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Neurodegeneration in an Animal Model of Chronic Amyloid-beta Oligomer Infusion Is Counteracted by Antibody Treatment Infused with Osmotic Pumps
Published on: August 14, 2016
Osmotherapy in neurocritical care
1Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239-3098, USA. bhardwaj@ohsu.edu
Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports
|November 15, 2007
Summary
Osmotherapy, using agents to reduce brain swelling, is crucial for managing cerebral edema. These agents draw water from the brain, aiding recovery and offering extra benefits in brain injury treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Osmotherapy is a primary treatment for cerebral edema and elevated intracranial pressure.
- Various osmotic agents have been used for over 50 years in brain injury management.
- The main mechanism involves drawing water from the brain into the bloodstream.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a historical overview of osmotherapy.
- To examine the characteristics and clinical use of osmotic agents.
- To highlight the role of osmotic agents in understanding brain edema mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical data and clinical practice over five decades.
- Analysis of prospective clinical case series data.
- Examination of extraosmotic properties of agents.
Main Results:
- Osmotic agents facilitate water egress from the brain, reducing edema.
- Many agents possess beneficial extraosmotic effects for brain resuscitation.
- Emerging data from case series are providing insights into efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Osmotherapy remains a cornerstone in managing cerebral edema.
- Osmotic agents offer therapeutic benefits beyond simple water removal.
- Further research, including clinical trials, is needed to optimize their use and understand mechanisms.
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