Journal of neurosurgery
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Journal of neurosurgery · Jan 1993
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialEffect of THAM upon outcome in severe head injury: a randomized prospective clinical trial.
Although mortality and morbidity rates from head injury have been reduced substantially by improved prehospital interventions, intensive care, and aggressive management of intracranial pressure (ICP), successful treatment of the primary brain injury has been elusive. In experimental models, tromethamine (THAM) has been effective in treating head injury; this drug acts by entering the cerebrospinal fluid compartment, reducing cerebral acidosis and ICP, and reversing the adverse effects of prophylactic hyperventilation on early recovery. In this randomized prospective clinical trial, THAM was studied to determine if it had beneficial effects in the early management of severe head injuries and if the adverse effects of hyperventilation could be prevented. ⋯ The time that ICP was above 20 mm Hg in the first 48 hours postinjury was less in patients treated with THAM (p < 0.05). Also, the number of patients requiring barbiturate coma was significantly less in the THAM group (5.48% vs. 18.4%, p < 0.05). The authors conclude that THAM ameliorates the deleterious effect of prolonged hyperventilation, may be beneficial in ICP control, and warrants further study as to the dosage and timing of administration.