Deceased organ and tissue donor with burn injury.

Abstract

The gap between the clinical demand for transplantable organs/tissues and the limited availability of deceased donors motivates the search for alternative donor types. This growing need has prompted exploration into non-traditional donor populations, including those who have died due to circulatory causes, elderly individuals, and donors previously excluded from consideration, such as those with extensive burns. Burned deceased donors are often perceived as unsuitable due to the detrimental effects of burn injury on multiple organ systems, including the phenomenon known as "burn disease." This condition, characterized by systemic inflammatory responses, metabolic derangements, and sepsis risk, can potentially compromise organ viability.However, proper assessment and management of these donors, including rigorous evaluation of organ function, the extent of burn injury, and potential infection, can enable successful multi-organ and multi-tissue donation. Several reports suggest that, under appropriate clinical and logistical circumstances, organs such as the kidneys, liver, heart, and lungs, as well as various tissues, can be procured from burned donors.Nonetheless, expanding research in this area is essential to establish the guidelines for safe utilization of burn deceased donor population.