Pediatric Organ Donation, Transplantation, and Updated Brain Death Criteria: An Overview for Pediatricians

Pediatricians follow patients longitudinally and hold a unique position to address multiple issues, medical and psychosocial, that affect organ donation and transplantation. They are wellpositioned to provide anticipatory guidance during well-child visits and during care for children with end-stage organ failure and can either assist these patients with ongoing medical management or refer these patients for organ transplantation assessment. A pediatrician's trusted relationship with families and patients allows for guidance on medical and ethical issues surrounding brain death, organ donation, and transplantation. A clear understanding of end-of-life care, criteria for the determination of neurologic and circulatory death, the process of organ donation, and posttransplant management is vital for pediatricians. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recognizes and supports the important role of the pediatrician in the global need for organ donation and transplantation awareness. This article, as well as the updated AAP policy on Pediatric Organ Donation and Transplantation and the revised American Academy of Neurology consensus statement for the determination of neurologic death for children and adults, provides guidance to help shape public opinion, public policy, and care of the pediatric organ donor and the transplant recipient.