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Our role When an organ is no longer functioning (well), a donor can donate their organ. The healthy organ is transplanted to the patient, offering him or her the chance of a return to a normal life.     Image “Organ donation is a part of a system of Belgian and supranational solidarity. We identify the donors and register them with Eurotransplant which then allocates the organs to persons on the waiting list with priority for the most seriously ill. We also manage those on the waiting list and the organs we receive for our patients.”      Professor Thierry Gustot, Director of the H.U.B. Transplant Department. Our specialities Organ transplantation at the H.U.B. is organised transversally per organ and always involving two specialist departments. The Medical Department cares for persons with “organ insufficiencies” while they await a transplant and subsequently provides post-transplant monitoring, most notably managing the anti-rejection treatment and risk of infection. The Surgery Department is responsible for the actual organ removal and transplantation.  Responsibility for heart transplants lies with the Cardiac Insufficiency Clinic (cardiology) and thoracic surgery.Responsibility for lung transplants lies with pneumology for the medical aspects and with thoracic surgery. Responsibility for liver transplants  lies with gastroenterology for the medical aspects and with the Liver Transplant Clinic (digestive surgery).Responsibility for  kidney transplants lies with nephrology for the medical aspects and with the Kidney Transplant Functional Unit (digestive surgery).Overseeing these 4 transplant units is the Transplant Coordination Cell. This team of specialised nurses manages interaction between the donor centres and Eurotransplant as well as the waiting lists and interactions with the specialist doctors in charge of patients waiting for an organ. In the event of compatibility and agreement, the Cell organises the logistics of the transplant: communication with  the patient, secure transport of the organ, mobilisation of the surgery team, reserving of a room in the operating area, etc.    Our Team Image Our medical specialists Focus The H.U.B. Transplant Department has expertise in what liver transplants can contribute in the case of multivisceral insufficiency (kidney, circulation, brain, etc.). The director of the department is also Principal Investigator for a major global study on the subject (CHANCE).     Research The H.U.B. Transplant Department works with the Institute of Medical Immunology on research projects relating to transplant immunology (rejection, organ tolerance, ischaemia-reperfusion, etc.) The department also works on terminal phase liver insufficiency, in partnership with the Experimental Gastroenterology Department.   Teaching The H.U.B. Transplant Department organises the Sympadot, an annual symposium dedicated to the latest progress in organ donation and transplantation. This symposium is for all local coordinators of organ donations within the H.U.B.-ULB network.    Publications Early liver transplantation for severe alcohol-related hepatitis not responding to medical treatment : a prospective controlled study. Autors : Louvet A, Labreuche J, Moreno C, Vanlemmens C, Moirand R, et al. Lancet Gastroenterol HepatolJournal : 2022 ;7(5) :416-425. PMID 35202597 A randomized controlled trial of liposomal cyclosporine A for inhalation in the prevention of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome following lung transplantation. Journal : Am J Transplant 2022 ;22(1) :222-229. PMID 34587371. Long-term outcome after venoarterial extracorporeal mebrane oxygenation as bridge to left ventricular assist device preceding heart transplantation. Autors : Coeckelenbergh S, Valente F, Mortier J, et al.Journal : J Cardiothorac Vasdc Anesth 2022 ;36(6) :1694-1702. PMID 34330577. 5-year outcomes of the prospective and randomized CISTCERT study comparing steroid withdrawal to replacement of cyclosporine with everolimus in de novo kidney transplant patients. Journal : Transpl Int 2021 ;34(2) :313-326. PMID : 33277746.

What is Tuberous sclerosis? Tuberous sclerosis, also known as Bourneville disease,  is a rare genetic disease characterised by the development of benign tumours principally affecting the brain, skin, eyes, kidneys, heart and lungs. The consequences are of variable severity but are potentially serious. There is a high risk of epilepsy and also retarded development, intellectual disability and autism when the brain is affected. There can also be a significant impact on health and quality of life when other organs are affected.  Treatment This disease requires an early diagnosis, in early childhood or even before birth, and monitoring by a specialised multidisciplinary team. This is arranged at the Children’s Hospital in the form of regular and systematic consultations with the various specialists. For the comfort of the children and their families the consultations are held on the same day and take place once a year, although sometimes more frequently depending on the age and particularities of the child. The monitoring begins before birth and continues through the growth years of childhood and into adulthood.   As they reach adulthood a transition consultation can be arranged at the Erasmus Hospital. An early screening for epilepsy, before the appearance of the first symptoms, is proposed systematically so as to avert the consequences. Depending on their individual situation, patients can benefit from innovative treatment in line with international recommendations. Our team cooperates closely with other specialists and paramedical teams  at the Children’s Hospital and with specialist teams, for epilepsy surgery in particular, if the child’s situation requires it. We network with GPs and paediatricians, child therapists (physiotherapists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists etc.), support services, respite care services, associations and psycho-medico-social centres.    Specific care pathways Our team cooperates closely with national and international centres that care for persons with tuberous sclerosis as well as with parents’ associations to achieve a continuous improvement in patient care and to disseminate information on this rare disease and its treatment.  Our specialists Children's patients (Children's Hospital)The multidisciplinary consultation is organised by the Neuroaediatrics Department (Co-ordinating doctor: Dr Anne Monier; Co-ordinating secretary: Ms Daniela Wayllace).Coordinating doctor and neuropaediatrician: Dr Anne MonierDermatologist: Dr Pamela El NemnomOphthalmologist: Dr Sophie LhoirNephrologist: Dr Khalid IsmailiCardiologist : Dr Hugues DessyGeneticist: Dr Catheline VilainCoordinating secretary: Mme Daniela Wayllace (02 477 39 67)Adult patients (Erasme Hospital)The consultation is organised by the Neurology Department (Cons [dot] Neuro [dot] erasme [at] hubruxelles [dot] be (Cons[dot]Neuro[dot]erasme[at]hubruxelles[dot]be))Neurologist: Dr Chantal Depondt