Considerations of ethical aspects of xenotransplantation in pediatric patients

Abstract

With recent advances in xenotransplantation, an increased initiative toward clinical applications in human recipients has evolved. Along with this trend, ethical concerns and considerations have been discussed. Infants and young children have been suggested as a group of patients for consideration of early clinical application given their limited mechanical circulatory support options, high waitlist mortality, and potential benefits of the immature immune system. However, there are also specific biological, infectious, and immunologic considerations and the unique aspects of obtaining consent from the parents that need to go into the ethical assessment and are discussed in this perspective.