[Deceased organ donation in 2020]

Area of Science:

• Transplantation Medicine
• Organ Donation Research
• Public Health Policy

Background:

• Solid organ transplantation success has increased demand for donor organs, leading to long waiting lists.
• Patient mortality during transplantation waiting periods remains a critical issue, even in regions with high donation rates like Belgium.
• Shortage of donor organs necessitates innovative strategies to meet transplantation demands.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of expanded donor criteria and novel donation programs on organ donation rates in Belgium.
• To assess the effectiveness of strategies aimed at increasing organ availability for transplantation.
• To identify remaining challenges in reducing transplant waiting list mortality.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of organ donation policies and practices in Belgium, including expanded criteria for brain-dead donors.
• Review of the implementation and outcomes of donation after circulation death programs (kidneys, livers, hearts).
• Examination of organ donation after euthanasia practices and their contribution to the donor pool.

Main Results:

• Belgium has maintained high organ donation rates, particularly in the Liege region, through policy adjustments.
• Widened donor criteria (e.g., older donors, those with potential transmissible diseases) have increased organ availability.
• Development of donation after circulation death and organ donation after euthanasia programs have further bolstered donation rates.

Conclusions:

• Belgian transplant centers have successfully implemented multifaceted strategies to enhance organ donation rates.
• Despite high donation rates, continued efforts are essential to effectively reduce mortality among patients awaiting organ transplantation.
• Further research and policy development are needed to optimize organ allocation and minimize waiting list deaths.