Factors Related to the Attitude Toward Living Kidney Donation of the Population of Havana.

INTRODUCTION: Living kidney donation (LKD) is one of the most used alternatives in the field of organ transplantation. OBJECTIVE: Analyze the attitude toward LKD among the population of Havana, Cuba. METHODS: Population under study. Population resident in Havana, Cuba. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Sample of population over 15 years stratified by age and sex. INSTRUMENT: Validated questionnaire of attitude toward donation and transplant "PCID-DVR-Ríos," self-administered and anonymously filled out. STATISTICS: χ2, Student t test, and a logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 920 respondents have been included in the study. A total of 85.5% (n = 787) are in favor of the related LKD. In our study, 26.5% (n = 244) would remain in favor of unrelated LKD. Regarding the related LKD, the following variables remain independent in the multivariate analysis: 1. having studies (odds ratio [OR] = 3.649; P = .018); 2. attitude toward cadaveric organ donation (OR = 8.547; P < .001); 3. religion (OR = 4.385; P = .001); 4. opinion of the couple (OR = 4.672; P = .028); and 5. risk with living donation (OR = 10.989; P = .003). CONCLUSIONS: The population of Havana has a very favorable attitude toward related LKD. Only a quarter of respondents are in favor of unrelated LKD.

Initial Report on the Results of the Kidney Transplant Program at the Bajio Regional High Specialty Hospital.

BACKGROUND: We present the first results of our program, which is characterized by its acceptance of any candidate with chronic renal failure. Therefore, we serve all patients, regardless of their social security and socioeconomic status. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, descriptive, cross-sectional study describing the characteristics of patients who received kidney transplants in the period from 2008 to 2015. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate our findings. RESULTS: A total of 708 transplants were performed, with 377 (53%) involving a living donor and 331 (47%) involving deceased donors. The patients' mean age was 26 years (±12.7 SD), with a range of 5 to 69 years. Of these patients, 488 were male (68.9%), and 423 (59.7%) had no social security. The replacement therapy prior to transplantation was peritoneal dialysis in 40% of cases, hemodialysis in 57% of cases, and 3% of patients had no prior therapy. The blood group distribution was 436 (61%) type O; 177 (25%) type A; 78 (11%) type B; and 8 (1%) type AB. The average hospital stay for a living donor transplant was 9 days and 13 days in the case of a deceased donor. CONCLUSIONS: This study describes the basic clinical and epidemiological characteristics of our transplant population. These results can be used as a basis for future descriptive and prospective studies at our institution or in other inter-agency and national projects. We also highlight the rapid development of the kidney transplant program at the Bajio Regional High Specialty Hospital.

A multicenter study on attitude toward organ donation in Spain and Latin America between the surgical units of 12 hospitals.

INTRODUCTION: Medical advances and improvements in surgical techniques have transformed transplantation into an ever safer therapeutic option. However, its main limitation is the shortage of available organs. Therefore, it is necessary to join forces to achieve optimal deceased donation and prevent the loss of potential donors. We sought to analyze the acceptance of deceased organ donation (OD) among hospital personnel in surgical units in hospitals in Spain and Latin America. METHOD: A random sample (n = 554) was taken was stratified according to surgical services and job category in 12 hospitals-4 in Spain (n = 294 participants), 5 in Mexico (n = 202), 2 in Cuba (n = 41), and 1 in Costa Rica (n = 17). Attitude was assessed using a questionnaire validated, which was completed anonymously and self-administered. The χ(2) test, Student t test, and a logistic regression analysis were used. RESULTS: Overall, 75% of respondents (n = 417) were in favor of deceased OD and 25% were against it (n = 137). Regarding the respondent's country, there was a favorable attitude among 88% of Cubans, 85% of Mexicans, 82% of Costa Ricans, and 67% of Spaniards (P < .001). The physicians were most in favor of OD with 87% supporting it (n = 149), followed by nurses (n = 182) and ancillary personnel (n = 28) both at 74%, and the health care assistants at 59% (n = 58; P < .001). The following factors affect attitude toward OD: young age (37 ± 10 years; P = .001), being a male (P = .018), having an unstable job situation (P = .009), a belief that one might need a future transplant (P = .036), having a favorable attitude toward living donation (P < .001), being in favor of donating a family member's organs (P < .001), having had a family discussion about OD (P < .001), and a partner's favorable attitude (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Attitude toward OD among surgeons in hospitals in Spain and Latin America was not as favorable as we might have expected.

Ancillary personnel in Spanish and Latin-American hospitals faced with living related kidney donation.

INTRODUCTION: Ancillary hospital personnel represent an important body of opinion because as they work in a hospital their opinion has more credibility for the general public as a result of their activity in hospitals. However, in most cases they do not have any health care training which means that their attitude could be based on a lack of knowledge or unfounded fears. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the attitude toward living kidney donation (LKD) among ancillary personnel in Spanish and Latin-American hospitals and to analyze the variables that might influence such attitude. PATIENTS AND METHOD: from «International Collaborative Donor Project¼ a random sample was taken among ancillary personnel in Spain, Mexico and Cuba hospitals. Attitude towards LKD was evaluated using a validated, anonymously filled and self-administered survey. RESULTS: 951 professionals were surveyed (Spain: 277, Mexico: 632, Cuba: 42). 89% (n=850) are in favor of related kidney donation, lowering to 31% (n=289) in non-related donation. Of the rest, 8% (n=78) are not in favor and the 3% (n=23) are unsure. By country, Cubans (98%) and Mexicans (91%) are more in favour than Spanish (84%) (P=.001). The following variables are related to favourable attitude towards LKD: female sex (P=.017), university degree (P=.010), work in health services (P=.035), labour stability (P=.016), personal experience in donation and transplantation (P=.001), positive attitude toward cadaveric donation (P<.001), belief that he or she might need a transplant in the future (P<.001), positive attitude towards living liver donation (P<.001), a willingness to receive a donated living liver if needed (P<.001), having discussed the subject of organ donation and transplantation within the family (P<.001), partner's positive attitude towards the subject (P<.001), participation in voluntary type pro-social activities (P=.002) and not being concerned about possible mutilation after donation (P<.001) CONCLUSIONS: The attitude toward living related kidney donation is favourable among ancillary personnel in Spanish and Latin-Americans hospitals. Because living donation is a better source of organs than cadaveric ones, this favourable predisposition can be used as promoting agent of living donation in order to develop it in Spanish-speaking countries.

Multivariate analysis of the factors affecting attitude toward living liver donation among workers in surgical services in Spanish, Mexican, and Cuban hospitals.

INTRODUCTION: Current liver donation rates are insufficient to cover transplant needs. Therefore, it is essential to promote living liver donation (LLD) given the ever decreasing morbidity and mortality in the donor and the improving results in the recipient. LLD is becoming increasingly accepted. However, in the health care system, a percentage of the personnel are not in favor. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the attitude of personnel in surgical services in Spain and Latin-America hospitals toward LLD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: As part of the "International Collaborative Donor Project," a random sample was taken and stratified according to surgical service and job category in 10 hospitals; three in Spain, five in Mexico, and two in Cuba (n = 496). Attitude was evaluated using a validated survey that was completed anonymously and self-administered. RESULTS: Eighty-six percent (n = 425) of respondents were in favor of related living liver donation, and 30% (n = 147) were in favor if it were not related. According to country, 88% of the Mexican respondents were in favor of living liver donation, 85% of the Cubans, and 82% of the Spanish (P > .05). In the multivariate analysis of the variables with most weight affecting attitude toward LLD, the following significant associations were found: (1) a favourable attitude toward living kidney donation (odds ratio [OR] = 91; P < .001); (2) acceptance of a donated living liver if one were needed (OR = 11; P < .001); and (3) family discussion about donation and transplantation (OR = 2.581; P = .037). CONCLUSIONS: Attitude toward related living liver donation was very favorable among hospital personnel in Spanish and Latin American surgical services.

Multivariate analysis to determine the factors affecting the attitudes toward organ donation of healthcare assistants in Spanish and Mexican healthcare centers.

BACKGROUND: Healthcare assistants are an important group of workers who can influence public opinion. Their attitudes toward organ donation may influence public awareness of healthcare matters; negative attitudes toward donation and transplantation could have a negative impact on public attitudes. Our objective was analyze the attitudes of healthcare assistants, in Spanish and Mexican healthcare centers toward organ donation and determine factors affecting them using a multivariate analysis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: As part of the "International Collaborative Donor Project," 32 primary care centers and 4 hospitals were selected in Spain and 5 hospitals in Mexico. A randomized sample of healthcare assistants was stratified according to healthcare services. Attitudes were evaluated using a validated questionnaire of the psychosocial aspects of donation, which was self-completed anonymously by the respondent. Statistical analysis used the chi-square test, Student t test, and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Of 532 respondents, 66% in favored donation and 34% were against it or undecided. Upon multivariate analysis, the following variables had the most weight: 1) country of origin (Mexicans were more in favor than Spanish; odds ratio [OR]) = 1.964; P = .014); 2) a partner with a favorable attitude (OR = 2.597; P = .013); 3) not being concerned about possible bodily mutilation after donation (OR = 2.631; P = .006); 4) preference for options apart from burial for handling the body after death (OR = 4.694; P < .001) and 5) accepting an autopsy if one was needed (OR = 3.584; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The attitudes of healthcare assistants toward organ donation varied considerably according to the respondent's country of origin. The psycho-social profile of a person with a positive attitude to donation was similar to that described within the general public.

Donation and transplantation among personnel in the hospital emergency department: a multicenter study conducted in Spain and Mexico.

INTRODUCTION: The promotion of different means of procuring both deceased and living organs (kidney and liver) is a necessity given the current organ shortage. Emergency department personnel are involved in the donation and transplantation process. Our objective was to analyze the attitude to the different kinds of organ donation of emergency services personnel in hospital centers in Spain and Mexico. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized sample was obtained from the "International Collaborative Donor Project" and was stratified according to emergency services and job category in nine hospitals, in Spain and in Mexico (n = 22). Attitude was evaluated using a validated survey. RESULTS: Of the respondents, 76% were in favor of deceased organ donation and 24% were not in favor. This attitude toward deceased donation was associated with the respondent's country of origin, age, and job category; Mexicans (P = .036), younger respondents (P = .023), and physicians were most in favor (P < .001). With regard to attitude toward living kidney donation, 89% were in favor of related donation. Regarding living liver donation, 85% were in favor of related donation. In attitude toward living kidney and liver donation, relevant factors were related to donation and transplantation. CONCLUSIONS: Professionals in emergency departments in hospital centers in Spain and Mexico had a favorable attitude toward the different kinds of donation, although it was less favorable than the attitude reported in other professional hospital groups.

International multicenter opinion study: administrative personnel from Spanish and Mexican health centers faced with human organ donation for transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: Administrative personnel from healthcare centers are an important opinion group given their direct relationship to patients and the general public. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to analyze the attitudes of administrative personnel in Spanish and Mexican healthcare centers toward various kinds of donation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A random selection of 418 administrative staff from 32 primary care centers and 9 hospitals in Spain and Mexico ("Proyecto Donante, Murcia") used a validated questionnaire to explore attitudes. RESULTS: Most (76%) respondents favored deceased donation. Mexican workers had the most favorable attitude (P<.001). Factors influencing this attitude (P<.05) were as follows: type of healthcare center, clinical service, personal experience of organ donation and transplantation (ODT), attitude toward living donation, attitude toward the donation of a family member's organs, discussion of ODT, partner's attitude toward ODT, participation in pro-social activities, and variables related to attitudes toward the body. Most respondents (89%) favored related living kidney donation (LKD) and 87% favored living liver donation (LLD). Mexican respondents showed the most favorable attitudes (P<.05). Factors influencing this attitude (P<.05) were as follows: personal experience of ODT, belief that a transplant is needed, willingness to accept a living organ, family discussion about ODT, partner's attitude about the matter, and respondent's awareness of the view of his or her religion toward ODT. CONCLUSION: Attitudes toward deceased organ donation were not favorable among administrative personnel from Spanish compared with Mexican centers, although attitudes toward LKD and LLD were favorable in both countries.

Attitude toward living liver donation in transplant hospitals in Spain, Mexico and Cuba.

BACKGROUND: Transplantation hospitals have played a key role in developing deceased organ donation and transplantation (ODT). To reduce the number of deaths on the transplant waiting list, it is essential to encourage living liver donation (LLD). Involvement of personnel in these hospitals is crucial. PURPOSE: We analyzed the attitudes toward LLD among hospital personnel in Spain, Mexico, and Cuba. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were obtained from 5 transplant hospitals in Spain, Mexico, and Cuba. The sample was stratified according to job category and type of service (n=2273). A validated questionnaire about living donation was used as the instrument. RESULTS: Most respondents (82%) were in favor of related LLD. If the LLD was not related, acceptance fell to 21%. A total of 85% of physicians, 79% of nursing personnel, 74% of nursing assistants, and 83% of auxiliary staff were in favor (p<.001). A favorable attitude toward LLD was associated (P<.05) with age (37±10 y vs 39±10 y), a favorable attitude toward deceased donation, a belief that a possible transplant is needed, acceptance of LLD if necessary, a favorable attitude toward living kidney donation, family discussion about ODT, a partner's favorable attitude toward ODT, an intention to participate in prosocial activities, being a Catholic, and a belief that one's religion is in favor of ODT. CONCLUSIONS: Personnel from Spanish, Mexican, and Cuban transplantation hospitals have favorable attitudes toward LLD. This suggests that there may be an increase in LLD in the future, provided that there is the necessary sociopolitical and economic support.

Level of acceptance of a clinical solid organ xenotransplantation program among personnel in organ transplant-related services in Spanish, Mexican, and Cuban hospital centers.

INTRODUCTION: Xenotransplantation is far from becoming a clinical reality. However, in vital organs it could be used as a bridge until a human organ becomes available, in an emergency situation. We analyzed the attitude toward xenotransplantation among personnel in transplant-related services in several hospitals in Spain and Latin America. METHODS: A random sample stratified by type of service and job category (n = 738), in transplant-related services (procurement units, transplant units, and transplant patient follow-up units) was examined in eight hospital centers from three different countries: Spain (n = 349), Mexico (n = 269), and Cuba (n = 120). A self-administered validated questionnaire was completed anonymously. RESULTS: Based on the assumption that all the results of xenotransplantation were similar to those achieved with human donors, most respondents [66% (n = 484)] would be in favor. The employees from Cuban centers had the most favorable attitudes (72% in favor), followed by the Spanish (64%) and the Mexicans (61%; P = .013). However, the differences were mainly determined by job category: Physicians showed the most favorable attitudes and auxiliary staff the least (67% vs 40%; P = .010). Attitudes were significantly related to beliefs about different types of human donation [deceased (P < .001) and living (P < .001)], the possibility of needing a transplant for oneself (P < .001), and a favorable attitude toward donating the organs of a deceased family member (P = .004). CONCLUSIONS: Currently, a third of health care employees working in transplant-related services are not in favor of xenotransplantation. More information should be provided about the subject, especially in centers with preclinical xenotransplantation programs.

Attitudes toward living kidney donation in transplant hospitals: a Spanish, Mexican, and Cuban multicenter study.

INTRODUCTION: Living donor kidney (LKD) transplantation provides better results than deceased donor donation, involving minimum risk for the donor. However, LKD donation rates are low in most countries. We analyzed attitudes toward LKD in transplant hospitals in Spain, Mexico, and Cuba. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were obtained from five transplant hospitals through the International Collaborative Program "Proyecto Donante Vivo, Murcia" in three countries: Spain (n = 1168), Mexico (n = 903), and Cuba (n = 202). The random sample (2273 employees) was stratified according to job category. The instrument used to evaluate attitude was a validated questionnaire. Statistical analysis included Student t test, the chi(2) test, and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Eighty eight percent (n = 2002) of Spanish, Mexican, and Cuban transplant hospital personnel were in favor of related LKD and 24% nonrelated LKD (n = 555). Attitudes were more favorable among centers in Cuba 97% (n = 195), followed by Mexico 88% (n = 793) and by Spain 87% (n = 1014; P < .001). According to job category, 91% (n = 617) of physicians were in favor, 88% (n = 543) of nurses, 85% (n = 198) of health care assistants, and 85% (n = 198) of auxiliary personnel. Attitudes were related to variables of: attitude toward deceased donation (P < .001), discussion about organ donation and transplantation (P < .001), concern about body mutilation after donation (P = .001), a possible need for a transplant in the future (P < .001), and attitude toward living liver donation (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Attitudes toward LKD in Hispanic/Latin Transplant Hospitals were favorable and could encourage an increase in LKD in the coming years assuming suitable sociopolitical and economic condition, as well as support from nephrologists.

Induction of tolerance in renal transplantation using splenic transplantation: experimental study in a canine model.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate in a canine model the induction of tolerance to renal transplantation after splenectomy and splenosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective, experimental, comparative, longitudinal study included 4 experimental groups, each comprising 4 dogs. Group 1 (control group) underwent renal transplantation only; group 2 underwent renal transplantation and splenectomy; group 3 underwent renal transplantation and splenosis; and group 4 underwent renal transplantation, splenectomy, and splenosis. Survival and degree of rejection were compared between the 4 groups. RESULTS: Splenosis improved renal function after transplantation, as indicated by increased serum creatinine concentration (group 3, 6.2 mg/dL vs group 1, 12.9 mg/dL). Comparison of weighted survival curves (corrected for degree of rejection) demonstrated a significant difference between group 2 (66.0 days) and group 4 (66.2 days) vs group 1 (52.7 days) and group 3 (41.2 days) (P = .05, Wilcoxon rank sum test). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that in this experimental model of renal transplantation, splenosis and splenectomy induce clinical tolerance, as indicated by improved renal function and prolonged recipient survival.

[The indigestion cure: a common and dangerous practice]. / La cura del empacho: una práctica común y peligrosa.

PURPOSE: To identify current concepts and practices to treat a folk illness "empacho" in Leon, Guanajuato and a critical appraisal of risk involved. DESIGN: Prospective cross sectional survey. FRAMEWORK: General population. PATIENTS: A random sample of 519 families. MEASUREMENTS: Socioeconomic stratum, the point of view on empacho, the type and kind of treatment undertook and the clinical course observed were recorded. RESULTS: The 45.9% of the families considered empacho as a serious condition, though the prevalence of the concept was less in the high socioeconomic group. The most frequent (44.1%) concept on empacho was "something stuck in the gut" and it use to be deal with abdominal massage and herb infusions. Cooking oil was used in 34.7%, bismuth powder in 36.5%, and an unknown powder in a further 7.9% of cases. The remedy was "prescribed" by the mother herself in 48.3% of patients, whilst in the remaining someone else did it. Simultaneous medical treatment was received by 44.2% of children and 95% of them improved. CONCLUSIONS: There is a high prevalence of the concept of empacho in the general population, mainly in the low and medium socioeconomic strata. In its treatment, dangerous practices are used, which can results in lipidic pneumonia or poisoning and according to their intensity can produce lose of life or deterioration in the respiratory or neurologic functions or both.