[Reduced availability of potential cornea donors: reasons and suggestions].
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of the study was to analyse the number of potential cornea donors in relationship to the number of actual donors. Furthermore, the reasons for the discrepancy between the number of the potential and actual donors were analysed.


METHODS
Over a period of 6 months data were collected from 6 hospitals and the institute for forensic medicine of the university hospital. The reasons why only a few actual donors from a big pool of potential donors remain for transplantation were investigated.


RESULTS
Circumstances related to the medical staff were causal for refusal in 37 % of the cases. In 23 % the cause for refusal was related to the relatives (23 %). Furthermore, in 16 organisational problems caused a failure in cornea donation. 18 % were excluded due to contraindications. A total rate of 6 % actual donors was achieved.


CONCLUSIONS
The final consent rate was only 6 % out of all potential donors. Organisational failure was only 16 % in contrast to 60 % refusal due to causes relating to medical staff and relatives. Therefore, further education of physicians and the public is needed.
Rosenbaum
K
K
Augenklinik, Universitätsklinikum Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.
Rottler
J
J
Steinbach
R
R
Huber
K K
KK
D016039:Corneal Transplantation / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005858:Germany / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D014019:Tissue Donors / Q000523:psychology* / Q000600:supply & distribution*