Complications during apnea testing in the determination of brain death: predisposing factors.

Goudreau, J L; Wijdicks, E F; Emery, S F · Neurology · 2000

retrospective_cohort · Level III

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Abstract

Apnea testing in brain death determination may result in cardiovascular complications. Hypotension occurred in 24% and cardiac arrhythmias occurred in <1% of the 145 apneic oxygenation procedures. Complications were noted in only 15% of apnea tests performed without any predisposing factors. Significantly more complications (39%) were observed in apnea tests with inadequate precautions, particularly in apnea tests without adequate preoxygenation (50%).

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