ABSTRACT
Organ transplantation is associated with improved outcomes for some patients with end-stage organ failure; however, the number of patients awaiting a transplant exceeds the available organs. Recently, an extended role has been proposed for EDs in the recognition and management of potential donors. The present review presents an illustrative case report and considers current transplantation practice in the UK. Ethical and legal considerations, the classification of deceased donors and future developments promising greater numbers of organs are discussed.
Subject(s)
Emergency Service, Hospital/trends , Tissue Donors/psychology , Tissue and Organ Procurement/methods , Emergency Service, Hospital/organization & administration , Emergency Service, Hospital/statistics & numerical data , Humans , Tissue Donors/statistics & numerical data , Tissue Donors/supply & distribution , Tissue and Organ Procurement/statistics & numerical data , United Kingdom , WorkforceABSTRACT
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common among emergency department patients admitted to hospital. There is evidence of inadequate management of the condition leading to adverse outcomes. We present an illustrative case of AKI complicating a gastrointestinal disorder in an older adult. We discuss the clinical presentation, assessment and management of AKI with reference to recent consensus guidelines on classification and treatment.
