The effect of nimodipine on ICP and CBF in patients with normal-pressure hydrocephalus.
Eight patients with normal-pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) were studied. The resting mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) was 100 (90-125) mmHg and the mean intracranial pressure (ICP) was 11 (5-17) mmHg. ICP and MABP were continuously measured intraventricularly and intra-arterially, respectively. Changes in global cerebral blood flow (CBF) were estimated by the arteriovenous oxygen difference method. Intravenous nimodipine (15 microgram/kg/hour) was given in the first 2 hours and 30 microgram/kg/hour in the next 2 hours. MABP was reduced 23 (4-47) mmHg (p less than 0.05). ICP was increased 3 (0-10) mmHg (p less than 0.05). CBF was unchanged in the group on the whole, but in 4 of patients a major drop in perfusion pressure was seen, and CBF decreased 6, 11, 23 and 34%, respectively. Thus these findings underline the importance of maintaining the perfusion pressure under treatment with nimodipine.
Schmidt
J F
JF
University Clinic of Neurosurgery, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Albeck
M
M
Gjerris
F
F
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D002536:Cerebral Arteries; D002560:Cerebrovascular Circulation / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006849:Hydrocephalus / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006850:Hydrocephalus, Normal Pressure / Q000503:physiopathology*; D007427:Intracranial Pressure / Q000187:drug effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009553:Nimodipine / Q000494:pharmacology*
D009553:Nimodipine