Complications during apnea testing in the determination of brain death: predisposing factors.
Apnea testing in brain death determination may result in cardiovascular complications. Hypotension occurred in 24% and cardiac arrhythmias occurred in <1% of the 145 apneic oxygenation procedures. Complications were noted in only 15% of apnea tests performed without any predisposing factors. Significantly more complications (39%) were observed in apnea tests with inadequate precautions, particularly in apnea tests without adequate preoxygenation (50%).
Goudreau
J L
JL
Department of Neurology, Saint Mary's Hospital, Mayo Medical Center, Rochester, MN, USA.
Wijdicks
E F
EF
Emery
S F
SF
D000328:Adult; D001049:Apnea / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000502:physiology; D001926:Brain Death / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007022:Hypotension / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors