Hypertonic saline and mannitol therapy in critical care neurology.

Holly E Hinson, Deborah Stein, Kevin N Sheth

Neurosciences Critical Care, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD, USA.

Journal of intensive care medicine 2013 Jan-Feb

filter terms:

Osmotic agents play a vital role in the reduction of elevated intracranial pressure and treatment of cerebral edema in Neurologic critical care. Both mannitol and hypertonic saline reduce cerebral edema in many clinical syndromes, yet there is controversy over agent selection, timing, and dosing regimens. Despite the lack of randomized, controlled trials, our knowledge base on the appropriate clinical use of osmotic agents continues to expand. This review will summarize the evidence for the use of mannitol and hypertonic saline in a variety of disease states causing cerebral edema, as well as outlining monitoring and safety considerations.

Citation

Holly E Hinson, Deborah Stein, Kevin N Sheth. Hypertonic saline and mannitol therapy in critical care neurology. Journal of intensive care medicine. 2013 Jan-Feb;28(1):3-11