Realization of the sixth modification of guidelines for organ placement in renal transplantation-a single-center experience

Area of Science:

• Transplantation Medicine
• Organ Donation Policy
• Medical Ethics

Background:

• The Board of Bundesärztekammer modified organ transplantation guidelines concerning extended criteria donors with severe diseases.
• These changes align with recommendations from the standing commission on organ transplantation.
• The modification addresses the use of organs from donors with grave diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess patient acceptance of organ offers from extended criteria donors following guideline modifications.
• To determine the percentage of transplantable patients willing to receive organs from extended criteria donors.

Main Methods:

• All patients on the waiting list were contacted regarding the guideline changes.
• Informed consent was obtained from transplantable patients regarding organ placement from extended criteria donors.

Main Results:

• Out of 322 transplantable patients on the waiting list, only 6 (1.9%) agreed to accept organs from an extended criteria donor.
• This represents a very low acceptance rate for organs from donors with grave diseases.

Conclusions:

• Patient acceptance of organs from extended criteria donors remains significantly low despite guideline modifications.
• Further strategies may be needed to increase the utilization of extended criteria donor organs and address patient concerns.