Sodium lactate versus mannitol in the treatment of intracranial hypertensive episodes in severe traumatic brain-injured patients.

Abstract : OBJECTIVES: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is still a major cause of mortality and morbidity. Recent trials have failed to demonstrate a beneficial outcome from therapeutic treatments such as corticosteroids, hypothermia and hypertonic saline. We investigated the effect of a new hyperosmolar solution based on sodium lactate in controlling raised intracranial pressure (ICP). DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective open randomized study in an adult ICU. PATIENTS: Thirty-four patients with isolated severe TBI (Glasgow Coma Scale