Long-time microdialysis in a patient with meningoencephalitis

As part of invasive neuromonitoring, long-time microdialysis was performed in a 32-year-old patient suffering from meningoencephalitis. Cerebral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed marked global brain oedema. An intracranial pressure (ICP) probe, brain tissue oxygen pressure measurement (pTiO(2)), and intraparenchymal microdialysis were used for,intensive neuromonitoring. Despite high ICP, only intensive care therapy was applied for 16 days using deep propofol sedation, hyperventilation, and intermittent mannitol therapy. One year later, the condition of the patient was excellent. Intracerebral microdialysis with bedside measuring of lactate, pyruvate, glycerol, glucose, and glutamate is a useful additional tool for the monitoring of ICP management. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.