Exploring the challenges: main contraindications in organ donation in Colombia

Abstract

Introduction. Organ transplantation is crucial for improving the quality of life of patients with organ failure, but the shortage of donors is a global challenge. In Colombia, the demand exceeds the supply, increasing mortality rates on waiting lists.
Objective. To evaluate the causes of contraindications in potential organ donors assessed by Fundonar across three regional centers in the country during 2022.
Materials and methods. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted based on retrospective data from potential donors reported to the Colombian Donation and Transplant Network. A total of 1,451 cases were evaluated. The causes of contraindications were categorized into medical, medico-legal, and logistical categories. Descriptive statistics were used, the normality of the variables was assessed, and contraindicated donors from each regional center were compared using ANOVA. R version 4.0.3 was used.
Results. Of the 1,451 donors evaluated, 849 were contraindicated. Among these, 29.8% presented multiple organ failure, 20.8% had a comorbidity, and 15.3% did not meet the diagnostic criteria for brain death.
Conclusion. Most of the medical contraindications could be reconsidered by balancing risks and benefits for the recipients. A personalized and multidisciplinary approach, with evidence-based criteria and real-time decisions tailored to Colombia, could improve organ donation approval rates.