UMEM Educational Pearls

In this prospective, observational study of trauma patients with isolated head trauma, 62% of patients developed  post-intubation hypotension. Comparing patients receiving hypertonic saline, vasopressors, crystalloid, or blood those receiving hypertonic saline and vasopressors had less post-intubation hypotension. 

TBI patients who develop hypotension have worse outcomes. This study reminds us the use of vasopressors in trauma patients to maintain blood pressure is appropriate in the correct circumstances.

References

Impact of resuscitation adjuncts on postintubation hypotension in patients with isolated traumatic brain injury

Anand, Tanya MD, MPH, MT(ASCP); Hejazi, Omar MD; Conant, Madolyn BS; Joule, Dylan BS; Lundy, Megan MD; Colosimo, Christina DO, MS; Spencer, Audrey MD; Nelson, Adam MD; Magnotti, Lou MD; Joseph, Bellal MD
Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery 97(1):p 112-118, July 2024. | DOI: 10.1097/TA.0000000000004306