Thymus donation
Providers and thymus tissue donors can potentially save the lives of individuals who live with congenital athymia.
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Understanding primary immunodeficiency (PI)
Understanding PI
The more you understand about primary immunodeficiency (PI), the better you can live with the disease or support others in your life with PI. Learn more about PI, including the various diagnoses and treatment options.
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Living with PI
Living with PI
Living with primary immunodeficiency (PI) can be challenging, but you’re not alone—many people with PI lead full and active lives. With the right support and resources, you can, too.
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Get involved
Get involved
Be a hero for those with PI. Change lives by promoting primary immunodeficiency (PI) awareness and taking action in your community through advocacy, donating, volunteering, or fundraising.
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Advancing research and clinical care
Advancing research and clinical care
Whether you’re a clinician, researcher, or an individual with primary immunodeficiency (PI), IDF has resources to help you advance the field. Get details on surveys, grants, and clinical trials.
A lifesaving opportunity
Sometimes during pediatric heart surgery, surgeons may need to remove thymus tissue in order to do the surgery. That thymus tissue is normally discarded. This is where you can make a difference!
Prior to the surgery, a surgeon will ask for your permission to use the thymus instead of discarding the tissue. For those who participate, donated thymus tissue may be used for treatment and implantation.
What is involved for birth mother and child?
There is no cost to participate. Medical histories are reviewed.
What is involved for your child?
A blood sample is drawn from a line placed for surgery without extra needle sticks. The thymus tissue sample and blood sample are tested.
What is involved for the birth mother?
A blood sample is drawn and tested.
For more information about thymus donations, including possible risks and benefits, contact the Duke University thymus donation study team at 919.884.6779
About congenital athymia
Congenital athymia is a rare primary immunodeficiency (PI) where children are born without a functioning thymus. Without a functional thymus, these children cannot fight infections.
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This page contains general medical and/or legal information that cannot be applied safely to any individual case. Medical and/or legal knowledge and practice can change rapidly. Therefore, this page should not be used as a substitute for professional medical and/or legal advice. Additionally, links to other resources and websites are shared for informational purposes only and should not be considered an endorsement by the Immune Deficiency Foundation.
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