Identifying and managing the potential transplant donor in the emergency department

Abstract

Emergency physicians, often the first physician to see a potential organ donor, are in a position to identify and appropriately manage them. There is a large discrepancy between the number of patients awaiting organ transplant and the number of organs available. Approximately 13,000 patients suffering from chronic, irreversible renal failure are being treated by dialysis, while only 2,400 patients receive kidney transplants each year. Patients with irreversible loss of brain function, as defined by the Ad Hoc Committee of Harvard University Faculty, are most suitable for organ donation. The evaluation and management of potential organ donors in the emergency department are described, along with contraindications. A procedure for obtaining consent from next of kin is discussed.