Impaired Cerebral Autoregulation in Children

Abstract

Managing acute brain injury involves protecting the brain from secondary injury by addressing the mismatch between metabolic demand and cerebral perfusion. Observational studies have associated impaired cerebral autoregulation, a physiological process governing the regulation of cerebral blood flow, with unfavorable neurological outcomes in both pediatric and adult populations. We review the pathophysiology of cerebral autoregulation and discuss methods for assessing and monitoring it in children after acquired brain injury. We also examine the current research investigating the relationship between impaired cerebral autoregulation and outcomes following traumatic brain injury, cardiac arrest, cardiopulmonary bypass, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Furthermore, we outline potential areas for future research in cerebral autoregulation and its clinical implications for pediatric patients with brain injuries.

Keywords: Cardiac arrest; Cerebral autoregulation; ECMO; Pediatrics; Traumatic brain injury.