Scandiatransplant report 2009

Area of Science:

• Organ transplantation research
• Nordic medical collaboration
• Public health initiatives

Background:

• Scandiatransplant, the Nordic organ exchange organization, has facilitated organ sharing for 41 years.
• Analysis of organ donor demographics and organ retrieval trends over 15 years (1995-2009).

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze trends in organ donation and transplantation within the Scandiatransplant network.
• To evaluate the impact of an aging donor population on organ availability.
• To report on the performance of kidney transplantation rates across Nordic countries.

Main Methods:

• Database analysis of organ donor demographics (age) and retrieved organs (kidney, liver, lungs, heart) from 1995-2009.
• Calculation of mean organs retrieved per deceased donor, stratified by donor age.
• Review of kidney transplantation rates per million population (pmp) in 2009 for Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland.

Main Results:

• A significant increase in organ donors aged 60-90 years was observed.
• Increased organ retrieval for kidneys, livers, and lungs; slight increase for hearts.
• In 2009, kidney transplant rates were 60 pmp (Norway), >40 pmp (Sweden/Denmark), ~35 pmp (Finland), and >20 pmp (Iceland, living donors).
• The Scandiatransplant acceptable mismatch program (STAMP) was launched in 2009 for highly immunized patients.
• 2009 was the best year on record for total organ transplantations (deceased and living donors).

Conclusions:

• The aging donor population has contributed to organ availability, with older donors yielding fewer organs per donor compared to younger donors.
• Targeted programs like STAMP are crucial for addressing specific patient needs in transplantation.
• Nordic countries show varying but generally robust kidney transplantation rates, with 2009 representing a peak year for the Scandiatransplant network.