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Case Reports
. 2003 Dec;7(6):R133-8.
doi: 10.1186/cc2361. Epub 2003 Sep 10.

Early decompressive craniectomy and duraplasty for refractory intracranial hypertension in children: results of a pilot study

Bettina Ruf  1 , Matthias Heckmann, Ilona Schroth, Monika Hügens-Penzel, Irwin Reiss, Arndt Borkhardt, Ludwig Gortner, Andreas Jödicke
Affiliations
Case Reports

Early decompressive craniectomy and duraplasty for refractory intracranial hypertension in children: results of a pilot study

Bettina Ruf et al. Crit Care. 2003 Dec.

Abstract

Introduction: Severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) in childhood is associated with a high mortality and morbidity. Decompressive craniectomy has regained therapeutic interest during past years; however, treatment guidelines consider it a last resort treatment strategy for use only after failure of conservative therapy.

Patients: We report on the clinical course of six children treated with decompressive craniectomy after TBI at a pediatric intensive care unit. The standard protocol of intensive care treatment included continuous intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring, sedation and muscle relaxation, normothermia, mild hyperventilation and catecholamines to maintain an adequate cerebral perfusion pressure. Decompressive craniectomy including dura opening was initiated in cases of a sustained increase in ICP > 20 mmHg for > 30 min despite maximally intensified conservative therapy (optimized sedation and ventilation, barbiturates or mannitol).

Results: In all cases, the ICP normalized immediately after craniectomy. At discharge, three children were without disability, two children had a mild arm-focused hemiparesis (one with a verbal impairment), and one child had a spastic hemiparesis and verbal impairment. This spastic hemiparesis improved within 6 months follow-up (no motor deficit, increased muscle tone), and all others remained unchanged.

Conclusion: These observational pilot data indicate feasibility and efficacy of decompressive craniectomy in malignant ICP rise secondary to TBI. Further controlled trials are necessary to evaluate the indication and standardization of early decompressive craniectomy as a 'second tier' standard therapy in pediatric severe head injury.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
CT scan of patient 2 before craniectomy.
Figure 2
Figure 2
CT scan of patient 2 after bilateral craniectomy.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Comment in

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