Epidemiological profile of elderly potential organ donors under brain death protocol

Abstract

Objective: To outline the epidemiological profile of elderly potential organ donors under a brain death protocol. Methods: This is a retrospective, documentary, and descriptive study with a quantitative approach, conducted in a University Hospital in the state of Paraná, Brazil. The study included patients aged ≥ 60 years who had a brain death protocol initiated and were admitted to the Intensive Care Unit between 2015 and 2022. Statistical analysis was descriptive, with absolute and relative frequency distribution. Results: The sample consisted of 71 patients (59.2% female; mean age of 71.2 years). Ischemic Stroke was the most frequent cause of hospitalization (39.4%). Of the total, 85.9% had some comorbidity, predominantly Systemic Arterial Hypertension, followed by Diabetes Mellitus. The average length of hospital stay between the opening and closing of the brain death protocol was 3.1 days, with a survival rate of 56.3%. Among those who survived until the protocol closure, 40% proceeded with organ donation, while 60% did not due to family refusal or recipient incompatibility. Conclusion: There was a predominance of female patients, victims of ischemic stroke, with comorbidities and continuous use of medications.