science · 22 April 2014 · 10 years ago
In 2014, Teddy Houlston became the youngest organ donor in Britain, aged only 100 minutes. The baby's early death after delivery was anticipated because during the pregnancy a rare abnormality had been detected. Anencephaly was a lethal condition in which the brain and skull would not properly develop. Teddy's twin was born healthy, but it was known Teddy's life would be extremely short. Arrangements had been made in advance by the parents to permit donation of his kidneys and heart valves. Surgery began three minutes after death at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff. Teddy’s two kidneys saved the life of an adult renal patient. The parents are proud of this good outcome.
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