Introduction: Hyperosmotic therapy with mannitol is frequently used for treatment cerebral edema, and 320 mOsm/kg H2O has been recommended as a high limit for therapeutic plasma osmolality. However, plasma hyperosmolality may impair cardiac function, increasing the risk of cardiac events. The aim of this study was to analyze the relation between changes in plasma osmolality and electrocardiographic variables and cardiac arrhythmia in patients treated for isolated traumatic brain injury (iTBI).
Methods: Adult iTBI patients requiring mannitol infusion following cerebral edema, and with a Glasgow Coma Score below 8, were included. Plasma osmolality was measured with Osmometr 800 CLG. Spatial QRS-T angle (spQRS-T), corrected QT interval (QTc) and STJ segment were calculated from digital resting 12-lead ECGs and analyzed in relation to four levels of plasma osmolality: A) <280 mOsm/kg H2O; B) 280-295 mOsm/kg H2O; C) 295-310 mOsm/kg H2O; and D) >310 mOsm/kg H2O. All parameters were measured during five consecutive days of treatment.
Results: 94 patients aged 18-64 were studied. Increased plasma osmolality correlated with prolonged QTc (p < 0.001), intensified disorders in STJ and increased the risk for cardiac arrhythmia. Moreover, plasma osmolality >313 mOms/kg H2O significantly increased the risk of QTc prolongation >500 ms.
Conclusion: In patients treated for iTBI, excessively increased plasma osmolality contributes to electrocardiographic disorders including prolonged QTc, while also correlating with increased risk for cardiac arrhythmias.
Keywords: cardiac arrhythmias; electrocardiography; osmolar gap; plasma osmolality; traumatic brain injury.