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permissive hypotension
Therapeutic strategy allowing blood pressure below normal ranges to minimize fluid requirements and bleeding risk in trauma patients.
Full Definition
A damage control resuscitation strategy that accepts lower than normal blood pressure targets to limit ongoing hemorrhage while maintaining minimal organ perfusion. In pediatric trauma, permissive hypotension aims to balance adequate tissue perfusion with minimizing bleeding from injured vessels. Target systolic pressures are typically set at 80-90 mmHg in adolescents, with adjustments for age. This approach requires careful neurological monitoring and immediate surgical control of bleeding sources.
Usage
Usage note: Contraindicated in traumatic brain injury where cerebral perfusion pressure must be maintained.
In Context
- "Permissive hypotension was employed in the trauma bay while awaiting emergent surgical intervention." — Trauma resuscitation protocol
- "The target systolic pressure of 85 mmHg was maintained as part of the permissive hypotension strategy." — Critical care management note
Also known as
controlled hypotension
hypotensive resuscitation
Contrasted with
normotensive resuscitation
aggressive fluid resuscitation
Don't confuse with
permissive hypercapnia
deliberate hypotension