Both 3% hypertonic saline (3% HTS) and 20% mannitol were proven to be effective in relaxing the brain during supratentorial surgeries. This work aimed to study the effect of consecutive use of both drugs on the brain relaxation score and hemodynamic status during such surgeries.Ninety patients scheduled for supratentorial brain surgeries included in this prospective, randomized and double-blind study. Patients were allocated in three groups; HTS group (n=30) received 3 ml/kg 3% NaCl infusion over 30 minutes, HTS/M group (n=30) received mannitol 20% (1.4 ml/kg) as an infusion over 15 minute followed by 1.5 ml/kg 3% NaCl infused over 15 minutes and M group (n=30) received 3.2 ml/kg mannitol 20% infusion over 30 minutes. Brain relaxation was estimated. MAP and serum Na level were recorded at baseline and then at 30, 90 and 150 min. Total fluid intake, total urine output and operative time were recorded. Fluid intake and urine output were the highest with 20% mannitol (p ˂ 0.001). HTS/M and HTS groups showed no significance when satisfactory and fairly brain relaxation scores were added (p=0.862). MAP and CVP were near to baseline in HTS/M group at 30 and 90 min, while at 150 min no significant difference between groups. Serum hyperosmolarity was noticed in all groups at all check points but maximally with HTS group at 30 min (321.1 mOsm/L). Balanced hyperosmolar therapy using 3% HTS and 20% mannitol consecutively resulted in a satisfactory brain relaxation and allowed more hemodynamic stability.
Mannitol versus hypertonic saline for brain relaxation in patients undergoing craniotomy
