Consensum for determining brain death in pediatric patients at Centro Médico Docente La Trinidad: Delphi Method

Abstract

Brain Death is the irreversible absence of neurological function confirmed by a clinical diagnosis, where apnea and coma are clinical findings. When there is a known etiology of brain injury in a comatose patient in apnea, a complete medical history should be done, associated with a detailed neurological physical examination. There are different national and international documents about Brain Death. Even though most of the recommendations may be widely applicable, there must be guidelines in every health center adapted to their conditions, resources and ethical and legal national principles. The aim of this paper is to show and establish a consensus on determination of brain death in pediatric patients at the Centro Médico Docente La Trinidad. By the Delphi method, a group of experts, specialists from the Centro Médico Docente La Trinidad  involved in cases of brain death in the pediatric population, a random choice, was convened with the aim of developing a consensus about BD in pediatric patients, through anonymous digital questionnaires with their respective feedback in 5 stages, seeking an institutional guide adapted to our resources and respecting the corresponding to national ethical and legal. In conclusion, to determine brain death, a multidisciplinary team should be organized, they must follow specific guidelines to the correct management of this kind of pediatric patients, taking consideration in the legal and ethical national percepts.