PEDIATRICS · 1984 · 57 citations · 0 references
NursingChild HealthPediatricsCritical Care Respiratory TherapyPediatric NeurologyVentilator ManagementDeath DeterminationRespiratory AssessmentRespiratory MonitoringBrain Death Determination SupportBrain Death EvaluationBrain Death ManagementOxygenationPediatric Brain Death DeterminationRespiratory Assessment In ChildrenRespiratory Status Assessment
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.