The Influence of Triamcinolone Acetonide on Raised ICP

Abstract

Although there is no doubt about the beneficial action of corticosteroids --- especially of dexamethasone --- in tumor-induced brain edema, more recent publications such as Pitts et al. (1980) and Gaab et al. (1981) show controversial opinions concerning its action in trauma cases. Even less favourable results were found by Gudeman et al. (1979), when treating trauma cases with methylprednisolone. The serious side effects of dexamethasone are also known to everybody, and this has led to a search for a drug, which would not only reduce brain edema in tumor as well as in trauma cases, but would not have the serious side effects of dexamethasone. The pharmacological properties of triamcinolone acetonide together with the experimental research by Gerl et al. (1981, unpublished communication) led us to consider that this corticosteroid might fulfil the necessary requirements.