Effect of Intraventricular Sodium Nitroprusside on Cerebral Hemodynamics and Oxygenation in Poor-grade Aneurysm Patients with Severe, Medically Refractory Vasospasm

Abstract

In patients with severe, medically refractory vasospasm, intraventricular SNP may improve PbrO2 and cerebral blood flow, but the effect is highly variable. On the basis of the improvements we observed in 6 of 13 patients, intraventricular SNP administration is justified as a last resort therapy in patients with cerebral ischemia and impending infarction. Our findings suggest that SNP may be more effective when initiated early and administered continuously.