Success in its pediatric heart transplant program paved the way for St. Louis Children's Hospital to attempt the complexities of pediatric heart-lung transplantation and lung transplantation. In 1990, the hospital established the country's first free-standing pediatric lung transplant program, building on the expertise of thoracic surgeons at neighboring Barnes-Jewish Hospital, where adult lung transplants began in 1988.

In addition to requiring extensive surgical capabilities, transplantation of the fragile pediatric lungs presents unique challenges for ongoing care. Beyond the experienced transplant surgical team, St. Louis Children's Hospital's lung and heart-lung transplant program relies on the skilled dedication of medical specialists who manage pediatric patient care before and after organ transplant.

The Most Active Pediatric Lung Transplant Program in the World
St. Louis Children's Hospital has performed more than 330 lung and heart-lung transplants since 1990, making it the most active pediatric lung transplant program in the world. Pediatric lung transplants are most commonly performed for cystic fibrosis and pulmonary vascular disease. At St. Louis Children's Hospital, lung transplants are also performed in conjunction with surgical repair of complex heart defects that cause pulmonary hypertension.

Pioneers in Infant Lung Transplant
In 1994, lung transplants were performed for the first time for an unusual genetic disease called pulmonary surfactant protein B (SPB) deficiency. These infants usually die within days or weeks of birth due to severe respiratory distress. Lung transplantation is now providing a chance at life for these infants while genetic researchers attempt to develop gene therapy for families who carry the defective gene.

The Original Living Donor Lung Transplant Program
Surgeons at St. Louis Children's Hospital and Barnes-Jewish Hospital teamed up in July 1994 to perform the region's first living-donor lung transplant, in which a lobe of a two live donors' lungs are transplanted into the recipient. Rarely performed and only by highly skilled and experienced teams, living-donor lung transplant offers a last option for some patients who cannot survive long enough to obtain cadaveric organs. St. Louis Children's Hospital has since performed more than 40 living-donor lung transplants.

Program growth has led to a staff increase of a fourth nurse coordinator, a second pulmonologist and an immunologist. A new, comprehensive computer database promises to enhance the efficiency of clinical care.

For more information on pediatric lung transplants, please call St. Louis Children's Hospital's lung transplant department at 314.454.4131 or E-mail Us.