients. If a child or adolescent requires a lot of medical support, Texas Children’s pediatric intensive care unit offers specific therapies designed for liver failure. 

“We have special liver dialysis equipment that we use to help control symptoms and ease what the patients are experiencing, allowing that waiting period to be as comfortable and safe as possible,” said Anna Banc-Husu, MD, pediatric transplant hepatologist and Hepatology Intensive Care Unit Program lead.      

Isabella’s transplant came in time to save her life. 

“When I found out that I was getting a transplant, I was excited, actually, because I knew that was going to make me feel better,” said Isabella. “After the transplant, for a while it was pretty hard.”

The transplant operation was a success, and Isabella was up and walking 2 days after her surgery. Full recovery required a lot of determination and hard work from Isabella, her family and the medical team. 

“There were multiple doctor’s appointments. It was lots of ups and downs. She had some complications, but I have to say, the doctors and nurses at this hospital are phenomenal. They're experts. They helped us through this journey,” said Vinnie. 

The right team

The Texas Children’s Liver Transplant team is both comprehensive and collaborative. Their multidisciplinary approach cares for the whole patient, so while liver doctors support remaining liver function, child life specialists teach children about the surgical process and help them adjust to the hospital setting. When other organs are affected by liver failure, the Liver Transplant team can bring in nationally and internationally recognized specialists in those fields for the benefit of their patients.

A combination of state-of-the-art facilities and dedicated, knowledgeable staff supports every transplant recipient at Texas Children’s so that they can have the best chance for a bright future.

“It couldn't have been just one team that did everything for me. It was a combination of everything and everyone, including the donor and their family. Without them, I quite literally wouldn’t be here. I have no words except I’m thankful and grateful,” said Isabella. 

Learn more about Texas Children’s Liver Transplant Program