Dose response curve of intravenous glycerol in the treatment of cerebral edema due to trauma

Abstract

The anti-edema effect of intravenous glycerol, infused at a constant rate, is delineated in a patient with raised cerebrospinal fluid pressure caused by trauma. There is no one critical blood level necessary for the therapeutic action. Instead, increasing the blood glycerol level results in a progressively greater anti-edema effect. Hemolysis does not occur if the infusion rate of 10 percent glycerol in 0.45 saline is less than 4.5 ml per minute. The brain dehydration effect begins within 30 minutes and continues for up to nine hours after cessation of the infusion. Because of a continuing rise of the glycerol level during a rate-fixed infusion, it is suggested that administration be semicontinuous rather than continuous. No rebound rehydration is observed. Water and electrolyte losses are minimal.