Death by neurologic criteria in a neonate: Implications for organ donation

Abstract. We illustrate a unique case of neonatal organ donation in a full-term newborn with severe hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and multi-organ dysfunction that underwent therapeutic hypothermia. Prolonged hypothermia permitted adequate time for recovery of certain end-organs before such time that death by neurologic criteria was declared. Parental values aligned with the opportunity for organ donation.

*Corresponding Author: 

Sudarshan R. Jadcherla, MD, Division of Neonatology, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, 43205 OH, USA. Tel.: +1 614 355 6669; Fax: +1 614 355 5899; Sudarshan.Jadcherla@nationwidechildrens.org.