Recently, 180 heart transplant procedures have been performed annually in South Korea [1]. In recent decades, heart transplantation (HTx) outcomes have consistently improved [2], which can be attributed to careful donor selection and advancements in donor management. Donor-related factors significantly influence post-HTx outcomes [3]. Preferred donor criteria include younger age, fewer comorbidities, and minimal size mismatch. These factors are considered nonmodifiable, as opposed to potentially modifiable factors such as reversible cardiac dysfunction and dosage of vasoactive/inotropic agents.

With a waitlist of over 1,000 transplant candidates and an annual transplant volume of around 180 cases, South Korea faces a severe donor shortage, with a utilization rate of 31.4% [4]. Thus, the appropriate management of potential cardiac donors is crucial for improving both the donor utilization rate and posttransplant outcomes. Nevertheless, practical challenges arise in clinical settings due to competing demands for the pretransplant care of various donor organs, potentially limiting the utilization rate of donor hearts. Therefore, this review explores optimal management strategies for potential heart donors to enhance donor utilization rates and post-HTx outcomes.

Brain death (BD) leads to numerous physiological changes that can significantly impact various organs. Understanding these processes during BD is essential for optimizing the condition of organs eligible for donation. In the early stage of BD, brain edema develops, leading to increased intracranial pressure and subsequent brain herniation, resulting in pontine ischemia. Cerebral ischemia triggers an exaggerated sympathetic surge in the brainstem to maintain adequate perfusion pressure, referred to as a catecholamine storm [5]. During this period, the circulating catecholamine level can be increased several-fold, leading to significant increases in the arterial blood pressure and heart rate [6], coronary artery constriction, and subsequent myocardial ischemia [7,8]. Excess catecholamines also can directly affect the myocardium adversely [9]. These responses are generally brief—usually taking place within an hour—after which catecholamine secretion ceases, leading to a prolonged period of hypotension [10]. This hypotension results from brain herniation into the foramen magnum due to increased intracranial pressure [11], along with subsequent impairment of vasomotor responses and loss of sympathetic tone. During this period, organ perfusion pressures may decline, potentially resulting in damage and functional impairment of various organs.

Furthermore, ischemia of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis (HPA) results in reduced secretion of hormones, including cortisol and vasopressin [12,13], which in turn causes fluid loss, impaired vascular responses, and exacerbation of hemodynamic instability. The impairment of thermoregulatory function in the brainstem reduces the metabolic rate of organs, potentially contributing to donor organ dysfunction [14]. This dysfunction can exacerbate vascular relaxation, worsening hypotension. Unregulated hypothermia can also lead to myocardial dysfunction, arrhythmias, and coagulation abnormalities.

During BD, a systemic inflammatory response occurs; this response is primarily due to ischemia-reperfusion injury and leads to organ dysfunction [15,16]. Several studies have reported increased serum levels of various proinflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1, and IL-8, along with elevated expression of adhesion molecules in organs [17,18]. This sustained systemic inflammatory response has been associated with a functional decline in transplanted organs [19]. Lastly, various hormonal changes can induce hyperglycemia by promoting gluconeogenesis, peripheral insulin resistance, and damage to pancreatic islets in BD donors. Studies have suggested that direct organ dysfunction can be caused by hyperglycemia in individuals experiencing BD, and hyperglycemia-induced glycosuria can contribute to osmotic diuresis, hypovolemia, and subsequent hypotension [20–22]. However, it remains unclear whether maintaining euglycemia with insulin therapy is beneficial for HTx outcomes [23].

The management of potential cardiac donors is crucial for ensuring the success of HTx. This involves a comprehensive approach that addresses the various pathophysiological changes induced by BD. The primary goals are to maintain hemodynamic stability, ensure adequate oxygenation, and manage the systemic inflammatory response and hormonal imbalances (Fig. 1). That is, the aim of management is not only to preserve optimal cardiac function for transplantation, but also to support the viability of other potential donor organs. This section outlines key considerations in the management of potential cardiac donors, including hemodynamic, endocrinological, respiratory, and hematological aspects.

Endocrine disturbances are common in BD donors and can significantly impact donor organ quality. One of the most frequent complications is DI, which arises from a deficiency of vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone) due to hypothalamic-pituitary ischemia. Although reports have suggested a potential association between untreated DI and prolonged hypernatremia with posttransplant graft dysfunction [33], these findings have not been consistently replicated [34]. Nevertheless, maintaining a normal sodium level is an important goal in donor management.

Deficits in anterior pituitary hormones are less commonly reported than DI, possibly due to the relative preservation of blood flow [35]. Thyroid dysfunction in BD individuals is most commonly characterized by a form of sick euthyroid syndrome, rather than hypothyroidism due to thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) deficiency [12,36]. This typically occurs as a result of the cytokine storm after BD, inhibiting the conversion of free thyroxine (T4) to its active form, triiodothyronine (T3). The evidence supporting thyroid hormone replacement is largely based on the reduction of T3 and T4 levels observed in animal models [5,37]. However, in humans, most studies have not consistently shown significant hemodynamic effects, even when TSH levels are normal or low [38–41]. Nonetheless, some studies have reported hemodynamic improvements, particularly in terms of functional recovery of the donor heart [42].

Corticosteroid deficiency during BD, the reported prevalence rates of which vary in the literature, is caused by HPA dysfunction and relative adrenal insufficiency [43–45]. However, there is insufficient evidence regarding whether corticosteroid supplementation leads to hemodynamic improvement [13]. Nevertheless, relative adrenal insufficiency can occur, especially in proinflammatory conditions that can contribute to graft dysfunction [46], and attenuating inflammation in donor organs with corticosteroids may give potential benefits not only in regard to hemodynamic stability [47], but also an increased procurement rate [48] and improved posttransplant graft function [49,50]. Although definitive evidence is lacking, an intravenous dose of methylprednisolone, typically 1,000 mg or 15 mg/kg, is commonly administered.

Hyperglycemia is also frequently observed and provoked by proinflammatory conditions, insulin resistance, significant hormonal changes, and the use of dextrose-containing solutions [14,25,51]. Although hyperglycemia may affect donor organs by volume depletion through osmotic diuresis and by increasing reactive oxygen species that lead to inflammation [20]. the evidence regarding the benefits in control of hyperglycemia remains insufficient. However, it is generally recommended to maintain glucose levels below 180 mg/dL, similar to the management of general critically ill patients [25].

Pulmonary complications, including neurogenic pulmonary edema, aspiration, and infections, are not uncommon. Especially in a proinflammatory state, the lungs can be vulnerable to damage, potentially disrupting adequate oxygenation and, consequently, adversely affecting various organs. In cases involving lung transplantation, a lung-protective strategy becomes crucial. This involves using a low tidal volume of 6–8 mL/kg and maintaining adequate positive end-expiratory pressure to prevent atelectasis, minimize lung injury, and facilitate bronchoscopy-assisted toileting when indicated. Although there is limited evidence demonstrating benefits for HTx, some reports indicate that dedicated respiratory management may improve lung procurement rates [52].

Hematological disturbances in BD donors are characterized by the release of thromboplastin and coagulopathy induced by systemic inflammation, potentially leading to a bleeding tendency [10]. Moreover, fluid administration can exacerbate coagulopathy by diluting coagulation factors. Transfusion of blood products, when indicated, should be considered if appropriate. Anemia is also common, and unresolved severe anemia can hinder oxygen delivery to organs. Therefore, maintaining hemoglobin levels above 7 g/dL is recommended.

Echocardiographic evaluation of BD donors is essential for assessing the suitability of a donor heart for transplantation, and also allows for the determination of simultaneous surgical correction during the transplant procedure if minor structural abnormalities such as atrial septal defect are identified. Furthermore, because the hemodynamic, endocrinological, and immunological changes in BD donors can lead to myocardial ischemia and injury, dysfunction of the donor heart is not uncommon, especially during the early period of BD [53]. However, most donor cardiac dysfunctions are transient [54]; therefore, myocardial dysfunction alone does not preclude HTx. Therefore, repeated echocardiography should be performed within 24 hours to monitor functional recovery [55]. In Korea hospitals involving BD donor management, it is not uncommon to encounter difficulties in performing repeated echocardiography, often due to resource constraints. Addressing this issue is important for increasing the utility rates of donors with potentially reversible cardiac dysfunction.

While a favorable donor age is generally considered to be 45 years old or younger, the shortage of donors in recent years has led to the acceptance of individuals over 50 years old under extended donor criteria [1]. However, older donors have an increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), with a reported prevalence of 6.5% in those in their 40s and 7.3% in those in their 50s [56]. The presence of obstructive or multivessel CAD in a donor heart is associated with early graft failure and the development of cardiac allograft vasculopathy [57–59]. Furthermore, intravascular ultrasound performed one month after HTx revealed detectable coronary plaques in 29% of donor hearts in South Korea [60]. As previously mentioned, when BD donors are identified, the management focus shifts from patient-centered to organ-centered care. From this perspective, coronary angiography should be considered for older donors over 40 years of age or for donors with risk factors for premature CAD [25]. There is a widespread belief that the use of contrast medium before organ donation may adversely affect renal allograft function, which has limited the use of coronary angiography [61]. However, one study reported that performing coronary angiography before procurement had no impact on renal allograft outcomes [62]. Performing coronary angiography represents another critical consideration in enhancing donor utility, particularly in the era of severe donor shortage. This approach is especially relevant for donors meeting expanded criteria, offering a valuable strategy to optimize the use of available donor hearts [63,64].

Given the recent shortage of potential heart donors, it is crucial to optimize the procurement rate and improve posttransplant outcomes through the appropriate management of potential cardiac donors. Standardized protocols for managing BD donors can guide clinicians in providing sophisticated care, ultimately enhancing donor utility and improving outcomes for transplant recipients. Further research and collaboration are necessary to develop and refine these protocols in South Korea.