Effects of Head Elevation on Intracranial Pressure in Children

Effect of Head Elevation on Intracranial Pressure and Cerebral Venous Outflow in Children

Status

Completed

Phases

Study type

Interventional

Source

ClinicalTrials.gov

Registry ID

NCT00636376

Enrollment

Registered

2008-03-14

Start date

2002-01-31

Completion date

2008-10-31

Last updated

2008-10-21

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Head Injury

Keywords

elevated intracranial pressure, inadequate cerebral perfusion, secondary brain damage

Brief summary

Head injury is the most common cause of mortality and acquired disability in childhood. It is common to elevate the head of patients at risk for increased intracranial pressure, although it is not clear if it is always beneficial. Every severe pediatric traumatic brain injured patient will have an optimal head position that prevents rising pressure in the brain.

Detailed description

Head injury is the most common cause of mortality and acquired disability on childhood. Management of children at risk for intracranial hypertension is both complex and increasingly controversial. Also, effect of head position on intracranial pressure, cerebral perfusion pressure, adn cerebral venous outflow in the pediatric population has not been studied. We will examine the effect of head positioning on ICP, CPP, and cerebral venous outflow in pediatric patients at risk for intracranial hypertension. The hypothesis is that ICP will be reduced with improvement in cerebral venous outflow by each patient having their own optimal head position.

Interventions

PROCEDUREPlace HOB in alternate positions from 0-50 degrees.

Patients will receive an US while the HOB(Elevation of the head of bed) is 30 degrees(baseline) then they will increase the angle to 40 degrees, then 50 degrees. Another US will be done then in 20, 10, and o degree angles. Then another US will be done

Study design

Allocation

NON_RANDOMIZED

Intervention model

SINGLE_GROUP

Primary purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

NONE

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

ALL

Age

No minimum to 18 Years

Healthy volunteers

Inclusion criteria

* Neonates, children, and adolescents * Intracranial pressure monitor in place

Exclusion criteria

* Severe multiorgan system failure * Hemodynamic instability sufficient to preclude changes in head position

Design outcomes

Primary

Measure	Time frame
ICP will be reduced with improvement in cerebral venous outflow which is dependent on intravascular volume status and intrathoracic pressure and each will have their own optimal head position.	As long as ICP is being monitored.

Countries

United States

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026