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ABSTRACT: Information provided by primary care workers about organ donation significantly affects the attitude of the general public. The objective of this study was to evaluate information about donation requested by the general public in health centers in an autonomous community (region) of Spain and to find out how many workers provided relevant information.
A random sample was taken and stratified by sex, job category, and geographical location (six health areas of our autonomous regional community, 45 municipal councils), among primary care health workers in order to obtain a total of 428 respondents in 34 primary care centers. A study was undertaken of information requested and provided about organ donation and transplantation. The chi square test was applied and differences were considered significant at levels of P < .05.
Forty-three percent (n=185) of the workers surveyed indicated that information had been requested from them about organ donation and transplantation. This request for information was much greater from physicians than from the other types of workers (P = .015). Furthermore, 54% of primary care health workers (n=229) reported having provided information about donation, especially physicians (64%), with this being mainly favorable. Information had also been provided by nurses (59%) and ancillary staff (34%).
Information requested from primary care health workers by the general public about organ donation and transplantation is increasing when we compare it to data from previous years. Around half of primary care workers have offered information about transplantation. Therefore, it is fundamental that these workers have adequate and correct information to provide patients and families.
Transplantation Proceedings 11/2006; 38(8):2367-70. · 1.00 Impact Factor
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O M Fernández-Rodríguez,
C G Palenciano,
A Ríos,
L Martínez,
M Arance,
B Segura,
R Martín-Gil, C Conesa,
T Sansano,
F Acosta,
P Ramírez,
P Parrilla
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ABSTRACT: Portal vein arterialization (PVA) is a technical variation of auxiliary heterotopic liver transplantation (AHLT) that is rarely studied but that simplifies the AHLT surgical technique because it does not act on the portal area. The objective of this study was to analyze the hemodynamic consequences of this auxiliary transplant in an experimental model.
Ten AHLT-PVA were analyzed in a pig model. A PiCCO (Pulsion) monitor was used for the hemodynamic study of the recipient. The following were measured: cardiac index, (CI), systemic vascular resistance index, (SVRI), mean arterial pressure (MAP), global end-diastolic volume, central venous pressure, and intrathoracic blood volume. The measurements were taken at four times during transplant: at baseline, after inferior vena cava clamping, after graft reperfusion, and at closure.
After graft reperfusion there was a reduction in SVRI (968 +/- 168.03 vs 1686.25 +/- 290.66; P < .05) and in MAP, and there was an increase in CI. At the end of the transplant MAP and SVRI recovered (1254.2 +/- 225.79 vs 968 +/- 168.03; P < .05) but CI remained slightly high. The end-diastolic volume showed greater variation than central venous pressure, although this was only statistically significant at the inferior vena cava clamping phase (244.75 +/- 52.05 vs 333.37 +/- 170.13; P < .05).
Heterotopic liver transplantation with portal arterialization is well-tolerated hemodynamically. Graft reperfusion decreases SVRI and increases CI to compensate for this. This behavior, which in healthy recipients like ours is not a problem, could imply a contraindication in patients with a prior hyperdynamic state.
Transplantation Proceedings 11/2006; 38(8):2603-5. · 1.00 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Introduction: Most Spanish transplant centers have on-going living kidney transplant programs. However, such transplants are not increasing as a proportion of the total number of kidney transplants. The objective of this study is to analyze the attitude of kidney patients on the kidney transplant waiting list toward living kidney donation.Materials and methods: The patients studied were selected from those included on the kidney transplant waiting list from November 2003 until September 2005 (n = 221). Attitude toward living donation was evaluated using a psychosocial questionnaire. It was completed in a direct personal interview with an independent health-care worker from the Transplant Unit. Student's t-test and the chi-squared test were applied.Results: Two hundred and fourteen patients completed the questionnaire (97%), of which 35% would accept a related living kidney if it were offered to them, 60% would prefer to wait on the waiting list and the remaining 5% are undecided. Up to 66% (n = 134) of patients report that a member of their family or a friend have offered them an organ for donation. Eighty-nine percentage believe that there is some risk involved in living kidney donation, although it is not a factor that affects whether an organ would be accepted or not (p = 0.767). The psychosocial variables that affect attitude toward accepting a related living kidney are: (i) age: the youngest are those who are most likely to accept (40 vs. 45-yr-old; p = 0.010); (ii) descendents: patients without descendents are more likely to accept a living organ (56% vs. 27%; p < 0.000); (iii) marital status: a greater percentage of single respondents would be prepared to receive this type of transplant compared to the group of married respondents (55% vs. 30%. p = 0.007); and (iv) level of education: those with a higher level of education are more likely to accept a living organ (43% have secondary or university studies vs. 28% who only have primary education; p = 0.040).Conclusion: Patients on the waiting list for a kidney transplant do not have a very favorable attitude toward receiving a related-living donor organ, although members of their family have offered them one of their organs. The profile of a patient who would accept a related-living donated kidney is a young, single person, without descendents, and with a high level of education.
Clinical Transplantation 10/2006; 20(6):719 - 724. · 1.67 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: In situations of extreme urgency when there is a need for vital organs, xenotransplantation could provide a bridge until the arrival of a human organ. However, it is important to find out the level of acceptance of this potential therapy among the health care workers who would be involved in its implementation. The objective of this study is to analyze attitude among personnel in a hospital with a pre-clinical xenotransplantation program toward xenotransplantation and to determine the variables that influence this attitude.
A random sample (n=1168) was taken and stratified according to job category and service. Attitude toward xenotransplantation was evaluated using a validated questionnaire. Contact was made with the head of each service who was given an explanation of the project. This person was made responsible for the distribution and collection of the survey in each service in randomly selected work shifts. Such a survey was completed anonymously and was self-administered. A random sample of 250 individuals from our regional community was used as a control group.
The survey completion rate was 98% (n=1148). Most respondents are in favor (67%), 7% are against and 26% undecided. Such an attitude is more favorable in the control group (74% vs. 67%; P=0.0378). The following factors are positively related to such an attitude: (1) male sex (P<0.0005); (2) a younger age (P=0.013); (3) participation in prosocial voluntary activities (P=0.002); (4) knowing that the church has a positive attitude toward donation and transplantation (P<0.0005); (5) a partner's favorable attitude toward transplantation (P<0.0005); (6) a physician's job category (P<0.0005); (7) a resident physician's job contract situation (P=0.017); (8) a respondent's belief that he or she may need a transplant in the future (P<0.0005); and (9) a favorable attitude toward human donation, whether this be cadaveric or living (P<0.0005). In the multivariate analysis, the following persist as independent variables: (1) sex (odds ratio=1.6); (2) participation in prosocial voluntary activities (odds ratio=2.2); (3) a partner's unfavorable attitude toward transplantation (odds ratio=0.3); (4) a favorable attitude toward cadaveric donation (odds ratio=2); and (5) attitude toward living liver donation (odds ratio=3.8).
Attitude toward xenotransplantation is not as favorable among hospital personnel as it is in the general public and this is determined by many factors. It will be necessary for research groups to periodically carry out awareness-raising activities about our findings in our own centers, to avoid the rejection that could be generated by a lack of awareness.
Xenotransplantation 09/2006; 13(5):447-54. · 2.33 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The attitude of health-care workers, especially in transplant-related services, is fundamental in the process of organ procurement. In this study we examine the attitude of workers in transplant-related services toward cadaveric organ donation and transplantation (ODT) in a third-level hospital in Spain. A random sample was stratified according to type of service and job category (n = 309) among personnel in transplant-related services (organ procurement units, transplant units and follow-up units). Attitude toward cadaveric organ donation was evaluated using a validated psychosocial questionnaire. Seventy percent (n = 215) of respondents were found to be in favor of donation, as opposed to 30% against or undecided (n = 94). Regarding job category, attitude was most favorable among physicians (86%, n = 99; p = 0.000). With respect to type of service, attitude tended to be more negative in organ procurement units and more positive in the follow-up units of transplanted patients (41% vs 81%, p = 0.013). Upon analysis of the psychosocial variables, significant results were found with respect to the following factors: (1) age (39 vs 42 years, p = 0.007); (2) having discussed ODT with family members or with a partner (p = 0.007); (3) understanding of the concept of brain death (p = 0.001); (4) attitude toward carrying out an autopsy (p = 0.001); and (5) concern about the possibility of mutilation after organ extraction. Attitude toward cadaveric donation was lower than expected among personnel in transplant-related services, especially among ancillary personnel and workers in organ procurement units.
The Journal of heart and lung transplantation: the official publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation 09/2006; 25(8):972-6. · 3.54 Impact Factor
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Gastroenterología y Hepatología 06/2006; 29(5):322. · 0.73 Impact Factor
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O M Fernández-Rodríguez,
A Ríos,
J L Navarro,
J A Pons,
C G Palenciano,
R Mota,
J J Berenguer,
F Mulero,
J Contreras, C Conesa,
P Ramírez,
T Fuente,
P Parrilla
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ABSTRACT: Our aim was to evaluate liver graft integrity and function using scintigraphy and ultrasonography in a porcine model of auxiliary heterotopic liver transplantation with portal vein arterialization (AHLT-PVA).
Using Doppler ultrasonography we evaluated eight AHLT-PVA by parenchymal echogenicity, portal and arterial anatomy, and portal and biliary system flow. Two types of scintigraphy were performed: microaggregated human albumin colloid scintigraphy and diisopropyl iminodiacetic acid (DISIDA) scintigraphy, both labeled with 99mTc.
The animals were distributed into two groups. The first group consisted of three animals with clinical suspicion of graft dysfunction, in which the ultrasonographic study revealed areas of parenchymal destructuring. In the scintigraphic study, heterogenous uptake was observed; there was no uptake in one animal. Necropsy of these three animals revealed areas of graft necrosis. The second group consisted of five animals with good clinical evolutions, in which the ultrasonographic study showed portal dilation, portal flow with arterial spiculations, and homogenous echogenicity of the hepatic parenchyma. The scintigraphic study revealed homogenous uptake by the graft and an elimination speed of the hepatobiliary agent similar to that of the native liver.
An heterogenous echostructure of the graft provided a sign of poor prognosis indicating necrosis in the same way as heterogenous uptake or nonuptake of radioisotope upon scintigraphy. Scintigraphy is a good method to evaluate biliary function and bile elimination. In an AHLT-PVA, the main ultrasound findings derived from arterialization were dilation of the portal system and portal flow with arterial spiculations.
Transplantation Proceedings 05/2006; 38(3):963-6. · 1.00 Impact Factor
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C Conesa,
A Ríos,
P Ramírez,
J Sánchez,
E Sánchez,
M M Rodríguez,
L Martínez,
O M Fernández,
F Ramos,
M J Montoya,
P Parrilla
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ABSTRACT: The deficit in transplantable organs is making it necessary to find alternative sources. One possibility is xenotransplantation. However, the use of animal organs may be rejected by society and among health professionals. Primary Care is fundamental for promoting matters of health; in Spain it has access to nearly 100% of the population. Our objective was to analyze the acceptance of this therapy, although it is experimental, among Primary Care professionals, given that they are the ones most involved in spreading information about this therapy if it was confirmed to be useful.
A random sample was stratified by sex, job category, and geographical location among Primary Care personnel, including 428 professionals in 32 health centers among population of 2851 professionals. Attitudes toward xenotransplantation were evaluated using a questionnaire on psychosocial attitudes validated in our geographical area. Contact was made in each center with the Doctor Coordinator for doctors, the Nursing Coordinator for nurses, and an Administrative Officer for ancillary personnel. The chi-square test and Student t test were applied to evaluate categorical and continuous data, respectively.
Attitudes toward xenotransplantation were similar to those obtained in human organs: favorable in 79% (n = 325), whereas 19% (n = 78) had doubts and 2% (n = 10) were against. The attitude was more favorable in men (89% vs 72%; P < .000), those who had cared for transplant patients (84% vs 71%; P = .009), those with previous experience in organ donation and transplantation (84% vs 75%; P = .033), those with an attitude in favor of cadaveric organ donation (83% vs 66%; P < .0001), and those in favor of living donation of the kidney (P < .000) or the liver (P < .000), as well as those who believed that they may need a transplant at some time in the future (84% vs 74%; P = .045). There was a clear difference in attitude according to job category (P = .018): approval rates were 89% for doctors, 76% for nurses, and 70% for ancillary personnel.
Attitudes toward future application of xenotransplantation were quite positive among doctors. However, the attitudes of nursing and ancillary personnel were similar to those of the general population. The main factors related to such an attitude depended mainly on the previous relationship and attitude of the respondent toward human organ donation and transplantation.
Transplantation Proceedings 05/2006; 38(3):853-7. · 1.00 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To reduce the number of family organ donation refusals, it is necessary not only to act on the general public but also on the health care system. In this respect, there are data suggesting that the percentage of hospital personnel against donation is high, especially among ancillary personnel. The objective herein was to analyze the attitudes of ancillary hospital professionals toward donation of their own organs and determine factors that conditioned such attitudes.
A random sample in a third-level hospital with a solid organ transplant program was stratified by ancillary services: administrative, porters, maintenance, cleaning, and cooking. Attitudes toward donation of one's own organs after death were evaluated using a questionnaire on psychosocial aspects validated in our area. It included various psychosocial variables that could affect such attitudes. The Student t test and chi-square test were used to evaluate the data.
We analyzed 277 respondents of mean age 43 +/- 8 years and 96% women. The level of acceptance of organ donation was 64% (n = 178), whereas 46% were either against or undecided (n = 98). The variables which determined the attitudes were understanding of brain death (P = .004); attitude toward cadaveric manipulation, especially toward autopsy (P = .013) and cremation (P = .004); concern about mutilation after donation (P = .014); religion (P = .032); partner's attitude toward donation (P < .0001); and possibility of needing an organ in the future (P = .031).
Ancillary hospital personnel had similar attitudes toward donation as those of the general public as observed in other studies. The attitudes were determined by many psychosocial factors. A campaign to raise awareness among professionals has become a priority, given that working in a hospital, their unfavorable attitude could have a strong negative impact on the general public.
Transplantation Proceedings 05/2006; 38(3):858-62. · 1.00 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The attitudes of health care personnel, specifically doctors, have a significant influence on public attitudes toward organ donation and transplantation. The objective herein was to analyze the attitudes of Primary Care (PC) doctors toward living organ donation and to determine the psychosocial factors that condition these attitudes.
A random sample was stratified by geographical location (six health areas in our community) among PC doctors, including 155 respondents from 32 health centers. Attitudes toward donation were evaluated using a psychosocial questionnaire validated in our geographical area. Contact was made with the Doctor Coordinator in each center for distribution of the questionnaires, which were completed anonymously. The chi-square test and Student t test were applied to evaluate the data.
When the living donor is not related, only 21% (n = 32) of PC doctors were in favor of living kidney donation, and only 20% (n = 31) for living liver donation (P > .05). In contrast, these percentages were 90% and 89% in favor of kidney and liver related donation, respectively. Upon analysis of the psychosocial variables affecting these attitudes, there was only an association with their partner's opinion (P = .009 for kidney and P = .000 for liver), and the possibility of needing a transplant oneself (P = .000).
PC doctors have favorable attitudes toward related living donation. If living donation is promoted by transplant coordination units, such PC professionals could act as a source of positive information about the matter for the general public.
Transplantation Proceedings 05/2006; 38(3):863-5. · 1.00 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Our aim was to analyze acceptance of cadaveric and living organ donation for transplantation among resident doctors, given that they are the new professionals of medicine who will have to encourage and develop transplant programs.
A random survey was performed on resident doctors in a third-level hospital with an organ transplant program which is accredited for undergraduate and postgraduate education (n = 171). Attitudes toward cadaveric and living donation were evaluated using a questionnaire including various psychosocial variables that might affect such attitudes. We used the Student t test and the chi-square test.
The sample was composed of responses by 171 resident doctors of mean age 28 +/- 4 years with 56% women. Attitudes toward cadaveric donation were favorable in 92% (n = 157). As for living donation, the percentage in favor of nonrelated donation was low: 23% for kidney and 19% for liver. However, when the donation was from a relative, the percentages increased to levels similar to those of cadaveric donation, namely 88% and 85% for kidney and liver, respectively. No differences were observed in attitudes toward cadaveric or living donation according to various psychosocial variables.
The trainee doctors showed favorable attitudes toward human cadaveric organ donation as well as living related donation, which suggests a relaunch of living donors in the near future. However, there was not much acceptance of nonrelated donation, as has also been seen in studies of the general public in our geographical area.
Transplantation Proceedings 05/2006; 38(3):869-74. · 1.00 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Rural areas present a worse attitude toward organ donation. However, the factors conditioning this attitude are not well known. Our aim was to determine the profile of the population opposed to donation in rural areas.
A random sample stratified by age and sex was obtained from municipalities with less than 10,000 inhabitants. Attitudes toward donation were assessed by a questionnaire which evaluated variables that may influence these attitudes. A descriptive statistical study used the Student t test and chi-square test as well as a logistic regression analysis.
Among 181 respondents, 63% were in favor of donation and 37% against or undecided. Among the reasons to be against donation were rejection of body mutilation (43%) and fear of apparent death (41%). The psychosocial variables against donation were age >or=44 years, primary education or below, no previous experience with donation, no prosocial activities, an unfavorable opinion of the partner, and fear of corpse mutilation. The variables persisting in the multivariate analysis were level of education, previous experience, prosocial activities, and fear of corpse manipulation.
Among the rural population the profile of a person opposed to donation was someone older than 44 years, with a low level of education and no previous experience with donation, who does not participate in prosocial activities and is opposed to corpse manipulation.
Transplantation Proceedings 04/2006; 38(3):866-8. · 1.00 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Attitude of health personnel, especially of physicians, has a significant influence on populational attitude towards organ donation and transplantation. The objective here is to analyse the attitude of Primary Care (PC) physicians towards cadaveric organ donation and transplantation and to determine the factors which condition this attitude.
A random sample was stratified by geographical location (six health areas of our community) among PC physicians. A total of 155 responses from 32 health centres were collected. Attitude towards donation was evaluated using a psychosocial attitudinal questionnaire about donation validated in our geographical area. The co-ordinator of physicians in each centre was contacted in each centre and was made responsible for distribution and collection of the questionnaires which were completed anonymously. The chi2 test and Student's t-test were applied.
88% (n=136) of the PC physicians are in favour of organ donation, 1% (n=2) are against and 11% (n=17) are undecided. Up to 84% of the PC physicians (n=130) have attended to transplant patients, although this fact is not related to a more positive attitude towards donation (p=0.059). In addition, 64% (n=99) have provided favourable information about organ donation and transplantation to their patients and one of the physicians admits having provided unfavourable information about the matter. On analysing the psychosocial variables which influence such an attitude, a relationship has only been found with respect to two variables: attitude towards cadaveric manipulation (p=0.035) and a partner's opinion towards the subject (p=0.006).
PC physicians have a very favourable attitude towards donation of their own organs and constitute a positive source of information on the subject for the general public.
Upsala Journal of Medical Sciences 02/2006; 111(3):353-9. · 1.06 Impact Factor
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Nefrologia: publicacion oficial de la Sociedad Espanola Nefrologia 02/2006; 26(3):393-4. · 1.00 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To determine the histological findings and temporal evolution that occur in auxiliary liver grafts as a consequence of arterialization of the portal vein (PVA).
We evaluated 10 auxiliary heterotopic liver transplants with arterialization of the PVA. The histological study was performed using an optical microscope to process liver samples with staining using hematoxylin and eosin. A biopsy of native liver tissue was used as a control.
Two animals were excluded from the study, one due to ischemic necrosis of the graft and one that died 4 hours after transplant. All of the remaining eight animals underwent a histological study at 1 day, 7 days, and 14 days. The most significant histological findings were: (1) dilation of portal areas and sinusoids, which were detected at 24 hours and persisted; (2) thickening of the interlobular septum, which was observed after day 7 and progressively increased to day 14; (3) bile duct hyperplasia detected at the seventh day.
The consistent, early findings in a pig liver with PVA included vascular dilation of the portal area and the sinusoids, with bile duct hyperplasia extending progressively and the thickening of interlobular connective tissue septa with a generalized perilobular connective tissue reaction, which did not seem to alter the internal structure of the lobule, which showed histologically normal hepatocytes. The fibrous reaction may be the first stage in chronic hepatopathy. Further long-term studies are required in this model.
Transplantation Proceedings 12/2005; 37(9):3939-42. · 1.00 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: There are data that suggest that the percentage of hospital workers not in favor of donation is relatively high, even in services that are directly related to transplantation. The objective was to analyze attitudes toward decreased organ donation in the surgical services.
A random sample was stratified by the surgical service and the job category (n = 263) in a third-level hospital with a transplant program assessed attitudes toward the donation of ones own organs after death using a questionnaire including psychosocial factors as validated in our geographic surroundings. Student t test and the chi-square test were used for data analysis.
Favorable attitudes toward donation were observed in 68% (n = 178) as opposed to 32% with an attitude that was undecided or against the act (n = 85). The psychosocial variables that showed significant relationships with this attitude were age (most in favor are younger; P = .021); nonmedical surgical staff (50% against donation; P = .0001); resident physicians (94% in favor; P = .001); discussion and prior consideration of donation (P = .016); knowledge of the concept of brain death (an important factor in nonhealth staff; P = .010); attitude toward manipulation of the deceased (P = .011) and concerns about mutilation (P = .026); partner's opinion toward organ donation (P = .0001); and existence of frequent medical errors (P = .003). No significant differences were found, depending on whether the services were involved in a specific transplant program (P = .853).
Favorable attitudes toward donation among the hospital staff on surgical services, including those who perform transplants, did not reach more than 70% and was determined by multiple psychosocial factors. Donation promotion activities are necessary for these services, given the importance that this group's negative attitude could have on the attitude of the general population.
Transplantation Proceedings 12/2005; 37(9):3603-8. · 1.00 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: A living donor kidney is currently the most accepted kind of solid organ donation, given the low level of morbidity and mortality and the good results in the recipient. In Spain, its use is still scarce; even many health service workers are not in favor. Our objective was to analyze the attitudes toward living kidney donation in a surgical department.
A random sample was stratified according to surgical services and job category in a tertiary hospital with an solid organ transplant program. Attitudes toward living kidney donation were evaluated using a questionnaire on donation and transplantation, which evaluated various psychosocial variables. Student's t test and the Chi square test were used.
Two hundred sixty-three respondents of mean age 40 +/- 10 years were analysed for attitudes toward living kidney donation. The level of acceptance was 87% (n = 229) versus 13% undecided or against the procedure (n = 34). No differences were observed according to job category. The variables that showed a relationship with the attitude were the partner's attitude toward donation (P = .049); the possible need for an organ oneself (P = .0001); and belief that medical errors occur (P = .001). The attitude toward cadaveric organ donation was not reflective of that toward living kidney donation (P = .241).
A favorable attitude toward living kidney donation was high among hospital staff of the surgical department. Those for whom it was not favorable were influenced by personal factors such as partner's attitude and the possibility of needing a kidney in the future.
Transplantation Proceedings 12/2005; 37(9):3621-5. · 1.00 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The deficiency in livers and waiting list mortality have encouraged more living liver donation, although it is not exempt from morbidity and mortality. The enthusiasm of transplant teams for this kind of donation is increasing; however, the attitudes toward it are not so clear among other health professionals. Our objective was to analyze the attitudes toward living liver donation among hospital professionals in services without habitual relations with transplantation.
A random sample was stratified for service not related to transplantation and job category, in a third level hospital with a transplant program. Attitudes toward living liver donation were evaluated using a psychosocial questionnaire on living donation.
A total of 419 respondents were analyzed (doctors, n = 184; nurses, n = 119; assistant nurses, n = 80; and non-health workers, n = 36), with a mean age of 37 +/- 10 years. The attitude toward living liver donation was favorable in 82% (n = 344). Among the other respondents, half (9%; n = 38) were against and the other half (9%; n = 37) were undecided. No significant differences were found among the doctors, nurses, assistants, and non-health workers. However, when the three categories were grouped in opposition to the non-health workers, there was greater indecision among non-health workers than the others (19% vs 8%; P = .0001). On analyzing the variables that determine this attitude we observed the following: having commented upon and previously discussed donation (P = .016); believing in the possibility of needing an organ oneself (P = .0001); and being in favor of living kidney donation (P = .0001) and cadaveric donation (P = .004).
Hospital personnel in services not related to transplantation favor living liver donation, especially if it is a related donation, despite its greater risk, except among non-health workers. However, it is important to conduct informative and awareness-raising campaigns in hospitals if such a type of transplantation is to be encouraged.
Transplantation Proceedings 12/2005; 37(9):3636-40. · 1.00 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Our hypothesis was that nonhealth workers (NHW) in our hospital should have a more favorable opinion toward xenotransplantation than the general population, given that this group is in closer contact with a preclinical xenotransplantation program. Therefore, our objective was to determine the attitude of NHW in a hospital with a preclinical liver xenotransplantation program and to determine the factors that influenced this attitude.
A random sample of 276 subjects in nonhealth services was used. For the distribution of the questionnaire, we contacted the head of each of the services and explained the project. They became responsible for the distribution and collection of the questionnaires in randomly selected work shifts. A random sample of 250 individuals from our community was used as a control group.
As for animal organ donation for humans, if the results could be superimposed on those achieved by human donors, 63% would be in favor, 30% undecided, and the remaining 7% against. The attitude toward xenotransplantation was more favorable in the control group (74% versus 63%, P < .05). On analyzing the variables that influence attitudes toward xenotransplantation, we found that there is no significant relationship to the classical psychosocial variables (P > .05). However, there is a relationship to prior attitudes toward different types of human organ donation and the possibility of needing a transplant oneself.
The attitudes toward xenotransplantation among NHW are not as favorable as in the general population.
Transplantation Proceedings 12/2005; 37(10):4615-9. · 1.00 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The deficit in transplant organs is encouraging research into stem cells and xenotransplantation. However, many studies have shown that using animals for human transplantation could be rejected by society. The objective here was to analyze the attitude of patients on the waiting list toward a possible transplant of an organ of animal origin.
Patients on the waiting list for kidney and liver transplants including last year (n = 96) underwent a direct interview by an independent health professional from the transplant unit. Using a psychosocial survey, an evaluation was made of attitudes toward donation of organs of animal origin and its various options. Student t test and the chi-square test were used for analysis.
If results from xenotransplantation could be superimposed onto those of human transplantation, 71% would accept such an organ. In the case of the kidney, 83% would accept, 4% would not, and 13% have doubts; as opposed to 60%, 12%, and 28%, respectively, of liver cases (P < .05). Supposing that the results were worse than in human organs, only 26% would accept an animal organ. Thus, for kidney, 33% would accept it, 48% would not, and 20% would have doubts; and for liver, it would be 20%, 50%, and 30%, respectively. In a life-threatening situation 98% would accept an animal organ as a bridge of hope in the wait for a human organ. In addition, if the organ functioned correctly, 98% would keep the animal organ, thus avoiding an intervention to substitute a human organ.
If xenotransplantation became a clinical reality, acceptance of an animal organ by patients on the waiting list would be low, especially if the results could not be superimposed onto human ones. Only its use as a bridge until the arrival of a human organ would increase its acceptance.
Transplantation Proceedings 11/2005; 37(9):4107-10. · 1.00 Impact Factor
