Analysis of organ donors in the peripartum period

J Transpl Coord. 1998 Mar;8(1):35-9. doi: 10.7182/prtr.1.8.1.c731481782k1uh07.

Abstract

This study was a retrospective review of 252 brain-dead potential donors from 1990 to 1996, including 5 organ donors in the peripartum period. The purpose of the study was to determine the effects of pregnancy on organ donor management and recipient outcome. Case analysis of 5 pregnant donors identified problems with hemodynamic stability and electrolyte abnormalities, including hypernatremia, hyperchloremia, and hypocalcemia. In addition, blood glucose was frequently elevated. Two donors were treated for diabetes insipidus. All 5 donors produced organs for 20 transplant recipients. Five heart recipients (including 1 heart-lung), 4 liver recipients, 4 kidney recipients, and 4 pancreas-kidney recipients have reported excellent outcomes. The use of organs from brain-dead organ donors in the peripartum period has minimal impact on donor management and recipient outcome.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Brain Death*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / mortality*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Tissue Donors*
  • Tissue and Organ Procurement / methods*
  • Treatment Outcome