Controlled asystole protocols: a key to more organ donors?

Introduction: Donation after controlled circulatory death (DCD) is organ donation that takes place following diagnosis of death by cardio-respiratory criteria. This diagnosis is certified in patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) following the withdrawal of life-support treatment. Objectives: To describe the main causes of mortality that make the patient a potential donor under a controlled asystole protocol within the ICU of Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe in Medellín, Colombia. Methods: This was an observational, descriptive, retrospective study conducted in adult patients who died during the first quarter of 2024 in any of the ICUs at Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe in Medellín. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods, and all statistical analyses were performed using Jamovi software. Results: A total of 103 participants were included, 36 women (35%) and 67 men (65%), with a median age of 61 years (44.5–72). The leading cause of death among participants was septic shock. Seventeen potential donors (16.7%) were identified. Conclusions: There is significant potential to increase the organ donation rate through the implementation of appropriate controlled asystole protocols.