The effect of brain death protocol duration on potential donor losses due to cardiac arrest.

Background: The severe inflammatory reaction that occurs after brain death (BD) tends to amplify over time, contributing to cardiovascular deterioration and occurrence of cardiac arrest (CA). Our purpose is to evaluate the effect of BD protocol duration (BDPD) on potential donor losses due to CA.

Methods: This retrospective analysis included potential donors reported during the period from May 2012 to April 2014.