[Brain death in the child. Review of 12 cases].

Twelve brain death diagnosed children have been retrospectively surveyed. Their age ranged between seven months and thirteen years (mean = 5.7 years old). Etiology was as follows: eight of cranial trauma, two of ground-trapped asphyxia, one of hypernatremic dehydration ans one of subglottic laryngitis. When a brain death diagnosis was suggested, neurodiagnosis complementary tests were carried out eight cases presented an isoelectric EEG since the first recording and their evoked potentials did no reflect any response. Among the eight children to whom brain angiogammography was made, five presented no flow in the first study. Brain circulation signs were detected in two other children, disappearing subsequently. When the EEG was isoelectric, positive responses were never obtained from the brainstem. However, flow was detected in two cases. We suggest that, in doubtful cases, absence of brain radioisotopic activity is the most specific way to assess brain death in children.