Is it permissible for a child with neurodevelopmental disabilities to be a living donor transplant candidate, but not a deceased donor candidate? Should donor source influence transplant center deliberations?

Limited data from surveys and highly publicized cases suggest that pediatric transplant providers and the public may use different standards when evaluating a potential transplant candidate with severe neurodevelopmental disabilities depending on whether a parent or other living donor has been identified. The purpose of this article is to explore the arguments in favor and against differing standards of candidacy for living and deceased donor transplants in pediatric solid organ transplantation using the example of children with severe neurodevelopmental disabilities. I conclude that donor source should not be a relevant consideration of pediatric transplant teams when considering the candidacy of a potential recipient.