Organ Donation Research Articles

Impact of single centre kidney-exchange transplantation to increase living donor pool in India: A cohort study involving non-anonymous allocation.

In India, 85% of organ donations are from living donors and 15% are from deceased donors. One-third of living donors were rejected because of ABO or HLA incompatibility. Kidney exchange transplantation (KET) is a cost-effective and legal strategy to increase living donor kidney transplantation (LDKT) by 25%-35%. We report our experience with 539 KET cases and the evolution of a single-centre program to increase the use of LDKT. Between January 2000 and 13 March, 2024, 1382 deceased donor kidney transplantations and 5346 LDKT were performed at our centre, including 10% (n = 539) from KET. Of the 539 KET, 80.9% (n = 436) were ABO incompatible pairs, 11.1% (n = 60) were compatible pairs, and 8% (n = 43) were sensitized pairs. There were 75% 2-way (n = 2 × 202 = 404), 16.2% 3-way (n = 3 × 29 = 87), 3% 4-way (n = 4 × 4 = 16), 1.8% 5-way (n = 5 × 2 = 10), 2.2% 6-way (n = 6 × 2 = 12), and 1.8% 10-way KET (n = 10 × 1 = 10). Of the recipients 81.2% (n = 438) were male and 18.8% (n = 101) were female, while of the donors, 78.5% (n = 423) were female and 21.5% (n = 116) were male. All donors were near relatives; wives (54%, n = 291) and mothers (20%, n = 108) were the most common donors. At a median follow-up of 8.2 years, patient survival, death censored graft survival, acute rejection, and median serum creatinine levels of functioning grafts were 81.63% (n = 440), 91% (n = 494), 9.8% (n = 53) and 1.3 mg/dL respectively. We credited the success to maintaining a registry of incompatible pairs, high-volume LDKT programs, non-anonymous allocation and teamwork. This is the largest single-centre KET program in Asia. We report the challenges and solutions to replicate our success in other KET programs.

A Study to Assess the effectiveness of Awareness Programme on Organ Donation Among the B.Sc. Nursing students of Arya Nursing College, Changsari, Kamrup (R), Assam

An experimental study was conducted with the objective to assess the pre-test and post-test knowledge on organ donation, to evaluate the effectiveness of awareness programme on organ donation among the B. Sc Nursing students of Arya nursing college, to find out the association between pre-test knowledge on organ donation and selected demographic variables. The students were selected from B. Sc Nursing 2nd year by using purposive sampling technique. Total 50 sample were selected and self-structured questionnaires were used to collect the data and analyzed according to the study objective. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. The study findings showed that 8% respondents belong to age group of 17-19 years, 86% belongs to the age group of 20-22 years and 6% belongs to the age group who were more than 22 years. 52% belongs to Hindu religion, 36% belongs to Islam religion, 12% belongs to Christian religion. 84% resides in rural area and 16% resides in Urban area. 14% had attended training programme on organ donation while 86% did not. In pre-test 14% have inadequate knowledge, 74% have moderate knowledge and 12% have adequate knowledge regarding organ donation and in post-test 8% have inadequate knowledge, 72% have moderate knowledge and 20% have adequate knowledge. The mean knowledge score of pre-tests is 14.32 and standard deviation is 3.30. The mean knowledge score of post-tests is 21.66 and standard deviation is 3.14. Hence, it shows that there is increase in mean post-test knowledge score when compared to mean pre-test knowledge score.

Temporal trends in organ donation among cardiac arrest patients treated with extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation

AimsThis study explores the evolution of organ donation from patients treated with extracorporeal-cardiopulmonary-resuscitation (ECPR) for refractory out-of-hospital-cardiac-arrest (OHCA) and evaluates the public health benefits of a mature ECPR program. MethodsThis retrospective, single-center study included OHCA patients (2016–2023) who had mostly initial shockable rhythms and were treated with ECPR. Organ donation rates from non-survivors through these years were analyzed. The public health benefit of ECPR was determined by the ratio of the sum of survivors with Cerebral Performance Category 1–2 and non-survivors who donated at least 1 solid organ, to the total ECPR patients. Temporal trends were analyzed yearly using linear regression. ResultsOut of 419 ECPR patients presenting with refractory OHCA over the study period, 116 survived neurologically intact (27.7%). Among non-survivors (n = 303), families of 41 (13.5%) consented to organ donation (median age 51 years, 75.6% male) and organs from 38 patients were harvested, leading to 74 organ transplants to 73 recipients. The transplanted organs included 43 kidneys (58.1%), 27 livers (36.5%), 3 lungs (4%), and 1 heart (1.4%), averaging 2.4 ± 0.9 accepted organs/donor. The number of organ donors and successful transplants correlated positively with the years since the ECPR program’s initiation (ptrend = 0.009, ptrend = 0.01). Overall, 189 patients (116 survivors, 73 organ recipients) benefited from ECPR, achieving organ-failure-free survival. The cumulative public health benefit of ECPR, considering the 116 survivors and 38 donors was 36.8%. ConclusionThe public health benefits of an established ECPR program extend beyond individual ECPR patient survival, forming a new, previously under-recognized source of transplant donors.

Engagement With Sports After Solid Organ Transplant.

Introduction Transplant Games lend a unique opportunity not only by providing a platform for donors and recipients to engage in sports but also to counter the negativity surrounding organ donation and showcase to the world that transplant recipients can lead active lives. When the Transplant Games were held in Kochi, Kerala, India, for the first time, it provided a venue to engage with transplant recipients, donors, and the families of deceased donors. We aimed to understand the impact that engagement in sports brings on the lives of donors and recipients. Methods After obtaining permission from the organizers, we explained the objectives of the survey to the participants and encouraged them to participate. A survey, covering basic demographic information, transplantation details, and questions related to sports engagement was formulated. Participants could complete the survey electronically via a quick response code or in hard copy. They were fully informed about the objectives of the survey and had the right to withdraw at any stage without consequences. The survey was available for five hours during the games. The study received institutional ethics committee approval (ECASM-AIMS-2024-059). Results Among the approximate 150 participants, we received 78 respondents (52%). After the nine who withdrew consent were removed, we had a full response from 69 participants. Of these, 59 were males (85.5%), and 10 (14.5%) were females. The average age of the participants was 45 ± 13 years. Self-motivation was the most common factor in taking up sports for 30.4% of the responders, followed by family and friends in 23.2% and transplant doctors in 5.8%. Liver Foundation of Kerala (LIFOK), a self-help group of transplant recipients, played a major role in 4.3% of the responders. Bowling was the most popular sport with 23 mentions, followed by carroms and badminton with 27 and 20 mentions, respectively. Donors started to take an active role in sports earlier than recipients, 3.1 ± 1.89 vs. 5.7 ± 5.5 months. The most common reason cited for taking up sports was to become part of the transplant community, followed by a desire to embrace a healthier lifestyle and improve fitness levels. Although none had a personalized coach, most intensified their training and improved nutrition as part of their preparation for the games. Conclusion Our survey is limited by its small and self-selected sample size. Our study highlights the significant role of self-motivation, family support, and self-help groups in encouraging solid organ transplant recipients and donors to engage in sports after surgery. It also highlights the need for more proactive encouragement from doctors and better availability of sports facilities and support staff to help transplant recipients and donors engage in physical activities, which are crucial for their physical and emotional well-being.

Solid Organ Donation Process: Correlation between Pro!le, Learning and Course Indication

Objectives: To understand the pro!le of professionals trained in the solid organ donation process, to analyze the result of their learning before and after the course, and to correlate the pro!le and the performance of the professional with the learning and indication of the course. Methods: Retrospective, quantitative, analytical-descriptive study with participants of the course Processo de Doação de Órgãos Sólidos para Pro!ssionais de Saúde. Online questionnaires were used on professional pro!le, performance in the area of organ donation, knowledge assessment, and course indication. "e analyses and correlations were veri!ed with the McNemar test, Spearman's rank, and the bisserial point. Results: Of the 130 professionals, 62% were nurses, 38% physicians, 35% emergency physicians, 26% intensivists, and 42% had more than 10 years of training. For the pro!le of work in the area of organ donation, the professionals report having participated in up to !ve cases in each of the following stages: 44% were involved in the brain death protocol, 56% in the family interview, and 60% in the organ donation process. "e class knowledge retention rate was 26.7%, with 29.5% for physicians and 24.8% for nurses. "e indication of the course was evaluated following the Net Promoter Score (NPS), being in the promoters zone. "e correlation between the groups was positive and statistically signi!cant for those working in the emergency room, with more than 5 years since graduation and with more than !ve cases reported on the questioned stages of organ donation. No signi!cant correlation was identi!ed between these variables and the indication of the course. Conclusion: "e course contributed to the learning of professionals with more training time, greater previous experience in the stages of the organ donation process, and working in the emergency sector.

Pediatric Organ Donation: 16-Year Experience of PICU/ICU of a Third Level Hospital in Portugal, 2006-2021.

Although pediatric organ donation represents a small proportion of overall organ donation, children and adolescents make a significant contribution to the pool of donated organs. In this study 252 solid organs were collected from children and adolescent. Two hundred and two recipients benefited from 62 pediatric organ donors, with a recipient/donor ratio of 3.3.

Concomitant circumaortic and retro-aortic left renal veins associated with fenestrated renal artery.

Variations of the left renal vein can be in the form of circumaortic vein or renal collar, retro-aortic vein, additional renal vein, or multiple primary tributaries. We report a unique complex venous pattern of concomitant circumaortic and retro-aortic left renal veins associated with a fenestrated left renal artery. Two renal veins, anterior and posterior to the renal artery, originated from the renal hilum. The anterior vein was further divided into two branches. One branch passed through the fenestrated renal artery to continue as the anterior limb of the circumaortic vein. It received the suprarenal and gonadal veins and drained into the inferior vena cava. The other branch coursed posterior to the fenestrated renal artery and joined the posterior renal vein. The posterior renal vein was divided into two branches: one forming the posterior limb of the circumaortic vein, and the other continued obliquely downwards as the retro-aortic vein. Variations in the left renal vein have been implicated in several clinical conditions, such as varicocele and pelvic varices. It also plays a crucial role in renal transplantation, as the left kidney is often used as the donor organ. Even though many reports have been published on circumaortic and retro-aortic veins, the complex venous pattern associated with a fenestrated renal artery has not been reported previously.

Advancements in Donation after Circulatory Death Heart Procurement and Preservation: A Comprehensive Review of Recent Innovations.

The persistent shortage of donor hearts for transplantation has prompted exploration into Donation after Circulatory Death (DCD) as a promising avenue for organ procurement. This comprehensive review aims to examine recent advancements in DCD heart procurement and preservation techniques to address the critical need for donor organs and improve transplant outcomes. A systematic review was conducted to identify relevant studies and innovations related to DCD heart procurement and preservation. Electronic databases including PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar were searched using keywords such as "DCD heart donation," "organ preservation," and "transplantation." Studies with statistical analyses on transplant outcomes were included for further evaluation. A meta-analysis of DCD heart transplantation outcomes revealed a statistically significant increase in successful transplants utilizing hearts procured after circulatory death (p<0.05). Normothermic machine perfusion demonstrated a 20% reduction in ischemic time compared to traditional cold storage methods, leading to improved post-transplant cardiac function and reduced rates of primary graft dysfunction. These findings highlight the potential of DCD heart procurement and preservation techniques to address the critical shortage of donor hearts while enhancing transplant outcomes. Recent innovations in DCD heart procurement and preservation techniques show promise in overcoming the challenges of donor organ scarcity and improving transplant success rates. Continued research and development in this field are essential to further optimize these techniques and meet the growing demand for donor hearts worldwide.

Activation of Piezo1 channels enhances spontaneous contractions of isolated human bladder strips via acetylcholine release from the mucosa

Enhanced spontaneous bladder contractions (SBCs) have been thought one of the important underlying mechanisms for detrusor overactivity (DO). Piezo1 channel has been demonstrated involved in bladder function and dysfunction in rodents. We aimed to investigate the modulating role of Piezo1 in SBCs activity of human bladder. Human bladder tissues were obtained from 24 organ donors. SBCs of isolated bladder strips were recorded in organ bath. Piezo1 expression was examined with reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence staining. ATP and acetylcholine release in cultured human urothelial cells was measured. Piezo1 is abundantly expressed in the bladder mucosa. Activation of Piezo1 with its specific agonist Yoda1 (100 nM–100 μM) enhanced the SBCs activity in isolated human bladder strips in a concentration-dependent manner. The effect of Yoda1 mimicked the effect of a low concentration (30 nM) of carbachol, which can be attenuated by removing the mucosa, blocking muscarinic receptors with atropine (1 μM), and blocking purinergic receptors with pyridoxal-phosphate-6-azophenyl-2′,4′-disulfonate (PPADS, 30 μM), but not by tetrodotoxin (1 μM). Activation of urothelial Piezo1 with Yoda1 (30 μM) or hypotonic solution induced the release of ATP and acetylcholine in cultured human urothelial cells. In patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia, greater Piezo1 expression was observed in bladder mucosa from patients with DO than patients without DO. We conclude that upregulation and activation of Piezo1 may contribute to DO generation in patients with bladder outlet obstruction by promoting the urothelial release of ATP and acetylcholine. Inhibition of Piezo1 may be a novel therapeutic approach in the treatment of overactive bladder.

Organ Donation through the Eyes of Jordanian Medical Students

Background: Organ donation is a critical component in the field of transplantation medicine, offering lifesaving opportunities for patients with end-stage organ failure. This study investigated the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) survey regarding organ donation among medical students in Jordan. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among medical students across six Jordanian universities. Using a convenience sampling method, participants were invited via email, social media, and professional networks to complete a structured online questionnaire. The survey captured data on demographics, knowledge about organ donation processes, attitudes toward organ donation, and self-reported practices. Statistical analyses explored associations between students’ KAP and their demographic characteristics. Results: A total of 539 medical students participated in the study. Findings revealed moderate knowledge and generally positive attitudes toward organ donation, with significant variability influenced by demographic factors. Students from various universities demonstrated different levels of knowledge and attitudes. Notably, religious and cultural beliefs significantly affected students’ attitudes toward organ donation. Conclusions: The study highlighted a gap between the positive attitudes and the actual commitment to organ donation among the participants, revealing a need for targeted educational interventions to address misconceptions and enhance the willingness to donate organs. Promoting organ donation education within medical schools could foster a more supportive environment for organ donation, ultimately contributing to increased donor rates and improved transplantation outcomes in Jordan.

Impact of the life-sustaining treatment decision act on organ donation in out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in South Korea: a multi-centre retrospective study

BackgroundThe demand for organ transplants, both globally and in South Korea, substantially exceeds the supply, a situation that might have been aggravated by the enactment of the Life-Sustaining Treatment Decision Act (LSTDA) in February 2018. This legislation may influence emergency medical procedures and the availability of organs from brain-dead donors. This study aimed to assess LSTDA’s impact, introduced in February 2018, on organ donation status in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients in a metropolitan city and identified related factors.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of a regional cardiac arrest registry. This study included patients aged 16 or older with cardiac arrest and a cerebral performance category (CPC) score of 5 from January 2015 to December 2022. The exclusion criteria were CPC scores of 1–4, patients under 16 years, and patients declared dead or transferred from emergency departments. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyse factors affecting organ donation.ResultsOf the 751 patients included in this study, 47 were organ donors, with a median age of 47 years. Before the LSTDA, there were 30 organ donations, which declined to 17 after its implementation. In the organ donation group, the causes of cardiac arrest included medical (34%), hanging (46.8%), and trauma (19.2%). The adjusted odds ratio for organ donation before the LSTDA implementation was 6.12 (95% CI 3.09–12.12), with non-medical aetiology as associated factors.ConclusionThe enactment of the LSTDA in 2018 in South Korea may be linked to reduced organ donations among patients with OHCA, underscoring the need to re-evaluate the medical and legal aspects of organ donation, especially considering end-of-life care decisions.

Organic Bases as the Organic Electron Donors (OED) Promoted Reductive Coupling of Diarylhalomethanes: Halogens Controlled Construction of Tetraarylethylenes and Tetraarylethanes.

Using the organic base as the organic electron donors, the reductive coupling of diaryhalomethanes was smoothly achieved under transition-metal-free reaction conditions, giving a series of synthetically important tetraarylethylenes and tetraarylethanes in high yields. The mechanistic study revealed that the organic bases acting as the electron donor initiated the generation of a radical intermediate, realizing the construction of tetraarylethylene and tetraarylethane skeletons.

Impact of donor expanded criteria kidney transplantation on clinical outcomes and survival: A single-center experience

IntroductionThe scarcity of suitable donor organs has led to the inclusion of Expanded Criteria Donor (ECD) kidneys to augment the donor pool, despite potential concerns regarding post-transplant outcomes. MethodsThis retrospective study analyzed the clinical outcomes of a cohort of 317 kidney transplant recipients from deceased donors at a single center between 2008 and 2018. Patients were categorized into ECD and Standard Criteria Donor (SCD) groups, with primary nonfunctioning grafts excluded. Comprehensive laboratory evaluations were conducted, including HLA typing and serum creatinine levels. Immunosuppressive regimens were standardized, and statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS program. ResultsThe sample consisted of 83 (26.18%) patients who received kidney transplants from ECDs and 234 (73.82%) from SCDs. The ECD group showed a longer cold ischemia time (p = 0.019) and a higher rate of delayed graft function (DGF) compared with the SCD group. No significant differences were observed in graft survival (p = 0.370) or patient survival (p = 0.993) between the ECD and SCD groups. However, differences in graft survival were noted between the groups when stratified by DGF status: ECD with DGF vs. ECD without DGF (p = 0.029), ECD with DGF vs. SCD with DGF (p = 0.188), ECD with DGF vs. SCD without DGF (p = 0.022), ECD without DGF vs. SCD with DGF (p = 0.014), ECD without DGF vs. SCD without DGF (p = 0.340), and SCD with DGF vs. SCD without DGF (p = 0.195). No differences in patient survival rates were observed among these groups for all pairwise comparisons (p > 0.05) when stratified by donor criteria and DGF status. ConclusionsGraft and patient survival rates were comparable between ECD and SCD kidney transplant recipients.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs Toward Organ Donation Registration Among Asian Americans: Development and Pilot-testing of Educational Intervention Video.

Organ donation registration rates in the United States are lowest among Asian Americans. This study aimed to investigate the reasons for low organ donation registration rates among Asian Americans and develop educational material to help improve organ donation rates and awareness. We conducted a 2-phase study. In phase 1, a cross-sectional observational survey was distributed in-person on an iPad to members of the Asian community in Queens, New York, to investigate their knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs toward organ donation. Based on the results, an educational video was developed, and the efficacy of the video was assessed with an independent cohort of participants in phase 2 using a pre-/post-video comprehension assessment survey. Among 514 Chinese or Korean Americans who participated in the phase 1 survey, 97 participants (19%) reported being registered organ donors. Registered donors were more likely to have previously discussed their organ donation wishes with their family (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 4.77; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.56-8.85; P < 0.01), knowledge of the different registration methods (aOR, 2.57; 95% CI, 1.24-5.31; P < 0.01), or know a registered organ donor (aOR, 2.62; 95% CI, 1.39-4.95; P < 0.01). For the educational video efficacy assessment given pre-/post-video, the majority (90%) of the respondents reported learning something new from the video. After watching the video, there was a significant improvement in the mean knowledge score regarding organ donation (63% versus 92%; P < 0.01) and an increase in intention to have discussion regarding organ donation with family. We found varies factors associated with low organ donation registration rates among Asian Americans and demonstrated the potential of our educational video to impart organ donation knowledge to viewers and instigate the intention to have family discussions regarding organ donation. Further research is needed to assess the impact of videos in motivating actual organ donation registration.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Attitudes to Organ Donation in Central Australia: A Qualitative Pilot Study.

Organ transplantation is a well-established intervention but is reliant on the donation of organs and tissues, mostly from deceased donors. The proportion of Australians proceeding to organ donation (OD) has increased, but the proportion of Indigenous Australians proceeding remains two-thirds that of non-Indigenous Australians. We sought to explore perceived barriers and enablers for the involvement of Indigenous peoples in the OD process. Qualitative methodology centered around focus groups was used to capture the experiences and perspectives of Indigenous people regarding OD. A purposively sampled group of Aboriginal Liaison Officers working within the Alice Springs Hospital Intensive Care Unit (ASH ICU) participated in up to 6 focus groups during 2021 with subsequent thematic analysis of the enablers and barriers to Indigenous participation in the OD process. The ASH ICU is the only ICU servicing Central Australia, and 70% of admissions are Indigenous patients. Four primary themes emerged: OD is a new and culturally taboo topic; conversations related to OD are confronting; education is needed (both about OD and cultural education for clinicians); and lack of trust in the healthcare system. There are cultural barriers to engaging in the OD process and clinicians need more training on the delivery of culturally safe communication is needed. Despite this, there was a recognition that OD is important. Education about OD needs to be place based, culturally and linguistically appropriate, informed by local knowledge, delivered in community, and occur before a family member is admitted to ICU.

Knowledge and Willingness Toward Organ Donation Among DPT Students at Isra University (Hyderabad)

Organ donation (OD) is a complex issue involving social, legal, ethical, and medical aspects. The need for organ transplants has increased due to a rise in disorders linked to poor lifestyle choices; however, awareness and knowledge of organ donation remain extremely low, particularly among medical students. This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge and willingness toward organ donation among Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT) students at Isra University in Hyderabad. A cross sectional study was conducted from July to September 2024, using a validated questionnaire and a sample of 100 DPT students selected through stratified random sampling. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 23. Findings revealed that 79% of DPT students were aware of organ donation. Only 12% recognized eyes and 34% identified kidneys for donation. Awareness of Pakistan's organ donation laws was noted in just 54%. Misconceptions were prevalent, with 51% believing that only living individuals could donate. While 38% expressed willingness to donate after death, only 16% would consent to the donation of a deceased family member's organs. The study concluded that significant gaps in knowledge and willingness exist among DPT students, highlighting the need for comprehensive education and awareness campaigns tailored to cultural and religious beliefs.

Potential organ donors during two years at the second largest hospital in Norway.

Western Norway has the lowest number of actual deceased organ donors per million inhabitants in Norway. We wished to find the total number of potential donors and donor organs during 2 years at Haukeland University Hospital, the largest hospital in the region, and evaluate where and why potential donors were lost. We evaluated all patients who died at Haukeland University Hospital in 2018-19. We checked if intensive care patients, filling the criteria as organ donors after brain death, became donors, and the reasons why potential donors were lost. We also estimated the number of potential donors after circulatory death. We checked if patients transferred from the intensive care units and patients never admitted to intensive care were potential donors. Location, gender, age, and possible number of organs were registered. Of 1453 in-hospital deaths, 20 brain-dead patients became actual donors. One brain-dead and two other potential donors, one of them discharged to a bed ward, were not evaluated at the intensive care units. Relatives refused in five patients. Three fulfilled the Norwegian criteria from 2021 as organ donors after circulatory death. Ten potential donors after brain death were never admitted to intensive care and died on neurological or neurosurgical wards. If all potential organ donors were realised, the number of donors would double. The number of transplanted organs would increase less, as organs used per donor would drop from 3.50 to 2.90. Our study cannot explain the low number of donors in our region compared with the rest of Norway. If all potential donations were implemented, the number of actual donors would double. Patients dying outside the intensive care units represent the largest potential source for extra donors, maximally increasing the number of donors by 42%, high-quality livers 44% and kidneys 18%. Introducing organ donation after circulatory death may increase the number of donors by 15% and the number of high-quality livers and kidneys by 12%.

Impact of routine extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation service on the availability of donor organs

In refractory cardiac arrest, extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation may increase the survival chance. However, in cases of unsuccessful treatment, extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation may additionally provide an important source of organ donors. Therefore, we hypothesized that implementing extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation service into a high-volume cardiac arrest center's routine would increases organ donors' availability. MethodsOur retrospective observational study analyzed out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients admitted to the General University Hospital in Prague between 2007 and 2020.The following groups were analyzed regarding the recruitment of donors: before and after extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation implementation. We assessed the number of donors referred, the number of organs harvested, and the organ's survival. ResultsWe analyzed the results of 1158 patients after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. In the conventional approach period, 11 donors were referred, of which seven were accepted. During the extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation period, the number of donors increased to 80, of whom 42 were accepted. The number of donated organs was 18 and 119 in the respective periods, corresponding to 3.6 vs. 13.2 (p = 0.033) harvested organs per year. One-year survival of transplanted organs was 94.4% vs. 99.2%, and five-year survival was 94.4% vs. 95.9% in relevant periods. Conventional and extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation did not affect donor organ survival. ConclusionEstablishing a high-volume cardiac arrest centre providing an extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation service may increase not only the number of prolonged cardiac arrest survivors but also the number of organ donors. In addition, the performances of donated organs were high and comparable between both treatment methods.

249.4: Organ donation and transplantation registries across the globe: A review of the current state.

249.4: Organ donation and transplantation registries across the globe: A review of the current state.

P.458: Attitude of critical care professionals towards implementation of organ donation as end-of- life care practice in Greek Ιntensive Care Units: The Hellenic Organ Donation in Intensive Care Unit Survey (HODICUS).

P.458: Attitude of critical care professionals towards implementation of organ donation as end-of- life care practice in Greek Ιntensive Care Units: The Hellenic Organ Donation in Intensive Care Unit Survey (HODICUS).