Interpretation of "Determination of Brain Death/Death by Neurologic Criteria" (version 2020)

Abstract

Since the Harvard Brain Death Criteria was published in 1968, many guidelines and diagnostic procedures of Brain Death/Death by Neurologic Criteria (BD/DNC) have been published throughout the world, and these determination criteria have been constantly revised and updated. The World Brain Death Project published the "Determination of Brain Death/Death by Neurologic Criteria" in 2020 to unify clinical practice across countries and improve the rigorousness of BD/DNC determination. This article analyzes and interprets these "Determination of Brain Death/Death by Neurologic Criteria" (version 2020) to clarify the concept of BD/DNC, the minimum clinical criteria for Determination of BD/DNC, ancillary testing, and the pediatric/neonatal BD/DNC, and to compare with the current practical guidance for determination of brain death in China, and analyze the differences between China and foreign countries, so as to provide reference for medical personnel in related professions in China. doi:10.3969/j.issn.1672⁃6731.2021.04.003

Keywords

• brain death
• guideline
• review