• Alden K Valentino, Karen M Nau, David A Miller, Ricardo A Hanel, and Wd Freeman.
• Departments of Pharmacy (AKV, KMN), Neuroradiology (DAM), Neurosurgery (RAH) and Neurology (WDF), Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL.
• J Vasc Interv Neurol. 2008 Oct 1;1(4):113-7.

BackgroundHypertonic saline (HTS) at a concentration of 23.4% is an emerging therapy for intracranial hypertension. Compared to mannitol which can be given as a single bolus or as repeated bolus dosing, little data exists regarding safety or efficacy of repeated dosing of 23.4% HTS. We report the first case of 16 doses of 23.4% HTS over a 5 day period in a patient with refractory intracranial hypertension.Case ReportA 43-year-old woman with Fisher 3 subarachnoid hemorrhage and hydrocephalus requiring an external ventricular drain developed global cerebral edema on computed tomography. Medically refractory intracranial hypertension ensued which required repeated dosing of 23.4% HTS. Reductions in intracranial pressure (ICP) occurred after each dose of 23.4% HTS. No central nervous system complications occurred. Anasarca was the only observed complication, which responded to furosemide diuresis.ConclusionRepeated dosing of 23.4% HTS was effective in reducing ICP in a case of medically refractory intracranial hypertension without major systemic complications. Prospective studies should address the safety and efficacy of repeat dose 23.4% HTS on serum sodium, intracranial pressure, and complications.

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