Effect of diprivan on intracranial pressure in patients with head injuries

The effects of diprivan bolus dose on intracranial pressure [ICP] were studied in 10 male patients with head injuries and brain oedema. Diprivan 2.0mg/kg injected intravenously over 60s caused statistically significant reduction [p < 0.05] in ICP and cerebral perfusion pressure [CPP] with maximum reduction at 3.0 min. CPP was maintained above 50 mm Hg in all measurements. Arterial blood pressure was decreased significantly [p < 0.05] with the lowest values occurring at 3.0 min for both systolic and mean blood pressure and at 7.0 min for diastolic blood pressure. Heart rate showed no significant change, except at 1-min intervals, where a significant increase was found [p < 0.05]. We conclude that diprivan is effective in lowering ICP, while its lowering effect on CCP needs further investigation