Apnea testing for brain death in severe acute respiratory distress syndrome: a possible solution.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

A 42-year-old man with a subarachnoid hemorrhage complicated by anoxic brain injury, respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation, and severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) presented a clinical conundrum for safe apnea testing in brain death determination due to profound hypoxemia.

METHODS:

Case report.

RESULTS:

During brain death examination, despite meeting criteria for severe ARDS, apnea testing was successfully completed with the use of a pretest recruitment maneuver and 20 cm H(2)O CPAP valve.

CONCLUSION:

A recruitment maneuver and CPAP valve may be used in severe ARDS for safe apnea testing in brain death determination.

• Authors: Sara Hocker, Francis Whalen, Eelco F M Wijdicks
• Journal: Neurocritical care (Neurocrit Care) Vol. 20 Issue 2 Pg. 298-300 (Apr 2014) ISSN: 1556-0961 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 24233817 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Apnea (diagnosis)
• Brain Death (diagnosis)
• Brain Injuries (complications, etiology)
• Humans
• Hypoxia (complications)
• Male
• Respiratory Distress Syndrome (etiology, physiopathology)
• Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome