The impact of a highly visible display of cerebral perfusion pressure on outcome in individuals with cerebral aneurysms

BackgroundNurses' ability to rapidly detect decreases in cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP), which may contribute to secondary brain injury, may be limited by poor visibility of CPP displays.ObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of a highly visible CPP display on the functional outcome in individuals with cerebral aneurysms.MethodsPatients with cerebral aneurysms (n = 100) who underwent continuous CPP monitoring were enrolled and randomized to beds with or without the additional CPP display. Six-month outcome was assessed.ResultsFunctional outcome was not significantly different between control and intervention groups after controlling for initial neurologic condition (odds ratio .904, 95% confidence interval 0.317 to 2.573). However, greater time below CPP thresholds (55 to 70 mm Hg) was significantly associated with poorer outcome (P = .005 to .010).ConclusionsAlthough the enhanced CPP display was not associated with significantly better outcome, longer periods of CPP below set levels were associated with poorer outcome.