ABSTRACT
Objective To examine the barbiturate infusion for intractable intracranial hypertension and its effect on brain tissue oxygen ( PbtO2 ). Method 60 patients with intractable intracranial hypertension were divided into tow groups, experimental group and control group. PbtO2 and intracranial pressure (ICP) were continuous monitored. Follow-up was more than 3 months and the prognosis was compared between two groups. Results When pentobarbital administration began, the mean PbtO2 [ 72 h: (26. 7 ±6. 7)mmHg] at 24h, 48h and 72h in experimental group were significantly higher than that of control group [ 72 h: ( 21. 1 ± 7. 2) mmHg ] ( P < 0. 05 ). The mean ICP [ 5 d: (2. 48 ± 1.11 ) kPa ] in the third and fifth day of experimental group were lower than that of control group [ 5 d: (3. 12 ± 1.09 ) kPa ]. Prognosis of pentobarbital group was better than control group( P < 0. 05 ). Conclusions Pentobarbital can effectively reduce intracranial pressure in patients with refractory intracranial hypertension and improve brain tissue oxygen. PbtO2 is an ideal monitoring marker, and it can predict prognosis to a certain extent.