Update on traumatic brain injury in the ICU.

Abstract

Purpose of review: This review aims to summarize recent developments for the management of severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the ICU. Recent advancements in TBI ICU management emphasize a progression toward more multimodal approaches and mitigating secondary brain injury by increased focus on careful systemic management.

Recent findings: Invasive monitoring techniques such as continuous intracranial pressure (ICP) and brain tissue oxygen pressure (PbtO 2 ) monitoring are considered standard of care or may become crucial, respectively, for managing severe TBI. Technological advances in noninvasive techniques (e.g. quantitative pupillometry) are likely to advance our diagnostic and prognostic ability. Blood biomarkers, including glial fibrillary acidic protein, neurofilament light chain, and ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase L1, provide minimally invasive ways to better assess injury severity and predict outcomes. These advancements support personalized care, which will likely influence clinical management strategies in the future.

Summary: ICP monitoring remains a key component of severe TBI management in ICU. Emerging evidence is slowly changing and improving intensive care and patient outcomes and include both brain-targeted therapies and careful systemic intensive care management.