Cerebral Vasoconstriction by Indomethacin in Intracranial Hypertension: An Experimental Investigation in Pigs

Abstract

Abstract Background Uncontrolled increase in intracranial pressure is the most significant cause of mortality in patients with severe traumatic brain lesions, and the efficacy of common nonsurgical treatments has been questioned. Pharmacologically induced cerebral vasoconstriction aiming at a decrease of cerebral blood volume and brain edema has recently been suggested as an alternative. Limited clinical experience with indomethacin as a cerebral vasoconstrictor has been reported but dose- or concentration-effect relationships were not investigated. In particular, there is a lack of data showing whether a therapeutic window exists in which risk of cerebral ischemia is minimized.