Influence of the duration of brain death protocol on losses of potential donors by cardiac arrest

Organ transplantation is, in many cases, the only therapeutic option for patients with terminal organ dysfunction. Organ donation from deceased donors in brain death (BD) is the main source of organs for transplants. Goal-oriented protocols are associated with reduction of cardiac arrests in potential donors. However, there is not much information about chronological goals and the influence of the length of donor management on the loss of donors by cardiac arrest. The severe inflammatory reaction that occurs from the BD installation tends to amplify over time and could contribute to cardiovascular deterioration and occurrence of cardiac arrest.