[Historical review of pediatric brain death in Japan]

Although brain death of children has recently been hotly discussed in Japan, there still remain uncertainty and confusion. A pediatrician's diagnosis that a child is brain-dead entails delicate and emotional issues. Circumstances of the patients, families and institutions are so variable that many questions cannot be answered. It is most important to be aware of these problems and to seek consensus in the community. Pediatricians should provide their best care to both the patients and their families.