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First pediatric organ donation after circulatory determination of death in Singapore: Facing challenges in the absence of a local practice guideline
Author(s) -
Thong Wen Yi,
Chong Poh Heng,
Koh Pei Lin,
Loh Will NeHooi,
Tay Stacey KiatHong
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
pediatric transplantation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.457
H-Index - 69
eISSN - 1399-3046
pISSN - 1397-3142
DOI - 10.1111/petr.13740
Subject(s) - medicine , organ donation , guideline , intensive care medicine , donation , organ transplantation , bleed , transplantation , pediatrics , surgery , pathology , economics , economic growth
Abstract Pediatric organ donation represents only a low proportion of overall organ donation in many parts of world, unable to match the needs for pediatric organ transplantation. Pediatric organ donation after circulatory determination of death (DCD) is increasingly explored in pediatric transplantation, as it increases the availability of organ grafts. A 6‐year‐old Caucasian boy with a history of arteriovenous malformation presented with a catastrophic intracranial bleed, resulting in severe brainstem dysfunction despite maximal medical and surgical measures. He did not fulfill the criteria for brain death, which must be met for pediatric organ donation in Singapore. Due to parental request, his organs were donated after withdrawal of life support and determination of death by circulatory criteria. Pediatric organ DCD poses many challenges in the pediatric population, especially in the absence of a local practice guideline. We present the first case of a pediatric organ DCD that has occurred in Singapore. Further work is needed, particularly in establishing a national policy for pediatric organ DCD and increasing overall awareness and acceptance toward pediatric organ donations.