Increases the number of organ transplants
During the first quarter of 2024, Catalan hospitals have carried out a total of 390 organ transplants, of which 171 were carried out in March. This figure includes 11 pediatric transplants, which represents a new historical record. So far, the highest number of transplants performed in a single month was 162, recorded in November 2019.
Record activity in March
The month of March was particularly outstanding, with a record volume of activity in terms of cadaver donors obtained and organ transplants carried out. These data are according to the Catalan Transplantation Organization (OCATT), which made them public this Wednesday.
Slight decrease in the first quarter
Despite this record in March, the first quarter of 2024 as a whole saw a slight decrease in the number of organ transplants performed compared to the same period last year. In total, 1.8% fewer interventions were performed. However, the results are still positive.
Types of transplanted organs
Regarding the types of organs transplanted during the first quarter of 2024, kidney transplants stand out with 271 interventions, followed by liver transplants with 65, cardiac transplants with 17, pulmonary transplants with 27 and pancreatic transplants with 10. This distribution is similar to that of the previous year.
Patients awaiting transplantation
As of March 31, 2024, there were a total of 1,247 people waiting for an organ transplant. Most of these patients (1,131) were waiting for a kidney, while the rest were waiting for a liver, heart, lung or pancreas transplant. Of the 1,247 patients, 10 were pediatric.
Increase in cadaver donations
In terms of cadaver donation, an increase of 10.0% was observed in the number of valid donors handled in the first three months of 2024 compared to the previous year. This represents a total of 110 donors. The month of March has also been outstanding in terms of donations, with 49 real cadaver donors obtained from the coordination teams of Catalan hospitals.
Decrease in live donation
Instead, a 14.3% decrease in live donation has been observed in 2023 compared to the previous year. This decrease has been slight and has not significantly affected overall transplant activity.
