Development of the concept of brain death: international data review
https://doi.org/10.24884/2078-5658-2025-22-2-11-25
Abstract
The concept of brain death was introduced in the late 1960s and continues to develop. The article presents a brief history of the evolution of the idea of death by neurologic criteria. The concept is accepted worldwide, but there is still considerable variability in brain death determination protocols. New treatments for critical patients change the preconditions for brain death testing. The refinement of diagnostic techniques improves the capabilities of confirmatory tests. Controversial cases of determination of brain death cause public resonance and justified criticism of opponents of the concept. All these factors lead to review of some concept statements, terminology and update diagnostic protocols. In 2020, an international expert working group presented the minimum clinical standards for determination of brain death/death by neurologic criteria with guidance for various clinical circumstances. Some countries have already started to implement international recommendations and revise national diagnostic protocols. The extensive debate accompanying this process is an important contribution to the improvement of the concept of brain death.
Supporting agencies: The study was supported by grant RSF, project No 23-18-00400 «Death, dying and donation: an interdisciplinary study of the impact of social factors on the end of life and the development of transplant care».
About the Author
S. K. Sergienko
Mariinsky City Hospital; Institute of Philosophy of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Sergienko Sergei K., Head of Intensive Care Department №1; Senior Research Fellow of Sector for Humanitarian Expertise and Bioethics
56, Liteyny pr., Saint Petersburg, 191014
12, build. 1, Goncharnaya str., Moscow, 109240
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For citations:
Sergienko S.K. Development of the concept of brain death: international data review. Messenger of ANESTHESIOLOGY AND RESUSCITATION. 2025;22(2):11-25. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.24884/2078-5658-2025-22-2-11-25
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