At what cerebral perfusion pressure does blood flow cease?

Cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) is a critical factor that influences cerebral blood flow. It is defined as the difference between mean arterial pressure and intracranial pressure. A CPP of approximately 60 mmHg is generally considered the threshold below which cerebral blood flow begins to decrease significantly.

When CPP falls to levels around 60 mmHg, cerebral blood flow becomes inadequate to meet the metabolic demands of brain tissue, leading to potential ischemia. Below this level, the brain is unable to receive sufficient oxygen and nutrients, and if the pressure continues to drop, blood flow could effectively cease, which can result in severe neurological damage or death.

Understanding these values is vital in the context of advanced life support, as maintaining adequate cerebral perfusion is crucial for the survival and recovery of pediatric patients during critical care situations.