Brain death in children

Abstract

Brain death in pediatric patients is new concept and becoming more important. The definition of brain death is the irreversible cessation of all functions of the entire brain, including the brainstem. There are no definitive legal regulations in determining brain death in children as compared with adults. However, small children are more resistant to hypoxic brain damage and can show significant improvement despite the long-term coma. The purpose of this review and checklist for pediatric brain death is to provide a guide for appropriate diagnosis of brain death in children. (Turk Arch Ped 2011; 46: 99-103)