RESUMO
This work was done on 20 adults patients scheduled for elective brain surgery to compare the effects of hypertonic saline 7.5% [in a dose of 4 ml/kg infused over 10 minutes] and mannitol 20% [in a dose of 1 g/kg]. It was found that hypertonic saline improved circulation by plasma volume expansion with significant increase in MABP and CVP and significant increase in AMBP and CVP and reduction of brain bulk more than mannitol. Serum sodium and osmolality was elevated more with hypertonic saline than in mannitol, while serum potassium was more maintained with hypertonic saline than with mannitol. Urine output increased gradually in hypertonic saline, while in mannitol, there was rapid diuresis. Hypertonic saline is recommended to be a safe method for reduction of ICP