Consideraciones generales sobre la muerte encefálica y recomendaciones sobre las decisiones clínicas tras su diagnóstico

Although there are legal differences and variations in the diagnostic criteria used to define BD among its member states, brain death is accepted as the death of an individual for all legal, ethical and scientific effects. The diagnosis of BD should be independent of the decision of whether to donor or not donate organs for transplant. Once a diagnosis of BD has been confirmed, the possibility of organ donation should always be considered and the appropriate organ maintenance measures initiated. If organ donation is contraindicated, all support measures should be withdrawn including mechanical respiration. The decision to withdraw all support measures is consistent with the clinical-legal diagnosis and supported by several scientific and bioethics societies.