Why families refuse organ donation at Strasbourg University Hospital (2024–2025)
Official title: Characterization of Opposition to Organ Donation at Strasbourg University Hospital in 2024-2025
Run by University Hospital, Strasbourg, France · NCT07345975 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will try to find out why relatives refuse organ donation for people who are brain dead or who have life support withdrawn in the Strasbourg ICU.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Strasbourg, France Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Strasbourg) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 14, 2025 |
| Main results expected | February 2027 |
| Study ends | February 14, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | January 16, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07345975 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Patients who are declared brain dead or undergoing planned withdrawal of active treatment (Maastricht 3) at Strasbourg University Hospital, with relatives available for discussion and organ procurement coordination present, are eligible.
✕Probably not a fit
People who die without available relatives or in settings where organ procurement coordination was not present are not included and are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational project will review cases of brain death and planned withdrawal of life‑sustaining treatment (Maastricht 3) at Strasbourg University Hospital during 2024–2025, focusing on conversations with relatives and whether an organ procurement coordinator was present. Investigators will record instances of family opposition, compare reported opposition to any documented wishes of the deceased, and capture contextual factors from the initial donation interview. Cases without available relatives or without procurement coordination are excluded. The aim is to identify modifiable reasons for the higher-than-expected refusal rate to inform practices that could increase donation rates.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could help reduce family refusals and increase the number of available transplants for people on the waiting list.
How similar studies have gone: Previous observational work on family refusal and opt‑out systems exists and targeted measures such as trained requesters and public campaigns have reduced refusal rates in some regions, though outcomes vary by local context.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients who are brain dead and/or eligible for a Maastricht 3 protocol (discontinuation of active treatment with death due to circulatory arrest in intensive care) * Hospitalized in the intensive care unit of the Strasbourg University Hospital or transferable to the Strasbourg University Hospital for multi-organ removal (anticipated approach) * Existence of relatives with whom discussion is possible * Presence of organ procurement coordination at the initial donation interview Exclusion Criteria: * Absence of relatives of the deceased (no interview with them) * Absence of organ procurement coordination during the initial discussion with relatives regarding organ and tissue procurement
Where it's running
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Service d'Anesthésie, Réanimation et Médecine Périopératoire - CHU de Strasbourg - France
Strasbourg, France Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Charlotte POUSSARDIN, MD
- Email: charlotte.poussardin@chru-strasbourg.fr
- Phone: 33 3.69.55.16.21
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.