This version first published online:
July 23. 2001
Abstract
Background
Studies in traumatic encephalopathy first led to the insight that the damage seen was not just due to direct consequences of the primary injury. A significant, and potentially preventable, contribution to the overall morbidity arose from secondary hypoxic-ischaemic damage. Brain swelling accompanied by raised intracranial pressure (ICP) resulted in inadequate cerebral perfusion with well-oxygenated blood. Detection of raised ICP could be useful in alerting clinicians to the need to improve cerebral perfusion, with consequent reductions in brain injury.
Objectives
To determine whether routine ICP monitoring in all acute cases of severe coma reduces the risk of all-cause mortality or severe disability at final follow-up.
Search strategy
We searched the Cochrane Injuries Group's specialised register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Index of Scientific and Technical Proceedings. We also checked the reference lists of all relevant articles. The searches were last updated in April 2006.
Selection criteria
All randomised controlled studies of real-time ICP monitoring by invasive or semi-invasive means in acute coma (traumatic or non-traumatic aetiology) versus no ICP monitoring (that is, clinical assessment of ICP).
Data collection and analysis
Primary outcome measures were all-cause mortality and severe disability at the end of the follow-up period.
Main results
No studies meeting the selection criteria have been identified to date.
Authors' conclusions
There are no data from randomised controlled trials that can clarify the role of ICP monitoring in acute coma.