Best evidence topic reports. Hypertonic or isotonic saline in hypotensive patients with severe head injury.

A short cut review was carried out to establish whether hypertonic or isotonic saline improved the outcome most in patients with severe head injury. Altogether 66 papers were found using the reported search, of which three presented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The author, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results and study weaknesses of these best papers are tabulated. A clinical bottom line is stated.