What value should cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) be maintained above?

Cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) is crucial for ensuring adequate blood flow to the brain and maintaining neuronal function. CPP is calculated as the difference between mean arterial pressure (MAP) and intracranial pressure (ICP): CPP = MAP - ICP. A CPP value above 70 mmHg is generally considered the target for maintaining optimal cerebral perfusion, particularly in patients with brain injuries or those at risk of cerebral ischemia.

Maintaining a CPP above 70 mmHg helps prevent secondary brain injury, which can occur if cerebral blood flow is inadequate to meet the metabolic demands of brain tissue. Clinically, this target is used to guide treatment in neurocritical care settings, where monitoring and adjusting blood pressure and intracranial pressure are essential for patient outcomes.

Values lower than 70 mmHg, while they may be acceptable in some clinical scenarios, increase the risk of inadequate cerebral blood flow and potential neurological deficits. Therefore, the recommendation to maintain CPP above this threshold is backed by studies emphasizing the importance of cerebral perfusion in various states of brain injury and critical care.