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Brain death: Difference between revisions
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(Created page with "The notion of '''brain death''' generally refers to the permanent, complete, and irreversible loss of brain function. It's defined differently in different countries according to their laws. The concept of brain death is most important in the consideration of organ donations, as the donor being brain dead is a prerequisite for many organ donations. When a person is brain dead, there is no hope of them returning to life, but their organs may be kept alive by mechanical v...") |
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The notion of '''brain death''' generally refers to the permanent, complete, and irreversible loss of brain function. It's defined differently in different countries according to their laws. The concept of brain death is most important in the consideration of organ donations, as the donor being brain dead is a prerequisite for many organ donations. | <section begin="A&IC" />The notion of '''brain death''' generally refers to the permanent, complete, and irreversible loss of brain function. It's defined differently in different countries according to their laws. The concept of brain death is most important in the consideration of organ donations, as the donor being brain dead is a prerequisite for many organ donations. | ||
When a person is brain dead, there is no hope of them returning to life, but their organs may be kept alive by mechanical ventilation and life-support, allowing the best conditions for [[organ donation]]. | When a person is brain dead, there is no hope of them returning to life, but their organs may be kept alive by mechanical ventilation and life-support, allowing the best conditions for [[organ donation]]. | ||
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Brain death must be confirmed by 3 independent specialist doctors who go through all the steps and who agree unanimously. | Brain death must be confirmed by 3 independent specialist doctors who go through all the steps and who agree unanimously. | ||
<noinclude>[[Category:Transplant surgery]]</noinclude> | |||
The duration of the observation period depends on the injury. In case of primary brain injury, it is 12 hours, in case of secondary brain injury, it is 72 hours. For children < 3 years old, the period is longer. | |||
After being confirmed brain dead, the organ coordination office must be called to inquire as to whether the patient is a donor or not. Contact relatives to give information. Their consent is needed in case of child donors. | |||
The patient must be treated in the ICU while waiting for surgery, to maintain optimal perfusion of donor organs. There, the following are necessary: | |||
* [[Fluid therapy]] | |||
* Proper ventilation | |||
* Replacement of [[pituitary hormones]] | |||
* Temperature maintenance | |||
<section end="A&IC" /> | |||
<noinclude> | |||
[[Category:Intensive care]][[Category:Transplant surgery]] | |||
</noinclude> | |||