Analysis of trauma cases that progress to brain death and the organ donation process

Abstract

Objective: To analyze cases of trauma that progress to brain death regarding the organ donation process. Method: Analytical cross-sectional quantitative study with patients suspected of having brain death treated at a hospital institution from January 2021 to December 2022. Cases of traumatic origin were included and those that progressed to cardiorespiratory arrest before confirmation of brain death were excluded. Associations were verified between profile characterization, type of trauma and organ donation process using Pearson's Chi-square tests and Post hoc analysis. Results: The majority were between 30 and 59 years old and male. Associated with the type of trauma were the region affected (p<0.001), the mechanism (p<0.001), not being a victim of violence (p<0.001), not having family authorization for donation (p<0.001), not being an effective donor ( p<0.012) and the type of tissue donated (p<0.005). Conclusion: It is suggested to further explore the non-completion of donations since the number of actual donors was much lower compared to the number of potential donors. Acting on the causes could change donation rates and reduce the transplant waiting list.