RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

ICU Management of Brain-Dead Donors Before Multi-Organ Procurement and Factors Associated With the Number of Organs Retrieved

This study investigates how the care given to patients in intensive care (ICU), both before and after they are declared brain dead, affects the number of organs that can be donated for transplant. Organ transplants are vital treatments, but there aren't enough organs available. Researchers want to find the best ways to manage potential donors to increase the number and quality of organs that can be used. Previous studies suggest that specific medical treatments can help, but this hasn't been confirmed in France or looked at for the time before brain death. This research aims to identify if certain treatments and how quickly they are given can lead to more successful organ donations.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Société Française d'Anesthésie et de Réanimation

Enrolment target

1,000

Start

23 Apr 2025

Estimated completion

15 Feb 2026

Death, Brain

What is this study about?

Organ transplants are life-saving operations for people whose own organs are failing. In the UK, thousands of people are waiting for a new organ, but there aren't always enough available. Most donated organs come from people who have been declared brain dead. This means their brain has completely and irreversibly stopped working, even though their body might still be kept alive by machines for a short time.

This research is looking closely at how patients are cared for in an intensive care unit (ICU) before and after they are declared brain dead. The researchers want to see if certain types of medical management – for example, how blood pressure or breathing is controlled – can help more organs be healthy enough for donation. They believe that if doctors aim for specific treatment goals, and manage care in a certain way, more organs might be suitable for transplant, helping more people on the waiting list.

The study is particularly interested in understanding what happens in the ICU both before a person is declared brain dead and afterwards. They are also looking at how quickly treatments are given. By understanding these factors better, doctors hope to improve the process of organ donation, potentially leading to more successful transplants and saving more lives.

Key takeaways

The study explores how care in ICU affects organ donation numbers.
It aims to optimise care for potential brain-dead donors.
The goal is to increase the availability of organs for transplant.
Researchers will review existing medical records, not new patient involvement.
Findings could help save more lives through organ transplantation.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, individuals must be over 18 years old and receiving care in an intensive care unit (ICU). They must also have been declared brain dead.

Crucially, there must be no record of them having objected to organ donation during their lifetime. This means they hadn't said they didn't want to be an organ donor, or registered this on a national refusal system.

People would not be part of this study if they had previously said no to organ donation or if their name was on the national register for refusing donation.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you over 18 years old?
Were you an ICU patient who was declared brain dead?
Did you not object to organ donation during your lifetime?
Were you not on the national refusal register for organ donation?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study does not involve patients directly taking part in the usual sense, as it’s a review of existing medical records. There are no special visits, tests, or medications for patients. The researchers will be looking at information already gathered as part of routine medical care for patients who have been declared brain dead. Therefore, there's no direct action for individuals or their families to take part in or follow-up appointments related to the study. It simply involves the researchers analysing information that has already been collected.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no direct risks to patients or their families from this study because it only involves reviewing existing, anonymised medical information. Patients will not receive any new treatments or procedures as part of the study. The potential benefit is that by understanding what type of care best supports organ donation, more organs may become available for transplant, which could ultimately save or improve the lives of many people waiting for an organ. Families have the right to withdraw their consent for their loved one's data to be used in such a study, even if they had previously agreed to organ donation.

Locations (2)

Hôpital Saint-Louis, AP-HP
Verified postcode
Paris, France· Not yet recruiting
Hôpital Pitié Salpêtrière AP-HP
Verified postcode
Paris, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'brain dead'?

Brain dead means a person's brain has completely and permanently stopped working. It's different from being in a coma, and someone who is brain dead cannot recover.

Why is this study important for organ donation?

This study aims to find the best ways to care for potential organ donors to make sure more organs are healthy and available for people who need life-saving transplants.

Will I or my family experience any changes from this study?

No, this study looks at existing medical records and does not involve any direct changes to patient care or actions required from families.

What does 'ICU management' mean here?

It means the medical care and treatments given to a patient while they are in the intensive care unit (ICU), such as managing their breathing, blood pressure, and other body functions.

Is this study focusing on living donors?

No, this study is focused on organ donation from people who have been declared brain dead.

How to find out more

Maxime COUTROT, MD

maxime.coutrot@aphp.fr +33 1 42 49 93 94 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.