Evaluation of global response to pre-transplant processes of corneas from cadaveric donor. Dirección de medicina forense of Tegucigalpa

Abstract

Background: The implementation of the cadaveric donation process for corneal transplantation requires previously evaluating and controlling institutional, educational, ethical, legal and social aspects. Although Honduras has the requirements for cadaveric donation of corneas for transplantation, these are not yet made from Honduran donors. Objectives: To evaluate the global response to the processes of corneal transplantation from cadaverous donors, in the Dirección de Medicina Forense of Tegucigalpa, to identify institutional factors that limit cornea transplantation from Honduran cadavers. Methodology: A descriptive observational study was carried out, with a series of prospective procedures, during the month of August 2018 in 91 cadavers deceased by violent death that entered the period of study at the Morgue of Medicina Forense and met the legal and medical criteria of inclusion. Results: Of the 91 corpses evaluated, 80.2% (73) were discarded because they presented evident impediments to donation, only 19.8% (18) were potential donors. Seven families of the 18 potential donors were procured, obtaining a favorable response of 14.0%(1) to the procurement process, no cornea was found suitable for cell assessment. Despite the scant promotion and knowledge about cadaveric donation, a 14.0% favorable response to the procurement was obtained since one of seven families agreed to donate their family's corneas. Donated corneas were lost due to bacterial contamination during handling. Conclusions: For cadaveric donation of corneas for transplantation to be a reality in Honduras, institutional, educational, population and medical factors must be adjusted, prior to systematizing it in the Dirección de Medicina Forense.