[Concentration of lactates, sodium and potassium in brain tissue obtained during neurosurgery]

In samples of brain tissue obtained during operations from 40 neurosurgical patients the concentrations of lactate, sodium and potassium were determined. A statistically significant fall of potassium concentration and increased sodium concentration was found in patients with lactate concentration exceeding 0.9 mg/g of fresh tissue. All patients with raised lactate level in the cerebrospinal fluid before the operation tolerated poorly the neurosurgical intervention. Examination of brain tissue in these cases showed changes compatible with advanced brain oedema.