Intracranial pressure monitoring in the management of the pediatric trauma patient

Intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring is an important adjunct in the management of the severely injured child with major head trauma. From a series of 18 patients with multiple trauma, smoke inhalation, and near-drowning, we report an illustrative case of head injury and pulmonary aspiration in which ICP monitoring was vital to appropriate therapy. The two most common techniques of ICP monitoring, the intraventricular catheter and the subarachnoid bolt, are described. Treatment of intracranial hypertension is discussed based on physiological principles. The continuous, objective recording of ICP assumes particular importance when therapy directed at other injured organ systems (ie, institution of positive end-expiratory pressure) could adversely affect the ICP. It is suggested that optimal care of children with multiple trauma and head injury include early ICP monitoring.