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Twelve years' experience with non-heart-beating cadaveric donors
L Olson1, V L Castro, G Ciancio
1University of Miami School of Medicine, Fla, USA.
Journal of Transplant Coordination : Official Publication of the North American Transplant Coordinators Organization (NATCO)
|December 1, 1996
Summary
This study on non-heart-beating cadaveric donation found that 34 of 41 evaluated patients met criteria. Transplanted kidneys showed a 74% immediate function rate, highlighting the viability of this organ donation pathway.
Area of Science:
- Transplantation Medicine
- Organ Procurement
- Nephrology
Background:
- Non-heart-beating cadaveric donation is a crucial source of organs.
- Evaluating donor suitability and organ viability is essential for successful transplantation.
- The University of Miami Organ Procurement Organization has experience in managing these donors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the outcomes of non-heart-beating cadaveric organ donation.
- To assess the criteria for selecting suitable donors.
- To determine the graft function rates for transplanted kidneys and livers.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 41 evaluated candidates for non-heart-beating donation from 1983 to 1995.
- Patients had irreversible brain injury; families consented to withdrawal of life support and organ donation.
- Kidneys preserved with machine pulsatile perfusion; data on graft function collected for transplanted organs.
Main Results:
- 34 out of 41 evaluated patients met donation criteria.
- Kidneys from 35 transplants: 26 (74%) immediate function, 6 (17%) delayed function, 3 (9%) unused.
- Livers from 6 transplants: 5 (83%) immediate function.
Conclusions:
- Non-heart-beating cadaveric donation can yield viable organs for transplantation.
- Careful donor selection and organ preservation methods contribute to successful outcomes.
- This donation pathway is a valuable resource for increasing organ availability.