New modalities to assess efficacy of triple-h therapy: early experience

The traditional axiom that vasospasm induced reduction of blood flow leads to poor tissue oxygenation and ischaemic cellular injury culminating in delayed neurological deficits has been challenged and the efficacy of triple H therapy in reversal of the above is debated. In this study we assess cerebral physiology before and during onset of DIND and with application of triple H therapy with real time neuro-monitoring tools. Patients with Fisher grade 3/4/3 + 4/rebleed were consented. Probes for measuring rCBF, pTiO2, and Microdialysis parameters - glucose, glycerol, lactate, and pyruvate were inserted at time of coiling/clipping. Subsequent monitoring was done in HDU/ITU setting. Return of parameters to baseline was regarded as effective triple H therapy. Study is ongoing and the current paper presents our experience with first five patients. The results suggest safety and feasibility of multimodal monitoring in clinical setting to establish an understanding of relationship between clinical symptoms, brain perfusion, oxygenation, and metabolism in real time to test and guide therapy in future.