Whole Blood Thiamine in Organ Donors After the Neurologic Determination of Death

Introduction: Metabolic resuscitation of organ donors and the attenuation of oxidative stress incurred by organs following brain death and transplantation have the potential to improve organ yield and allograft function. Thiamine (vitamin B1) is a vital coenzyme in both energy metabolism and the production of antioxidants that has not been studied in the donor population. Research Aim: To determine the frequency of subclinical thiamine deficiency in brain-dead organ donors and its correlation with demographics, length of hospitalization, donor management, lactic acidosis, and the requirement for vasoactive support. Design: Prospective cohort study of brain-dead donors managed at a single organ procurement organization's organ recovery facility. Results: A total 64 donors were enrolled; 24 donors had thiamine levels drawn upon arrival and 40 donors had levels drawn at the time of organ procurement. Whole blood thiamine levels were inversely correlated with the time from death (P = .007) and 20% (8/40) of donors had levels below the normal range at the time of organ procurement. Demographic features of the donor were not associated with thiamine levels although longer hospital stays prior to death were associated with lower levels (P < .05). The presence and resolution of lactic acidosis was not associated with whole blood thiamine level. Higher thiamine levels were associated with earlier discontinuation of vasoactive support (P = .04). Discussion: Whole blood thiamine deficiency was not uncommon at the time of organ procurement. Thiamine may be associated with the requirement for hemodynamic support.