SCCM Resource Library-Pediatric and Adult Brain Death/Death by Neurologic Criteria Consensus Practice Guidelines

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In this session led by Dr. Lori Schutter and a team of experts, the revised Pediatric and Adult Brain Death, Death by Neurologic Criteria Consensus Practice Guidelines are presented. The guidelines, collaboratively developed by organizations like the American Academy of Neurology and the Society of Critical Care Medicine, aim to standardize brain death determination and respond to advances in medical technology and knowledge. 

Key points include:

1. <strong>Rationale for Revision:</strong> Brain death guidelines were updated to reflect new evidence and incorporate advances in technologies such as ECMO and therapeutic hypothermia. This revision seeks a unified approach to both pediatric and adult brain death criteria.

2. <strong>Evaluation Process:</strong> Dr. Matthew Kirshen and Dr. David Greer emphasize a meticulous, protocolized evaluation process involving confirmation of coma, absence of brain stem reflexes, and apnea in the setting of a carbon dioxide challenge. The guidelines stress that one should enter the brain death determination process intent on disproving brain death to ensure objectivity.

3. <strong>Ancillary Testing and Special Considerations:</strong> Dr. Arianne Lewis discusses ancillary tests which are only necessary if the clinical examination is incomplete or inconclusive. Discussions also cover special scenarios such as posterior fossa injuries and brain death in pregnancy.

4. <strong>Policy and Communication:</strong> Dr. Schutter highlights the importance of familiarizing with local and state laws, updating institutional policies, and standardizing examinations to ensure accuracy. Effective communication with the family is crucial for supporting them through the process, ensuring transparency, and building public trust in medical determinations of brain death. 

The session also features practical guidance, including ancillary testing, examiner qualifications, and communication strategies to ensure ethical and accurate practice.

Asset Caption

One-Hour Concurrent Session | Pediatric and Adult Brain Death/Death by Neurologic Criteria Consensus Practice Guidelines

Meta Tag

Content Type Presentation

Membership Level Professional

Membership Level Select

Year 2024

Keywords

Brain Death Guidelines

Pediatric and Adult

Neurologic Criteria

Medical Technology

Ancillary Testing

Evaluation Process

Policy and Communication

Consensus Practice

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