Effect of single mannitol bolus in intracerebral hemorrhage

Because of existing controversy about use of mannitol in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) this open exploratory trial with blinded outcome assessment of single mannitol bolus in ICH was undertaken. CT proven primary supratentorial ICH patients having midline shift of ≥3 mm were randomized into 20% mannitol (1.5 g/kg) and control groups. Clinical evaluation included Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score, Canadian Neurological scale (CNS) score, pupils, breathing, extensor posturing and contra‐lateral pyramidal signs. On cranial MRI horizontal (HS), superior sagittal sinus to pontomesencephalic junction (SSS‐PMJ) distance and edema hematoma complex were measured. Twelve patients each were in mannitol and control groups. The age, sex, GCS score, CNS score, pupillary asymmetry, contra‐lateral pyramidal signs, HS and SSS‐PMJ distance in mannitol and control groups did not differ significantly. Mannitol infusion resulted clinical improvement in five patients, which lasted for 30–60 min. HS and SSS‐PMJ distance in mannitol and control groups did not change at 30 or 60 min from the baseline. The change in HS and SSS‐PMJ distance were also not significantly different between the two groups both at 30 and 60 min. Mannitol led to transient clinical improvement in five patients without significant reduction in HS or SSS‐PMJ distance at 30 and 60 min.