ISHLT consensus statement on donor organ acceptability and management in pediatric heart transplantation

Richard Kirk1, Anne I Dipchand2, Ryan R Davies3

  • 1Division of Pediatric Cardiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Children's Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.

Insights

Many donated pediatric hearts are discarded, increasing waitlist mortality. This statement provides recommendations to reduce organ discard and improve outcomes for children awaiting heart transplants.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Transplantation Medicine
  • Pediatric Health

Background:

  • Pediatric heart transplantation faces a persistent donor organ shortage, leading to significant waitlist mortality.
  • A substantial proportion, approximately 40%, of donated hearts are discarded, representing a loss of viable organs.
  • This situation highlights a critical gap between the need for pediatric heart transplants and the availability of suitable organs.

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