| News From Transplant Week of May 20, 2001 / Vol. 2 No. 20 |
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Inquiries About Samaratan Organ Donation Yield Few Donors |
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The vast majority of individuals who express interest in donating a kidney to a stranger never become donors, according to a University of Minnesota study presented to the scientific meeting Transplant 2001. Information on the surgical procedure used to remove the kidney and the evaluation process was mailed to 118 individuals who contacted the University of Minnesota and expressed an interest in donating a kidney. Those inquiring were roughly equally comprised of men and women, with an average age of 51. More than half of the group made no further contact with the program after receiving the information or after discussions with staff, the researchers said. Of the remainer, 32 were evaluated and denied, 9 are completing evaluation, and 7 have donated their kidneys. Medical reasons accounted for 17 of the denials, psychological reasons for 11, and ethical reasons for 4, the researchers said. Advanced age and high blood pressure were the most common medical reasons given. Depression and treatment for mental illness were the predominant psychological reasons. Ethical reasons for denial included request for payment and unreasonable demands. Other Sources: Transplant 2001 |
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