Maintaining acid-base balance in organ donors

An abnormal blood pH may cause the loss of donor organs through harmful physiological consequences. The organ procurement coordinator must correctly analyze the acid-base abnormality and treat its cause while normalizing the blood pH. We recommend that treatment of acidemia or alkalemia be first directed toward changing parameters on the mechanical ventilator, using the Paco2 to modify blood pH. Thereafter, hydrochloric acid or sodium bicarbonate may be administered to correct the calculated metabolic acid-base deficit. The types of acidosis or alkalosis, dead space effect during mechanical ventilation, base excess, base deficit, and the appropriate evaluation of blood lactate are also discussed as related to the correction of the acid-base status throughout donor care.