INTERNATIONAL TRENDS IN ORGAN DONATION

S. Lavigne¹, M. Carrier², C. Lebeau³, I. Sourdif^2
1, Quebec-Transplant, Québec/QC/CANADA, ², quebec-transplant, montréal/QC/CANADA, ³, quebec-transplant, Québec/QC/CANADA

Body: Changes in practice and its effect on the coordination of the organ donation process in Quebec: an analysis of the current situation C. Lebeau, M. Carrier, S. Lavigne, I. Sourdif, Québec-Transplant Context: Numerous factors influence the coordination of the organ donation process. The older donor and the use of marginal donors (expanded criteria and DCD) as well as the implementation of certain measures to maximize organ utilization are often cited as influential factors. Objectives: Analyze the effects of these new parameters on the coordination of the organ donation process in Quebec in 2008. Methodology: A chart review of actual donors from January 1 to December 31, 2008 was compiled and compared to data collected from actual donors in 1998. Data relating to coordination times were classified, including the allocation time per organ, as well as the total number of organ allocations, the number of organs offered and transplanted. Variables relating to the donor were also recorded, such as age, type of donor (DCD-ECD-SCD) and the cause of death. Results: The average coordination time increased by 10 hours between 1998 and 2008, and this increase was equally distributed between the identifying and retrieving hospitals. On average, five (5) organs were allocated per donor and four (4) hours were required to complete the allocation. The average number of organs per donor increased from 3 to 3.4. However, the donor’s age, the existence of expanded criteria, DCD or heart and lung recruitment protocols did not influence coordination time. Conclusion: The coordination of the organ donation process has become lengthier and more complex requiring additional interventions and an increasing multidisciplinary involvement. Although not quantifiable currently, the limited access to intensive care unit beds and operating room availability may be significant factors.

Disclosure: All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.