Randomized controlled trials in donation after circulatory death: Understanding the obstacles and moving forward
In donation after circulatory death, donor interventions aim to improve transplant outcomes. However, the clinical science of antemortem intervention to improve posttransplant organ function remains underdeveloped. The design, organization, and conduct of randomized clinical trials in donation after circulatory death are severely curtailed by a myriad of ethical, regulatory, and pragmatical challenges. Raising awareness on these unique issues will benefit the donation and transplantation communities.