Italian toddler dies after transplant with frost-damaged donor heart

Two-year-old Domenico has died after receiving a donor heart that the family’s lawyer said arrived frost-damaged, and prosecutors have opened an investigation with six medical staff under formal inquiry.

Two-year-old Domenico died on Saturday after a heart transplant performed in late December. The family's lawyer said the donated heart arrived frost-damaged following transport. Monaldi Hospital reported a sudden and irreversible worsening of his clinical condition. A panel of paediatric specialists had concluded he was not compatible with another transplant. Known details: - The child, identified by the family as Domenico, died shortly before 09:30 local time on Saturday, the family's lawyer said. - The family's lawyer reported that the donor heart was transported in direct contact with dry ice and described it as frost-damaged. - Doctors said the child had been on life support in Naples for almost two months and that prolonged support may have affected other organs. - Prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation and six medical staff are under formal investigation in the case. Summary: Officials and the family have called for clarification about the condition and transport of the donor organ. Prosecutors have opened an investigation and six medical workers are under formal inquiry. The family has requested access to the relevant medical records as the inquiry proceeds.