Although guidance documents have been published regarding organ donation from individuals with a prior history of COVID‐19 infection, no data exist regarding successful recovery and transplantation from deceased donors with a history of or positive testing suggesting a prior SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Here, we report a case series of six deceased donors with a history of COVID‐19 from whom 13 organs were recovered and transplanted through several of the nation's organ procurement organizations (OPOs). In addition, at least two potential donors were authorized for donation but with no organs were successfully allocated and did not proceed to recovery. No transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2 was reported from the six donors to recipients, procurement teams, or hospital personnel. Although more studies are needed, organ donation from deceased donors who have recovered from COVID‐19 should be considered.

Primary graft dysfunction (PGD) is a major cause of early mortality after lung transplant. We aimed to define objective estimates of PGD risk based on readily available clinical variables, using a prospective study of 11 centers in Lung Transplant Outcomes Group (LTOG). Derivation included 1255 subjects from 2002–2010; with separate validation in 382 subjects accrued from 2011–2012. We used logistic regression to identify predictors of grade 3 PGD at 48/72 hours, and decision curve methods to assess impact on clinical decisions. 211/1255 subjects in the derivation and 56/382 subjects in the validation developed PGD. We developed 3 prediction models, where low-risk recipients had a normal BMI (18.5–25 kg/m2), COPD/CF, and absent or mild PH (mPAP< 40mmHg). All others were considered higher-risk. Low-risk recipients had a predicted PGD risk of 4–7%, and high-risk a predicted PGD risk of 15–18%. Adding a donor-smoking lung to a higher-risk recipient significantly increased PGD risk, although risk did not change in low-risk recipients. Validation demonstrated that probability estimates were generally accurate and that models worked best at baseline PGD incidences between 5–25%. We conclude that valid estimates of PGD risk can be produced using readily-available clinical variables.

The PGD consensus definition can be simplified by combining lower PGD grades. Construct validity of grading was present regardless of transplant procedure type or use of mechanical ventilation. Additional severity categories had minimal impact on mortality or biomarker discrimination.

This paper describes the potential benefits, pitfalls and barriers to adopting e-learning in emergency medicine. While the benefits relating to access, engagement and quality assurance are clear, caution is urged in embracing e-learning for e-learning's sake. It is argued that, if educational strategies are to change, this must be to the benefit of learners and not just for the convenience of access or record keeping. A variety of e-learning approaches are available, but those that promote group discussion or provide feedback from an educator are more likely to lead to successful learning than stand-alone feedback-free modules. A blended approach to learning is advocated where e-learning opportunities form an important but limited part of the overall educational experience. Shop floor and workshop-based teaching should be enhanced with e-learning, not replaced by it.

No abstract