Determination of brain death/death by neurologic criteria in patients treated with targeted temperature management

Abstract

In determining brain death/death by neurologic criteria (BD/DNC) in patients treated with targeted temperature management (TTM), it is important to note that therapeutic hypothermia may temporarily blunt the brainstem reflexes and that therapeutic hypothermia may delay the metabolism of drugs used in TTM, which may affect the BD/DNC determination. The BD/DNC determination should be performed at least 24 hours after the patient has recovered to 36℃ or higher. If sedatives were administered, it is necessary to wait at least five times the half-life of the administered drug after the end of administration.