Rede D'Or, a private hospital group in Brazil, has established a national hepatology and liver transplantation service aimed specifically at children and adolescents up to 17 years old. This initiative is centered around a reference center in São Paulo, operating from the Hospital São Luiz Itaim and the Hospital da Criança in Jabaquara. It aims to provide technical support and receive patients referred from the 79 other facilities within the network, which are spread across 13 states and the Federal District.

The program is designed not only to expand access to high-complexity medical care but also to hasten the early identification of hepatic cases in children nationwide. The clinical coordination of this initiative is led by pediatric hepatologist Gilda Porta, with the surgical team spearheaded by João Seda and Eduardo Antunes. The inaugural surgery performed under this new service involved a 7-year-old boy named Theo Viana Magalhães, who traveled from Maranhão for the transplant procedure at the Hospital São Luiz Itaim.

This development signifies a major advancement in pediatric healthcare in Brazil, particularly addressing the critical need for specialized liver care among younger populations. By centralizing expertise and resources, Rede D'Or aims to revolutionize how complex hepatic conditions are managed for children, thus improving outcomes and accessibility of care for families across the country.