in focus
Multi-organ transplant (MOT) combinations and their frequencies performed in the U.S. from 2013–2017
Based on data from the national Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN).
The number of multi-organ transplants (MOT), excluding kidney/pancreas and heart/lung, has nearly doubled in the past six years from 625 procedures in 2012 to 1,035 in 2017.
This increase raises ethical questions that call for greater consistency in allocation strategy (currently, allocation for multi-organ transplant (MOT) combinations is not consistent across organ types). The OPTN Ethics Committee analyzed policy and relevant literature focusing on the potential conflict in the principles of equity and utility in the allocation of MOT.
For example, the graph below shows that MOT recipients commonly receive lower KDPI kidneys—or those that have longer-than-expected graft function—than single-organ transplant (SOT) recipients. This could disadvantage SOT candidates because they are less likely to receive kidneys with the longest expected function.
Distribution of KDPI for deceased donor kidney recipients by multi-organ (MOT) status during 2015-2017
Read the Ethics Committee white paper that examines the implications of MOT and provides an ethical framework for allocation policy changes. Plus, review public comments on the proposal.
In focus
LifeShare of Oklahoma increases DCD donor recovery during COVID-19
DCD recoveries are up across the country as OPOs build effective practices.
Using registries to improve outcomes and transplant management
UNOS builds and hosts registries enabling OPOs and transplant centers to address issues such as treatment, payment, quality improvement, benchmarking and clinical research.
Preserving candidate wait time during temporary inactivation due to COVID-19
Altering organ acceptance criteria protects candidates at risk of COVID-19 from losing accrued wait time.
OPO testing of deceased donors for COVID-19 ensures patient safety
Recent report shows 100 percent COVID-19 donor testing by OPOs.
