First pediatric organ donation after circulatory determination of death in Singapore: Facing challenges in the absence of a local practice guideline
Title
First pediatric organ donation after circulatory determination of death in Singapore: Facing challenges in the absence of a local practice guideline
Creator
Thong W Y; Chong P H; Koh P L; Loh W N; Tay S K
Identifier
Publisher
Pediatric Transplantation
Date
2020
Subject
pediatrics; end-of-life care; organ donation; clinical practice guidelines; donation after circulatory determination of death
Description
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.
Rights
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Citation List Month
Developing World 2020 List
URL Address
Collection
Citation
Thong W Y; Chong P H; Koh P L; Loh W N; Tay S K, “First pediatric organ donation after circulatory determination of death in Singapore: Facing challenges in the absence of a local practice guideline,” Pediatric Palliative Care Library, accessed April 17, 2024, https://pedpalascnetlibrary.omeka.net/items/show/17351.