[The significance of brain death as a criterion for renal transplantation. Status after 9 months].
The effect of introduction of the brain-death criterion in Denmark on the course of cadaver kidney transplantation was evaluated by comparing the course of 31 consecutive patients transplanted after introduction of brain-death criterion with the course of a similar consecutive group of patients transplanted just before the new death criterion. The consequences of the new death criterion were significantly earlier onset of graft function, diminished need for posttransplant dialyses, reduced need for immunosuppressive treatment with Minnesota-antilymphocytglobulin and briefer hospital stays. The easier postoperative course had great psychological effects for the patients and the staff, and the cost of each transplantation was estimated to be reduced by at least 50,000 DKr per patient (approximately 5,000 pounds).
Rasmussen
K
K
Nefrologisk afdeling P, Rigshospitalet, København.
Colstrup
H
H
Kristensen
J K
JK
Ladefoged
J
J
Olgaard
K
K
D001926:Brain Death; D003718:Denmark; D006801:Humans; D016030:Kidney Transplantation / Q000191:economics / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology; D011379:Prognosis; D013997:Time Factors; D014019:Tissue Donors
Hjernedødskriteriets betydning ved nyretransplantation. Status efter 9 måneder.