[Program of organ and tissue donation in subjects with cerebral death in the State of San Luis Potosí between 1999-2002. Legal implications and study results].

Introduction: The transplantation program of organs obtained from deceased donors requires a complex structural organization. Medical, logistic, and cultural aspects must be taken into account.

Material And Methods: We analyzed the detection of possible organ donors in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, from August 21, 1999 to August 30, 2002. We studied the main causes of brain death, donor conversion, legal implications, reasons for donation and refusal to donate.

Results: 71.42% of donors and 64.15% of non donors required legal intervention. The main cause of brain death was brain traumatic injury (66.97%). The donation rate per one million inhabitants was 8.3.

Conclusions: Adequate forensic management has a positive influence on achieved deceased donors. An effective team work and coordination with the State Council of Transplants has allowed the State of San Luis Potosí to have the highest rate of organ donation in Mexico.