For appointments call 314.454.KIDS (5437) or 800.678.KIDS (5437)
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Jessica had a lung transplant more than 13 years ago to treat cystic fibrosis. |
St. Louis Children's Hospital has performed more than 350 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.
In 1994, lung transplants were performed for the first time for an unusual genetic disease called pulmonary surfactant protein B (SPB) deficiency. Infants with this condition 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.
For more information on pediatric lung transplants, please call St. Louis Children's Hospital's lung transplant department at 314.454.4131.