Electrocardiographic characteristics of potential organ donors and associations with cardiac allograft use.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Current regulations require that all cardiac allograft offers for transplantation must include an interpreted 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG). However, little is known about the expected ECG findings in potential organ donors or the clinical significance of any identified abnormalities in terms of cardiac allograft function and suitability for transplantation.

Methods and results

A single experienced reviewer interpreted the first ECG obtained after brain stem herniation in 980 potential organ donors managed by the California Transplant Donor Network from 2002 to 2007. ECG abnormalities were summarized, and associations between specific ECG findings and cardiac allograft use for transplantation were studied. ECG abnormalities were present in 51% of all cases revie

SUBMITTER: Khush KK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3400714 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature