title: [Post-mortem organ donation].
abstract: In Germany approximately 3000 body organs are transplanted annually. In general, all artificially ventilated patients with diagnosed brain death are potential organ donors. All German hospitals are obliged to report potential organ donors and be actively involved in the organ donation process. These matters lie under the jurisdiction of the German transplantation act. An essential prerequisite for organ donation is the diagnosis of brain death according to the guidelines of the German Medical Association. Brain death is associated with complex pathophysiological changes in cardiopulmonary function as well as fluid, electrolyte and metabolic homeostasis. In the case of diagnosed brain death and with permission for organ donation, a precise organ-protective therapy is initiated, essentially focussing on optimal organ perfusion and oxygenation. The quality of organ protection has a direct influence on the outcome of transplantation.
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Anästhesiologie und Intensivmedizin, Kliniken des Landkreises Neumarkt i.d.OPf., Nürnberger Str. 12, 92318, Neumarkt, Deutschland.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Goroll
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Gerresheim
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Schaffartzik
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Schwemmer
mesh_terms: D001926:Brain Death / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D016377:Organ Transplantation / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000379:methods*; D012039:Regional Blood Flow; D014019:Tissue Donors / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D009927:Tissue and Organ Procurement / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data