J Pediatr Intensive Care 2016; 05(04): 205-212
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1583286
Review Article
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Endocrine Considerations of the Pediatric Organ Donor

Ronish Gupta
1   Division of Critical Care, University of Ottawa, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
,
Sonny Dhanani
1   Division of Critical Care, University of Ottawa, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

27 September 2015

25 November 2015

Publication Date:
17 May 2016 (online)

Abstract

Patients determined to be neurologically deceased exhibit potentially harmful changes in various endocrine pathways due to disruptions of the body's neurohormonal control mechanisms. These deviations from endocrine homeostasis lead to hemodynamic, metabolic, and immunologic aberrations that are associated with reduced graft procurement and function for the purposes of organ donation. Existing literature has attempted to describe the pathophysiology that associates disruptions in endocrine pathways with organ dysfunction, both to increase understanding and to identify strategies to support the donor. For example, diabetes insipidus due to arginine vasopressin deficiency is commonly encountered, and should be anticipated. The significance of abnormalities in other pathways such as those involving cortisol and thyroid hormone is less established; however, there is increasing support for treating potential organ donors with combined hormonal therapies. While there are published documents aimed at guiding management of organ donors in general, many controversies exist and pediatric-specific literature is scarce. This article aims to review several of the important endocrine-specific aspects of managing the neurologically deceased organ donor, with an emphasis on pediatrics where information is available.

 
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