Brain Death Diagnosis and Management in the Pandemic: Expert Opinion of the Turkish Neurological Society Neurological Intensive Care Scientific Working Group

• Published in: Türk nöroloji dergisi Vol. 27; no. 1; pp. 1 - 4
• Main Authors: Mengi, Tuğçe, Şirin, Hadiye, Yaka, Erdem, Özdemir, Atilla Özcan, Arsava, Ethem Murat, Topçuoğlu, Mehmet Akif
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Türk Nöroloji Derneği 01.03.2021; Galenos Yayinevi
• Subjects: aerosolization; apnea test; brain death; ct angiography; organ transplantation; Tıp; Ankara; Türkiye; organ transplantation; aerosolizasyon; aerosolization; Brain death; CT angiography; organ nakli; Beyin ölümü; BT anjiyografi; apnea test; apne test
• ISSN: 1301-062X; 1309-2545; 1309-2545
• DOI: 10.4274/tnd.2021.88785

In the pandemic year, the number of brain death declarations decreased by more than 50% compared with previous years. The timely diagnosis of brain death is critical in terms of rational use of intensive care facilities, as well as organ transplantation. Apnea testing should not be omitted in patients with COVID-19, and can be performed either with apneic oxygenation method or ventilator-based spontaneous modes when standard prerequisites are met. Complete compliance with personal protection measures and prevention of the environmental escape of the expiratory air via tube clamping or filtering is essential. Other declaration processes should be conducted in accordance with the 2014 guidelines of the Turkish Neurology Association.