Our Experience in Brain Death and Organ Donation


ÇAKIN Ö., GÜMÜŞ A. G., CENGİZ M., YILMAZ M., ARICI A. G., BİLAL N., ...More

Akdeniz Tıp Dergisi, vol.10, no.1, pp.325-330, 2024 (Peer-Reviewed Journal)

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 10 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2024
  • Doi Number: 10.53394/akd.1258467
  • Journal Name: Akdeniz Tıp Dergisi
  • Journal Indexes: TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
  • Page Numbers: pp.325-330
  • Akdeniz University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

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.