A Case Report of Successful Kidney Donation After Brain Death Following Nicotine Intoxication

Transplant Proc. 2017 Jan-Feb;49(1):229-231. doi: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2016.08.043.

Abstract

Nicotine intoxication is a rare cause of death and can lead to brain death after respiratory arrest and hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. To our knowledge, no previous reports regarding organ donation after nicotine intoxication have been described. We present a successful case of kidney donation after brain death caused by subcutaneous nicotine overdose from liquid nicotine from an e-cigarette cartridge in an attempted suicide. Both kidneys were transplanted successfully with immediate graft function, and both recipients were discharged at postoperative day 9 with normal plasma creatinine levels. Graft function has remained excellent in follow-up. This case suggests that kidneys from a donor with fatal nicotine intoxication may be successfully used for kidney transplantation in the absence of other contraindications for donation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brain Death
  • Donor Selection / methods*
  • Drug Overdose / etiology*
  • Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems
  • Female
  • Graft Survival
  • Humans
  • Kidney / drug effects
  • Kidney Transplantation*
  • Nephrectomy
  • Nicotine / poisoning*
  • Nicotinic Agonists / poisoning*
  • Tissue and Organ Harvesting / methods
  • Tissue and Organ Procurement*

Substances

  • Nicotinic Agonists
  • Nicotine