Understanding the Concept of Brain Death in the Middle East

Clinical Practice Guidelines for Liver Transplantation in Saudi Arabia

“…Additionally, guidelines related to organ donation and increased public awareness about brain death are a priority and should be considered as a medical condition. 28 Also, the knowledge and attitude of health care providers towards organ donation are concerning, and educational programs, especially for nursing and medical students, have been implemented. 29 National legislative, governing, and monitoring bodies, in order to ensure quality, health equity, and transparency in LT are needed nationwide to support SCOTs efforts.…”

Liver Transplantation in the United Arab Emirates From Deceased and Living Donors: Initial 2-Year Experience

“…In many countries in the region, definition of brain death remains unclear, impeding the establishment of deceased donor organ transplantation. 1 Two countries (Saudi Arabia [KSA] and Egypt) account for >90% of all liver transplants performed in the Arab world. Since the first deceased donor liver transplant (DDLT) in the region (KSA, 1990), growth of DDLT has been slow, accounting for <20% of all LT. 2,3 As of 2013, only 7 countries in the region reported performing any DDLT and countries other than KSA collectively accounted for only 8% of all DDLT in 62 recipients.…”

“…Cultural and religious considerations regarding organ donation have historically limited growth of deceased donor organ transplantation in the region. 1,9,10 This is being addressed in collaboration with religious and cultural authorities. Ongoing initiatives to improve awareness regarding organ donation include the creation of a national digital organ donor registry and plans to include consent for organ donation in the Emirates national ID card, which is a requirement for all residents in the country.…”