Akdeniz Tıp Dergisi, vol.10, no.1, pp.325-330, 2024 (Peer-Reviewed Journal)
ABSTRACT
Objective:
Akdeniz University Faculty of Medicine is one of the important
organ transplant centers of Türkiye. This study aimed to share
experiences about cerebral death rate, follow-up, donor care, and
organ donation in the adult intensive care unit (ICU).
Material And Methods:
The records of patients diagnosed with brain death in the Anesthesia and Intensive Care Unit of Akdeniz University Faculty of Medicine between January 2003 and December 2016 were reviewed
retrospectively. In these records, patients' demographic characteristics, admission diagnoses, intensive care coma scores, laboratory
values, method and duration of evaluation tests, consultation times,
and transport information are available.
Results:
In our study, 136 (66%) male and 71 (34%) female patients were
included. Intracranial hemorrhage was the first line in the diagnosis
of admission. This was followed by 56 (27.05%) subarachnoid
hemorrhage (SAH), and 42 (20.28%) intraparenchymal hemorrhage. Among the confirmatory tests, SPECT (single-photon
emission computed tomography) was the first in 70 (33.81%)
patients. Spinal reflex was observed in 27 (13.04%) patients after
cerebral death. Two patients (0.96%) had Lazarus sign. Sympathetic storms developed in 71 (34.29%) patients. Diabetes insipidus
developed in 122 (58.93%) of the patients and all patients received
medical treatment. Sixty-six (31.4%) of 207 brain death cases with
detailed records donated their organs.
Conclusion:
A common diagnostic protocol is required to create an atmosphere
of trust in organ transplant patients. We reiterate that more clinical
research is needed in this area.