Hypertonic saline for cerebral edema and elevated intracranial pressure

Dr. K. K. Sinha; DR. Gautam Kumar

Volume : VI, Issue : IX, September - 2016

Hypertonic saline for cerebral edema and elevated intracranial pressure

Dr. K. K. Sinha, Dr. Gautam Kumar

Abstract :

Cereal edema and elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) are important and frequent problems in the neurocritically ill patient. They can both result from various insults to the ain. Improving cereal edema and decreasing ICP has been associated with improved outcome. However, all current treatment modalities are far from perfect and are associated with serious adverse events.. Indiscriminate hyperventilation can lead to ain ischemia; mannitol can cause intravascular volume depletion, renal insufficiency, and rebound ICP elevation; barbiturates are associated with cardiovascular and respiratory depression and prolonged coma; and cereospinal fluid (CSF) drainage via intraventricular catheter insertion may result in intracranial bleeding and infection. Other treatment modalities have been explored, and hypertonic saline (HS) solutions particularly appear to be an appealing addition to the current therapeutic avenues for cereal edema. This article succinctly reviews some of the basic concepts and mechanisms of action of HS and discusses some of its possible clinical applications