BACKGROUND: The rising number of patients on waiting lists for kidney transplant and the shortage of available organs has intensified efforts to increase the number of potential donors.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study investigated changes in clinical parameters among potential deceased donors in the 15-year period between 1999 and 2013 and their impact on transplantation procedure and outcomes. A total of 1634 potential deceased donors were examined and divided into 2 groups: 707 of them identified from 1999 to 2005 (Group A), and 927 from 2006 to 2013 (Group B).

RESULTS: The comparison between the potential donors in Group A vs. Group B revealed an increase over time in donor age (54.6±17.2 vs. 58.8±16.3, p<0.001), a reduction in the percentage of standard donors (52.3% vs. 39.8%, p<0.001), a broader utilization of organs from expanded criteria donors, and a greater number of comorbidities, particularly cardiovascular disease and dyslipidemia. However, renal function parameters and the bioptic scores did not change significantly over the years.

CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest the usefulness of strategies to increase the number of potential donors suitable for organ donation, especially among elderly and marginal donors.

Keywords: Kidney Failure, Chronic, Kidney Transplantation, Tissue and Organ Procurement