Donor Time to Death and DCD Liver Transplant Outcomes: Challenging the Dogma That Shorter Is Better.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In circulatory death transplantation, time to death (TTD) following withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment is unpredictable. Concerns persist that prolonged TTD may cause ischemic injury, resulting in organ nonuse. We assessed the impact of donor TTD on liver transplant outcomes and utilization.

Methods

We used Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network data on adult donors after circulatory death transplants (2010-2025). Multivariable nonlinear (restricted cubic splines) regression models were used to analyze associations. Simulation studies estimated potential increases in liver acceptance rates.

Results

In 8489 recipients, short donor TTD was associated with inferior outcome, contrary to popular belief. Prolonged TTD did not show inferior posttranspl

SUBMITTER: Amarnath DR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12900224 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature