Extracellular glycerol in patients with severe traumatic brain injury

ObjectiveTo study the factors affecting extracellular glycerol (Gly) in patients with severe traumatic brain injury (STBI).MethodsPerilesional extracellular Gly and cerebral blood flow (CBF) in 53 patients with STBI were consecutively monitored. Simultaneously, the intracranial pressure (ICP) and cerebral perfusion pressure (CCP) were monitored. The hourly minimum of CCP and CBF and the hourly maximum of ICP levels were matched with the hourly Gly. Gly values were divided into several groups according to regional ICP (<15 mm Hg or >15 mm Hg), CCP (<70 mm Hg or >70 mm Hg), CBF (<50 AU or 50-150 AU) and the outcomes (death or persistent vegetative state group, severe or moderate disability group, and good recovery group).ResultsIn comparison with the severe or moderate disability group, the Gly concentration of the death or persistent vegetative state group increased significantly, but CBF and CCP decreased significantly. In comparison with the good recovery group, the Gly concentration of the severe or moderate disability group increased significantly, but CBF and CCP decreased significantly. The Gly concentrations in patients with ICP>15 mm Hg, CCP<70 mm Hg and CBF<50 AU were respectively higher than those of patients with ICP <15 mm Hg, CCP>70 mm Hg and 50 AU