Assessment and Management of Pediatric Trauma
Module 4: Pediatric Head Injuries
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Fluid Therapy for Head Injury

  • Euvolemia should be maintained with either normal saline or lactated Ringer's solution.
  • Use isotonic IV solutions containing ≥ 130 meq/L Na+
  • Hypertonic (3%) saline or mannitol may be indicated to decrease ICP
  • Monitor serum glucose -- hyperglycemia (Glu > 200) and hypoglycemia (Glu < 60) should be avoided (both are associated with worse neurological outcomes)
  • Glucose (e.g., D5W) is rarely needed for children older than 6 months and should be used only with documented hypoglycemia
Module 4: Pediatric Head Injuries