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Organ donation--world experience; the Middle East
1Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman.
Transplantation Proceedings
|October 1, 1991
Summary
Renal transplantation in the Middle East, primarily using living-related donors, is evolving. Favorable Islamic opinions support organ donation, but illegal kidney sales pose significant health risks, including HIV infection.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Transplant Surgery
- Medical Ethics
Background:
- Renal transplantation programs in the Middle East commenced in the late 1970s and 1980s.
- Living-related donors remain the predominant source of kidneys across the region.
- Islamic jurisprudence has consistently supported organ transplantation from both living and cadaveric sources.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the development and current status of organ transplantation in the Middle East and West Asia.
- To highlight the role of religious rulings in the acceptance of organ donation.
- To address the risks associated with illicit organ transplantation practices.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical development of transplantation programs.
- Analysis of donor sources (living-related vs. cadaveric).
- Examination of religious legal opinions and their impact.
Main Results:
- Living-related donation is the primary source, though cadaveric donation is increasing (35% in Saudi Arabia post-1986 acceptance of brain death).
- Illegal kidney transplantation is associated with severe morbidity, mortality, and a significant risk of HIV transmission (1:18).
- Extrarenal solid organ transplantation (heart, liver) is nascent but established in select countries.
Conclusions:
- Favorable religious rulings and available resources provide a strong foundation for rapid advancement in transplantation in the region.
- Addressing the ethical and health challenges of illegal organ trade is crucial for patient safety.
- Continued development of both renal and extrarenal transplantation is anticipated.