Lazarus phenomenon in trauma.

Area of Science:

• Medical Science
• Emergency Medicine
• Trauma Care

Background:

• The Lazarus phenomenon, defined as auto-resuscitation, is the spontaneous return of circulation after cessation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
• Literature on auto-resuscitation in trauma patients is notably scarce.

Observation:

• An older female poly-trauma patient from a motor vehicle collision presented with pulseless electrical activity.
• Despite aggressive resuscitation efforts, spontaneous circulation did not return.
• Nine minutes post-resuscitation cessation, the patient exhibited auto-resuscitation.

Findings:

• This case represents a rare occurrence of auto-resuscitation in a severe trauma setting.
• The event highlights a critical management dilemma in organ donation protocols.

Implications:

• Urgent organ procurement for maximum viability conflicts with the need for an adequate observation period to rule out auto-resuscitation.
• Ethical considerations and the need for updated guidelines for organ donation after circulatory death are emphasized.
• Establishing standardized observation times for auto-resuscitation in potential organ donors is crucial.