Cardiocentric Inotropic Optimization in Spinal Cord Injury

The first hours-to-day following acute traumatic cervical SCI represent a critical period of time to optimize hemodynamic management. After a spinal cord injury, cardiovascular function is affected. Maintaining blood pressure becomes is an important part of treatment as it supports recovery of the injured spinal cord. Blood pressure is most often increased using vasopressors, such as norepinephrine. Although these drugs help maintain blood flow, they may also lead to increased bleeding in the injury site, making the lesion worse. Alternatively, dobutamine, a medication that helps the heart pump more effectively, has shown to maintain blood pressure and improve prefusion at the injury site. This study will assess dobutamine capacity to maintain blood pressure acutely post injury.