[Access to transplantation organs in Iceland.]

Area of Science:

• Medical Science
• Transplantation Medicine
• Public Health Policy

Context:

• Iceland's organ transplantation history prior to 1999 involved dependence on international collaborations like Scandiatransplant.
• Early transplantations of kidneys, livers, and hearts for Icelandic patients occurred abroad.
• National legislation in 1991 enabled Iceland to contribute organs to international networks.

Purpose:

• To outline the historical development of organ transplantation services for Icelandic patients.
• To detail Iceland's transition from external reliance to developing its own organ procurement and transplantation infrastructure.
• To analyze trends in organ transplantation, including the rise of living donor kidney transplants.

Summary:

• Iceland initially relied on Scandiatransplant for cadaveric kidney transplants and international centers for liver and heart transplants.
• Following legislation in 1991, Iceland established collaborations with Sahlgrenska University Hospital and Rigshospitalet for necroorgan transplantation and procurement.
• Between 1993 and 1999, 28 necroorgan transplantations were performed, and organs were procured 24 times.
• Kidney transplantation from living Icelandic donors dramatically increased, accounting for 69% of kidney transplants between 1990-1999.

Impact:

• The study highlights Iceland's journey towards greater self-sufficiency in organ transplantation.
• The findings underscore the impact of legislative changes and international cooperation on national transplant programs.
• The significant rise in living donor kidney transplants indicates a successful shift in donor sourcing strategies.