Althesin in the management of head injuries: a preliminary report

Active management of the unconscious eclamptic patient

Of the many complications which may develop after eclamptic seizures, prolonged unconsciousness is one of the most difficult for obstetricians to manage as the pathophysiology of this condition remains largely unknown. Computed axial tomography (CT scan) was performed on 20 unconscious eclamptic patients, and autopsy was obtained on an additional two patients. Changes compatible with cerebral oedema were demonstrated in 75% of patients; cerebral haemorrhage occurred in 9%. A programme of intensive neurological management aimed at optimizing cerebral perfusion and controlling intracranial pressure is outlined. We have reduced the mortality rate for unconscious eclamptic patients from 50% to 17% in our institution.

Experience with Althesin in the management of persistently raised ICP following severe head injury

Of 243 patients who underwent intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring after severe head injury, 42 (17%) were found to have severe persistently raised ICP, in spite of hyperventilation, mannitol, and surgical decompression. Althesin was infused to reduce ICP in these patients. This agent was shown to be effective and safe in reducing ICP, and a significant improvement in cerebral perfusion pressure was demonstrated. In this respect, Althesin may be more effective than barbiturates. However, no improvement in patient outcome was demonstrated in this series.