The concept of cerebral circulatory-pressure index (CCPI)

The theoretical relations between blood pressure (MABP), intracranial pressure (ICP) and cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) as well as the new Cerebral Circulation-Pressure Index (CCPI) are presented in the paper. The special nomogram collecting all of these parameters was constructed. CPPI was defined as a quotient of CPP and ICP: [formula: see text] CCPI reflects the relationship between the systemic MABP and ICP and for ensuring the normal conditions of intracranial circulation the MABP must be at least 4 divided by 5 times higher than ICP. The low values of CCPI, if they are not immediately corrected, results on severe brain disability or even death. We didn't find till now what should be the upper limit of CCPI, which overcrossing may be danger for the patient, especially with impaired autoregulation. Based on analysis of patients operated due to intracranial disorders as brain tumours, spontaneous and traumatic haematomas as well as ruptured aneurysms we find that the values of CCPI over 3 have a good prognosis, between 3 and 2 is a field for intensive treatment consisting on decreasing ICP or increasing the systemic blood pressure or both. If CCPI is below 1.5 the prognosis is pessimistic and all the patients died. CCPI together with the nomogram are useful in current evaluation of the state of patients and of the efficacy of treatment and prediction of the treatment results.