@article{ref1,
title="Opioid sedation does not alter intracranial pressure in head injured patients",
journal="Canadian journal of anaesthesia",
year="1997",
author="Lauer, K. K. and Connolly, L. A. and Schmeling, W. T.",
volume="44",
number="9",
pages="929-933",
abstract="PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine the effects of sedative doses of morphine, fentanyl and sufentanil on intracranial pressure (ICP) in head-injured patients in whom changes in mean arterial pressure (MAP) were minimized. METHODS: Fifteen severely head-injured patients (GSC of < or = 8) were randomly assigned to receive either fentanyl, sufentanil or morphine, titrating the drug to a maximal 10% decrease in MAP. The patients were subsequently given an infusion of the same opioid. For four hours, ICP, MAP and heart rate were recorded. RESULTS: In all groups, there were no increases in ICP. There was a decrease in MAP in the sufentanil group at 10 min (P < 0.05) and 45 min after the initial opioid bolus. These decreases in MAP were not associated with increases in ICP. CONCLUSION: The study suggests that when opioids are titrated in head-injured patients, worsening intracranial pressure can be avoided.<p /><p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0832-610X",
doi="10.1007/BF03011963",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF03011963"
}