Historic Liver Transplant Performed on a Two-Year-Old at Garrahan Hospital

The Garrahan Hospital has achieved an unprecedented milestone in Latin American pediatric medicine by successfully performing a liver transplant on a two-year-old child using an organ from a pediatric donor in asystole, meaning with irreversible cessation of cardiac activity. This breakthrough positions Argentina as a pioneer in the region and opens new possibilities in pediatric transplantation.

Procedure Details

The recipient, a critically ill two-year-old on the national emergency transplant list, underwent the transplant on November 29. The procedure involved more than 50 professionals from various disciplines, working in coordination with the National Central Unique Ablation and Implant Coordinating Institute (INCUCAI). The patient is currently recovering well.

Innovation in Organ Donation

Asystole donation allows the retrieval of organs from donors with irreversible cardiac arrest, expanding the options beyond cases of brain death. This approach, supported by Argentina's Organ, Tissue, and Cell Transplant Law 27.447, requires careful coordination between the medical team and the donor’s family to ensure an ethical and effective process.

Impact on Pediatric Medicine

This achievement not only represents a technical breakthrough but also expands transplantation possibilities for critically ill pediatric patients, reducing waitlist times and improving survival rates. Soraya El Kik, Chair of the Garrahan Hospital Board of Directors, emphasized that this milestone positions the hospital as a leader in implementing modern techniques in organ transplantation, benefiting a population as vulnerable as pediatric patients.

Future Perspectives

The successful implementation of asystole donation in pediatric patients sets a precedent for future procedures in Argentina and Latin America. This advance is expected to inspire other institutions to adopt similar techniques, expanding access to transplants and improving the quality of life for many children in the region.

In summary, Garrahan Hospital has set a benchmark in Latin American pediatric medicine by performing a liver transplant using a donor in asystole. This achievement demonstrates the institution's commitment and capacity to lead in innovation and high-complexity medical care.