Baboon-to-human cardiac xenotransplantation in a neonate

Summary

This report describes the first successful cardiac xenotransplantation from a baboon to a neonate with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, who survived for 20 days.

Key findings

• The neonate survived for 20 days post-transplantation.
• The cardiac graft showed minimal cell-mediated rejection.
• Graft failure was attributed to a progressive humoral response.
• The humoral response was not modified by immunosuppression.

Methods

• Cardiac xenotransplantation from baboon to neonate.
• Post-transplantation survival monitoring.
• Autopsy to document graft status and rejection.

Limitations

• The humoral response was not adequately managed.
• Immunosuppression was not effective in preventing graft failure.

Applications

• Investigational therapy for neonatal hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS).