Brain death and related issues.

Mahmood Akhtar; Khalid Jamil; Shafaq Amed; Saleem Mushtaq

Author(s)

Mahmood Akhtar Department of Anaesthesiology, CMH, Nowshera, Pakistan

Khalid Jamil Department of Anaesthesiology, CMH, Murree, Pakistan

Shafaq Amed Department of Anaesthesiology, CMH, Hyderabad, Pakistan

Saleem Mushtaq Department of Anaesthesiology, CMH, Hyderabad, Pakistan

Abstract

Concerns about the erroneous diagnosis of death and premature burial have been expressed from times immemorial. Patients with brain stem death have absolutely no chance of recovery. Brain death is considered at par with death in most of the countries. General public in most parts of the world shows reluctance to accept this concept due to different social, culture and religious backgrounds and state of literacy and awareness. The criteria for the diagnosis of brain death have been established which include certain pre-conditions, exclusions and tests of the brain stem function. These criteria are universally accepted. The criteria in children are somewhat different from the adults. The subject is intimately related with organ transplantation. If the patient is registered as organ donor or the family consents, organs can be harvested from brain dead patients for transplantation. Pakistan is amongst the few countries where no legislation exists to accept brain death as being at par with death of an individual, and to facilitate and regulate, cadaveric organ donation and transplantation.

Publication Details

Page(s) 423-427

DOI DOI not available

Published Journal: Journal of College of Physicians and Surgeons--Pakistan : JCPSP, Volume: 13, Issue: 7, Year: 2003

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