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Pruitt P, Castillo R, Rogers A, Prabhakaran S, Muschong K, Scudder M, McCarthy DM, Holl JL, Courtney DM, Borczuk P, Naidech A. External Validation of a Tool to Identify Low-Risk Patients With Isolated Subdural Hematoma and Preserved Consciousness. Ann Emerg Med 2024; 83:421-431. [PMID: 37725019 DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2023.08.481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE The SafeSDH Tool was derived to identify patients with isolated (no other type of intracranial hemorrhage) subdural hematoma who are at very low risk of neurologic deterioration, neurosurgical intervention, or death. Patients are low risk by the tool if they have none of the following: use of anticoagulant or nonaspirin antiplatelet agent, Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) <14, more than 1 discrete hematoma, hematoma thickness >5 mm, or midline shift. We attempted to externally validate the SafeSDH Tool. METHODS We performed a retrospective chart review of patients aged ≥16 with a GCS ≥13 and isolated subdural hematoma who presented to 1 of 6 academic and community hospitals from 2005 to 2018. The primary outcome, a composite of neurologic deterioration (seizure, altered mental status, or symptoms requiring repeat imaging), neurosurgical intervention, discharge on hospice, and death, was abstracted from discharge summaries. Hematoma thickness, number of hematomas, and midline shift were abstracted from head imaging reports. Anticoagulant use, antiplatelet use, and GCS were gathered from the admission record. RESULTS The validation data set included 753 patients with isolated subdural hematoma. Mortality during the index admission was 2.1%; 26% of patients underwent neurosurgical intervention. For the composite outcome, sensitivity was 99% (95% confidence interval [CI] 97 to 100), and specificity was 31% (95% CI 27 to 35). The tool identified 162 (21.5%) patients as low risk. Negative likelihood ratio was 0.03 (95% CI 0.01 to 0.11). CONCLUSION The SafeSDH Tool identified patients with isolated subdural hematoma who are at low risk for poor outcomes with high sensitivity. With prospective validation, these low-risk patients could be safe for management in less intensive settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Pruitt
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL.
| | - Richmond Castillo
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Andrew Rogers
- Department of Emergency Medicine, North Shore Health System, Evanston, IL
| | - Shyam Prabhakaran
- Department of Neurology, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Kayla Muschong
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Michael Scudder
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Danielle M McCarthy
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Jane L Holl
- Department of Neurology, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - D Mark Courtney
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Pierre Borczuk
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Andrew Naidech
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
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2
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Perkins J, Shreffler J, Kamenec D, Bequer A, Ziemba C, O'Brien D, Shoff H, Smith J, Nash N, Huecker M. Short Observation Period and Aggressive Discharge of Patients With Head Injury and Serial CT Scans. Am Surg 2021:31348211063539. [PMID: 34823406 DOI: 10.1177/00031348211063539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background: Many patients undergo two head computed tomography (CT) scans after mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). Radiographic progression without clinical deterioration does not usually alter management. Evidence-based guidelines offer potential for limited repeat imaging and safe discharge. This study characterizes patients who had two head CTs in the Emergency Department (ED), determines the change between initial and repeat CTs, and describes timing of repeat scans.Methods: This retrospective series includes all patients with head CTs during the same ED visit at an urban trauma center between May 1st, 2016 and April 30th, 2018. Radiographic interpretation was coded as positive, negative, or equivocal.Results: Of 241 subjects, the number of positive, negative, and equivocal initial CT results were 154, 50, and 37, respectively. On repeat CT, 190 (78.8%) interpretations were congruent with the original scan. Out of the 21.2% of repeat scans that diverged from the original read, 14 (5.8%) showed positive to negative conversion, 1 (.4%) showed positive to equivocal conversion, 2 (.88%) showed negative to positive conversion, 20 (8.3%) showed equivocal to negative conversion, and 14 (5.8%) showed equivocal to positive conversion. Average time between scans was 4.4 hours, and median length of stay was 10.2 hours.Conclusions: In this retrospective review, most repeat CT scans had no new findings. A small percentage converted to positive, rarely altering clinical management. This study demonstrates the need for continued prospective research to update clinical guidelines that could reduce admission and serial CT scanning for mild TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan Perkins
- 12254University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Jacob Shreffler
- Department of Emergency Medicine, 5170University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Danielle Kamenec
- Department of Emergency Medicine, 5170University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Alexandra Bequer
- Department of Emergency Medicine, 5170University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Corey Ziemba
- 12254University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Dan O'Brien
- Department of Emergency Medicine, 5170University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Hugh Shoff
- Department of Emergency Medicine, 5170University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Jason Smith
- Department of Surgery, 5170University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Nicholas Nash
- Department of Surgery, 5170University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Martin Huecker
- Department of Emergency Medicine, 5170University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
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3
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Hsu SD, Chao E, Chen SJ, Hueng DY, Lan HY, Chiang HH. Machine Learning Algorithms to Predict In-Hospital Mortality in Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11111144. [PMID: 34834496 PMCID: PMC8618756 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11111144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can lead to severe adverse clinical outcomes, including death and disability. Early detection of in-hospital mortality in high-risk populations may enable early treatment and potentially reduce mortality using machine learning. However, there is limited information on in-hospital mortality prediction models for TBI patients admitted to emergency departments. The aim of this study was to create a model that successfully predicts, from clinical measures and demographics, in-hospital mortality in a sample of TBI patients admitted to the emergency department. Of the 4881 TBI patients who were screened at the emergency department at a high-level first aid duty hospital in northern Taiwan, 3331 were assigned in triage to Level I or Level II using the Taiwan Triage and Acuity Scale from January 2008 to June 2018. The most significant predictors of in-hospital mortality in TBI patients were the scores on the Glasgow coma scale, the injury severity scale, and systolic blood pressure in the emergency department admission. This study demonstrated the effective cutoff values for clinical measures when using machine learning to predict in-hospital mortality of patients with TBI. The prediction model has the potential to further accelerate the development of innovative care-delivery protocols for high-risk patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Der Hsu
- Division of Traumatology, Department of Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 10490, Taiwan;
| | - En Chao
- Department of Medical Affairs, Song Shan Branch, Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei 10490, Taiwan;
| | - Sy-Jou Chen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 10490, Taiwan;
| | - Dueng-Yuan Hueng
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 10490, Taiwan;
| | - Hsiang-Yun Lan
- School of Nursing, National Defense Medical Center, No 161, Section 6, Minquan E. Road, Neihu District, Taipei 10490, Taiwan;
| | - Hui-Hsun Chiang
- School of Nursing, National Defense Medical Center, No 161, Section 6, Minquan E. Road, Neihu District, Taipei 10490, Taiwan;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-2-8792-3100 (ext. 18761); Fax: +886-2-87923109
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4
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Tourigny JN, Paquet V, Fortier É, Malo C, Mercier É, Chauny JM, Clark G, Blanchard PG, Boucher V, Carmichael PH, Gariépy JL, Émond M. Predictors of neurosurgical intervention in complicated mild traumatic brain injury patients: a retrospective cohort study. Brain Inj 2021; 35:1267-1274. [PMID: 34488497 DOI: 10.1080/02699052.2021.1972147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the predicting demographic, clinical and radiological factors for neurosurgical intervention in complicated mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) patients. METHODS Design: retrospective multicenter cohort study. Participants: patients aged ≥16 presenting to all level-I trauma centers in Quebec between 09/2016 and 12/2017 with mTBI(GCS 13-15) and complication on initial head CT (intracranial hemorrhage/skull fracture). Procedure: Consecutive medical records were reviewed and separated into two groups: no neurosurgical intervention and neurosurgical intervention (NSI). Main outcome: neurosurgical intervention. Analysis: multiple logistic regression model. RESULTS Four hundred and seventy-eight patients were included and 40 underwent NSI. One patient had radiological deterioration but no clinical deterioration prior to surgery. Subdural hemorrhage ≥4 mm width (OR:3.755 [95% CI:1.290-10.928]) and midline shift (OR:7.507 [95% CI: 3.317-16.989]) increased the risk of NSI. Subarachnoid hemorrhage was associated with a lower risk of NSI (OR:0.312 [95% CI: 0.136-0.713]). All other intracranial hemorrhages were not associated with NSI. CONCLUSION Radiological deterioration was not associated with the incidence of NSI. Subdural hemorrhage and midline shift should be predicting factors for neurosurgery. Some patients with isolated findings such as subarachnoid hemorrhage could be safely managed in their original center without being transferred to a level-I trauma center.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Nicolas Tourigny
- Département de Médicine Familiale et de Médicine d'urgence, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Véronique Paquet
- Département de Médicine Familiale et de Médicine d'urgence, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Émile Fortier
- Département de Médicine Familiale et de Médicine d'urgence, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Christian Malo
- Département de Médicine Familiale et de Médicine d'urgence, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, Canada.,Chu de Québec - Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Éric Mercier
- Département de Médicine Familiale et de Médicine d'urgence, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, Canada.,Chu de Québec - Université Laval, Québec, Canada.,Vitam - Centre de Recherche en Santé Durable, Québec, Canada
| | | | | | - Pierre-Gilles Blanchard
- Département de Médicine Familiale et de Médicine d'urgence, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, Canada.,Chu de Québec - Université Laval, Québec, Canada.,Vitam - Centre de Recherche en Santé Durable, Québec, Canada
| | - Valérie Boucher
- Chu de Québec - Université Laval, Québec, Canada.,Vitam - Centre de Recherche en Santé Durable, Québec, Canada.,Centre d'excellence Sur le Vieillissement de Québec, Québec, Canada
| | | | | | - Marcel Émond
- Département de Médicine Familiale et de Médicine d'urgence, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, Canada.,Chu de Québec - Université Laval, Québec, Canada.,Vitam - Centre de Recherche en Santé Durable, Québec, Canada.,Centre d'excellence Sur le Vieillissement de Québec, Québec, Canada
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Wheatley M, Kapil S, Lewis A, O’Sullivan J, Armentrout J, Moran T, Osborne A, Moore B, Morse B, Rhee P, Ahmad F, Atallah H. Management of Minor Traumatic Brain Injury in an ED Observation Unit. West J Emerg Med 2021; 22:943-950. [PMID: 35354002 PMCID: PMC8328171 DOI: 10.5811/westjem.2021.4.50442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Traumatic intracranial hemorrhages (TIH) have traditionally been managed in the intensive care unit (ICU) setting with neurosurgery consultation and repeat head CT (HCT) for each patient. Recent publications indicate patients with small TIH and normal neurological examinations who are not on anticoagulation do not require ICU-level care, repeat HCT, or neurosurgical consultation. It has been suggested that these patients can be safely discharged home after a short period of observation in emergency department observation units (EDOU) provided their symptoms do not progress. Methods This study is a retrospective cross-sectional evaluation of an EDOU protocol for minor traumatic brain injury (mTBI). It was conducted at a Level I trauma center. The protocol was developed by emergency medicine, neurosurgery and trauma surgery and modeled after the Brain Injury Guidelines (BIG). All patients were managed by attendings in the ED with discretionary neurosurgery and trauma surgery consultations. Patients were eligible for the mTBI protocol if they met BIG 1 or BIG 2 criteria (no intoxication, no anticoagulation, normal neurological examination, no or non-displaced skull fracture, subdural or intraparenchymal hematoma up to 7 millimeters, trace to localized subarachnoid hemorrhage), and had no other injuries or medical co-morbidities requiring admission. Protocol in the EDOU included routine neurological checks, symptom management, and repeat HCT for progression of symptoms. The EDOU group was compared with historical controls admitted with primary diagnosis of TIH over the 12 months prior to the initiation of the mTBI protocols. Primary outcome was reduction in EDOU length of stay (LOS) as compared to inpatient LOS. Secondary outcomes included rates of neurosurgical consultation, repeat HCT, conversion to inpatient admission, and need for emergent neurosurgical intervention. Results There were 169 patients placed on the mTBI protocol between September 1, 2016 and August 31, 2019. The control group consisted of 53 inpatients. Median LOS (interquartile range [IQR]) for EDOU patients was 24.8 (IQR: 18.8 – 29.9) hours compared with a median LOS for the comparison group of 60.2 (IQR: 45.1 – 85.0) hours (P < .001). In the EDOU group 47 (27.8%) patients got a repeat HCT compared with 40 (75.5%) inpatients, and 106 (62.7%) had a neurosurgical consultation compared with 53 (100%) inpatients. Subdural hematoma was the most common type of hemorrhage. It was found in 60 (35.5%) patients, and subarachnoid hemorrhage was found in 56 cases (33.1%). Eleven patients had multicompartment hemorrhage of various classifications. Twelve (7.1%) patients required hospital admission from the EDOU. None of the EDOU patients required emergent neurosurgical intervention. Conclusion Patients with minor TIH can be managed in an EDOU using an mTBI protocol and discretionary neurosurgical consults and repeat HCT. This is associated with a significant reduction in length of stay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Wheatley
- Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia; Grady Health Systems, Department of Emergency Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Shikha Kapil
- Georgetown University School of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Amanda Lewis
- Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia; Grady Health Systems, Department of Emergency Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jessica O’Sullivan
- Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia; Grady Health Systems, Department of Emergency Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Joshua Armentrout
- Atlanta Medical Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Tim Moran
- Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Anwar Osborne
- Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia; Grady Health Systems, Department of Emergency Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Brooks Moore
- Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia; Grady Health Systems, Department of Emergency Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Bryan Morse
- Maine Medical Center, Department of Surgery and Surgical Critical Care, Portland, Maine
| | - Peter Rhee
- Westchester Medical Center, Department of Surgery, Trauma Surgery, and Surgical Critical Care, Valhalla, New York
| | - Faiz Ahmad
- Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery, Atlanta, Georgia
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6
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Shannon BC, Pruitt P, Borczuk P. The Utility of Computed Tomography Angiogram in Patients with Mild Traumatic Subarachnoid Hemorrhage. J Emerg Med 2021; 61:456-465. [PMID: 34074551 DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2021.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) and traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (tSAH) differ significantly in their mortality and management. Although computed tomography angiography (CTA) is critical to guide timely interventions in aSAH, it lacks recognized benefit in assessing tSAH. Despite this, CTA commonly is included in tSAH evaluation. OBJECTIVE Determine if any clinically significant cerebral aneurysms are identified on CTA in emergency department (ED) patients with a tSAH. METHODS Retrospective observational study of consecutive blunt head trauma patients ages ≥ 16 years with Glasgow Coma Scale score (GCS) ≥ 13 who presented to an academic ED (100,000 annual visits) over a 7-year period. Those included had a CT-diagnosed SAH and underwent head CTA. The primary endpoint was the detection of any clinically significant brain aneurysms. RESULTS There were 297 patients that met the inclusion criteria. Twenty-six patients (8.8%) had an incidental aneurysm discovered; one underwent elective outpatient intervention. Aneurysm-positive patients were more likely to be female (69.2% vs. 46.9%, p = 0.003), age 60 years or older (80.8% vs. 52.4%, p = 0.005), and be on anticoagulation (42.3% vs. 28.0%, p = 0.03). There were no differences between the aneurysm-positive and -negative patients with respect to GCS, history of hypertension, or mechanism of injury. CONCLUSIONS In this 7-year retrospective chart review, CTA in patients with tSAH and GCS ≥ 13 did not reveal any clinically relevant cerebral aneurysms. One incidental aneurysm later underwent outpatient neurovascular intervention. In the absence of specific clinical concerns, CTA has minimal value in well-appearing patients with a tSAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryant C Shannon
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Harvard Affiliated Emergency Medicine Residency, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Peter Pruitt
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Pierre Borczuk
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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7
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Stippler M, Keith S, Nelton EB, Parsons CS, Singleton J, Bilello LA, Tibbles CD, Davis RB, Edlow JA, Rosen CL. Pathway-Based Reduction of Repeat Head Computed Tomography for Patients With Complicated Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: Implementation and Outcomes. Neurosurgery 2021; 88:773-778. [PMID: 33469647 PMCID: PMC7956047 DOI: 10.1093/neuros/nyaa504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Routine follow-up head imaging in complicated mild traumatic brain injury (cmTBI) patients has not been shown to alter treatment, improve outcomes, or identify patients in need of neurosurgical intervention. We developed a follow-up head computed tomography (CT) triage algorithm for cmTBI patients to decrease the number of routine follow-up head CT scans obtained in this population. OBJECTIVE To report our experience with protocol implications and patient outcome. METHODS Data on all cmTBI patients presenting from July 1, 2018 to June 31, 2019, to our level 1, tertiary, academic medical center were collected prospectively and analyzed retrospectively. Descriptive analysis was performed. RESULTS Of the 178 patients enrolled, 52 (29%) received a follow-up head CT. A total of 27 patients (15%) were scanned because of initial presentation and triaged to the group to receive a routine follow-up head CT. A total of 151 patients (85%) were triaged to the group without routine follow-up head CT scan. Protocol adherence was 89% with 17 violations. CONCLUSION Utilizing this protocol, we were able to safely decrease the use of routine follow-up head CT scans in cmTBI patients by 71% without any missed injuries or delayed surgery. Adoption of the protocol was high among all services managing TBI patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Stippler
- Division of Neurosurgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Stacey Keith
- Division of Acute Care, Trauma, and Critical Care, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Emmalin B Nelton
- Division of Neurosurgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Charles S Parsons
- Division of Acute Care, Trauma, and Critical Care, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jennifer Singleton
- Department of Emergency Medicine, UC Health Highlands Ranch Hospital, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Leslie A Bilello
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Carrie D Tibbles
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Roger B Davis
- Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jonathan A Edlow
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Carlo L Rosen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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8
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Outcomes of a novel ED observation pathway for mild traumatic brain injury and associated intracranial hemorrhage. Am J Emerg Med 2020; 45:340-344. [PMID: 33041142 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2020.08.093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies have shown that the majority of non-anticoagulated patients with small subdural or subarachnoid intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) in the setting of mild traumatic brain injury do not experience clinical deterioration or require neurosurgical intervention. We implemented a novel ED observation pathway to reduce unnecessary admissions among patients with ICH in the setting of mild TBI (complicated mild TBI, cmTBI). METHODS Prospective, single-center study of ED patients presenting to a Level-1 Trauma Center, 4/2016-12/2018. INCLUSION CRITERIA head injury with GCS ≥ 14, minor positive CT findings (i.e. subdural hematoma <1 cm). EXCLUSION CRITERIA GCS < 14, multi-system trauma procedural intervention or admission, epidural hematoma, skull fracture, seizure, anticoagulant/antiplatelet use beyond aspirin, physician discretion. OUTCOMES pathway completion rate, ED length-of-stay (LOS), neurosurgical intervention, hospital LOS, 7-day return visits. RESULTS 138 patients met all pathway criteria and were included in analysis. 113/138 (81.9%) patients were discharged home after observation with mean ED LOS of 17.3 h (median 15.4 h, SD +/- 10.5) including 91/111 (81.9%) patients transferred from outside hospitals (median 18.1 h, SD +/- 11.0). Increased age and aspirin use were correlated with pathway non-completion requiring admission, but not due to hematoma expansion. Among admitted patients, none required neurosurgical intervention. Seven (5.1%) 7-day return visits occurred, 3 (2%) related to initial cmTBI; 1 (0.9%) was admitted for neurologic monitoring. CONCLUSIONS ED observation for patients with cmTBI resulted in an 82% pathway completion rate, including outside hospital transfers. These results suggest that patients with cmTBI may be safely discharged from the ED after a brief period of observation. Our pathway protocol and implementation involved neurosurgical consultation and the ability to perform repeat neurologic exams in the ED. Future studies should examine the feasibility of non-transfer protocols for appropriately selected patients and access to neurosurgical expertise in the community setting.
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9
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Seifert KD, Wu X, Malhotra A. Utility of routine follow-up imaging in patients with small paraflacine and/or paratentorial hemorrhages. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2020; 196:105956. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2020.105956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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10
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Tverdal C, Aarhus M, Andelic N, Skaansar O, Skogen K, Helseth E. Characteristics of traumatic brain injury patients with abnormal neuroimaging in Southeast Norway. Inj Epidemiol 2020; 7:45. [PMID: 32867838 PMCID: PMC7461333 DOI: 10.1186/s40621-020-00269-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The vast majority of hospital admitted patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) will have intracranial injury identified by neuroimaging, requiring qualified staff and hospital beds. Moreover, increased pressure in health care services is expected because of an aging population. Thus, a regular evaluation of characteristics of hospital admitted patients with TBI is needed. Oslo TBI Registry – Neurosurgery prospectively register all patients with TBI identified by neuroimaging admitted to a trauma center for southeast part of Norway. The purpose of this study is to describe this patient population with respect to case load, time of admission, age, comorbidity, injury mechanism, injury characteristics, length of stay, and 30-days survival. Methods Data for 5 years was extracted from Oslo TBI Registry – Neurosurgery. Case load, time of admission, age, sex, comorbidity, injury mechanism, injury characteristics, length of stay, and 30-days survival was compiled and compared. Results From January 1st, 2015 to December 31st, 2019, 2153 consecutive patients with TBI identified by neuroimaging were registered. The admission rate of TBI of all severities has been stable year-round since 2015. Mean age was 52 years (standard deviation 25, range 0–99), and 68% were males. Comorbidities were common; 28% with pre-injury ASA score of ≥3 and 25% used antithrombotic medication. The dominating cause of injury in all ages was falls (55%) but increased with age. Upon admission, the head injury was classified as mild TBI in 46%, moderate in 28%, and severe (Glasgow coma score ≤ 8) in 26%. Case load was stable without seasonal variation. Majority of patients (68%) were admitted during evening, night or weekend. 68% was admitted to intensive care unit. Length of hospital stay was 4 days (median, interquartile range 3–9). 30-day survival for mild, moderate and severe TBI was 98, 94 and 69%, respectively. Conclusions The typical TBI patients admitted to hospital with abnormal neuroimaging were aged 50–79 years, often with significant comorbidity, and admitted outside ordinary working hours. This suggests the necessity for all-hour presence of competent health care professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathrine Tverdal
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ullevål Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, P. O. Box 4956 Nydalen, N-0424, Oslo, Norway. .,Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Mads Aarhus
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ullevål Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, P. O. Box 4956 Nydalen, N-0424, Oslo, Norway
| | - Nada Andelic
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Health and Society, Research Centre for Habilitation and Rehabilitation Models and Services (CHARM), Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ola Skaansar
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ullevål Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, P. O. Box 4956 Nydalen, N-0424, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Karoline Skogen
- Department of Neuroradiology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Eirik Helseth
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ullevål Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, P. O. Box 4956 Nydalen, N-0424, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Root BK, Kanter JH, Calnan DC, Reyes‐Zaragosa M, Gill HS, Lanter PL. Emergency department observation of mild traumatic brain injury with minor radiographic findings: shorter stays, less expensive, and no increased risk compared to hospital admission. J Am Coll Emerg Physicians Open 2020; 1:609-617. [PMID: 33000079 PMCID: PMC7493558 DOI: 10.1002/emp2.12124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The management of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) with minor radiographic findings traditionally involves hospital admission for monitoring, although this practice is expensive with unclear benefit. We implemented a protocol to manage these patients in our emergency department observation unit (EDOU), hypothesizing that this pathway was cost effective and not associated with any difference in clinical outcome. METHODS mTBI patients with minor radiographic findings were managed under the EDOU protocol over a 3-year period from May 1, 2015 to April 30, 2018 (inclusions: ≥19 years old, isolated acute head trauma, normal neurological exam [except transient alteration in consciousness], and a computed tomography [CT] scan of the head with at least 1 of the following: cerebral contusions <1 cm in maximum extent, convexity subarachnoid hemorrhage, or closed, non-displaced skull fractures). These patients were retrospectively analyzed; clinical outcomes and charges were compared to a control cohort of matched mTBI hospital admissions over the preceding 3 years. RESULTS Sixty patients were observed in the EDOU over the 3-year period, and 85 patients were identified for the control cohort. There were no differences in rate of radiographic progression, neurological exam change, or surgical intervention, and the overall incidence of hemorrhagic expansion was low in both groups. The EDOU group had a significantly faster time to interval CT scan (Mean Difference (MD) 3.92 hours, [95%CI 1.65, 6.19]), P = 0.001), shorter length of stay (MD 0.59 days [95% CI 0.29, 0.89], P = 0.001), and lower encounter charges (MD $3428.51 [95%CI 925.60, 5931.42], P = 0.008). There were no differences in 30-day re-admission, 30-day mortality, or delayed chronic subdural formation, although there was a high rate of loss to follow-up in both groups. CONCLUSIONS Compared to hospital admission, observing mTBI patients with minor radiographic findings in the EDOU was associated with significantly shorter time to interval scanning, shorter length of stay, and lower encounter charges, but no difference in observed clinical outcome. The overall risk of hemorrhagic progression in this subset of mTBI was very low. Using this approach can reduce unnecessary admissions while potentially yielding patient care and economic benefits. When designing a protocol, close attention should be given to clear inclusion criteria and a formal mechanism for patient follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon K. Root
- Section of NeurosurgeryDartmouth‐Hitchcock Medical CenterLebanonNew HampshireUSA
| | - John H. Kanter
- Section of NeurosurgeryDartmouth‐Hitchcock Medical CenterLebanonNew HampshireUSA
| | - Dan C. Calnan
- Section of NeurosurgeryDartmouth‐Hitchcock Medical CenterLebanonNew HampshireUSA
| | | | - Harman S. Gill
- Department of Emergency MedicineDartmouth‐Hitchcock Medical CenterLebanonNew HampshireUSA
| | - Patricia L. Lanter
- Department of Emergency MedicineDartmouth‐Hitchcock Medical CenterLebanonNew HampshireUSA
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Pillenahalli Maheshwarappa R, Valand HA, Locke T, Soni N, Bathla G. Repeat Head CT for Neurologically Stable Patients With Mild Traumatic Subarachnoid Hemorrhage During Interfacility Transfer and Follow-Up Does Not Alter Patient Care [Formula: see text]. Can Assoc Radiol J 2020; 72:541-547. [PMID: 32730132 DOI: 10.1177/0846537120941674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the impact of repeat head computed tomography (CT) during (1) interfacility transfer and (2) inpatient and/or outpatient follow-up on management, cost-effectiveness, and radiation dose in neurologically stable patients with mild traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (tSAH). MATERIAL AND METHODS This is a single-center retrospective study evaluating patients with mild tSAH presenting between January 2017 and July 2019. A total of 101 and 140 patients met the eligibility criteria for the first and second subgroups, respectively. Common inclusion criteria were isolated mild tSAH, Glasgow Coma Scale between 13 and 15, and neurological stability. Additional inclusion criteria for the first subgroup were availability of brain imaging at the outside institution prior to transfer and the second subgroup was the availability of follow-up imaging. RESULTS In the first subgroup, 76.20% of patients had stable SAH, 18.80% had reduced SAH, while 5% had an interval increase in SAH. None required any surgical intervention. Additional per-patient mean radiation exposure was 1.77 ± 0.26 mSv. In the second subgroup, all 140 patients had complete resolution of tSAH. One patient had a new tiny subdural hemorrhage, which subsequently resolved on follow-up. The additional mean radiation exposure was 2.47 ± 1.29 mSv. A total of 256 avoidable CT scans were performed resulting in excess health care costs of about US$531 696. CONCLUSION In neurologically stable isolated tSAH patients, repeat brain imaging during interfacility transfer and inpatient and/or outpatient follow-up do not alter patient management despite increased health care costs and radiation burden.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hardik A Valand
- 117088American University of Integrative Sciences, Tucker, GA, USA
| | - Thomas Locke
- 12243Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, IA, USA
| | - Neetu Soni
- Department of Radiology, 21782University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, IA, USA
| | - Girish Bathla
- Department of Radiology, Division of Neuroradiology, 21782University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA
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Rhame K, Le D, Ventura A, Horner A, Andaluz N, Miller C, Stolz U, Ngwenya LB, Adeoye O, Kreitzer N. Management of the mild traumatic brain injured patient using a multidisciplinary observation unit protocol. Am J Emerg Med 2020; 46:176-182. [PMID: 33071105 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2020.06.088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Revised: 05/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/27/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We developed an ED based multidisciplinary observation unit (OU) protocol for patients with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). We describe the cohort of patients who were placed in the ED OU and we evaluated if changes to our inclusion and exclusion criteria should be made. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study to evaluate subjects who were admitted to the mTBI observation protocol. We included adults within 24 h of sustaining an mTBI with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) of 14 or 15 who had pre-specified head CT findings, and did not meet exclusion criteria. Predictors of need for hospital admission after completing the OU protocol were determined using multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULTS The mean age was 49 (SD 23), 58 (33%) were female, and 136 (78%) were Caucasian. No subjects discharged home required a surgical intervention or ICU admission, and there were no deaths in discharged or admitted subjects. 28 subjects (16%) were admitted to the hospital following their OU stay. Subjects admitted were older (mean age: 56 vs. 48, p = 0.1) and had a higher proportion of traumatic bleeds on head CT (85% vs. 76%, p = 0.3). In multivariable logistic regression, GCS of 15 (aOR 4.24), African-American race (aOR 5.84), and no comorbid cardiac disease predicted discharge home after the observation protocol (aOR 0.28). CONCLUSIONS A period of observation for a pre-defined cohort of patients with mTBI provided a triage plan that could allow appropriate patient management without requiring admission in the majority of subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Rhame
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, United States of America
| | - Diana Le
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, United States of America
| | - Amanda Ventura
- University of Cincinnati Department of Emergency Medicine, United States of America
| | - Amy Horner
- University of Cincinnati Department of Neurosurgery, United States of America
| | - Norberto Andaluz
- University of Louisville Department of Neurosurgery, United States of America
| | - Christopher Miller
- University Hospitals, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, United States of America
| | - Uwe Stolz
- University of Cincinnati Department of Emergency Medicine, United States of America
| | - Laura B Ngwenya
- University of Cincinnati Department of Neurosurgery, United States of America; University of Cincinnati, Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine, United States of America; University of Cincinnati Collaborative for Research on Acute Neurological Injury, United States of America
| | - Opeolu Adeoye
- University of Cincinnati Department of Emergency Medicine, United States of America; University of Cincinnati Division of Neurocritical Care, United States of America
| | - Natalie Kreitzer
- University of Cincinnati Department of Emergency Medicine, United States of America; University of Cincinnati Division of Neurocritical Care, United States of America.
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Dengler BA, Plaza-Wüthrich S, Chick RC, Muir MT, Bartanusz V. Secondary Overtriage in Patients with Complicated Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: An Observational Study and Socioeconomic Analysis of 1447 Hospitalizations. Neurosurgery 2020; 86:374-382. [PMID: 30953054 DOI: 10.1093/neuros/nyz092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Secondary overtriage is a problematic phenomenon because it creates unnecessary expense and potentially results in the mismanagement of healthcare resources. The rates of secondary overtriage among patients with complicated mild traumatic brain injury (cmTBI) are unknown. OBJECTIVE To determine the rate of secondary overtriage among patients with cmTBI using the institutional trauma registry. METHODS An observational study using retrospective analysis of 1447 hospitalizations including all consecutive patients with cmTBI between 2004 and 2013. Data on age, sex, race/ethnicity, insurance status, GCS, Injury Severity Score (ISS), Trauma Injury Severity Score, transfer mode, overall length of stay (LOS), LOS within intensive care unit, and total charges were collected and analyzed. RESULTS Overall, the rate of secondary overtriage among patients with cmTBI was 17.2%. These patients tended to be younger (median: 41 vs 60.5 yr; P < .001), have a lower ISS (9 vs 16; P < .001), and were more likely to be discharged home or leave against medical advice. CONCLUSION Our findings provide evidence to the growing body of literature suggesting that not all patients with cmTBI need to be transferred to a tertiary care center. In our study, these transfers ultimately incurred a total cost of $13 294 ($1337 transfer cost) per patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley A Dengler
- Department of Neurosurgery, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Sonia Plaza-Wüthrich
- Division of Spine Surgery, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Robert C Chick
- Department of Surgery, Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Mark T Muir
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Health San Antonio, Texas
| | - Viktor Bartanusz
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas Health San Antonio, Texas
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Marincowitz C, Lecky FE, Allgar V, Hutchinson P, Elbeltagi H, Johnson F, Quinn E, Tarantino S, Townend W, Kolias AG, Sheldon TA. Development of a Clinical Decision Rule for the Early Safe Discharge of Patients with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Findings on Computed Tomography Brain Scan: A Retrospective Cohort Study. J Neurotrauma 2020; 37:324-333. [PMID: 31588845 PMCID: PMC6964807 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2019.6652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
International guidelines recommend routine hospital admission for all patients with mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) who have injuries on computed tomography (CT) brain scan. Only a small proportion of these patients require neurosurgical or critical care intervention. We aimed to develop an accurate clinical decision rule to identify low-risk patients safe for discharge from the emergency department (ED) and facilitate earlier referral of those requiring intervention. A retrospective cohort study of case notes of patients admitted with initial Glasgow Coma Scale 13-15 and injuries identified by CT was completed. Data on a primary outcome measure of clinically important deterioration (indicating need for hospital admission) and secondary outcome of neurosurgery, intensive care unit admission, or intubation (indicating need for neurosurgical admission) were collected. Multi-variable logistic regression was used to derive models and a risk score predicting deterioration using routinely reported clinical and radiological candidate variables identified in a systematic review. We compared the performance of this new risk score with the Brain Injury Guideline (BIG) criteria, derived in the United States. A total of 1699 patients were included from three English major trauma centers. A total of 27.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 25.5-29.9) met the primary and 13.1% (95% CI, 11.6-14.8) met the secondary outcomes of deterioration. The derived clinical decision rule suggests that patients with simple skull fractures or intracranial bleeding <5 mm in diameter who are fully conscious could be safely discharged from the ED. The decision rule achieved a sensitivity of 99.5% (95% CI, 98.1-99.9) and specificity of 7.4% (95% CI, 6.0-9.1) to the primary outcome. The BIG criteria achieved the same sensitivity, but lower specificity (5%). Our empirical models showed good predictive performance and outperformed the BIG criteria. This would potentially allow ED discharge of 1 in 20 patients currently admitted for observation. However, prospective external validation and economic evaluation are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl Marincowitz
- Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, United Kingdom
| | - Fiona E. Lecky
- School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Victoria Allgar
- Hull York Medical School, John Hughlings Jackson Building, University of York, Heslington, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Hutchinson
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Addenbrooke's Hospital and University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; NIHR Global Health Research Group on Neurotrauma, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Hadir Elbeltagi
- Emergency Department, Salford Royal Hospital, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Salford, United Kingdom
| | - Faye Johnson
- Salford Royal Hospital, Acute Research Delivery Team, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Salford, United Kingdom
| | - Eimhear Quinn
- Emergency Department, Salford Royal Hospital, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Salford, United Kingdom
| | - Silvia Tarantino
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Addenbrooke's Hospital and University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; NIHR Global Health Research Group on Neurotrauma, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Will Townend
- Emergency Department, Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Hull, United Kingdom
| | - Angelos G. Kolias
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Addenbrooke's Hospital and University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; NIHR Global Health Research Group on Neurotrauma, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Trevor A. Sheldon
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, Alcuin Research Resource Centre, Heslington, United Kingdom
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Krueger EM, Putty M, Young M, Gaynor B, Omi E, Farhat H. Neurosurgical Outcomes of Isolated Hemorrhagic Mild Traumatic Brain Injury. Cureus 2019; 11:e5982. [PMID: 31808447 PMCID: PMC6876901 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.5982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) is common but its management is variable. Objectives To describe the acute natural history of isolated hemorrhagic mild TBI. Methods This was a single-center, retrospective chart review of 661 patients. Inclusion criteria were consecutive patients with hemorrhagic mild TBI. Exclusion criteria were any other acute traumatic injury and significant comorbidities. Variables recorded included neurosurgical intervention and timing, mortality, emergency room disposition, intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS), discharge disposition, repeat computed tomography head (CTH) indications and results, neurologic exam, age, sex, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, and hemorrhage type. Results Overall intervention and unexpected delayed intervention rates were 9.4% and 1.5%, respectively. The mortality rate was 2.4%. A 10-year age increase had 26% greater odds of intervention (95% CI, 9.6-45%; P<.001) and 53% greater odds of mortality (95% CI, 11-110%; P=.009). A one-point GCS increase had 49% lower odds of intervention (95% CI, 25-66%; P<.001) and 50% lower odds of mortality (95% CI, 1-75%; P=.047). Subdural and epidural hemorrhages were more likely to require intervention (P=.02). ICU admission was associated with discharge to an acute care facility (OR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.4-6.0; P=.003). Neurologic exam changes were associated with a worsened CTH scan (OR, 12.3; 95% CI, 7.0-21.4; P<.001) and intervention (OR, 15.1; 95% CI, 8.4-27.2; P<.001). Conclusions Isolated hemorrhagic mild TBI patients are at a low, but not clinically insignificant, risk of intervention and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Michael Young
- Neurosurgery, Advocate Bromenn Medical Center, Normal, USA
| | - Brandon Gaynor
- Neurosurgery, Advocate Christ Medical Center, Oak Lawn, USA
| | - Ellen Omi
- Trauma Surgery, Advocate Health Care, Oak Lawn, USA
| | - Hamad Farhat
- Neurosurgery, Advocate Christ Medical Center, Oak Lawn, USA
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Borczuk P, Van Ornam J, Yun BJ, Penn J, Pruitt P. Rapid Discharge After Interfacility Transfer for Mild Traumatic Intracranial Hemorrhage: Frequency and Associated Factors. West J Emerg Med 2019; 20:307-315. [PMID: 30881551 PMCID: PMC6404693 DOI: 10.5811/westjem.2018.12.39337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Revised: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 12/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Traumatic intracranial hemorrhage (TIH), brain injury with radiographic hemorrhage, is a common emergency department (ED) presentation, and encompasses a wide range of clinical syndromes. Patients with moderate and severe neurotrauma (Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS] < 13) with intracranial hemorrhage require care at a trauma center with neurosurgical capabilities. However, many patients with mild traumatic intracranial hemorrhage (mTIH), defined as radiographic bleeding and GCS ≥ 13, do not require operative intervention or intensive care unit monitoring, but are still routinely transferred to tertiary care centers. We hypothesized that a significant proportion of patients are managed non-operatively and are discharged within 24 hours of admission. Methods This was a retrospective, observational study of consecutive patients age ≥ 16 years, GCS ≥ 13 who were transferred to an urban, medical school-affiliated, 100,000 annual visit ED over a seven-year period with blunt isolated mTIH. The primary outcome was discharge within 24 hours of admission. We measured rates of neurosurgical intervention, computed tomography hemorrhage progression, and neurologic deterioration as well as other demographic and clinical variables. Results There were 1079 transferred patients with isolated mTIH. Of these, 92.4% were treated non-operatively and 35.8% were discharged within 24 hours of presentation to the tertiary ED. Patient characteristics associated with rapid discharge after transfer include a GCS of 15 (odds ratio [OR] 2.9, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.9 – 4.4), subdural hematoma ≤ 6mm (OR 3.1, 95% CI, 2.2 – 4.5) or the presence of an isolated subarachnoid hemorrhage (OR 1.7, 95% CI, 1.3 – 2.4). Of patients with length of stay < 24 hours, 79.8% were discharged directly from the ED or ED observation unit. Conclusion Patients transferred to tertiary care centers are frequently discharged after brief observation without intervention. Risk can be predicted by clinical and radiographic data. Further prospective research is required to determine a safe cohort of patients who could be managed at community sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Borczuk
- Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Emergency Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jonathan Van Ornam
- Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Emergency Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Brian J Yun
- Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Emergency Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Joshua Penn
- Winchester Hospital, Emergency Services, Winchester, Massachusetts
| | - Peter Pruitt
- Northwestern University, Department of Emergency Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) are frequently admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU), but routine ICU use may be unnecessary. It is not clear to what extent this practice varies between hospitals. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the National Trauma Data Bank. Patients with at least one TBI ICD-9-CM diagnosis code, a head abbreviated injury score (AIS) ≤ 4, and Glasgow coma scale (GCS) ≥ 13 were included; individuals with only a concussion and those with a non-head AIS > 2 were excluded. Primary outcomes were ICU admission and "overtriage" to the ICU, defined by: ICU stay ≤ 1 day; hospital stay ≤ 2 days; no intubation; no neurosurgery; and discharged to home. Mixed effects multivariable models were used to identify patient and facility characteristics associated with these outcomes. RESULTS A total of 595,171 patients were included, 44.7% of whom were admitted to an ICU; 17.3% of these met the criteria for overtriage. Compared with adults, children < 2 years were more likely to be admitted to an ICU (RR 1.21, 95% CI 1.16-1.26) and to be overtriaged (RR 2.06, 95% CI 1.88-2.25). Similarly, patients with isolated subarachnoid hemorrhage were at greater risk of both ICU admission (RR 2.36, 95% CI 2.31-2.41) and overtriage (RR 1.22, 95% CI 1.17-1.28). The probabilities of ICU admission and overtriage varied as much as 16- and 11-fold across hospitals, respectively; median risk ratios were 1.67 and 1.53, respectively. The likelihood of these outcomes did not vary substantially with the characteristics of the treating facility. CONCLUSIONS There is considerable variability in ICU admission practices for mild TBI across the USA, and some of these patients may not require ICU-level care. Refined ICU use in mild TBI may allow for reduced resource utilization without jeopardizing patient outcomes.
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19
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Martyak M, Collins J, Burgess J. Optimization of Resource Allocation after Implementation of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment Protocol. Am Surg 2018. [DOI: 10.1177/000313481808400841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to assess resource utilization after implementation of a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) treatment protocol. A retrospective review was conducted of patients with isolated mild TBI before and after implementation of a mild TBI treatment protocol in May 2015. Patients admitted from June 2014 to February 2017, aged 18 to 89 years, presenting with a Glasgow coma score of 13 to 15, with an isolated small intracerebral hemorrhage on CT without midline shift, and not coagulopathic were evaluated. According to the protocol, patients were admitted to a non-intensive care unit (ICU) ward, without routine neurosurgical consultation or repeat head CT unless clinically indicated. Hospital length of stay (LOS), ICU LOS, rate of neurosurgical consultation, rate of repeat head CT within 24 hours of admission, and associated costs were evaluated. Forty-six patients were identified in the preprotocol group and 97 in the protocol group. The protocol group had a shorter hospital LOS (1.46 vs 2.04 days, P = 0.0034), shorter ICU LOS (0.02 vs 0.37 days, P < 0.0001), lower rates of repeat head CT (2.06% vs 39.13%, P < 0.0001), and neurosurgical consultations (1.03% vs 28.26%, P < 0.0001). Decreased charges derived from fewer repeat head CT and neurosurgical consultations were observed from $43.98 to $844.04 per patient. There were no inpatient mortalities and no progressions of injury requiring unplanned admission to the ICU or operative intervention. Efficient delivery of care is paramount in modern medicine and this study demonstrates that the mild TBI treatment protocol significantly decreased resource utilization without jeopardizing patient safety.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jay Collins
- Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia
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20
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Ecker RD. No Need for Repeat Imaging in Patients with Mild Traumatic Subarachnoid Hemorrhage without Clinical Progression. World Neurosurg 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2018.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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21
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Kumar A, Alvarado A, Shah K, Arnold PM. Necessity of Repeat Computed Tomography Imaging in Isolated Mild Traumatic Subarachnoid Hemorrhage. World Neurosurg 2018; 113:399-403. [DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2018.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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22
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Marincowitz C, Lecky FE, Townend W, Borakati A, Fabbri A, Sheldon TA. The Risk of Deterioration in GCS13-15 Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury Identified by Computed Tomography Imaging: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Neurotrauma 2018; 35:703-718. [PMID: 29324173 PMCID: PMC5831640 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2017.5259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The optimal management of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients with injuries identified by computed tomography (CT) brain scan is unclear. Some guidelines recommend hospital admission for an observation period of at least 24 h. Others argue that selected lower-risk patients can be discharged from the Emergency Department (ED). The objective of our review and meta-analysis was to estimate the risk of death, neurosurgical intervention, and clinical deterioration in mild TBI patients with injuries identified by CT brain scan, and assess which patient factors affect the risk of these outcomes. A systematic review and meta-analysis adhering to PRISMA standards of protocol and reporting were conducted. Study selection was performed by two independent reviewers. Meta-analysis using a random effects model was undertaken to estimate pooled risks for: clinical deterioration, neurosurgical intervention, and death. Meta-regression was used to explore between-study variation in outcome estimates using study population characteristics. Forty-nine primary studies and five reviews were identified that met the inclusion criteria. The estimated pooled risk for the outcomes of interest were: clinical deterioration 11.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 11.7%-15.8%), neurosurgical intervention 3.5% (95% CI: 2.2%-4.9%), and death 1.4% (95% CI: 0.8%-2.2%). Twenty-one studies presented within-study estimates of the effect of patient factors. Meta-regression of study characteristics and pooling of within-study estimates of risk factor effect found the following factors significantly affected the risk for adverse outcomes: age, initial Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), type of injury, and anti-coagulation. The generalizability of many studies was limited due to population selection. Mild TBI patients with injuries identified by CT brain scan have a small but clinically important risk for serious adverse outcomes. This review has identified several prognostic factors; research is needed to derive and validate a usable clinical decision rule so that low-risk patients can be safely discharged from the ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl Marincowitz
- Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, United Kingdom
| | - Fiona E. Lecky
- School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - William Townend
- Emergency Department, Hull and East Yorkshire NHS Trust, Hull, United Kingdom
| | - Aditya Borakati
- Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, United Kingdom
| | - Andrea Fabbri
- Emergency Unit, Presidio Ospedaliero Morgagni-Pierantoni, AUSL della Romagna, Forlì, Italy
| | - Trevor A. Sheldon
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, Alcuin Research Resource Center, Heslington, York, United Kingdom
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Nassiri F, Badhiwala JH, Witiw CD, Mansouri A, Davidson B, Almenawer SA, Lipsman N, Da Costa L, Pirouzmand F, Nathens AB. The clinical significance of isolated traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage in mild traumatic brain injury. J Trauma Acute Care Surg 2017; 83:725-731. [DOI: 10.1097/ta.0000000000001617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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