Is Donor Age an Important Factor in Cadaveric Organ Donation?

Abstract

Introduction: Our liver transplantion center has determined that the organ donation rate is low in young donors. The goal of study was to investigate whether this observation was valid and the causes for rejecting organ donation among family members of young donors.Methods: The brain death declaration and organ donation rates were analyzed during the study period. The relationship between the organ donation and donor’s age was investigated, and factors related to refusing organ donation were also analyzed. A questionnaire including 10 questions was prepared for family members of brain-dead patients, who rejected organ donation. The study was conducted by phone, and conversations were recorded.Results: Including the years between 2011 and 2015, there was a total of 750 brain death declarations, and 508 of the patients did not approve organ donation. The donor rate under 30 years was lower as compared to the elderly patients (23.8% vs. 32.9%, p=0.026). The most common reasons for refusing organ donation were religious in nature and the anxiety about the corruption of bodily integrity. Sixty-two percent of family members who refused organ donation declared that they would have accepted organ donation if the donor declared accepting organ donation when he or she was alive.Conclusion: For family members of patients who deceased at young ages emotional attitudes are very important about the decision of organ donation. The testament of person about organ donation is the most important factor affecting the decision of family members.