A two-year-old boy inItalywho received a severelydamaged donor heartduring a transplant has died, prompting a criminal investigation and widespread outrage.
Domenico, who had been on life support for nearly two months, died shortly before 09:30 local time on Saturday, February 21 at Monaldi Hospital inNaples, according to the family’s lawyer, Francesco Petruzzi. The hospital said the toddler suffered a “sudden and irreversible worsening of his clinical condition.”
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The heart transplanted into Domenico in late December was reportedly transported in direct contact with dry ice, causing extensive tissue damage.
Prosecutors have opened an investigation into the case, and six medical professionals are under formal investigation.
Petruzzi said the organ arrived “burned by frostbite” after being transported more than 800 kilometres from Bolzano to Naples in an unsuitable container, without a thermometer to monitor the temperature.
He said the circumstances amounted to a serious failure in the handling and transport of the donor organ.
Domenico had been kept alive using advanced life support systems while doctors assessed whether a second transplant was possible.
Earlier this week, a panel of paediatric specialists concluded that his condition was “not compatible” with another transplant, warning that prolonged life support may have compromised his lungs, liver and kidneys.
Source: Daily Express :: World Feed
