A comparative analysis of THAM (Tris-buffer) in traumatic brain oedema.

The effect of THAM on brain oedema parameters was initially investigated in animals with cold brain lesions; THAM was then used in head injury patients, ICP, SAP and CPP were analyzed. In the experiments with rats after freezing lesion, THAM was compared to equivalent doses of Na-bicarbonate. The animals were artificially respirated and sacrificed 6 h after trauma. THAM did significantly reduce water (wet-dry weight technique) and sodium contents in both hemispheres, whereas bicarbonate was ineffective. The potassium contents were even preserved at almost normal levels. In 80 patients receiving alternatively THAM (18-36 g/100-200 ml/1-2h), mannitol (20%, 125-250 ml/20-40 min) or sorbitol (40%, 70-140 ml/20-40 min), the ICP rapidly decreased following THAM infusion. The maximal fall in ICP (33%) was equal to that with mannitol and sorbitol. The slope of ICP decrease was equal with THAM and Mannitol but steeper with sorbitol. With THAM, however, the effect on ICP lasts longer than with osmotherapy. The EEG improved more rapidly after THAM. As shown by blood plasma values, the action of THAM is not based on osmotic effects. The increases in pH and especially in base excess suggest an intracerebral buffering. The encouraging results with THAM require a randomized clinical trial after severe head injury which is presently prepared.