DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2021.v09i06.027

Pages: 960-966

Raised intracranial pressure, the most common problem encountered in critical care unit, is often end result of various neurological disorders1. It is an important independent prognostic factor1 Most of the available therapies in the management of raised intracranial pressure in children are like double edged sword. Hence this study was undertaken, to know the efficacy, safety, complications and outcome of Osmotherapies (hypertonic saline v/s Mannitol). This study was carried out in children aged between 02-12 years, admitted to paediatric critical care Unit in the Department of paediatric, at Vijayanagar institute of medical sciences Ballari, from January-16 to December-16 with features of raised ICP. 50 children were randomly given. Hypertonic saline (HTS) and 50 were given mannitol. Following parameters compared n results drawn: symptomatology, GCS, papilledema, pupillary reactions after 72 hrs of administration and effects on serum electrolytes, urea n creatinine, and osmolarity. We found that out of 50 children who were onmannitol therapy, 12 children needed HTS for sustained reduction of ICP beyond 72 hours (p=0.056). Improvement in GCS was better with use of mannitol (p=0.024) during first 72 hours compared to HTS. Increase in serum sodium levels were seen with use of HTS which was statistically significant (p=0.064). But mortality in both groups was similar. Hence, we concluded that mannitol was a better drug to be used in first 72 hrs but for sustained reduction of ICP beyond 72 hrs hts was better option.