Importance of cerebral perfusion pressure management using cerebrospinal drainage in severe traumatic brain injury

Abstract

To evaluate hemodynamics in patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) after cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) management using cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage. Twenty-six patients with TBI (Glasgow Coma Score = 8 or less) were investigated. Mean arterial blood pressure, CPP, cardiac index (CI), systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI), and central venous pressure were measured. The patients were divided into 2 groups after craniotomy: the intraparenchymal ICP (IP-ICP) monitoring group (n = 14) and ventricular ICP (V-ICP) monitoring group (n = 12). Patient hemodynamics were investigated on the second hospital day to identify differences. Measurements indicated a target CPP above 70 mmHg and a central venous pressure of 8-10 mmHg in both groups. Mannitol administration (IP-ICP group) or CSF drainage (V-ICP group) was performed whenever the CPP remained below 70 mmHg. High SVRI and low CI (p < 0:05) were observed in the IP-ICP group. The V-ICP group exhibited a reduction in the total fluid infusion volume of crystalloid (p < 0:01) and a reduction in the frequency of hypotensive episodes after the mannitol infusion. CPP management using CSF drainage decreases the total infusion volume of crystalloid and may reduce the risk of aggravated brain edema after excess fluid resuscitation. © 2006 Springer-Verlag.