Apnea documentation for determination of brain death in children.
Discontinuing ventilatory support for determination of respiratory drive is a recognized means of assessing clinical brain death. Methodology must include a means for assuring adequate oxygenation during the test as well as providing sufficient duration for appropriate hypercarbia. Nine patients with other findings of clinical brain death were prospectively assessed with a standardized apnea test protocol. None demonstrated spontaneous respirations. Whereas adequate oxygenation was maintained in each case, wide variability was evident in degree of hypercarbia and acidosis.
D001049:Apnea / Q000175:diagnosis*; D001926:Brain Death; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000097:blood; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007223:Infant; D010100:Oxygen / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood; D010313:Partial Pressure; D011446:Prospective Studies
D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D010100:Oxygen