Mannitol Versus 3% NaCL for Management of Severe Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury

The study purpose was to investigate the relationship between the type of hyperosmolar therapy used in treating elevated intracranial pressure and the outcome of children with severe traumatic brain injury. Two outcomes were investigated: length of stay in the intensive care unit and disposition status at discharge from hospital. Children who received mannitol had the shortest length of stay and the highest mortality rate of 80%, whereas the group who received sodium chloride 3% had the longest length of stay in the intensive care unit. The group who received combined therapy of mannitol and sodium chloride 3% had the lowest mortality rate, which may suggest better modalities to manage increased intracranial pressures.