‘Baby James’ Dies After Body Rejects Transplanted Heart

Brown-eyed, 18-month-old “Baby James,” who lived more than four months with the transplanted heart of a brain-dead baby girl beating in his chest, died after his body suddenly rejected the gift heart, officials at Loma Linda University Medical Center announced Monday.

The death came Sunday night, one day after James was readmitted to the hospital, where he received his heart transplant April 26. Hospital officials launched an emergency search for a second donor heart Sunday afternoon, but the child died before one could be found, hospital spokeswoman Anita Rockwell said.

He was the third of six babies who have received human hearts in transplants at Loma Linda, Rockwell said. Another, Baby Nicky, died July 2 of respiratory difficulties after enduring two transplants within 24 hours. Four others remain in good condition and are at home with their families.

In death, James was identified as Nicholas Lawrence Miller, who was adopted at birth by Thomas and Jayne Miller of Redwood City. The Millers had asked hospital officials to shield their identities during their child’s life, but after his death they issued a statement through Rockwell.

“Since his adoption at birth 18 1/2 months ago, Nicholas has been a source of great joy and happiness to us and to all those who knew him. His contagious smile and big, bright brown eyes will be remembered by all those whose lives he touched,” the parents said.

“He was cheerful, energetic and adventurous up to the end of his young life. We will miss this little boy we loved so much.”

The parents also offered their thanks to Dr. Leonard Bailey and the transplant team that cared for their son, and to the parents of the 15-month-old girl whose heart was donated to Nicholas after she was declared brain-dead.

Had Heart Disease

Hospital officials said little Nicholas had suffered since shortly after his birth from cardiomyopathy, a general deterioration of the heart muscle. By the time he was a year old, he suffered from congestive heart failure.

After the April transplant, his health rebounded, and the boy was released to his parents in early May. The next month, he was treated at Loma Linda for an “acute rejection episode,” but he recovered and was released.

This weekend, however, he fell ill with vomiting and lack of appetite. His parents rushed him back to the hospital. Doctors began administering anti-rejection drugs, but the boy’s condition worsened. At 9:05 p.m. Sunday, he died.

“The rejection process could not be controlled or reversed despite vigorous efforts by the transplant team,” Rockwell said. “A search for a replacement donor heart was initiated early Sunday afternoon, but none was available.”

Funeral services are pending in Redwood City.

Four Remain

Nicholas’ death leaves four remaining baby-to-baby heart transplant recipients. Baby Moses, who received a new heart when he was four days old, is a jabbering nine-month-old, Rockwell said. Baby Eve, who received her transplanted heart seven months ago at the age of 17 days, is doing well, as is Baby Rachel, a seven-month-old who was given a new heart four months ago.

Baby Jesse, three months old, received his heart at the age of 15 days, after his unwed parents agreed to doctors’ stipulations that they sign custody of the baby over to his grandparents.

The most famous Loma Linda heart recipient, Baby Fae, died in November, 1984, after living for 20 days with the transplanted heart of a baboon.