Podcast # 484: Elevated ICP

Contributor: Charleen Gnisci, PharmD Educational Pearls: Causes of increased intracranial pressure may include intracranial hemorrhage, malignancy, and trauma.  While definite treatment is to remove the offending cause, there are emergency medicine   Non-pharmacologic methods include elevating head of bed and removing noxious stimuli Pharmacologic options include mannitol and hypertonic saline Hypertonic saline is best delivered through a central line but not required Both these agents benefit from adequate renal function Before using mannitol, be sure to inspect the bag to ensure that it has not precipitated. If it has, try warming the bag before administration.  References https://pulmccm.org/critical-care-review/hyperosmolar-therapy-for-increased-intracranial-pressure-review-nejm/ Burgess S, Abu-Laban RB, Slavik RS, Vu EN, Zed PJ. A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials Comparing Hypertonic Sodium Solutions and Mannitol for Traumatic Brain Injury: Implications for Emergency Department Management. Ann Pharmacother. 2016 Apr;50(4):291-300. doi: 10.1177/1060028016628893. Epub 2016 Jan 29. Review. PubMed PMID: 26825644. Summarized by Will Dewispelaere, MS4 | Edited by Erik Verzemnieks, MD