Refractory hypokalemia during barbiturate coma therapy used for treating refractory intracranial hypertension in traumatic brain injury

Asian Journal of Neurosurgery
Wan Mohd Nazaruddin Wan HassanAbdul Rahman Izaini Ghani

Abstract

Barbiturate coma therapy (BCT) is a choice treatment for refractory intracranial hypertension after all surgical or medical managements have failed to control the intracranial pressure (ICP). It helps to reduce cerebral blood flow, cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen consumption and ICP. However, this therapy can also cause many complications. One of the underreported, but life-threatening complications is refractory hypokalemia, which can lead to subsequent rebound hyperkalemia after sudden cessation. We report our experience of managing unusual complication of refractory hypokalemia during BCT with thiopentone in postdecompressive craniectomy patient.

Citations

Dec 15, 2020·AACN Advanced Critical Care·Erin D WieruszewskiPatrick M Wieruszewski

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