The effect of arginine vasopressin on organ donor procurement and lung function

Abstract Background Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is becoming more common when managing brain-dead donors. Arginine vasopressin (AVP) is associated with benefits but is not consistently used. We hypothesize that AVP is associated with the maintenance of lung function and successful recovery in donors and enhanced lung graft performance in recipients. Methods The Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network database was used. Study donors were those treated with HRT and procured from January 1, 2009 to June 30, 2011. AVP (+) and AVP (−) donors were compared. Donor lung function, the rate of successful lung procurement, and the incidence of graft failure in recipients were studied. Results There were 12,322 donors included, of which 7686 received AVP (62.4%). Cerebrovascular accident (4722 [38.3%]) was the most common cause of donor death. There was a significant increase in high yield (≥4 organs) (51.0% versus 39.3%,