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Published in: Neurocritical Care 2/2014

01-04-2014 | Practical Pearl

Apnea Testing for Brain Death in Severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: A Possible Solution

Authors: Sara Hocker, Francis Whalen, Eelco F. M. Wijdicks

Published in: Neurocritical Care | Issue 2/2014

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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 H2O CPAP valve.

Conclusion

A recruitment maneuver and CPAP valve may be used in severe ARDS for safe apnea testing in brain death determination.
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Metadata
Title
Apnea Testing for Brain Death in Severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: A Possible Solution
Authors
Sara Hocker
Francis Whalen
Eelco F. M. Wijdicks
Publication date
01-04-2014
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Neurocritical Care / Issue 2/2014
Print ISSN: 1541-6933
Electronic ISSN: 1556-0961
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12028-013-9932-0

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