J Trauma
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A retrospective review of 114 solid organ donors over a 6-year period (1982-1987) was undertaken to identify problems in organ donor management and determine outcome of donated organs. Admission GCS was less than or equal to 4 in 84% of the donors. Complications included hypotension (81%), multiple transfusion requirements (63%), diabetes insipidus (53%), DIC (28%), arrhythmias (27%), cardiac arrest requiring CPR (25%), pulmonary edema (19%), hypoxia (11%), acidosis (11%), seizures (10%), and positive bacterial cultures (10%). ⋯ Reasons for failure of donated organs to be procured or transplanted included abnormal organ characteristics, lack of compatible recipients, unavailability of surgical teams, organ injury during procurement, intraoperative arrest, and anatomic limitations precluding multiple organ procurement. This study identifies characteristics of organ donors and common organ-threatening complications. Rapid and continuing resuscitation of clinically brain dead trauma victims is mandatory.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)