The effect of ketanserin on ICP and CBF in patients with normal-pressure hydrocephalus

Eight patients with normal-pressure hydrocephalus were studied. Intracranial pressure (ICP) and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) were measured continuously before and during administration of ketanserin i.v. (10 mg bolus followed by an infusion of 3 mg over a 60-min period, 6 mg over the next 30 min, and 12 mg over the last 30 min). The mean baseline MAP and ICP were 103 and 8 mm Hg, respectively. Five minutes after the bolus dose, the maximum decrease in MAP occurred (mean, 17 mm Hg; p < 0.05). The maximum ICP (10 mm Hg) occurred at 5 min and at 100 min after the bolus dose but was not significantly different from the baseline value. There was no change in relative global cerebral blood flow (CBF) expressed as 1/(arteriovenous oxygen difference). It is concluded that ketanserin in a clinically recommended dose decreases blood pressure without significantly influencing the ICP or CBF.