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[Hemodynamic changes induced by apnea test in patients with brain death]
J C Combes1, F Nicolas, F Lenfant
1Département d'anesthésie-réanimation, hôpital général, CHU, Dijon, France.
Annales Francaises D'Anesthesie Et De Reanimation
|January 1, 1996
Summary
The apnoea test for brain death confirmation causes temporary pulmonary hypertension and acidosis. These effects are reversible and do not harm right ventricular function, suggesting donor organ viability is maintained.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Critical Care Medicine
- Neurology
Context:
- The apnoea test is mandatory in France to confirm brain death.
- The test involves inducing hypercarbia and respiratory acidosis.
- Hemodynamic changes during this test require careful evaluation.
Purpose:
- To assess the hemodynamic alterations caused by the apnoea test.
- To evaluate the impact of hypercarbia and acidosis on cardiovascular parameters.
- To determine the reversibility of these hemodynamic changes.
Summary:
- A prospective study monitored 15 brain-dead patients undergoing the apnoea test.
- Hemodynamic parameters were measured before, during, and after the test.
- Hypercarbia induced reversible pulmonary hypertension and increased cardiac output, without impairing right ventricular function.
Impact:
- The apnoea test induces transient, reversible pulmonary hypertension.
- Right ventricular function remains unaffected despite significant hemodynamic shifts.
- Findings suggest the apnoea test does not compromise donor organ viability.