Decompressive craniectomy in children with nontraumatic refractory high intracranial pressure. Clinical article

In this study, the authors investigated the clinical efficacy of decompressive craniectomy treatments for nontraumatic intracranial hypertension in children.

Seven patients with nontraumatic refractory high intracranial pressure (ICP) were enrolled in the study between 1995 and 2005; there were 2 boys and 5 girls with a mean age of 9 years (range 4-14). Decompressive craniectomy was performed in all patients after standard medical therapy had proven insufficient and ICP remained > 50 mm Hg. All patients had a Glasgow Coma Scale score < 8 at admission and a mean Pediatric Risk of Mortality Scale score of 20 (range 10-27).

One patient died of persistent high ICP and circulatory failure 48 hours after surgery. Six months later, according to their Glasgow Outcome Scale scores, 3 patients had adequate recoveries, 2 patients recovered with moderate disabilities, and 1 patient had severe disabilities. According to the Pediatric Overall Performance Category Scale, 4 patients received a score of 2 (mild disability), 1 a score of 3 (moderate disability), and 1 a score of 4 (severe disability). Five patients returned to school and normal life.

The authors found decompressive craniectomy to be an effective and lifesaving technique in children. This procedure should be included in the arsenal of treatments for nontraumatic intracranial hypertension.