Comparison of the Metabolic Effects of Sterofundin and Plasmalyte-A in Adult Patients Undergoing Elective Craniotomies for Supratentorial Brain Tumor Resection

Background: Now a days, balanced solutions are commonly used in neurosurgery but among these balanced crystalloids, the crystalloid with most favourable metabolic effects in neurosurgical patients remains unclear. The current study aimed to find a superior balanced solution among Sterofundin and Plasmalyte-A by comparing their metabolic effects and their impact on renal function in patients undergoing elective craniotomy for supratentorial brain tumor resection. Methods: 60 patients (n=30) aged 18- 60 years of either sex posted for elective craniotomies for supratentorial brain tumor resection were randomly divided into two groups: Patients of Group A were administered with Sterofundin and that of Group B with Plasmalyte-A. Arterial blood gas parameters and serum electrolytes as primary objectives, and serum creatinine and BUN as secondary objectives were compared between these two groups. Result: As compared to group B, group A showed statistically significant difference of pH, HCO3-, base excess and lactate at 3 h after induction of anesthesia and at 1, 6 and 24 h after extubation; significantly higher level of PaCO2 levels and anion gap at 6 and 24 h after extubation; significantly higher serum sodium, potassium and calcium levels. Difference of serum creatinine and BUN were statistically insignificant between these groups. Although the two groups showed significant difference in the ABG parameters and serum electrolytes, these parameters lie within the physiological range in both groups. Conclusion: Both Sterofundin and Plasmalyte-A have comparable metabolic effects with no superiority of one over another and can be used safely with equally efficacy in adults undergoing elective craniotomies supratentorial brain tumor resection.