MANAGEMENT OF BRAIN DEATH

MISCELLANEOUS PROBLEMS

Infection

Systemic infection is a relative contraindication to organdonation. All unnecessary indwelling devices should be removed. All lines and catheters must be inserted aseptically and meticulous care of dressings and wounds is vital. Tracheal suction should be done withsterile precautions. Appropriate samples from suspected sources of infection should be sent for cultures. Treatment should be initiated based on culture reports. Prophylactic antibiotics are indicated only immediately prior to organ retrieval.

Coagulopathy

Disseminated intravascular coagulation is common in patients with traumatic head injuries. This is due to the release of thromboplastin from the injured brain. If it results in clinically significant mucocutaneous bleeding, treatment with appropriate blood components is needed.

Hypothermia

Core temperature should be monitored using rectal thermometers. The core temperature should be maintained above 350C after brain death, the body becomes poikilothermic because of the loss of central temperature control mechanisms. Treatment includes use of humidified and warmed ventilator gases ; warmed intravenous fluids and blood products ; and heating blankets. Sometimes a hot blower next to the patient is the best solution to maintain the body temperature.

Brain stem dead organ donors are managed in the intensive care unit. Supportive care is directed towards optimizing organ function as this will improve graft survival and function.

CONCLUSION:

A severe shortage of organs the world over has led to increased pressure on the intensive
care staff for early identification of the brain dead donor and optimum management of 
this condition. The diagnosis of brain death as per the Transplantation Human Organ Act 
is based as simple clinical bedside tests. The passing of this Act in 1994 and its 
subsequent adaptation by many Indian States has made it possible in India to use this 
pool of patients for organ retrieval and transplantation.

Table  1. States that have accepted THO Act 

Table  II. Form VIII of Transplantation of Human Organ Act




S.No Brainstem Reflexes  Sensory cranial nerve  Motor cranial nerve
1.  Absence of pupillary response to light  II   III (parasympathetic Nerve fibres)
2.  Absence of corneal reflexes  VII
3. Absence of cranial nerve response to pain VII (and limb motor responses)
4.  Absence of Vestibulo-ocular VIII   III, VI
5. Absence of gag and cough reflexes X IX
       

Table II. Clinical Testing For Absence Of Brainstem Reflexes


  • The PaCo2 should be 5.33 kPa (.40mmHg) prior to testing and should rise to at least 6.66kPa (50mmHg) during the test.
  • The patient should be pre-oxygenated with 100% oxygen for 10 minutesprior to testing & baseline arterial blood gases should be taken.
  • Disconnect patient from ventilator but oxygen should be administered at 6 litres/min via a fine bore catheter down the endo-tracheal tube
  • Observe patient for 5 to10 minutes for any respiratory effort andensure PaCo2 has risen above 6.66kPa (50mmHg) by repeating arterialblood gases.
  • Reconnect patient to the ventilator.
  • Discontinue testing if any hypotension, cardiac arrhythmia's or hypoxia occurs 

Table III. Aponea Test For Confirming 'Brainstem Death' 


Brainstem Death

Table IV. 'Ramachandra Protocol' To Ask For Organs 


Organ Donation

Table V. Organizing multi-organ donation in abrain death


Corneas  0  100 years  (poor eyesight not a contraindication)
Heart Valves  0  60 years (Heart Attack not a contraindication)
Trachea 15  60 years 
Skin  16  85 years 
Kidneys 0  75 years   (Paediatric donors are assessed according to weight and size)
Liver  0 70 years  (size matching is usually recommended)
Heart 0  60 years (if unsuitable heart valves may be donated)
Lungs 0  60 years  (individual assessment of each lung performed

Table VI. Different Age criteria for organ donation


  • Testing for HIV, Hep B & C on all donors.
  • Additional tests for syphilis, cytomegalovirus and toxoplasmosis may be necessary 
  • Virology testing is performed after the completion of brain stem death tests but before the ventilator is discontinued.
  • Virology screening is done after consent from next to kin.

Table VII - Virology Screen For Brain Dead Patient When Organ Donation is Being Considered


Common Clinical Problems Of Brain Stem Dead Patient
  • Hypotension
  • Hypothermia
  • Endocrine Disturbances
  • Electrolyte Imbalance
  • Arrhythmias
  • Hypoxia
Uncommon Clinical Problems
  • Coagulopathy
  • Neurogenic Pulmonary Oedema


Table VIII. Common & Uncommon Clinical Problems in Brain dead patients
CARDIOPULMONARY   
Systolic blood pressure 100-120mmHg
Mean arterial pressure >60mmHg 
Central venous pressure 8-10 mmHg
Hemoglobin 10gm/dl
Hematocrit 30?
(Arterial blood gas)pH 7.37-7.45
Pa O2 >75mmHg
PaCO 2 40mmHg
SpO 2 95?
RENAL 
Urine output 1-2ml/kg/hr
Core temperature (rectal)  >35 *C 
METABOLIC 
Correct glucose and electrolyte abnormalities Na+, K+, Ca++, PO4-, Mg++
 
Table IX. Management goals supporting the brain stem organ donor


Table  I.Form 8 of THO Act

Table II.Cranial nerve reflexes

Table III. Apnoea Test 

Test- IV. Ramachandras Protocol

Test-V. Transparent Co-ordination 

Test-VI. Age for organ donation

Table VII - Virology Screen For Brain Dead Patient When Organ Donation is Being Considered

Table VIII. Common & Uncommon Clinical Problems in Brain dead patients

Table IX. Management goals supporting the brain stem organ donor

Fig.1. Cause of Brain Death

Fig .2. Testing for Brain Death

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