Biliary Atresia

Dallas, Texas, May 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In a historic medical achievement, the National Institute of Pediatrics (INP), in collaboration with the Fight For Life Club Foundation, has successfully performed two pediatric living donor liver transplants in a single week, giving two children a renewed chance at life. This groundbreaking milestone sets a new precedent in pediatric transplantation in Mexico and underscores the transformative power of collaboration and innovation in healthcare. Surgical Team A Lifeline for Children in Urgent NeedEach year, hundreds of children in Mexico face life-threatening conditions while waiting for a liver transplant. However, with only 4.5 deceased organ donors per million inhabitants, the need for living donor transplants has never been more critical. A living donor pediatric liver transplant program not only reduces waiting times but also significantly improves survival rates, ensuring that children receive timely, life-saving treatment. This initiative provides hope for children suffering from biliary atresia, the leading cause of pediatric liver transplants (accounting for 43% of cases), as well as liver tumors, metabolic disorders, and fulminant hepatitis. Studies indicate that children who receive living donor transplants are 42% less likely to die within the first year compared to those relying on deceased donor organs. These transplants also reduce the risk of graft loss by 44%, making them a vital solution for pediatric patients. Visionary Leadership Driving ChangeThis groundbreaking success is the result of INP’s steadfast commitment to pediatric healthcare. Under the leadership of Dr. Mercedes Macías Parra, General Director, and Dr. Amalia Guadalupe Bravo Lindoro, Medical Director, INP has positioned itself as a leading institution in Latin America for pediatric liver transplantation. The extraordinary medical team behind these historic transplants includes Dr. Antonio Medina, Chief of Transplant and Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery at INP, and Drs. Esperanza Vidales and Manuel Rodríguez-Dávalos. Their expertise and dedication played a crucial role in ensuring the success of these life-saving surgeries. A special acknowledgment is given to Dr. Manuel Rodríguez-Dávalos, leader of the surgical team and board member of the Fight For Life Club Foundation. His visionary approach and commitment to pediatric liver transplantation have been instrumental in advancing this initiative. The Unsung Heroes: The Liver DonorsWhile medical professionals orchestrate these complex surgeries, the true heroes are the selfless living liver donors who stepped forward to give a part of themselves the chance to save a child's life. Their courage and generosity have not only provided these children with a second chance but have also set an inspiring example of human kindness and sacrifice. The post-operative care of these young patients was equally critical to their recovery. Special recognition is extended to Drs. Daniel Hernández and Jorge Enrique Maza, as well as Dr. Martha Patricia Márquez, Head of the ICU Unit at INP, and her team, for their unwavering commitment to patient care. The anesthesia team, led by Dr. Ulises Soto and Dr. Silvia Peña, also played a vital role in ensuring the safety of both donors and recipients throughout the surgical process. Transforming Pediatric Healthcare in MexicoWith this initiative, Mexico is taking a significant step forward in pediatric healthcare. By championing living donor transplants, INP and the Fight For Life Club Foundation are actively reducing the barriers to life-saving treatment and improving outcomes for children in need. This collaboration not only saves lives but also sets a new standard for pediatric transplantation across Latin America. Join the Fight for LifeFight For Life Club Foundation believes every child deserves a fighting chance. This historic achievement is just the beginning. The organization invites individuals and organizations to join them in this mission by becoming organ donors, supporting their programs, and helping them continue their life-saving work. To learn more about the organization’s efforts and how donors can help, visit http://www.fightforlifeclub.org. About Fight For Life Club FoundationFight For Life Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing life-saving medical support for children in need. Through advocacy, fundraising, and partnerships with leading medical institutions, the organization works to improve access to critical treatments, including pediatric organ transplants. Fight For Life Inc. is committed to raising awareness about organ donation and supporting families facing medical challenges. By collaborating with healthcare professionals and donors, the organization strives to give children a second chance at life. Based in Dallas, Texas, Fight For Life Inc. continues to expand its impact, ensuring that no child fights alone. Social Media: @‌fightforlifeclub Media Contact Company Name: Fight For Life Inc. Contact Person: Manuel Cadena Email: manuel@fightforlifeclub.org Country: United States Website: http://www.fightforlifeclub.org

TUESDAY, Feb. 18, 2025 -- In a clinical report issued by the American Academy of Pediatrics and published online Feb. 18 in Pediatrics , recommendations are presented to assist primary care providers in identifying biliary atresia in newborns by 2 to 4 weeks of life. Sanjiv Harpavat, M.D., Ph.D., from Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital in Houston, and colleagues provide a strategy that can be used between 2 and 4 weeks of life at the "by 1 month" well-child visit in the Bright Futures/American Academy of Pediatrics "Recommendations for Preventive Pediatric Health Care." The strategy includes examination of infant eye color, stool color, and prior laboratory results to assess whether drawing a direct or conjugated bilirubin level is warranted. Step 1 assesses whether the eyes or skin appear jaundiced beyond 2 weeks of life; the strategy proceeds to Step 2 even if the answer is no. Step 2 examines whether stools are pale, gray, or white; the strategy proceeds to Step 3 even if the answer is no. Step 3 evaluates at whether bilirubin levels were previously checked and, if so, whether the initial value was above the laboratory's range. The authors note the initial direct or conjugated bilirubin level will be high in biliary atresia, starting at birth. Skin and stool color should continue to be monitored even if the bilirubin levels were not checked or are not above the laboratory range, which could occur if compared with the wrong reference range. "By identifying infants earlier, primary care providers have a unique opportunity to improve outcomes and help reduce the tremendous liver transplant burden of biliary atresia," the authors write. Abstract/Full Text Whatever your topic of interest, subscribe to our newsletters to get the best of Drugs.com in your inbox.

MEXICO CITY, Feb. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A historic milestone has been reached in Mexico! In an unprecedented week, the National Institute of Pediatrics (INP), in collaboration with the Fight For Life Club Foundation, successfully performed two pediatric living donor liver transplants, giving two children a second chance at life. This achievement marks a new era in pediatric transplantation, proving that when passionate teams unite, miracles happen. A Lifeline for Children in Need Continue Reading Fight For Life Club Foundation Surgical Team Fight For Life Club Every year, hundreds of children in Mexico fight for their lives while waiting for a liver transplant. But waiting isn't always an option. With only 4.5 deceased organ donors per million inhabitants, the need for living donor transplants is greater than ever. A living donor pediatric liver transplant program offers hope and a real solution—reducing wait times, improving survival rates, and ensuring children receive life-saving care before it's too late. This program helps children suffering from biliary atresia (43% of pediatric liver transplants), liver tumors like hepatoblastoma, metabolic disorders (13%), and fulminant hepatitis (12%). Studies show that children who receive living donor transplants are 42% less likely to die in the first year compared to those relying on deceased donors. This initiative is a major step forward for pediatric healthcare in Mexico, ensuring that more children receive transplants in time to survive and thrive. The Visionary Leadership Behind This Success This breakthrough was made possible by INP's leadership, under Dr. Mercedes Macías Parra, General Director, and Dr. Amalia Guadalupe Bravo Lindoro, Medical Director. Their commitment to building a world-class pediatric transplant program has positioned INP as a leader in Latin America. The Heroes Behind the Transplants This success would not have been possible without a dedicated team of medical professionals, each playing a vital role in these life-saving surgeries. We recognize the outstanding leadership of Dr. Antonio Medina, Chief of Transplant and Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery at INP, alongside Drs. Esperanza Vidales and Manuel Rodríguez-Dávalos, whose expertise and commitment ensured these transplants were successful. A special acknowledgment goes to Dr. Manuel Rodríguez-Dávalos, leader of the surgical team and board member of Fight For Life Club Foundation, whose vision is transforming pediatric liver transplantation in Mexico. We also thank Drs. Daniel Hernández and Jorge Enrique Maza, as well as Dr. Martha Patricia Márquez, Head of the ICU Unit at INP, and her team for their dedicated post-operative care. A special thank you to the anesthesia team, led by Dr. Ulises Soto and Dr. Silvia Peña, for ensuring the safety and well-being of both donors and recipients throughout these procedures. The True Champions: The Liver Donors The true heroes of these transplants are the living liver donors—selfless individuals who offered a part of themselves to give a child a future. Their courage, generosity, and love embody the highest form of human kindness. Their sacrifice has given these children the chance to laugh, play, and dream again. Their gift is the gift of life itself. Shaping the Future of Pediatric Transplantation This is just the beginning. The INP and Fight For Life Club Foundation are committed to building a sustainable, world-class pediatric liver transplant program, ensuring that no child is left behind due to a lack of access to life-saving surgery. By raising awareness about organ donation, fostering collaboration between medical institutions, and expanding access to living donor transplants, this initiative will continue to save more lives, one child at a time. A Call to Action: Be a Part of the Fight for Life! At Fight For Life Club Foundation, we believe every child deserves a fighting chance. Join us in this fight. Become an organ donor, support our mission, and help us give more children a second chance at life! Media Contact: Manuel Cadena 817-239-4208 [email protected] SOURCE Fight 4 Life Inc. WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM? 440k+ Newsrooms & Influencers 9k+ Digital Media Outlets 270k+ Journalists Opted In GET STARTED