Hypertonic saline solution and decompressive craniectomy for treatment of intracranial hypertension in pediatric severe traumatic brain injury.

Experimental data 8 –11 and first clinical results in adults 12,13 suggest that hypertonic saline ( 1.0) may be highly effective in lowering ICP even when mannitol has lost its therapeutic potential after prolonged and repeated use. In children, only limited experience exists with the use of hypertonic saline solutions: a randomized prospective study in children with severe head injury compared the effects on ICP (increased to 15–20 mm Hg) of isotonic (0.9% NaCl) and hypertonic (3% NaCl) saline injections, demonstrating a beneficial effect of the hypertonic solution. 14 Another prospective randomized trial compared the effects of continuous infusion of either lactated Ringer’s solution (277…