EEG and brain death determination in children

EEG and brain death determination in children Article

Alvarez, LA, Moshé, SL, Belman, AL et al. (1988). EEG and brain death determination in children . NEUROLOGY, 38(2), 227-230. 10.1212/wnl.38.2.227

In a retrospective study involving several medical centers we identified 52 patients under age 5 yeare who met the adult clinical criteria for brain death and had at least one EEG with electrocerebral silence. Of the 52 patients, 31 died spontaneously and 21 were disconnected from the respirator. Repeat EEGs were obtained in 28 patients, and in all electrocerebral silence persisted. The study suggests that clinical criteria similar to those used for adults in the determination of brain death can also be applied to children above age 3 months and that a single EEG with electrocerebral silence is sufficient to confirm brain death in this age group. © 1988 American Academy of Neurology.