From 6-wk Lungs to 6 y: Increasing the Donor Pool for Pediatric Lung Transplantation

Transplantation. 2024 Jan 1;108(1):e3-e7. doi: 10.1097/TP.0000000000004815. Epub 2023 Oct 4.

Abstract

Background: Lung transplantation in the pediatric population is a challenge. With the donor pool being so small and lungs from young donors rare and precious, every organ available needs to be utilized to its best potential.

Case: Here, we describe the case of a 6-wk-old donor of double lungs to a 5-mo-old baby girl diagnosed with alveolar capillary dysplasia with misalignment of the pulmonary veins. The recipient is doing very well, 6 y after the transplant, now following normal growth.

Discussion: The challenges facing pediatric cardiothoracic transplantation in terms of organ supply and demand are enormous.

Conclusions: In this article, we discuss some of the issues around the shortage of organs and alternatives to increase the organ donor pool.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Lung / surgery
  • Lung Transplantation*
  • Persistent Fetal Circulation Syndrome*
  • Tissue Donors
  • Tissue and Organ Procurement*