Causes of Nonuse of Corneas Donated in 2007 in Minas Gerais

Abstract 

We sought to unfold the causes of nonuse of donated corneas in 2007 in the state of Minas Gerais, seeking to show the flaws in the process that could be repaired in to achieve a better rate of collection and transplantation.

Methods

We analyzed, the medical records of multiple organ donors (with brain death) and tissue donors (with heart stopped) in the data system of Tissue Banks and the Human Eye of Minas Gerais to identify the reasons for discard of donated and collected corneas for transplantation.

Results

The survey showed that 14% of donated corneas were not removed, 62% were used for transplantation (optical and tectonics), and 24% were removed but not transplanted. There were several reasons for transplantation failure after the withdrawal, including contraindications (sepsis, positive serology [anti-HIV, anti-hepatitis B and C], beyond 6 hours after death, and unsatisfactory quality of the donated tissue upon biomicroscopic evaluation and/or endothelial counting).

Conclusions

Recognition of the causes of rejecting donated corneas allows the possibility of actions to reduce preventable causes of discard, thereby reducing the number of donated and not transplanted corneas. Causes, such as extended time between death and removal of corneas or between death and preservation of corneas, can be reduced to effectively increase the number of cornea transplantations.