Frozen Heart: Toddler's Transplant Ordeal

A severe breach of protocol during organ transport has left a two-year-old boy in Naples on life support. His donated heart, intended for a transplant on December 23, was reportedly transported from northern Italy to Naples in dry ice, freezing it to -80C. This allegedly caused irreparable damage, leading to the toddler's critical condition.

Investigators are examining whether the donated heart was mistakenly packed in dry ice instead of regular ice, a serious violation of regulations for organ transportation. Six medics are currently under formal investigation as authorities probe potential administrative failures and breaches in the chain of custody.

The boy's mother, Patrizia Mercolino, has publicly appealed to the Pope for help in securing a new heart for her son. She has also engaged her lawyer to contact hospitals across Europe in search of a suitable donor. However, doctors at a Rome hospital have indicated that the boy's extended reliance on life support has led to complications, making a second transplant potentially too risky.

The boy was born with cardiomyopathy, a progressive heart disease. The donor heart was sourced from a child who tragically drowned in Bolzano. Upon arrival at Monaldi hospital in Naples, the transplanted heart failed to function, triggering the current medical emergency and subsequent investigations.