In short
There is currently 1 ongoing clinical trial focused on improving outcomes for brain-dead organ donors. This study is investigating a medication to help maintain stable blood circulation during the organ donation process, which may improve the quality of donated organs and outcomes for transplant recipients.
Clinical trial locations
- France
Study on the Effects of Potassium Canrenoate and Trometamol on Blood Flow in Brain-Dead Organ Donors
This clinical trial is being conducted in France and focuses on brain-dead individuals who are potential organ donors. The study evaluates whether a medication called potassium canrenoate can help maintain stable heart function and blood circulation during the organ donation process.
Main inclusion criteria: The trial accepts men and women aged 18 years or older who have been diagnosed with brain death, confirmed by either two tests showing no brain activity or a special brain scan. Participants must be candidates for kidney donation or multiple organ donation. At the time of joining, they should have stable blood pressure support with medications (vasopressors) that have not changed significantly in the past hour, and the dose should be less than 7 mg per hour. The individual must have normal body fluid levels and be affiliated with a Social Security scheme. Written consent from a support person or family member is required.
Main exclusion criteria: Individuals who are not brain-dead or not considered candidates for organ donation cannot participate. The study also excludes those who do not meet the specific age requirements or who belong to vulnerable populations requiring special protection.
Focus and goal: The primary goal is to determine whether potassium canrenoate can improve blood flow and heart function in brain-dead organ donors before organs are removed. Researchers will monitor participants closely to see if the medication helps prevent sudden drops in blood pressure or heart stoppage, which could affect organ quality. The study also tracks how much blood pressure support medication is needed and the amount of fluids required during the donation process. Long-term follow-up includes reviewing the health of kidney transplant recipients at 3 months, 1 year, 3 years, and 10 years after transplantation.
Investigational drug: Potassium canrenoate is given intravenously as a solution for injection. It works by blocking certain receptors in the body that control fluid balance and blood pressure, potentially helping to stabilize circulation in brain-dead donors. The medication is compared against a placebo to determine its effectiveness. Sodium chloride solution is also used as part of the infusion process during the trial.
Summary
Currently, there is only one ongoing clinical trial related to organ donors, taking place in France. This study represents an important area of research aimed at improving the organ donation process by maintaining better cardiovascular stability in brain-dead donors. The focus on potassium canrenoate reflects interest in medications that can help preserve organ quality by supporting blood circulation during the donation procedure. The long-term follow-up component of this trial is particularly noteworthy, as it tracks transplant recipients for up to 10 years to assess whether improvements in donor management translate into better outcomes for those receiving the organs.
