Another Child’s Post-Transplant Death Fuels Investigation into Monaldi Hospital Practices
Naples, Italy – The tragic death of two-year-old Domenico Caliendo following a heart transplant at Monaldi Hospital in Naples has opened a Pandora’s box of concerns, as a second family has now come forward with similar allegations regarding a child’s death after a transplant in 2021. This new development intensifies the ongoing investigation into the hospital’s pediatric cardiac transplant procedures and raises serious questions about medical conduct and equipment.
The Caliendo Case: A Catalyst for Further Scrutiny
Domenico Caliendo, at just two years and five months old, tragically passed away fifteen days ago after spending two months in a pharmacological coma. His death followed a failed heart transplant performed at Monaldi Hospital on December 23rd. His parents, Patrizia and Antonio, represented by lawyer Francesco Petruzzi, are seeking answers, and their case has prompted an investigation by the Naples Public Prosecutor’s Office, delegated to the Carabinieri del Nas.
A Second Family Steps Forward: Echoes of Anomalous Conduct
In a startling revelation, lawyer Petruzzi announced that another family has contacted his legal firm, reporting a similar tragic outcome in a pediatric heart transplant case from 2021. “Another family has turned to my legal office for another heart transplant with a negative outcome, and we are continuing with our defensive investigations to uncover the whole truth about what happened to Domenico Caliendo,” Petruzzi stated. He further added, “Also in this second case, during the initial interviews, they reported anomalous behavior on the part of some doctors.”
This new case involves a young girl who died approximately five years ago due to a rejection crisis in a later stage of her transplant. Until now, no formal complaints had been filed regarding her death. However, the revelations surrounding Domenico Caliendo’s case have prompted her parents to reconsider, and they are now evaluating whether to seek a deeper investigation into what transpired in 2021.
Outdated Equipment and Unanswered Questions
Among the disturbing details emerging from both cases is the alleged use of the same type of old-generation “fridge box” for organ transport. Petruzzi confirmed, “It was the same model as the one used for Domenico, despite the National Transplant Centre guidelines stipulating those with thermostats since 2018.” A video filmed outside the operating room during the frantic hours of Domenico’s transplant reportedly corroborates the use of this outdated equipment. The lawyer indicated that potential reports or complaints regarding these findings would be assessed this week.
Hospital’s Response: A New Collaboration
In the wake of these controversies, Monaldi Hospital announced a new agreement between the Azienda Ospedaliera dei Colli and the Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital in Rome. For the next three months, a highly specialized team from Bambino Gesù, including a cardiac surgeon, an anesthetist, an operating room nurse, and a perfusionist, will be stationed at Monaldi. This collaboration aims to ensure continuity of care, strengthen the quality of services for young patients, and manage complex cases, particularly after the Caliendo incident, which led to the suspension of two investigated cardiac surgeons, Guido Oppido and Gabriella Farina.
Anna Iervolino, General Director of the Azienda Ospedaliera dei Colli, emphasized, “The possibility that this dramatic event could have repercussions on cardiac surgery activities prompted the company to verify all possible solutions, internal and external to the hospital. We immediately activated a collaboration with one of the most authoritative pediatric centers at a national level. The objective is to guarantee the full operation of the service, protecting patients and further strengthening a strategic sector of our company.”
This convention, building on a long-standing collaboration between the two institutions, is presented as the first concrete response to the events unfolding since December 23rd, aiming to reinforce and relaunch pediatric cardiac surgery activity at Monaldi. The Bambino Gesù team will work closely with Monaldi professionals, with the possibility of additional specialist support if needed.
The Path Forward: Justice and Reform
As the investigations continue, the families of the deceased children, supported by their legal counsel, are determined to uncover the full truth. The emergence of a second case with similar patterns of alleged medical anomalies and the use of potentially inadequate equipment underscores the urgent need for transparency, accountability, and comprehensive reform within the hospital’s transplant procedures. The focus now shifts to the ongoing judicial inquiries and the hospital’s commitment to implementing lasting changes that will restore public trust and ensure the safety of its youngest and most vulnerable patients.
Source: https://napoli.corriere.it/notizie/cronaca/26_marzo_08/l-avvocato-della-famiglia-di-domenico-un-altra-coppia-si-e-rivolta-a-me-per-una-morta-post-trapianto-8afeb180-de0e-48dd-bbab-96e9c9b15xlk.shtml
