7.5% hypertonic saline

7.5% hypertonic saline is a concentrated sodium chloride solution used as a hyperosmolar therapy to manage brain edema and intracranial hypertension. It works by increasing the osmolarity of the intravascular compartment, creating an osmotic gradient that draws water out of the brain's intracellular and interstitial spaces across an intact blood-brain barrier. This reduction in brain water content leads to decreased intracranial pressure and improved brain relaxation during neurosurgical procedures such as supratentorial craniotomies. Unlike mannitol, 7.5% NaCl does not typically cause significant osmotic diuresis and may provide more sustained intracranial pressure control and favorable hemodynamic effects, such as increased cardiac output through vasodilation. This specific concentration was evaluated in a Phase 4 clinical trial by the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki to compare its effects on cerebral metabolism and oxygenation against 20% mannitol.

Other names

NaCl 7.5%7.5% NaClHypertonic saline 7.5%Sodium chloride 7.5%