Hemostatic Therapy for Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Objective: To reduce the blood pressure and elevate intracranial pressure using nimodipine (Nimotop Intravenous (IV) infusion). Thus, intracerebral hemorrhage was controlled, and the purpose of hemostasis was achieved. Methods: Sixty-eight patients with intracerebral hemorrhage were divided into a treatment group (n = 51), and a control group (n = 35). Nimotop solution (10 mg) was administered as a fast-flowing IV infusion in the treatment group, and 250 ml 20% mannitol infusion was given to patients in the control group twice every day. Patients in both groups received treatment for seven days, and the blood pressure on the treatment day was measured. A brain Computed Tomography (CT) scan was performed as a reexamination within two weeks. Results: The blood pressure in the treatment group was decreased from 179/104 to 151/91 mmHg, averagely, and in the control group was decreased from 181/108 to 180/103 mmHg, averagely. The difference between these two groups was statistically significant (P < 0.01). Hematoma enlargement occurred in 20 patients (53.3%) in the treatment group, and four patients in the control group (8.57%). The difference between both groups was statistically significant (P < 0.01). There were eight deaths in the treatment group. Seven deaths were caused by cerebral hernia, and one was caused by complications. There was one death in the control group caused by lung infection and gastrointestinal bleeding. Conclusion: Nimodipine can dilate the arteries, reduce blood pressure, and elevate intracranial pressure, lowering pressure gradients across vessel wall which destroy the vessel