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Layrisse-Landaeta V, Dincheva GR, Khedr S, Geng A, Schombs M, Maisha K, Chao SY, Chen CC. Impact of English proficiency on use of Glasgow Coma Scale in geriatric patients with traumatic brain injury. Trauma Surg Acute Care Open 2024; 9:e001439. [PMID: 38957620 PMCID: PMC11217998 DOI: 10.1136/tsaco-2024-001439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The relationship between English proficiency (EP), Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) is not well characterized. We aimed to understand the impact of limited English proficiency (LEP) on the evaluation and outcomes of TBI. Methods Retrospective comparative study in a single institution of patients aged ⪰65 who presented to the emergency department after a fall with head strike between January 2018 and December 2021. TBI was defined as documented loss of consciousness or intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). Relationships between EP, GCS, and TBI were analyzed with multivariable and propensity score-matched models. Results Of the 2905 included, 1233 (42%) had LEP. Most LEP patients were Asian (60%) while the majority of EP patients were non-Hispanic Caucasians (72%). In a univariate analysis, LEP had higher incidence of decreased GCS and was strongly correlated with risk of TBI (OR 1.47, CI 1.26 to 1.71). After adjusting for multiple covariates including race, LEP did not have a significantly increased risk for GCS score <13 (OR 1.66, CI 0.99 to 2.76) or increased risk of TBI. In the matched analysis, LEP had a small but significantly higher risk of GCS score <13 (OR 1.03, CI 1.02 to 1.05) without an increased risk in TBI. Decreased GCS remained strongly correlated with presence of ICH in LEP patients in the adjusted model (OR 1.39, CI 1.30 to 1.50). Conclusions LEP correlated with lower GCS in geriatric patients with TBI. This association weakened after adjusting for factors like race, suggesting racial disparities may have more influence than language differences. Moreover, GCS remained effective for predicting ICH in LEP individuals, highlighting its value with suitable translation resources. Level of evidence This is a Level III evidence restrospective comparative study.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Shahenda Khedr
- General Surgery, NewYork-Presbyterian Queens, Queens, New York, USA
| | - Andrew Geng
- General Surgery, NewYork-Presbyterian Queens, Queens, New York, USA
| | - Michele Schombs
- General Surgery, NewYork-Presbyterian Queens, Queens, New York, USA
| | - Kazi Maisha
- General Surgery, NewYork-Presbyterian Queens, Queens, New York, USA
| | - Steven Y Chao
- General Surgery, NewYork-Presbyterian Queens, Queens, New York, USA
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Chun-Cheng Chen
- General Surgery, TriStar Skyline Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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Nwizu M, Weiner T, Downs T, Krizo J, Mangira C, Cowan S, Mallat A, Heaney A. Impact of Triage Systems on Time to Diagnosis and Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injuries. J Emerg Med 2024; 66:e304-e312. [PMID: 38429213 DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2023.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a potential complication from traumatic brain injury, with a 30-day mortality rate of 35-52%. Rapid diagnosis allows for earlier treatment, which impacts patient outcomes. A trauma activation (TA) is called when injury severity meets institutional criteria. The patient is immediately roomed, and a multispecialty team is present. A trauma evaluation (TE) occurs when injuries are identified after standard triage processes. OBJECTIVES Our aim was to determine whether TA patients with ICH were diagnosed and treated more rapidly than TE patients. METHODS This was a retrospective study of patients presenting to trauma centers within a large hospital system diagnosed with traumatic ICH between January 2018 and December 2018. Patients were categorized as TA or TE patients. The time to diagnosis was compared between groups, and additional times were evaluated, including time to imaging, computed tomography interpretation, and treatment. RESULTS A total of 294 patients were included. Groups had similar demographic characteristics and medical history; there was no difference in head Abbreviated Injury Score, Injury Severity Score, or anticoagulant use. Time to diagnosis was decreased for TA patients compared with TE patients (p < 0.0001). In addition, TA patients received treatment sooner (median 107 min) than TE patients (184.5 min) (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Diagnosis and treatment times were significantly faster in TA patients than in TE patients. Given the similarities in injury severity between groups, the increased time to treatment may be detrimental for patients. Trauma activations are a resource-heavy process, but TE delays care. These data suggest that an intermediary process may be beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcel Nwizu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Akron General Medical Center, Akron, Ohio
| | - Thomas Weiner
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Akron General Medical Center, Akron, Ohio
| | - Tony Downs
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Akron General Medical Center, Akron, Ohio
| | - Jessica Krizo
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Akron General Medical Center, Akron, Ohio; Department of Health Sciences, Cleveland Clinic Akron General Medical Center, Akron, Ohio
| | - Caroline Mangira
- Department of Health Sciences, Cleveland Clinic Akron General Medical Center, Akron, Ohio
| | - Stacy Cowan
- Department of Health Sciences, Cleveland Clinic Akron General Medical Center, Akron, Ohio
| | - Ali Mallat
- Department of General Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Akron General, Akron, Ohio; Digestive Disease and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Ashley Heaney
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Akron General Medical Center, Akron, Ohio
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3
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Wania R, Lampart A, Niedermeier S, Stahl R, Trumm C, Reidler P, Kammerlander C, Böcker W, Klein M, Pedersen V. Diagnostic value of protein S100b as predictor of traumatic intracranial haemorrhage in elderly adults with low-energy falls: results from a retrospective observational study. Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg 2024; 50:205-213. [PMID: 37442831 PMCID: PMC10924004 DOI: 10.1007/s00068-023-02324-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The objectives of this study were to analyse the clinical value of protein S100b (S100b) in association with clinical findings and anticoagulation therapy in predicting traumatic intracranial haemorrhage (tICH) and unfavourable outcomes in elderly individuals with low-energy falls (LEF). METHODS We conducted a retrospective study in the emergency department (ED) of the LMU University Hospital, Munich by consecutively including all patients aged ≥ 65 years presenting to the ED following a LEF between September 2014 and December 2016 and receiving an emergency cranial computed tomography (cCT) examination. Primary endpoint was the prevalence of tICH. Multivariate logistic regression models and receiver operating characteristics were used to measure the association between clinical findings, anticoagulation therapy and S100b and tICH. RESULTS We included 2687 patients, median age was 81 years (60.4% women). Prevalence of tICH was 6.7% (180/2687) and in-hospital mortality was 6.1% (11/180). Skull fractures were highly associated with tICH (odds ratio OR 46.3; 95% confidence interval CI 19.3-123.8, p < 0.001). Neither anticoagulation therapy nor S100b values were significantly associated with tICH (OR 1.14; 95% CI 0.71-1.86; OR 1.08; 95% CI 0.90-1.25, respectively). Sensitivity of S100b (cut-off: 0.1 ng/ml) was 91.6% (CI 95% 85.1-95.9), specificity was 17.8% (CI 95% 16-19.6), and the area under the curve value was 0.59 (95% CI 0.54 - 0.64) for predicting tICH. CONCLUSION In conclusion, under real ED conditions, neither clinical findings nor protein S100b concentrations or presence of anticoagulation therapy was sufficient to decide with certainty whether a cCT scan can be bypassed in elderly patients with LEF. Further prospective validation is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Wania
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Musculoskeletal University Center Munich (MUM), University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr 15., 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Alina Lampart
- Department of Medicine, Kantonsspital Lucerne, Spitalstrasse, 6000, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Sandra Niedermeier
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, ISAR Klinikum, Sonnenstr. 24-26, 80331, Munich, Germany
| | - Robert Stahl
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Christoph Trumm
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Paul Reidler
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Kammerlander
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Musculoskeletal University Center Munich (MUM), University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr 15., 81377, Munich, Germany
- Trauma Hospital Styria, Goestinger Straße 24, 8020, Graz, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Böcker
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Musculoskeletal University Center Munich (MUM), University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr 15., 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Klein
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Emergency Department, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Vera Pedersen
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Musculoskeletal University Center Munich (MUM), University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr 15., 81377, Munich, Germany.
- Emergency Department, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany.
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Barrett JW, Williams J, Skene SS, Griggs JE, Bootland D, Leung J, Da Costa A, Ballantyne K, Davies R, Lyon RM. Head injury in older adults presenting to the ambulance service: who do we convey to the emergency department, and what clinical variables are associated with an intracranial bleed? A retrospective case-control study. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med 2023; 31:65. [PMID: 37908011 PMCID: PMC10619243 DOI: 10.1186/s13049-023-01138-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Most older adults with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) reach the emergency department via the ambulance service. Older adults, often with mild TBI symptoms, risk being under-triaged and facing poor outcomes. This study aimed to identify whether sufficient information is available on the scene to an ambulance clinician to identify an older adult at risk of an intracranial haemorrhage following a head injury. METHODS This was a retrospective case-control observational study involving one regional ambulance service in the UK and eight emergency departments. 3545 patients aged 60 years and over presented to one regional ambulance service with a head injury between the 1st of January 2020 and the 31st of December 2020. The primary outcome was an acute intracranial haemorrhage on head computed tomography (CT) scan in patients conveyed to the emergency department (ED). A secondary outcome was factors associated with conveyance to the ED by the ambulance clinician. RESULTS In 2020, 2111 patients were conveyed to the ED and 162 patients were found to have an intracranial haemorrhage on their head CT scan. Falls from more than 2 m (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 3.45, 95% CI 1.78-6.40), chronic kidney disease (CKD) (aOR 2.80, 95% CI 1.25-5.75) and Clopidogrel (aOR 1.98, 95% CI 1.04-3.59) were associated with an intracranial haemorrhage. Conveyance to the ED was associated with patients taking anticoagulant and antiplatelet medication or a visible head injury or head injury symptoms. CONCLUSION This study highlights that while most older adults with a head injury are conveyed to the ED, only a minority will have an intracranial haemorrhage following their head injury. While mechanisms of injury such as falls from more than 2 m remain a predictor, this work highlights that Clopidogrel and CKD are also associated with an increased odds of tICH in older adults following a head injury. These findings may warrant a review of current ambulance head injury guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- J W Barrett
- South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS FT, Crawley, UK.
- University of Surrey, Guildford, UK.
| | - J Williams
- South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS FT, Crawley, UK
- Paramedic Clinical Research Unit, University of Hatfield, Hatfield, UK
| | | | - J E Griggs
- University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
- Air Ambulance Charity Kent, Surrey and Sussex, Redhill, UK
| | - D Bootland
- Air Ambulance Charity Kent, Surrey and Sussex, Redhill, UK
- University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Worthing, UK
| | - J Leung
- Air Ambulance Charity Kent, Surrey and Sussex, Redhill, UK
- East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust, Canterbury, UK
| | - A Da Costa
- Medway Maritime Hospital NHS FT, Gillingham, UK
| | - K Ballantyne
- East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust, Canterbury, UK
| | - R Davies
- South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS FT, Crawley, UK
| | - R M Lyon
- University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
- Air Ambulance Charity Kent, Surrey and Sussex, Redhill, UK
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Vrbanic L, Hunt C, Cooney M, Heffernan J, Walsh A, Heaney C, Collis SA, Howley R, Fearon C, Farrell M, Brett F. Intracranial haemorrhage and falls: cause or effect? Ir J Med Sci 2023; 192:2387-2390. [PMID: 36534315 DOI: 10.1007/s11845-022-03222-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A difficult question in autopsy practice is whether intracranial haemorrhage has resulted from or brought about a fall. MATERIAL AND METHODS To address this we undertook a retrospective study of all autopsy reports (N = 2126) complied over a 10 year period (2009-2018). Of 720 patients who underwent a comprehensive post mortem neuropathologic examination we found 226 patients who had a history of a fall. RESULTS Of the 226 with a history of fall, 175 (79%) had an intracranial haemorrhage which was classified as truamatic (n = 134, 77%) or spontaneous (n = 41, 23%. Within the traumatic group, falls from a standing height (51%) were more common than falls involving stairs (31%) or falls from a height (12%). Cerebral contusional injury (51%) and subdural haemorrhage (45%) were the most common type of haemorrhage in the traumatic group. In the spontaneous haemorrhage group cerebral amyloid angiopathy (49%) was the commonest detected cause and was typically lobar in distribution). CONCLUSION We are of the view that a comprehensive analysis of fatal falls with intracranial haemorrhage warrants a detailed neuropathologic examination as part of the overall death analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Vrbanic
- School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ciara Hunt
- Department of Pathology [Neuropathology], Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Maeve Cooney
- Department of Pathology [Neuropathology], Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Josephine Heffernan
- Department of Pathology [Neuropathology], Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Andrea Walsh
- Department of Pathology [Neuropathology], Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Ciara Heaney
- Department of Pathology [Neuropathology], Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | | | - Rachel Howley
- Department of Pathology [Neuropathology], Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Conor Fearon
- Department of Pathology [Neuropathology], Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Michael Farrell
- Department of Pathology [Neuropathology], Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Dublin 9, Ireland
- Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Francesca Brett
- School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
- Department of Pathology [Neuropathology], Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Dublin 9, Ireland.
- Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland.
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6
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Schindler CR, Best A, Woschek M, Verboket RD, Marzi I, Eichler K, Störmann P. Cranial CT is a mandatory tool to exclude asymptomatic cerebral hemorrhage in elderly patients on anticoagulation. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1117777. [PMID: 36778744 PMCID: PMC9911444 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1117777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Traumatic brain injury (TBI) after falls causes death and disability with immense socioeconomic impact through medical and rehabilitation costs in geriatric patients. Diagnosing TBI can be challenging due to the absence of initial clinical symptoms. Misdiagnosis is particularly dangerous in patients on permanent anticoagulation because minimal trauma might result in severe intracranial hemorrhage. The aim of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic necessity of cranial computed tomography (cCT) to rule out intracranial hemorrhage, particularly in the absence of neurologic symptoms in elderly patients on permanent anticoagulation in their premedication. Patients and methods Retrospective cohort analysis of elderly trauma patients (≥ 65 years) admitted to the emergency department (ED) of the level-1-trauma center of the University Hospital Frankfurt from 01/2017 to 12/2019. The study included patients who suffered a ground-level fall with suspected TBI and subsequently underwent CT because of preexisting anticoagulation. Results A total of 227 patients met the inclusion criteria. In 17 of these patients, cCT showed intracranial hemorrhage, of which 14 were subdural hematomas (SDH). In 8 of the patients with bleeding showed no clinical symptoms, representing 5% (n = 160) of all symptom-free patients. Men and women were equally to suffer a post-traumatic hemorrhage. Patients with intracranial bleeding were hospitalized for 14.5 (±10.4) days. Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) was the most prescribed anticoagulant in both patient cohorts-with or without intracerebral bleeding (70.6 vs. 77.1%, p = 0.539). Similarly, patients taking new oral anticoagulant (NOAC) (p = 0.748), coumarins, or other platelet inhibitors (p > 0.1) did not show an increased bleeding incidence. Conclusion Acetylsalicylic acid and NOAC use are not associated with increased bleeding risk in geriatric trauma patients (≥ 65 years) after fall-related TBI. Even in asymptomatic elderly patients on anticoagulation, intracranial hemorrhage occurs in a relevant proportion after minor trauma to the head. Therefore, cCT is an obligatory tool to rule out cerebral hemorrhage in elderly patients under anticoagulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cora R. Schindler
- Department of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany,*Correspondence: Cora R. Schindler,
| | - Alicia Best
- Department of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Mathias Woschek
- Department of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - René D. Verboket
- Department of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Ingo Marzi
- Department of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Katrin Eichler
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Philipp Störmann
- Department of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Rauchman SH, Zubair A, Jacob B, Rauchman D, Pinkhasov A, Placantonakis DG, Reiss AB. Traumatic brain injury: Mechanisms, manifestations, and visual sequelae. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1090672. [PMID: 36908792 PMCID: PMC9995859 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1090672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) results when external physical forces impact the head with sufficient intensity to cause damage to the brain. TBI can be mild, moderate, or severe and may have long-term consequences including visual difficulties, cognitive deficits, headache, pain, sleep disturbances, and post-traumatic epilepsy. Disruption of the normal functioning of the brain leads to a cascade of effects with molecular and anatomical changes, persistent neuronal hyperexcitation, neuroinflammation, and neuronal loss. Destructive processes that occur at the cellular and molecular level lead to inflammation, oxidative stress, calcium dysregulation, and apoptosis. Vascular damage, ischemia and loss of blood brain barrier integrity contribute to destruction of brain tissue. This review focuses on the cellular damage incited during TBI and the frequently life-altering lasting effects of this destruction on vision, cognition, balance, and sleep. The wide range of visual complaints associated with TBI are addressed and repair processes where there is potential for intervention and neuronal preservation are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aarij Zubair
- NYU Long Island School of Medicine, Mineola, NY, United States
| | - Benna Jacob
- NYU Long Island School of Medicine, Mineola, NY, United States
| | - Danielle Rauchman
- Department of Neuroscience, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States
| | - Aaron Pinkhasov
- NYU Long Island School of Medicine, Mineola, NY, United States
| | | | - Allison B Reiss
- NYU Long Island School of Medicine, Mineola, NY, United States
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Lee C, Beavers J, Pham J, Hackett L, Miller J, Buntine P. Impact of the Canadian CT head rule supplemented by the original published minimum inclusion criteria to assist emergency department clinicians' assessment of patients presenting post fall from residential aged care: a retrospective audit. BMC Geriatr 2022; 22:607. [PMID: 35864470 PMCID: PMC9306092 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-022-03284-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A large number of CT brain (CTB) scans are ordered in the ED for older patients with a confirmed or possible head strike but no ongoing symptoms of a head injury. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the Canadian CT head rule supplemented by the original published minimum inclusion criteria to assist clinician assessment of the need for CTB following minimal trauma fall in patients presenting from residential aged care facilities to a major metropolitan emergency department (ED). Methods This study was conducted as a pre- and post-intervention retrospective audit. The intervention involved implementation of a decision support tool to help clinicians assess patients presenting to the ED following a fall. The tool integrated the Canadian CT Head Rule (CCHR) in conjunction with a simplified set of inclusion criteria to help clinicians define a minimum threshold for a “minor head injury”. Outcome data pertaining to CT brain ordering practices and results were compared over symmetrical 3-month time periods pre- and post-intervention in 2 consecutive years. Results The study included 233 patients in the pre-intervention arm and 241 in the post-intervention arm. Baseline demographics and clinical characteristics were similar in both groups. There was a 20% reduction in the total number of CTB scans ordered following tool implementation, with 134 (57.0%) scans in the pre-intervention group and 90 (37.3%) in the post-intervention group (p < 0.01). The diagnostic yield in the pre- and post-intervention groups was 3.7 and 5.6% respectively (p = 0.52). No variation was observed in medical management between groups, and no patients in either group underwent neurosurgical intervention. Conclusions Use of the CCHR supplemented by the original published minimum inclusion criteria appeared to safely reduce the number of CTB scans performed in residential aged care facility residents presenting to an ED after a fall, with no associated adverse outcomes. A larger study across multiple centres is required to determine widespread efficacy and safety of this tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlene Lee
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Eastern Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jonathan Beavers
- Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jonathan Pham
- Department of General Medicine, Eastern Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Liam Hackett
- Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Box Hill Hospital Emergency Department, 5 Arnold Street, Box Hill, Victoria, 3128, Australia
| | - Joseph Miller
- Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia. .,Box Hill Hospital Emergency Department, 5 Arnold Street, Box Hill, Victoria, 3128, Australia.
| | - Paul Buntine
- Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Box Hill Hospital Emergency Department, 5 Arnold Street, Box Hill, Victoria, 3128, Australia
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9
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Coulombe P, Tardif PA, Nadeau A, Beaumont-Boileau R, Malo C, Emond M, Blanchard PG, Moore L, Mercier E. Accuracy of Prehospital Trauma Triage to Select Older Adults Requiring Urgent and Specialized Trauma Care. J Surg Res 2022; 275:281-290. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2022.02.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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10
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Hawley C, Sakr M, Scapinello S, Bjorndalen H. Head injury among older adults and their clinical management: one year of emergency department attendances at a UK trauma center. Brain Inj 2022; 36:868-875. [PMID: 35770937 DOI: 10.1080/02699052.2022.2077989] [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: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Primary: describe characteristics of adults aged ≥65 attending the Emergency Department (ED) at one major trauma center. Secondary: examine co-morbidities and complications; identify use of anticoagulant/antiplatelet medication among older adults presenting with Head Injury (HI); assess clinical management against UK guidelines. METHODS All ED admissions were screened prospectively to identify HI using case notes, hospital records and Trauma Audit Research Network data. Data were collected on demographics, cause and severity of injury, co-morbidities, anticoagulation/antiplatelet use, diagnostic imaging and discharge outcomes. RESULTS Over 12 months, 697 patients aged ≥65 years attended the ED for HI, representing over a quarter of adult ED attendances for HI. Mean age was 78.5 years (range 65-106), 395 (56.7%) were female. Most HIs were mild (93.5%) and 86% caused by falls. Three-quarters were discharged without hospital admission. Most had a preexisting medical condition andtaking medications prior to HI. Of these 116 were taking anticoagulants/antiplatelets but only 37 (31.9%) received a head CT scan. Half the patients were given a written HI information sheet at ED discharge. CONCLUSIONS Care of HI in older adults is challenging due to comorbidities. Practising evidence-based clinical management and following guidelines is important, but strict adherence is not common practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol Hawley
- Honorary Research Fellow, Division of Mental Health and Wellbeing, Warwick Medical School, Coventry, UK
| | - Magdy Sakr
- Consultant in Emergency Medicine, University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire, Coventry, UK
| | - Sarah Scapinello
- Psychiatrist, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
| | - Harald Bjorndalen
- Specialist Registrar in Anaesthesiology, Drammen Hospital, Drammen, Norway
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11
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Hamzani Y, Demetriou H, Zelnik A, Cohen N, Drescher MJ, Chaushu G, Yahya BH. Impact of Comorbidities on Hospitalization for Injuries in Riders of Electric Bikes and Powered Scooters: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study. Medicina (B Aires) 2022; 58:medicina58050659. [PMID: 35630078 PMCID: PMC9145968 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58050659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Injuries associated with electric bikes (E-bikes) and powered scooters (P-scooters) have increased yearly worldwide. We aimed to evaluate the impact of pre-existing comorbidities on the probability of hospitalization for injuries in riders of E-bikes and P-scooters. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study design was used. The cohort included patients referred to the emergency department (ED) of a tertiary medical center in 2014–2020 for injuries sustained while riding an E-bike or P-scooter. Data were collected from the medical files on demographics, clinical characteristics including pre-existing comorbidities and permanent use of medications, and injury characteristics. Findings were compared between patients referred for hospitalization from the ED and patients discharged home. Results: Of the 1234 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 202 (16.4%) had a prior medical condition and 167 (13.5%) were taking medication on a permanent basis. A significant relationship was found between hospitalization and having a medical condition (𝜒2(1) = 9.20, p = 0.002) or taking medication on a permanent basis (𝜒2(1) = 6.24, p = 0.01). Hospitalization for injuries was more likely in patients with a comorbidity (27.8%) than those without a comorbidity (15.5%), and in patients who were on permanent drug therapy (22.2%) than in patients who were not (12.9%). Surprisingly, anticoagulant intake specifically had no effect on the probability of hospital admission. Conclusions: Patients with comorbidities have a higher incidence of hospitalization for E-bike- and P-scooter-associated injuries. Therefore, physicians may take into account comorbidities for the effective management of this patient group’s injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yafit Hamzani
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Rabin Medical Center—Beilinson Hospital, Petach Tikva 4941492, Israel; (H.D.); (G.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +972-3-9377207; Fax: +972-3-9377204
| | - Helena Demetriou
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Rabin Medical Center—Beilinson Hospital, Petach Tikva 4941492, Israel; (H.D.); (G.C.)
| | | | - Nir Cohen
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rabin Medical Center—Beilinson Hospital, Petach Tikva 4941492, Israel;
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel;
| | - Michael J. Drescher
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel;
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Rabin Medical Center—Beilinson Hospital, Petach Tikva 4941492, Israel
| | - Gavriel Chaushu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Rabin Medical Center—Beilinson Hospital, Petach Tikva 4941492, Israel; (H.D.); (G.C.)
- The Maurice and Gabriela Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Bahaa Haj Yahya
- Oral and Maxillofacial Private Clinic, Herzliya 4685107, Israel;
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION The use of medications with anticholinergic (ACh) properties is associated with numerous adverse effects especially in older adults. Emerging evidence suggests the presence of long-term effects with ACh use. AREAS COVERED Our article presents an overview of ACh effects and falls in older individuals including examination of emerging evidence on ACh use and cumulative exposure on short-term and long-term falls risk. The databases CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science were searched for articles published from January 2002 to December 2021. EXPERT OPINION Anticholinergic side effects include muscle weakness, blurred vision, and mental confusion which are likely to lead to increased falls risk. Many commonly used medications such as beta-blockers, calcium-channel blockers, and antihistamines are now known to have mild ACh properties. With polypharmacy now considered unavoidable in older patients, the cumulative effects of the use of multiple drugs with mild ACh properties may also lead to increased falls risk. The relationship between ACh drugs and falls may also be irreversible as ACh effects may extend beyond the period of drug use, due to cognitive and physical deconditioning following the initial exposure to ACh drugs. Future long-term studies with accurate quantification of cumulative ACh exposure and measurement of actual falls outcomes are urgently required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Jiang Xu
- Ageing and Age-Associated Disorders Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Maw Pin Tan
- Ageing and Age-Associated Disorders Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,Department of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Healthcare and Medical Sciences, Sunway University, Selangor, Malaysia
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13
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Yuan Y, Li J, Fu P, Jing Z, Wang Y, Zhou C. Association between physical activity and falls among older adults in rural China: are there gender and age related differences? BMC Public Health 2022; 22:356. [PMID: 35183149 PMCID: PMC8858519 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-12773-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The relationship between physical activity (PA) and falls among older adults is inconsistent, and little is known about the gender-specific association between falls and PA. Moreover, age may modify this relationship. This study aimed to test the association between PA and falls and to investigate the gender and age differences in the association among rural older adults. METHODS This cross-sectional data were derived from the baseline survey of Shandong Rural Elderly Health Cohort (SREHC). In total, 3,242 rural older adults aged 60 years and above were included in the analysis. PA was measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-S). PA levels were classified as low, moderate, elevated and high according to quartiles. Volume of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was categorized into low, moderate, elevated, and high level based on global recommendations. Information on falls was determined from in-person interviews. Falling was defined to participants as ending up on the floor or ground because they were unable to stop themselves. Logistic regression analysis was employed to explore the association between falls and PA. RESULTS Of 3,242 rural older adults, the incidence of falls was 13.1%. In older adults, high levels of PA [odds ratio (OR) = 0.65, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.47-0.90] or MVPA (OR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.50-0.94) were related to falls. Moderate (OR = 4.84, 95% CI: 1.68-13.94) or high (OR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.30-0.99) levels of MVPA were associated with falls in older men. But elevated levels of PA were associated with falls (OR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.42-0.87) in older women. Among older people younger than 75 years, elevated (OR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.37-0.79) or high (OR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.48-0.98) levels of PA were associated with falls. CONCLUSIONS Among Chinese rural older adults, PA and MVPA are associated with falls, and there are gender and age differences. To prevent falls, measures need to account for individuals' gender and age to encourage rural older adults to participate more actively in PA. We will conduct longitudinal studies to clarify the causal relationship between PA and fall.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yemin Yuan
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Jie Li
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Peipei Fu
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Zhengyue Jing
- School of Health Policy and Management, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Chengchao Zhou
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Health Economics and Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.
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14
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Grewal K, Atzema CL, Austin PC, de Wit K, Sharma S, Mittmann N, Borgundvaag B, McLeod SL. Intracranial hemorrhage after head injury among older patients on anticoagulation seen in the emergency department: a population-based cohort study. CMAJ 2021; 193:E1561-E1567. [PMID: 35040805 PMCID: PMC8568074 DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.210811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) after head injury is a concern among older adult patients on anticoagulation. We evaluated the risk of ICH after an emergency department visit for head injury among patients 65 years and older taking warfarin or a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) compared with patients not taking anticoagulants. We also evaluated risk of 30-day mortality and neurosurgical intervention among patients with ICH. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, we used population-based data of patients 65 years and older seen in an Ontario emergency department with a head injury. We matched patients on the propensity score to create 3 pairwise-matched cohorts based on anticoagulation status (warfarin v. DOAC, warfarin v. no anticoagulant, DOAC v. no anticoagulant). For each cohort, we calculated the relative risk of ICH at the index emergency department visit and 30-day mortality. We also calculated the hazard of neurosurgical intervention among patients with ICH. Results: We identified 77 834 patients with head injury, including 64 917 (83.4%) who were not on anticoagulation, 9214 (11.8%) who were on DOACs and 3703 (4.8%) who were on warfarin. Of these, 5.9% of patients had ICH at the index emergency department visit. Patients on warfarin had an increased risk of ICH compared with matched patients on DOACs (relative risk [RR] 1.43, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.20–1.69) and patients not on anticoagulation (RR 1.36, 95% CI 1.15–1.61). We did not observe a difference in ICH between patients on DOACs compared with matched patients not on anticoagulation. In patients with ICH, 30-day mortality did not differ by anticoagulation status or type. Patients on warfarin had an increased hazard of neurosurgery compared with patients not on anticoagulation. Interpretation: Patients on warfarin seen in the emergency department with a head injury had higher relative risks of ICH than matched patients on a DOAC and patients not on anticoagulation, respectively. The risk of ICH for patients on a DOAC was not significantly different compared with no anticoagulation. Further research should confirm that older adults using warfarin are the only group at higher risk of ICH after head injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keerat Grewal
- Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Medicine Institute (Grewal, Borgundvaag, McLeod), Sinai Health; Division of Emergency Medicine (Grewal, Atzema), Department of Medicine, University of Toronto; ICES Central ( Grewal, Atzema, Austin); Department of Emergency Services (Atzema), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Emergency Medicine (de Wit), Queen's University, Kingston, Ont.; McMaster University (Sharma), Hamilton, Ont.; Sunnybrook Research Institute (Mittmann), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, and Institute for Health Policy Management and Evaluation (Mittmann), and Department of Family and Community Medicine (Borgundvaag, McLeod), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.
| | - Clare L Atzema
- Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Medicine Institute (Grewal, Borgundvaag, McLeod), Sinai Health; Division of Emergency Medicine (Grewal, Atzema), Department of Medicine, University of Toronto; ICES Central ( Grewal, Atzema, Austin); Department of Emergency Services (Atzema), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Emergency Medicine (de Wit), Queen's University, Kingston, Ont.; McMaster University (Sharma), Hamilton, Ont.; Sunnybrook Research Institute (Mittmann), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, and Institute for Health Policy Management and Evaluation (Mittmann), and Department of Family and Community Medicine (Borgundvaag, McLeod), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont
| | - Peter C Austin
- Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Medicine Institute (Grewal, Borgundvaag, McLeod), Sinai Health; Division of Emergency Medicine (Grewal, Atzema), Department of Medicine, University of Toronto; ICES Central ( Grewal, Atzema, Austin); Department of Emergency Services (Atzema), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Emergency Medicine (de Wit), Queen's University, Kingston, Ont.; McMaster University (Sharma), Hamilton, Ont.; Sunnybrook Research Institute (Mittmann), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, and Institute for Health Policy Management and Evaluation (Mittmann), and Department of Family and Community Medicine (Borgundvaag, McLeod), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont
| | - Kerstin de Wit
- Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Medicine Institute (Grewal, Borgundvaag, McLeod), Sinai Health; Division of Emergency Medicine (Grewal, Atzema), Department of Medicine, University of Toronto; ICES Central ( Grewal, Atzema, Austin); Department of Emergency Services (Atzema), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Emergency Medicine (de Wit), Queen's University, Kingston, Ont.; McMaster University (Sharma), Hamilton, Ont.; Sunnybrook Research Institute (Mittmann), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, and Institute for Health Policy Management and Evaluation (Mittmann), and Department of Family and Community Medicine (Borgundvaag, McLeod), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont
| | - Sunjay Sharma
- Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Medicine Institute (Grewal, Borgundvaag, McLeod), Sinai Health; Division of Emergency Medicine (Grewal, Atzema), Department of Medicine, University of Toronto; ICES Central ( Grewal, Atzema, Austin); Department of Emergency Services (Atzema), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Emergency Medicine (de Wit), Queen's University, Kingston, Ont.; McMaster University (Sharma), Hamilton, Ont.; Sunnybrook Research Institute (Mittmann), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, and Institute for Health Policy Management and Evaluation (Mittmann), and Department of Family and Community Medicine (Borgundvaag, McLeod), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont
| | - Nicole Mittmann
- Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Medicine Institute (Grewal, Borgundvaag, McLeod), Sinai Health; Division of Emergency Medicine (Grewal, Atzema), Department of Medicine, University of Toronto; ICES Central ( Grewal, Atzema, Austin); Department of Emergency Services (Atzema), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Emergency Medicine (de Wit), Queen's University, Kingston, Ont.; McMaster University (Sharma), Hamilton, Ont.; Sunnybrook Research Institute (Mittmann), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, and Institute for Health Policy Management and Evaluation (Mittmann), and Department of Family and Community Medicine (Borgundvaag, McLeod), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont
| | - Bjug Borgundvaag
- Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Medicine Institute (Grewal, Borgundvaag, McLeod), Sinai Health; Division of Emergency Medicine (Grewal, Atzema), Department of Medicine, University of Toronto; ICES Central ( Grewal, Atzema, Austin); Department of Emergency Services (Atzema), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Emergency Medicine (de Wit), Queen's University, Kingston, Ont.; McMaster University (Sharma), Hamilton, Ont.; Sunnybrook Research Institute (Mittmann), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, and Institute for Health Policy Management and Evaluation (Mittmann), and Department of Family and Community Medicine (Borgundvaag, McLeod), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont
| | - Shelley L McLeod
- Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Medicine Institute (Grewal, Borgundvaag, McLeod), Sinai Health; Division of Emergency Medicine (Grewal, Atzema), Department of Medicine, University of Toronto; ICES Central ( Grewal, Atzema, Austin); Department of Emergency Services (Atzema), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Emergency Medicine (de Wit), Queen's University, Kingston, Ont.; McMaster University (Sharma), Hamilton, Ont.; Sunnybrook Research Institute (Mittmann), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, and Institute for Health Policy Management and Evaluation (Mittmann), and Department of Family and Community Medicine (Borgundvaag, McLeod), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont
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15
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de Wit K, Mercuri M, Clayton N, Worster A, Mercier E, Emond M, Varner C, McLeod SL, Eagles D, Stiell I, Barbic D, Morris J, Jeanmonod R, Kagoma Y, Shoamanesh A, Engels PT, Sharma S, Kearon C, Papaioannou A, Parpia S. Which older emergency patients are at risk of intracranial bleeding after a fall? A protocol to derive a clinical decision rule for the emergency department. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e044800. [PMID: 34215600 PMCID: PMC8256748 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-044800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Falling on level ground is now the most common cause of traumatic intracranial bleeding worldwide. Older adults frequently present to the emergency department (ED) after falling. It can be challenging for clinicians to determine who requires brain imaging to rule out traumatic intracranial bleeding, and often head injury decision rules do not apply to older adults who fall. The goal of our study is to derive a clinical decision rule, which will identify older adults who present to the ED after a fall who do not have clinically important intracranial bleeding. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This is a prospective cohort study enrolling patients aged 65 years or older, who present to the ED of 11 hospitals in Canada and the USA within 48 hours of having a fall. Patients are included if they fall on level ground, off a chair, toilet seat or out of bed. The primary outcome is the diagnosis of clinically important intracranial bleeding within 42 days of the index ED visit. An independent adjudication committee will determine the primary outcome, blinded to all other data. We are collecting data on 17 potential predictor variables. The treating physician completes a study data form at the time of initial assessment, prior to brain imaging. Data extraction is supplemented by an independent, structured electronic medical record review. We will perform binary recursive partitioning using Classification and Regression Trees to derive a clinical decision rule. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The study was initially approved by the Hamilton Integrated Research Ethics Committee and subsequently approved by the research ethics boards governing all participating sites. We will disseminate our results by journal publication, presentation at international meetings and social media. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT03745755.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin de Wit
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mathew Mercuri
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Natasha Clayton
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Emergency Department, Hamilton Health Sciences, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrew Worster
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Eric Mercier
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, Quebec, Canada
- Centre de recherche sur les soins et les services de première ligne, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - Marcel Emond
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, Quebec, Canada
- Centre de recherche sur les soins et les services de première ligne, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - Catherine Varner
- Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Medicine Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Family and community medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shelley L McLeod
- Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Medicine Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Family and community medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Debra Eagles
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Heath, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ian Stiell
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - David Barbic
- Emergency Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Centre for Health Evaluation Outcome Sciences, St Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Judy Morris
- Department of Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine, Université de Montréal, Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - Rebecca Jeanmonod
- Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's University Health Network, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Yoan Kagoma
- Department of Radiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ashkan Shoamanesh
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Paul T Engels
- Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sunjay Sharma
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Clive Kearon
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Sameer Parpia
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Ontario Clinical Oncology Group, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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16
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Influence of Oral Anticoagulation and Antiplatelet Drugs on Outcome of Elderly Severely Injured Patients. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10081649. [PMID: 33924389 PMCID: PMC8069499 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10081649] [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: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Severely injured elderly patients have a poorer prognosis and higher mortality rates after severe trauma compared with younger patients. The aim of this study was to correlate the influence of pre-existing oral anticoagulation (OAC) and antiplatelet drugs (PAI) on the outcome of severely injured elderly patients. Methods: Using a prospective cohort study model over an 11-year period, severely injured elderly patients (≥65 years and ISS ≥ 16) were divided into two groups (no anticoagulation/platelet inhibitors: nAP and OAC/PAI). A comparison of the groups was conducted regarding injury frequency, trauma mechanism, severity of head injuries, and medication-related mortality. Results: In total, 254 out of 301 patients were analyzed (nAP: n = 145; OAC/PAI: n = 109, unknown data: n = 47). The most relevant injury was falling from low heights (<3 m), which led to a significantly higher number of severe injuries in patients with OAC/PAI. Patients with pre-existing OAC/PAI showed a significantly higher overall mortality rate compared to the group without (38.5% vs. 24.8%; p = 0.019). The severity of head injuries in OAC/PAI was also higher on average (AIS 3.7 ± 1.6 vs. 2.8 ± 1.9; p = 0.000). Conclusion: Pre-existing oral anticoagulation and/or platelet aggregation inhibitors are related to a higher mortality rate in elderly polytrauma patients. Low-energy trauma can lead to even more severe head injuries due to pre-existing medication than is already the case in elderly patients without OAC/PAI.
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Roh HW, Lee DE, Lee Y, Son SJ, Hong CH. Gender differences in the effect of depression and cognitive impairment on risk of falls among community-dwelling older adults. J Affect Disord 2021; 282:504-510. [PMID: 33433379 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2020.12.170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The impact of the interrelationship between depression and cognitive impairment on risk of falls remains unclear. In addition, gender differences should be considered to further understand the relationships between depression, cognitive impairment, and risk of falls. METHODS Older adults who completed the Living Profiles of Older People Survey in Korea were included. In total, 14,055 participants completed the baseline survey, and 7,150 participants completed a follow-up survey after 3 years. We classified participants into 4 groups based on depression and cognitive impairment. RESULTS Using generalized estimating equation models, older adults with depression but without cognitive impairment had a higher risk of falls (OR=1.49, 95% CI=1.35-1.63), compared to a reference group with neither depression nor cognitive impairment. However, older adults who had cognitive impairment but not depression had a similar risk of falls (OR=1.03, 95% CI=0.91-1.16) to the reference group. Finally, older adults who had both depression and cognitive impairment had the highest risk of falls (OR=1.95, 95% CI=1.73-2.20) compared to the reference group. In addition, depression seemed to have a bigger effect on the risk of falls in men compared to women (p for interaction < 0.001). LIMITATIONS These results should be interpreted with caution, considering the use of screening tool for defining depression or cognitive impairment, and lack of information on psychotropic medication use. CONCLUSIONS Depression alone or depression combined with cognitive impairment was associated with higher risk of falls in older adults. In addition, gender differences in the risk of falls was noted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Woong Roh
- Department of Psychiatry, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Eun Lee
- Department of Medicine, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Yunhwan Lee
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Joon Son
- Department of Psychiatry, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea.
| | - Chang Hyung Hong
- Department of Psychiatry, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea.
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Are There Any Red Flag Injuries in Severely Injured Patients in Older Age? J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10020185. [PMID: 33430174 PMCID: PMC7825590 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10020185] [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: 12/19/2020] [Revised: 01/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Severely injured elderly patients pose a significant burden to trauma centers and, compared with younger patients, have worse prognoses and higher mortality rates after major trauma. The objective of this study was to identify the etiological mechanisms that are associated with severe trauma in elderly patients and to detect which injuries correlate with high mortality in elderly patients. Methods: Using a prospect cohort study model over an 11-year period, severely injured patients (ISS ≥ 16) were divided into two age groups (Group 1: 18–64; Group 2: 65–99 years). A comparison of the groups was conducted regarding injury frequency, trauma mechanism, distribution of affected body parts (AIS and ISS regions) and injury related mortality. Results: In total, 1008 patient were included (Group 1: n = 771; Group 2: n = 237). The most relevant injury in elderly patients was falling from low heights (<3 m) in contrast to traffic accident in young patients. Severely injured patients in the older age group showed a significantly higher overall mortality rate compared to the younger group (37.6% vs. 11.7%; p = 0.000). In both groups, the 30-day survival for patients without head injuries was significantly better compared to patients with head injuries (92.7% vs. 85.3%; p = 0.017), especially analyzing elderly patients (86.6% vs. 58.6%; p = 0.003). The relative risk of 30-day mortality in patients who suffered a head injury was also higher in the elderly group (OR: Group 1: 4.905; Group 2: 7.132). Conclusion: In contrast to younger patients, falls from low heights (<3 m) are significant risk factors for severe injuries in the geriatric collective. Additionally, elderly patients with an ISS ≥ 16 had a significantly higher mortality rate compared to severe injured younger patients. Head injuries, even minor head traumata, are associated with a significant increase in mortality. These findings will contribute to the development of more age-related therapy strategies in severely injured patients.
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Hickey S, Hickman ZL, Conway J, Giwa A. The Effect of Direct Oral Anti-Coagulants on Delayed Traumatic Intracranial Hemorrhage After Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review. J Emerg Med 2021; 60:321-330. [PMID: 33390300 DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2020.10.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of anticoagulant medications leads to a higher risk of developing traumatic intracranial hemorrhage (tICH) after a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). The management of anticoagulated patients can be difficult to determine when the initial head computed tomography is negative for tICH. There has been limited research on the risk of delayed tICH in patients taking direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) medications. OBJECTIVE Our aim was to determine the risk of delayed tICH for patients anticoagulated with DOACs after mTBI. METHODS We conducted a systematic review using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and searched several medical databases to examine the risk of delayed tICH in patients on DOACs. RESULTS There were 1252 nonduplicate studies that were identified through an initial database search, 15 of which met our inclusion and exclusion criteria and were included in our analysis after full-text review. A total of 1375 subjects were combined among the 15 studies, with 20 instances of delayed tICH after mTBI. Nineteen of the 20 patients with a delayed tICH were discharged without any neurosurgical intervention, and 1 patient on apixaban died due to a delayed tICH. CONCLUSIONS This systematic review confirms that delayed tICH after mTBI in patients on DOACs is uncommon. However, large, multicenter, prospective studies are needed to confirm the true incidence of clinically significant delayed tICH after DOAC use. Due to the limited data, we recommend using shared decision-making for patients who are candidates for discharge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean Hickey
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at the Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, New York
| | - Zachary L Hickman
- Department of Neurosurgery, Icahn School of Medicine at the Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, New York; Department of Neurosurgery, NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst, Queens, New York
| | - John Conway
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at the Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, New York
| | - Al Giwa
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at the Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, New York; Neurotrauma Consortium, Inc., Elmhurst, New York
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O'Brien T, Mitra B, Le Sage N, Tardif PA, Emond M, D'Astous M, Mercier E. Clinically significant traumatic intracranial hemorrhage following minor head trauma in older adults: a retrospective cohort study. Brain Inj 2020; 34:834-839. [PMID: 32286890 DOI: 10.1080/02699052.2020.1753242] [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] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The primary objective of this study was to determine the incidence of clinically significant traumatic intracranial hemorrhage (T-ICH) following minor head trauma in older adults. Secondary objective was to investigate the impact of anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapies on T-ICH incidence. METHODS This retrospective cohort study extracted data from electronic patient records. The cohort consisted of patients presenting after a fall and/or head injury and presented to one of five ED between 1st March 2010 and 31st July 2017. Inclusion criteria were age ≥ 65 years old and a minor head trauma defined as an impact to the head without fulfilling criteria for traumatic brain injury. RESULTS From the 1,000 electronic medical records evaluated, 311 cases were included. The mean age was 80.1 (SD 7.9) years. One hundred and eighty-nine (189) patients (60.8%) were on an anticoagulant (n = 69), antiplatelet (n = 130) or both (n = 16). Twenty patients (6.4%) developed a clinically significant T-ICH. Anticoagulation and/or antiplatelets therapies were not associated with an increased risk of clinically significant T-ICH in this cohort (Odds ratio (OR) 2.7, 95% CI 0.9-8.3). CONCLUSIONS In this cohort of older adults presenting to the ED following minor head trauma, the incidence of clinically significant T-ICH was 6.4%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toby O'Brien
- Axe Santé Des Populations Et Pratiques Optimales En Santé, Unité De Recherche En Traumatologie - Urgence - Soins Intensifs, Centre De Recherche Du CHU De Québec, Université Laval , Québec, Canada.,National Trauma Research Institute, Alfred Hospital , Melbourne, Australia
| | - Biswadev Mitra
- National Trauma Research Institute, Alfred Hospital , Melbourne, Australia.,Canada Département De Médecine Familiale Et Médecine d'Urgence, Faculté De Médecine, Université Laval , Québec, Canada
| | - Natalie Le Sage
- Axe Santé Des Populations Et Pratiques Optimales En Santé, Unité De Recherche En Traumatologie - Urgence - Soins Intensifs, Centre De Recherche Du CHU De Québec, Université Laval , Québec, Canada.,School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University , Melbourne, Australia
| | - Pier-Alexandre Tardif
- Axe Santé Des Populations Et Pratiques Optimales En Santé, Unité De Recherche En Traumatologie - Urgence - Soins Intensifs, Centre De Recherche Du CHU De Québec, Université Laval , Québec, Canada
| | - Marcel Emond
- Axe Santé Des Populations Et Pratiques Optimales En Santé, Unité De Recherche En Traumatologie - Urgence - Soins Intensifs, Centre De Recherche Du CHU De Québec, Université Laval , Québec, Canada.,School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University , Melbourne, Australia.,Centre De Recherche Sur Les Soins Et Les Services De Première Ligne De l'Université Laval , Quebec, Canada
| | - Myreille D'Astous
- Service of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, CHU De Québec, Université Laval , Québec, Canada
| | - Eric Mercier
- Axe Santé Des Populations Et Pratiques Optimales En Santé, Unité De Recherche En Traumatologie - Urgence - Soins Intensifs, Centre De Recherche Du CHU De Québec, Université Laval , Québec, Canada.,School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University , Melbourne, Australia.,Centre De Recherche Sur Les Soins Et Les Services De Première Ligne De l'Université Laval , Quebec, Canada
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