Current Status of Organ Transplantation from Brain-dead Pediatric Donors in Japan and the Pediatrician’s Role

Abstract

In July 2010, the Japanese Organ Transplantation Act was revised. The revised act allowed organs from brain-dead donors younger than age 15 to be donated with the family’s consent. Since then, 6 years have passed and only 12 organ donations have been performed using organs from brain-dead donors younger than age 15. Six of the cases involved donors younger than age 6. Why has the rate of organ donation from brain-dead children not increased in Japan? Possible reasons include: presentation of the option of organ donation, exclusion of child abuse, establishment of facilities and an organizational system, premature pediatric terminal care, and burden on attending doctors. The most important step in overcoming these problems is, therefore, for Japanese pediatricians to change their approach. All pediatricians must take an active interest and participate in discussions on pediatric organ donation.