The wait for organ donations in Brazil currently covers 42,447 individuals, according to recent data from the Ministry of Health released through the National Transplant System. Patients included in this list come from both the public and private systems, with their position determined by the severity of the condition, waiting time and blood compatibility.
Of the total number of patients waiting, 92% are waiting for a kidney, with men representing 59% and women 41%. The order of priority in the queue is predominantly established by the date of inclusion, but criteria such as severity of the clinical condition and blood compatibility with the donor are also considered.
All individuals in need of a transplant are included in the same list managed by the SUS (Unified Health System), and the purchase or sale of human organs in Brazil is prohibited by law.
According to information from pulmonologist José Eduardo Afonso Jr., who has a doctorate from USP (University of São Paulo), there are different waiting lists based on blood types A, O, B and AB. Each organ type has specific criteria for prioritization and distribution, for example, immunological compatibility is crucial for kidney transplants.
Furthermore, for liver transplants, in addition to the chronological order, there is a severity scale known as MELD, where patients with the highest scores are prioritized. Emergency situations can also lead to prioritization of patients, as is the case with heart transplants, where the severity of the patient’s condition determines priority, with those requiring circulatory support being considered more urgent.
Nephrologist Géssika Marcelo Gomes, a specialist in kidney transplantation at Unifesp (Federal University of São Paulo), highlights that, although some patients wait up to six years for a kidney transplant, this period can vary depending on allocation rules and individual criteria.
It is important to note that anyone on hemodialysis for more than three months is allowed to join the waiting list for a kidney transplant.
Experts emphasize the importance of communicating to the family the desire to be a living organ donor, so that, after death, they can consent to the donation. In Brazil, the donation of organs and tissues is only permitted with family authorization.
The donated organs are destined for patients on the transplant waiting list, which is unique and organized by state or region, monitored by the National Transplant System.
After the diagnosis of brain death, the family is consulted and advised on the process of donating organs and tissues. This decision, although difficult, can offer hope by providing a new chance at life for those waiting for a transplant.
It is essential that the family is aware of the deceased’s desire to be a living donor, as even if someone has expressed this desire, the donation can only be carried out with the family’s authorization. Therefore, it is important that the deceased’s wishes are respected and the family is informed about the donation and transplant process.
