Deceased donation in Asia: challenges and opportunities

Abstract

1. The deceased donation rate is low in Asia, and there is a critical shortage of liver grafts. 2. The number of liver transplants in Asia has increased rapidly during the last decade, mainly because of the rapid increase in the use of living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). 3. Various social, cultural, religious, and economic factors account for the low rate of deceased donation, and there is marked diversity between different countries and even within individual countries. 4. There are excellent opportunities for the actualization of deceased donation through legislation, education, donor actions, and innovations. 5. In the foreseeable future, LDLT will continue to play a crucial role for patients with liver disease in Asia.