The brain-dead patient or a flower in the vase? The emergency department approach to the preservation of the organ donor.

Transplantation has been incorporated into the treatment of patients with end-stage diseases of most major organ systems in recent years. However, organ supply is the greatest limitation to organ transplantation. Among the factors that can enhance organ supply, donor management has received the least attention. The importance of establishing an acceptable method of rapidly and accurately determining brain death in potential donors cannot be overemphasized. With an increased awareness of donor management issues and the application of a rational physiological approach, the supply of functional organs for transplantation can be increased. Rapid and continuing resuscitation of clinically brain-dead trauma victims is mandatory. This review addresses the evaluation and management of the organ donor within the emergency department. Common management problems (hypotension, arrhythmias, diabetes insipidus, oliguria, and coagulopathy) are discussed in detail. An aggressive, proactive approach to the medical management of the potential donor is recommended in order to limit the number of medical failures and maximize the number of organs donated.