A controlled study of Dextran 40: effect on cerebral blood flow and metabolic rates in acute head trauma

Intensive Care Med. 1989;15(8):499-504. doi: 10.1007/BF00273560.

Abstract

A controlled double-blind evaluation of the effects of Dextran 40 at different concentrations on cerebral blood flow (CBF), cerebral oxygen consumption (CMRO2) and cerebral lactate production (CMRLact) was carried out. We studied 40 patients in coma due to recent head injury. Concentrations of Dextran solution were not significantly related to variations in CBF and metabolic rate over the period of infusion. The lack of effect of the Dextran infusion may be explained by the absence of global brain ischemia in these patients at the time of the study. The very low initial CBF values were a consequence of brain metabolic depression and not a sign of global ischaemia. The rheological benefits of treatment with Dextran 40 in head injured patients should preferably be investigated using techniques which permit detection of local changes in CBF and metabolism.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Controlled Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Brain Injuries / drug therapy*
  • Brain Ischemia / drug therapy
  • Cerebrovascular Circulation / drug effects*
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Dextrans / blood
  • Dextrans / therapeutic use*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Humans
  • Lactates / biosynthesis
  • Middle Aged
  • Oxygen Consumption / drug effects

Substances

  • Dextrans
  • Lactates