Background and purpose: This study aimed at comparing the influences of airway pressure release ventilation (APRV) and Synchronized Intermittent Mechanical Ventilation (SIMV) on cerebral hemodynamic and intracranial pressure in patients with traumatic brain injuries.

Materials and methods: A clinical trial was carried out in 40 patients with traumatic brain injuries in the intensive care unit in Kamyab neurosurgery Hospital, Mashhad, Iran. The patients meeting the study inclusion criteria were randomly assigned into two groups; intervention (APRV, n= 20) and control (SIMV, n= 20). The ICP, CPP, MAP, pulse pressure and heart rate in both groups were measured before and after conditioning. Analysis of data was done using independent t-test in SPSS V.22.

Results: The mean ICP remained unchanged in both groups (P= 0.421). After the intervention, the CPP, MAP, heart rate, and pulse pressure in APRV group were not significantly different compared with those in the two groups before the intervention (P> 0.05).

Conclusion: The results showed APRV as a safe mode that can be beneficial in patients with traumatic brain injury without concerns for increased intracranial pressure and hemodynamic disorders.

(Clinical Trials Registry Number: IRCT2015070623104N1)