Challenges and Possible Solutions to Pediatric Organ Donation and Transplantation in Turkey and the Middle East:...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric medicine
• Transplantation surgery
• Organ donation and procurement

Background:

• Organ transplantation is the optimal treatment for pediatric end-stage organ failure.
• Global pediatric transplantation programs show significant disparities between high-income and low-to-middle-income countries.
• Low deceased organ donation rates contribute to organ shortages, increasing reliance on living donors for pediatric cases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify challenges in pediatric organ donation and transplantation worldwide.
• To explore reasons behind global program discrepancies.
• To propose solutions for improving pediatric organ transplantation access.

Main Methods:

• A brainstorming session was conducted during the International Symposium on Pediatric Organ Donation and Transplantation.
• Discussions focused on various aspects of pediatric organ donation and transplantation.
• Key topics and proposed solutions were documented.

Main Results:

• Identified significant global inequalities in pediatric transplantation infrastructure and organ availability.
• Highlighted the critical role of living donation in pediatric transplantation due to deceased donor shortages.
• Recognized the need for international collaboration and resource sharing.

Conclusions:

• Addressing disparities in pediatric organ transplantation requires focused strategies.
• Enhancing deceased organ donation and optimizing living donor programs are crucial.
• International cooperation is essential to ensure equitable access to life-saving transplants for children globally.