[Hierarchical strategy for treating elevated intracranial pressure in severe traumatic brain injury]

The objective of the treatment of intracranial hypertension is to decrease intracranial pressure (ICP) while maintaining cerebral blood flow (CBF). Despite numerous treatments, none of them associates total efficiency and security. Systemic secondary cerebral injuries, which are responsible for cerebral ischemia, lead us to administer non specific treatments in order to optimize CBF and cerebral oxygenation. Thus, the goals are: 1) to maintain cerebral perfusion pressure> or =70 mmHg; 2) to control metabolic status by preventing hyperglycaemia, anaemia and hyperthermia; 3) to maintain normoxia and normocapnia (hypercapnia increases ICP and hypocapnia decreases CBF). Beside the neurosurgical evacuation of extra- and intraparenchymatous haematomas, osmotherapy and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) evacuation are the two specific treatments of intracranial hypertension. Osmotherapy consists in an administration of a hypertonic solution which induces a decrease in cerebral water and finally in ICP. Mannitol (20%), which is the reference, associates osmotic and rheologic effects, and decreases CSF production too. Recent data conduct us to administer larger doses, between 0.7 and 1 g/kg in 15 minutes. Hypertonic saline solution associates osmotic effects and plasma volume loading. Thus, this solution is particularly appropriate in severe head injury with arterial hypotension. CBF evacuation decreases rapidly ICP without any major side-effect. Until now, there is no proof of a superior efficiency of a treatment for intracranial hypertension compared to another. Considering their mechanism of action, all of them are efficient but potentially dangerous too. Indeed, the choice between treatments depends on data which are issued from the multimodal monitoring. General non specific treatments are always necessary. Specific treatments are indicated if ICP is above 20-25 mmHg. Maintaining cerebral perfusion pressure represents the first therapeutic goal. If intracranial hypertension persists, evacuation of CBF or osmotherapy may be advocated. In case of refractory intracranial hypertension, it may be useful to deepen neurosedation. Controlled hypocapnia and barbiturates remain a third line therapy providing to monitor and maintain an appropriate CBF and cerebral oxygenation. Controlled hypothermia and decompressive craniectomy must be individually discussed.