Critically evaluate the risks versus benefits for the monitoring of Intra-Cranial Pressure in a patient with a closed head injury.
The benefits of monitoring ICP in closed head injury are still debated. Standard guidelines have been published but no prospective studies have demonstrated clear outcome benefits. The main purpose of monitoring the ICP is to allow the clinician to either guide therapy (add or remove) based on the ICP or CPP, or to alert the clinician to changes which may require further investigation. The lowest risk patients are least likely to benefit, so most criteria are based on a combination of patient characteristics and CT abnormalities.
Some risks (eg. haemorrhage) are related to insertion, and others (especially infection) are more likely with longer times in situ. Additional risks are associated with incorrect readings (abnormally high or low leading to the risk inappropriate/un-necessary interventions or investigations. Risks (and additional benefits) associated with ICP monitoring are largely dependent on the type of monitoring device.
Intraventricular catheters are more difficult to place, and are associated with a higher risk of haemorrhage during insertion, and subsequent infection (which increases in incidence with longer time in situ). These catheters have the additional advantage of being able to drain CSF (potentially therapeutic) and sample CSF (monitoring for infection and bleeding). Intraparenchymal devices (eg. fibreoptic Camino system) are easier to insert and are associated with a lower risk of haemorrhage and infection. Unfortunately, the transducer cannot be recalibrated, so reliability becomes a problem.
Less commonly used devices include: subarachnoid bolts which often clog with debris, and epidural catheters which are often inaccurate.
The methods of ICP monitoring are discussed elsewhere.
Additionally, the chapter on the indications for ICP monitoring has a section outlining the risks of this practice.
In short:
Risks of ICP monitoring:
Benefit of ICP monitoring:
In detail:
|
|
Rosner, M. J., and D. P. Becker. "ICP monitoring: complications and associated factors." Clinical neurosurgery 23 (1975): 494-519.
Bekar, A., et al. "Risk factors and complications of intracranial pressure monitoring with a fiberoptic device." Journal of Clinical Neuroscience 16.2 (2009): 236-240.
Smith, Martin. "Monitoring intracranial pressure in traumatic brain injury."Anesthesia & Analgesia 106.1 (2008): 240-248.