Long-term barbiturate infusion to reduce intracranial pressure.
We report two cases of children, 7 and 14 yr old, in whom prolonged infusion of thiopental sodium (TS) was used to control intracranial hypertension previously unresponsive to conventional therapy. Intracranial hypertension followed removal of a large tumor in 1 case, and trauma in the other. TS was administered at a rate of up to 7 mg/kg . h for 8 days in 1 patient, and up to 12 mg/kg . h for 10 days in the other. Both children regained consciousness and made significant recovery of neurological function. The advantage and the side-effects of the prolonged use of TS for intracranial hypertension are discussed.
D000293:Adolescent; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D002543:Cerebral Hemorrhage / Q000150:complications; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006408:Hematoma, Subdural / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D007263:Infusions, Parenteral; D008223:Lymphoma / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011559:Pseudotumor Cerebri / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D013874:Thiopental / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D013997:Time Factors
D013874:Thiopental