title: Hyperventilation in head injury: a review.
abstract: The aim of this review was to consider the effects of induced hypocapnia both on systemic physiology and on the physiology of the intracranial system. Hyperventilation lowers intracranial pressure (ICP) by the induction of cerebral vasoconstriction with a subsequent decrease in cerebral blood volume. The downside of hyperventilation, however, is that cerebral vasoconstriction may decrease cerebral blood flow to ischemic levels. Considering the risk-benefit relation, it would appear to be clear that hyperventilation should only be considered in patients with raised ICP, in a tailored way and under specific monitoring. Controversy exists, for instance, on specific indications, timing, depth of hypocapnia, and duration. This review has specific reference to traumatic brain injury, and is based on an extensive evaluation of the literature and on expert opinion.
authors.affiliation: Neuroscience ICU, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan University, IRCCS, Milan. stocchet@policlinico.mi.it <stocchet@policlinico.mi.it>
authors.forename: Nino
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Stocchetti
authors.forename: Andrew I R
authors.initials: AI
authors.lastname: Maas
authors.forename: Arturo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Chieregato
authors.forename: Anton A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: van der Plas
mesh_terms: D001921:Brain / Q000098:blood supply / Q000378:metabolism; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D002545:Brain Ischemia / Q000503:physiopathology; D006259:Craniocerebral Trauma / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006706:Homeostasis / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D006985:Hyperventilation / Q000503:physiopathology*; D007427:Intracranial Pressure; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic; D010100:Oxygen / Q000378:metabolism; D011175:Positive-Pressure Respiration; D012039:Regional Blood Flow; D012138:Respiratory Therapy; D018570:Risk Assessment; D014664:Vasodilation
chemical_list: D010100:Oxygen