Hyperosmolar therapy in severe traumatic brain injury: a survey of emergency physicians from a large Canadian province.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Worldwide, severe traumatic brain injury is a frequent pathology and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Mannitol and hypertonic saline are therapeutic options for intracranial hypertension occurring in the acute phase of care. However, current practices of emergency physicians are unknown.

Methods

We conducted a self-administered survey of emergency physicians in the province of Québec, Canada, to understand their attitudes surrounding the use of hyperosmolar solutions in patients with severe traumatic brain injury. Using information from a systematic review of hypertonic saline solutions and experts' opinion, we developed a questionnaire following a systematic approach (items generation and reduction). We tested the questionnaire for face and cont

SUBMITTER: Berger Pelletier E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3995876 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature