Modulation of blood pressure in traumatic brain injury

Abstract

The modulation of arterial pressure is an important stage in the care of a patient with a cerebral lesion. International guidelines recommend a level of cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP = mean arterial pressure [MAP] - intracranial pressure [ICP]) that is superior to 60 mmHg. On the other hand, a level that exceeds 70 mmHg in the absence of cerebral ischemia must be avoided given the risk of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) [1]. Moreover, a single episode of hypotension defined as systolic arterial pressure <90 mmHg in a patient with severe head trauma is associated with an increase in mortality and morbidity [2]. © 2007 Springer Science + Business Media Inc.