Cerebral Perfusion Pressure among Acute Traumatic Brain Injury Patients at Supine versus Semi-Fowler Positions

Background: Positioning is one of the most frequently performed nursing activities in the intensive care units. However literature review documented lack of knowledge about the relationship of cerebral dynamics and different body positions among acute traumatic brain injury patients. Aim: the aim of this study is to assess the effect of supine and semi-fowler position on cerebral perfusion pressure among patients with acute traumatic brain injuries at Cairo University Hospital as indicated by: Glasgow coma score (GCS), arterial blood gases values (ABG), oxygen saturation and vital signs (pulse, blood pressure and respiratory rate). Research questions: What is the effect of supine position on cerebral perfusion pressure among patients with acute traumatic brain injuries? And what is the effect of semi fowler position on cerebral perfusion pressure among patients with acute traumatic brain injuries? Sample: Convenience sample of 39 patients admitted with acute traumatic brain injury. Design: Descriptive exploratory repeated measures study. Setting: University Hospital in Cairo. Tools: Initial acute traumatic brain injury patient’s assessment sheet, and cerebral oxygenation and physiological parameters assessment sheet for acute traumatic brain injury patients. Result: The mean age was 28.5 ±7.9 years. (74.4%) have normal body weight, (25.6%) were having cerebral contusion. Significant increase of CPP, Pao2, SaO2, SPO2, mean arterial pressure and systolic blood pressure, in 15 min post semi-fowle