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Intracranial pressure changes and family presence
Summary
Family visits were associated with lower intracranial pressure (ICP) in neurocritical care patients. This finding suggests that family presence may positively impact physiological stability in patients with ventriculostomies.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Neurocritical Care
- Patient Monitoring
Background:
- Intracranial pressure (ICP) is a critical indicator of neurological status.
- Family presence during critical care is increasingly recognized for its potential benefits.
- Understanding factors influencing ICP is vital for optimizing patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between family presence and intracranial pressure (ICP) fluctuations.
- To determine if family visits impact ICP levels in patients with ventriculostomies.
- To analyze ICP trends during periods of family absence versus family presence.
Main Methods:
- A quasi-experimental time series design was employed.
- ICP was monitored in 24 patients with ventriculostomies and Richmond bolts.
- ICP data were collected at 15-minute intervals during family absence and 5-minute intervals during family presence, totaling over 10,000 data points.
- Confounding variables such as medications, CSF drainage, and suctioning were accounted for.
Main Results:
- A decrease in ICP was observed during family presence in the majority of patients.
- In the six cases where ICP did not decrease, no statistically significant increases were noted.
- The data suggest a trend towards reduced ICP with family visitation.
Conclusions:
- Family presence appears to be associated with a reduction in intracranial pressure.
- These findings support the integration of family-centered care in neurocritical settings.
- Further research can explore the mechanisms behind this observed ICP modulation.