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The Ewha Medical Journal
Ewha Womans University School of Medicine

Ewha Med J 1992; 15(2):145-148

pISSN: 1598-7450

DOI: https://doi.org/10.12771/emj.1992.15.2.145

Original Article

Effects of Mannitol on Serum Osmolarity and Electrolytes in Neurosurgical Patients

Guie Young Lee

Copyright ⓒ 1992. Ewha Womans University School of Medicine. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Published Online: Jul 24, 2015

Abstract

Mannitol is used to reduce brain volume and intracranial pressure.

These effects facilitate the surgical approach to deep-lying structures of cranial cavity. Intraoperatively, mannitol is administered in dose ranges of 0.25~1g/kg. The administration of mannitol may cause adverse effects. such as; rebound of intracranial pressure, transient increases in circulating blood volume, increased serum osmolality and decreased serum electrolytes.

This study examined the influence of 20% mannitol on serum osmolality and electrolytes in 24 patients undergoing brain tumor, cerebral aneurysm and intracerebral hemmorrhage surgery. Measurement were made before the infusion of mannitol. 15 minutes following infusion. after dural closure and in the ICU.

There was a significant increase in serum osmolalitv after infusion of mannitol.

There was a significant decrease .in serum Na+ only 15 minutes following infusion. There was a significant decrease in serum K+ 15 minutes postinfusion and dural closure.

In conclusion, it is important to measure osmolality and electrolytes before and after infusion and adjust fluid administration.