Ketamine in Acute Brain Injury Patients.

In this study the effects of ketamine as an adjunct to an standard sedation regime in adult TBI patients will be investigated on the therapy intensity level and intracranial pressure. All patients will receive propofol for sedation to control ICP, to a maximum dose of 4 mg/kg/h. If the ICP is not controlled at the maximum dose of propofol, midazolam will be added, to a maximum dose of 0.3 mg/kg/h, as part of the current standard of care in the Participating Sites. All patients will receive remifentanil, fentanyl or sufentanil infusions for pain relief. The study medication (ketamine or placebo) will be started after randomization.

As part of the current standard of care in the Participating Sites, the decision for decompressive craniectomy and/or barbiturate coma will be taken after multidisciplinary consultation between the treating intensivist and neurosurgeon.

The decision to stop or reduce sedation, lies with the treating physician, based on the level of ICP control, the absence of clinical or radiological signs of deterioration of the neurologic state. In the case of barbiturate coma, the study drug will be discontinued. During and following decompressive craniectomy, the sedative regime (propofol/midazolam/study drug/ opioids) will be continued. In case of suspected or threatening Propofol-Related Infusion syndrome, propofol will be stopped and switched to midazolam. In case of hypertriglyceridemia >200 mg/dL, propofol will be reduced and if necessary, midazolam will be associated to allow control of sedation. During surgical procedures related to the traumatic brain injury or not, the study drug will not be discontinued. The use of open label administration of ketamine is not allowed during the course of the trial, i.e until hospital discharge.