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Zegeye RM, Nigatu YA, Fentie DY, Arefayne NR, Tegegne BA. Pattern of admission, outcome and predictors of trauma patients visiting the surgical emergency department in comprehensive specialized hospital: a retrospective follow-up study. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2024; 86:3281-3287. [PMID: 38846816 PMCID: PMC11152874 DOI: 10.1097/ms9.0000000000002109] [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: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Traumatic injuries represent a huge burden in the developing world, and a significant proportion has found in low-income and middle-income countries. However, the pattern, outcome and factors of injury varies from setup to setup and is less studied in public health problems. Objective To assess pattern of admission, outcome and its predictors among trauma patients visiting the surgical emergency department in a comprehensive specialized hospital. Methods A retrospective follow-up study was conducted, and data were taken from the medical records of patients from 2019 to 2021. A simple random sampling technique was used to get a sample size of 386 from injured patient charts. Data were entered into Epi-Data version 4.6 software and exported to STATA version 14.1 for analysis. The dependent variable was injured patient's outcome, which could be died or not died. The independent variables with P value less than 0.25 in the bi-variable regression analysis were considered for the multivariable regression. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with the 95% CI were used to declare statistical significance. Result About 13.99% of injured patients with (95% CI: 10, 17) had died during the study period. The leading cause of injury was assault (62.44%) followed by road traffic accidents (26.17%). Severe Glasgow Coma Scale (AOR 6.6; 95% CI: 2.6-16.4), length of hospital stay more than or equal to 7 days (AOR=2.8; 95% CI: 1.2-6.2), time of arrival in between 1 and 24 h (AOR=0.15; 95% CI: 0.06-0.37), and upper trunk injury (AOR=6.3; 95% CI: 1.3-28.5) were significantly associated with mortality. Conclusion and recommendation Mortality after traumatic injury was considerably high. Severe Glasgow Coma Scale, Length of hospital stay more than or equal to 7 days, time of arrival in between 1 and 24 h, and upper trunk injury were the associated factors for mortality. Priority should be given for injured patients with decreased levels of consciousness and upper trunk injury. The establishment of organized pre-hospital emergency services and provision of timely arrival is recommended. The authors recommend prospective follow-up study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robel Mesfin Zegeye
- Department of Anesthesia, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Dilla University, Dilla
| | - Yonas Addisu Nigatu
- Department of Anesthesia, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Demeke Yilkal Fentie
- Department of Anesthesia, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Nurhusen Riskey Arefayne
- Department of Anesthesia, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Biresaw Ayen Tegegne
- Department of Anesthesia, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Muili AO, Kuol PP, Jobran AW, Lawal RA, Agamy AA, Bankole NDA. Management of traumatic brain injury in Africa: challenges and opportunities. Int J Surg 2024; 110:3760-3767. [PMID: 38573135 PMCID: PMC11175763 DOI: 10.1097/js9.0000000000001391] [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: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major public health concern globally, with significant implications for morbidity, mortality, and long-term disability. While extensive research has been conducted on TBI management in high-income countries, limited attention has been given to the specific challenges and opportunities faced by healthcare systems in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This perspective study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current status of TBI management in SSA, focusing on the unique challenges and potential opportunities for improvement. The findings highlight several key challenges faced by SSA healthcare systems in managing TBIs, including limited resources, inadequate infrastructure, and a shortage of trained healthcare professionals. Furthermore, social and cultural factors, such as ignorance of driving laws, financial constraints, and limited access to modern technology services. However, the study also identifies potential opportunities for improving TBI management in SSA. These include strengthening healthcare infrastructure, enhancing pre-hospital care and transportation systems, and increasing public awareness and education about TBI. This perspective study emphasizes the urgent need for tailored interventions and strategies to address the unique challenges faced by SSA in managing TBIs. Addressing the challenges and opportunities in brain injury management in SSA requires a comprehensive approach which can be through investing in health infrastructure, addressing socio-economic inequalities, implementing prevention strategies, and fostering evidence-based research collaboration. Through this, the region can significantly improve TBI care and outcomes, thereby improving the well-being of people affected by TBI in SSA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Piel Panther Kuol
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Moi University School of Medicine, Eldoret, Kenya
| | | | | | | | - Nourou Dine Adeniran Bankole
- Clinical Investigational Center (CIC), 1415, INSERM
- Department of Interventional Neuroradiology, Teaching Hospital of Tours, Tours, France
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Laeke T, Tirsit A, Moen BE, Lund-Johansen M, Sundstrøm T. Neurotrauma from fall accidents in Ethiopia. BRAIN & SPINE 2024; 4:102792. [PMID: 38983751 PMCID: PMC11231558 DOI: 10.1016/j.bas.2024.102792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Background Ethiopia is a fast-growing economy with rapid urbanization and poor occupational safety measures. Fall injuries are common and frequently result in traumatic brain injury (TBI) or spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods We prospectively included fall victims who were hospital-treated for neurotrauma or forensically examined in 2017 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. We registered sociodemographic factors, fall types, injuries, treatment, and outcome. Results We included 117 treated and 51 deceased patients (median age 27 vs. 40 years). Most patients were injured at construction sites (39.9%) and only one in three used protective equipment. TBI (64.7%) and SCI (27.5%) were the most common causes of death among the deceased patients, of which most died at the accident site (90.2%). Many patients suffered significant prehospital time delays (median 24 h). Among treated patients, SCI was more frequent than TBI (50.4% vs. 39.3%), and 10.3% of the patients had both SCI and TBI. Most SCIs were complete (49.3%), whereas most TBIs were mild (55.2%). Less than half of TBI patients and less than one in five SCI patients were operated. There were twice as many deaths among TBI patients as SCI patients. Among those discharged alive, at a median of 33 weeks, 50% of TBI patients had a good recovery whereas 35.5% of SCI patients had complete injuries. Conclusion Falls at construction sites with inadequate safety measures were common causes of SCI and TBI resulting in severe disability and death. These results support further development of prevention strategies and neurotrauma care in Ethiopia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsegazeab Laeke
- Neurosurgery Division, Department of Surgery, Addis Ababa University, College of Health Sciences, Ethiopia
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Norway
| | - Abenezer Tirsit
- Neurosurgery Division, Department of Surgery, Addis Ababa University, College of Health Sciences, Ethiopia
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Norway
| | - Bente E Moen
- Center for International Health, Department of Global, Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Morten Lund-Johansen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Norway
- Department of Neurosurgery, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Terje Sundstrøm
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Norway
- Department of Neurosurgery, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
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G/Michael S, Terefe B, Asfaw MG, Liyew B. Outcomes and associated factors of traumatic brain injury among adult patients treated in Amhara regional state comprehensive specialized hospitals. BMC Emerg Med 2023; 23:109. [PMID: 37726673 PMCID: PMC10510140 DOI: 10.1186/s12873-023-00859-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, traumatic brain injury is the leading cause of death and disability which affects more than 69 million individuals a year. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess the outcome and associated factors of traumatic brain injury among adult patients treated in Amhara regional state comprehensive specialized hospitals. METHOD Institutional-based cross-sectional study design was conducted from January 1, 2018, to December 30, 2020. A simple random sampling technique was used and a checklist was used to extract data between March 15 and April 15, 2021. The data were entered into Epi-data version 4.2 and exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis after being checked for consistency. Associated variables with outcomes of traumatic brain injury were determined by a binary logistic regression model. The degree of association was interpreted by using AOR and a 95% confidence interval with a p-value less than or equal to 0.05 at 95% CI was considered statistically significant. RESULT In this study road traffic injury was the most frequent cause of traumatic brain injuries among adult patients, accounting for 181 (37.5%), followed by assault, accounting for 117 (24.2%) which affects adult age groups. One-third of the participant had a moderate Glasgow coma scale of 174(36%). Only 128(26.8%) patients arrived within one hour. One hundred sixty, 160 (33.1%) of patients had a mild traumatic brain injury, whereas, 149(36%) of patients had a severe traumatic brain injury. Regarding computerized tomography scans findings, the hematoma was the most common (n = 163, 33.7%). Ninety-one, 91(18.8%) of participants had cerebrospinal fluid otorrhea, and, 92(19%) were diagnosed with a positive battle sign. The overall prevalence of unfavorable outcomes after traumatic brain injury was found to be 35.2% (95%CI (30.8-39.1). Having additional Injury, hypoxia, time to hospital presentation after 24 h, severe Glasgow Coma Scale, moderate Glasgow Coma Scale, tachypnea, bradypnea, and cerebrospinal fluid Othorrhea, were factors associated with unfavorable outcomes. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION In this study, the overall unfavorable outcome was experienced by about four out of every 10 victims of traumatic brain injury. Time of arrival > 24 h, low Glasgow coma scale, additional injury, Cerebrospinal fluid otorrhea, abnormal respiration, and hypoxia were significant predictors of unfavorable outcomes. To reduce the adverse effects of traumatic brain injury in adults, it is therefore desirable to guarantee safe road traffic flow and improve health care services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solomon G/Michael
- Department of Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, Aksum University, Aksum, Ethiopia
| | - Bewuketu Terefe
- Department of Community Health Nursing, School of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Marye Getnet Asfaw
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Nursing, School of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, P.O.BOX 196, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Bikis Liyew
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Nursing, School of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, P.O.BOX 196, Gondar, Ethiopia.
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Buh FC, Sumbele IUN, Maas AIR, Motah M, Pattisapu JV, Youm E, Meh BK, Kobeissy FH, Wang KW, Hutchinson PJA, Taiwe GS. Traumatic Brain Injury in Cameroon: A Prospective Observational Study in a Level I Trauma Centre. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1558. [PMID: 37763678 PMCID: PMC10535664 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59091558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objective: About 14 million people will likely suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI) per year by 2050 in sub-Saharan Africa. Studying TBI characteristics and their relation to outcomes can identify initiatives to improve TBI prevention and care. The objective of this study was to define the features and outcomes of TBI patients seen over a 1-year period in a level-I trauma centre in Cameroon. Materials and Methods: Data on demographics, causes, clinical aspects, and discharge status were collected over a period of 12 months. The Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (GOSE) and the Quality-of-Life Questionnaire after Brain Injury (QoLIBRI) were used to evaluate outcomes six months after TBI. Comparisons between two categorical variables were done using Pearson's chi-square test. Results: A total of 160 TBI patients participated in the study. The age group 15-45 years was most represented (78%). Males were more affected (90%). A low educational level was seen in 122 (76%) cases. Road traffic incidents (RTI) (85%), assaults (7.5%), and falls (2.5%) were the main causes of TBI, with professional bike riders being frequently involved (27%). Only 15 patients were transported to the hospital by ambulance, and 14 of these were from a referring hospital. CT-imaging was performed in 78% of cases, and intracranial traumatic abnormalities were identified in 64% of cases. Financial constraints (93%) was the main reason for not performing a CT scan. Forty-six (33%) patients were discharged against medical advice (DAMA) due to financial constraints. Mortality was 14% (22/160) and high in patients with severe TBI (46%). DAMA had poor outcomes with QoLIBRI. Only four patients received post-injury physical therapy services. Conclusions: TBI in Cameroon mainly results from RTIs and commonly affects young adult males. Lack of pre-hospital care, financial constraints limiting both CT scanning and medical care, and a lack of acute physiotherapy services likely influenced care and outcomes adversely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franklin Chu Buh
- Department of Animal Biology and Conservation, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea P.O. Box 63, Cameroon (B.K.M.)
| | - Irene Ule Ngole Sumbele
- Department of Animal Biology and Conservation, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea P.O. Box 63, Cameroon (B.K.M.)
| | - Andrew I. R. Maas
- Department of Neurosurgery, Antwerp University Hospital, University of Antwerp, 2000 Edegem, Belgium;
| | - Mathieu Motah
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Douala, Douala P.O. Box 2701, Cameroon;
| | - Jogi V. Pattisapu
- Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, University of Central Florida College of Medicine, 6850 Lake Nona Blvd, Orlando, FL 32827, USA;
| | - Eric Youm
- Holo Healthcare, Nairobi 00400, Kenya;
| | - Basil Kum Meh
- Department of Animal Biology and Conservation, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea P.O. Box 63, Cameroon (B.K.M.)
| | - Firas H. Kobeissy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Riad El-Solh, Beirut P.O. Box 11-0236, Lebanon
| | - Kevin W. Wang
- Center for Neurotrauma, Multiomics & Biomarkers (CNMB), Department of Neurobiology, Neuroscience Institute, Morehouse School of Medicine, 720 Westview Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30310-1458, USA;
| | | | - Germain Sotoing Taiwe
- Department of Animal Biology and Conservation, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea P.O. Box 63, Cameroon (B.K.M.)
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An SJ, Kumwenda K, Peiffer S, Davis D, Gallaher J, Charles A. Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury in Malawi: A Propensity-Weighted Analysis of Outcomes and Trends Over Time. World Neurosurg 2023; 176:e704-e710. [PMID: 37295467 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2023.05.122] [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: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pediatric injuries contribute to substantial mortality and morbidity worldwide, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. We aim to identify predictors of mortality and time trends for pediatric traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in Malawi. METHODS We performed a propensity-matched analysis of data from the trauma registry at Kamuzu Central Hospital in Malawi from 2008 to 2021. All children ≤16 years of age were included. Demographic and clinical data were collected. Outcomes were compared between patients with and without head injuries. RESULTS A cohort of 54,878 patients was included, with 1755 having TBI. The mean ages of patients with and without TBI were 7.8 ± 7.8 years and 7.1 ± 4.5 years, respectively. The most common mechanism for patients with and without TBI was road traffic injury and falls, respectively (48.2% vs. 47.8%, P < 0.01). The crude mortality rate for the TBI cohort was 20.9% compared to 2.0% in the non-TBI cohort (P < 0.01). After propensity matching, patients with TBI had 4.7 higher odds of mortality (95% confidence interval 1.9-11.8). Over time, patients with TBI had an increasing predicted probability of mortality for all age categories, with the most significant increase among children younger than 1 year. CONCLUSIONS TBI confers a greater than 4-fold higher likelihood of mortality in this pediatric trauma population in a low-resource setting. These trends have worsened over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selena J An
- Department of Surgery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kellar Kumwenda
- Department of Surgery, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Sarah Peiffer
- Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Dylane Davis
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jared Gallaher
- Department of Surgery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Anthony Charles
- Department of Surgery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Department of Surgery, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi.
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Demlie TA, Alemu MT, Messelu MA, Wagnew F, Mekonen EG. Incidence and predictors of mortality among traumatic brain injury patients admitted to Amhara region Comprehensive Specialized Hospitals, northwest Ethiopia, 2022. BMC Emerg Med 2023; 23:55. [PMID: 37226098 DOI: 10.1186/s12873-023-00823-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Traumatic brain injury is a substantial cause of mortality and morbidity with a higher burden in low and middle-income countries due to healthcare systems that are unable to deliver effectively the acute and long-term care the patients require. Besides its burden, there is little information on traumatic brain injury-related mortality in Ethiopia, especially in the region. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the incidence and predictors of mortality among traumatic brain injury patients admitted to comprehensive specialized hospitals in the Amhara region, northwest Ethiopia, 2022. METHODS An institution-based retrospective follow-up study was conducted among 544 traumatic brain injury patients admitted from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2021. A simple random sampling method was used. Data were extracted using a pre-tested and structured data abstraction sheet. Data were entered, coded, and cleaned into EPi-info version 7.2.0.1 software and exported to STATA version 14.1 for analysis. The Weibull regression model was fitted to determine the association between time to death and covariates. Variables with a P-value < 0.05 were declared statistically significant. RESULTS The overall incidence of mortality among traumatic brain injury patients was 1.23 per 100 person-day observation [95% (CI: 1.0, 1.5)] with a median survival time of 106 (95% CI: 60, 121) days. Age [AHR: 1.08 (95% CI; 1.06, 1.1)], severe traumatic brain injury [AHR: 10 (95% CI; 3.55, 28.2)], moderate traumatic brain injury [AHR: 9.2 (95% CI 2.97, 29)], hypotension [AHR: 6.9 (95% CI; 2.8, 17.1)], coagulopathy [AHR: 2.55 (95% CI: 1.27, 5.1)], hyperthermia [AHR: 2.79 (95% CI; 1.4, 5.5)], and hyperglycemia [AHR: 2.28 (95% CI; 1.13, 4.6)] were positively associated with mortality while undergoing neurosurgery were negatively associated with mortality [AHR: 0.47 (95% CI; 0.27-0 0.82)]. CONCLUSION The overall incidence of mortality was found to be high. Age, severe and moderate traumatic brain injury, hypotension at admission, coagulopathy, presence of associated aspiration pneumonia, undergoing a neurosurgical procedure, episode of hyperthermia, and hyperglycemia during hospitalization were the independent predictors of time to death. Therefore, interventions to reduce mortality should focus on the prevention of primary injury and secondary brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiruye Azene Demlie
- Department of Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia.
| | - Mahlet Temesgen Alemu
- Department of Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Mengistu Abebe Messelu
- Department of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Fasil Wagnew
- College of Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
- National Center for Epidemiology and Population Health (NCEPH), College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Enyew Getaneh Mekonen
- Department of Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Suleman M, Tendai J, Lodhia J. Burr hole as a management for extra axial hematomas in a low-resource setting. Int J Surg Case Rep 2023; 105:108125. [PMID: 37028184 PMCID: PMC10106472 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2023.108125] [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: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE In a low-resource setting, the availability of neurosurgeons and neurosurgical equipment for neurosurgery has proved to be a challenge for the management of extra-axial hematomas hence general surgeons perform burr hole surgeries for emergencies. CASE PRESENTATION We share our experience with three patients who presented with extra-axial hematomas and managed successfully in our institute with craniostomy as the surgical approach. CLINICAL DISCUSSION Traumatic brain injury is a major global health burden as it is a leading cause of death among the middle-aged population. Mortality associated with brain injury is highest in low- and middle-income countries. From our experience, we had good outcome in terms of improved Glasgow Coma Scale and overall clinical status in those who underwent burr hole surgery for extra axial hematoma. CONCLUSION The need for neurosurgeons in sub-Saharan Africa is high but training comes at a cost hence general surgeons can perform life-saving emergency procedures with good outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mujaheed Suleman
- Department of General Surgery, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, PO Box 3010, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Joylene Tendai
- Department of General Surgery, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, PO Box 3010, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Jay Lodhia
- Department of General Surgery, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, PO Box 3010, Moshi, Tanzania; Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Faculty of Medicine, PO Box 2240, Moshi, Tanzania.
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Allen BC, Cummer E, Sarma AK. Traumatic Brain Injury in Select Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Narrative Review of the Literature. J Neurotrauma 2023; 40:602-619. [PMID: 36424896 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2022.0068] [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: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) experience the majority of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), yet few studies have examined the epidemiology and management strategies of TBI in LMICs. The objective of this narrative review is to discuss the epidemiology of TBI within LMICs, describe the adherence to Brain Trauma Foundation (BTF) guidelines for the management of severe TBI in LMICs, and document TBI management strategies currently used in LMICs. Articles from January 1, 2009 to September 30, 2021 that included patients with TBI greater than 18 years of age in low-, low middle-, and high middle-income countries were queried in PubMed. Search results demonstrated that TBI in LMICs mostly impacts young males involved in road traffic accidents. Within LMICs there are a myriad of approaches to managing TBI with few randomized controlled trials performed within LMICs to evaluate those interventions. More studies are needed in LMICs to establish the effectiveness and appropriateness of BTF guidelines for managing TBI and to help identify methods for managing TBI that are appropriate in low-resource settings. The problem of limited pre- and post-hospital care is a bigger challenge that needs to be considered while addressing management of TBI in LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beddome C Allen
- Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Elaina Cummer
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Anand K Sarma
- Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Neurology, Division of Neurocritical Care, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Hospital, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
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Buh FC, Taiwe GS, Maas AI, Motah M, Youm E, Wanyu BY, Wang KW, Hutchinson PJ, Sumbele IUN. Demographics, Causes, and Outcome of Traumatic Brain Injury among Trauma Cases in Cameroon: A Multi-Center Five Year's Retrospective Study. Neurotrauma Rep 2022; 3:569-583. [PMID: 36711440 PMCID: PMC9879018 DOI: 10.1089/neur.2022.0053] [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] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a huge public health challenge worldwide. Epidemiological monitoring is important to inform healthcare policy. We aimed at determining the prevalence, outcome, and causes of TBI in Cameroon by conducting a 5-year retrospective study in three referral trauma centers. Data on demographics, causes, injury mechanisms, clinical aspects, and discharge status were recorded. Comparisons between two categorical variables were done using Pearson's chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. A total of 6248 cases of TBI were identified of 18,151 trauma cases, yielding a prevalence of 34%. The number of TBI cases increased across the years (915 in 2016, 1406 in 2020). Demographic data and causes of TBI were available for 6248 subjects and detailed data on clinical characteristics on 2178 subjects. Median age was 30.0 (24.0, 41.0) years. Males were more affected (80%). Road traffic incidents (RTIs; 75%) was the main cause of TBI, with professional bike riders being more affected (17%). Computed tomography (CT) imaging was performed in 67.7% of cases. Of the 597 (27.4%) cases who did not undergo neuroimaging, 311 (52.1%) did not have neuroimaging performed because of financial constraints, among which 7% were severe TBI cases. A total of 341 (19.6%) patients were discharged against medical advice, of which 83% had financial limitations. Mortality was 10.3% (225 of 2178) in the overall population, but disproportionately high in patients with severe TBI (55%) compared to those in high-income settings (27%). TBI occurrence is high in Cameroon, and RTIs are the main causes. Disparities in care provision were identified as attributable to financial constraints regarding CT scanning and continuation of care. The data presented can inform preventive interventions to improve care provision and transport policies. Implementation of a universal health insurance may be expected to improve hospital care and reduce the adverse effects of TBI among Cameroonians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franklin Chu Buh
- Department of Animal Biology and Conservation, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
- Panafrican Hospital Center-Douala, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Germain Sotoing Taiwe
- Department of Animal Biology and Conservation, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Andrew I.R. Maas
- Department of Neurosurgery, Antwerp University Hospital and University of Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Mathieu Motah
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
| | | | - Bertrand Yuwong Wanyu
- Department of Animal Biology and Conservation, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Kevin W. Wang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Peter J.A. Hutchinson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Irene Ule Ngole Sumbele
- Department of Animal Biology and Conservation, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
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von Gaudecker JR, Agbapuonwu N, Kyololo O, Sathyaseelan M, Oruche U. Barriers and facilitators to treatment seeking behaviors for depression, epilepsy, and schizophrenia in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review. Arch Psychiatr Nurs 2022; 41:11-19. [PMID: 36428038 DOI: 10.1016/j.apnu.2022.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Despite the severe consequences, the treatment gap for depression, epilepsy, and schizophrenia continues to be a major concern in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). We conducted a systematic review of literature on barriers and facilitators of treatment-seeking behaviors from the perspective of individuals living with depression, epilepsy, and schizophrenia and stakeholders in LMICs. Knowledge deficits, beliefs, and stigma were barriers to treatment-seeking across disorders. The most cited facilitators were demographics, socioeconomic status, and collaboration with traditional healers. Culturally sensitive interventions in collaboration with stakeholders within the community can facilitate treatment-seeking behaviors among people living with depression, epilepsy, and schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane R von Gaudecker
- Indiana University School of Nursing, 600 Barnhill Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
| | - Noreen Agbapuonwu
- Department of Nursing, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria..
| | | | | | - Ukamaka Oruche
- Indiana University School of Nursing, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
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12
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Zimmerman A, Barcenas LK, Pesambili M, Sakita F, Mallya S, Vissoci JRN, Park L, Mmbaga BT, Bettger JP, Staton CA. Injury characteristics and their association with clinical complications among emergency care patients in Tanzania. Afr J Emerg Med 2022; 12:378-386. [PMID: 36091971 PMCID: PMC9445286 DOI: 10.1016/j.afjem.2022.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Over 5 million people annually die from injuries and millions more sustain non-fatal injuries requiring medical care. Ninety percent of injury deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study describes the characteristics, predictors and outcomes of adult acute injury patients presenting to a tertiary referral hospital in a low-income country in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods This secondary analysis uses an adult acute injury registry from Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) in Moshi, Tanzania. We describe this patient sample in terms of socio-demographics, clinical indicators, injury patterns, treatments, and outcomes at hospital discharge. Outcomes include mortality, length of hospital stay, and functional independence. Associations between patient characteristics and patient outcomes are quantified using Cox proportional hazards models, negative binomial regression, and multivariable logistic regression. Results Of all injury patients (n=1365), 39.0% were aged 30 to 49 years and 81.5% were men. Most patients had at least a primary school education (89.6%) and were employed (89.3%). A majority of injuries were road traffic (63.2%), fall (16.8%), or assault (14.0%) related. Self-reported comorbidities included hypertension (5.8%), HIV (3.1%), and diabetes (2.3%). Performed surgeries were classified as orthopedic (32.3%), general (4.1%), neurological (3.7%), or other (59.8%). Most patients reached the hospital at least four hours after injury occurred (53.9%). Mortality was 5.3%, median length of hospital stay was 6.1 days (IQR: 3.1, 15.0), self-care dependence was 54.2%, and locomotion dependence was 41.5%. Conclusions Our study sample included primarily young men suffering road traffic crashes with delayed hospital presentations and prolonged hospital stays. Being older, male, and requiring non-orthopedic surgeries or having HIV portends a worse prognosis. Prevention and treatment focused interventions to reduce the burden of injury mortality and morbidity at KCMC are needed to lower injury rates and improve injury outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armand Zimmerman
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carlina, United States
| | - Loren K. Barcenas
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carlina, United States
| | | | | | - Simon Mallya
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Joao Ricardo Nickenig Vissoci
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carlina, United States
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Lawrence Park
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carlina, United States
| | - Blandina T. Mmbaga
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Janet Prvu Bettger
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carlina, United States
| | - Catherine A. Staton
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carlina, United States
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States
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13
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Abdulrahman H, Hijaz BA, Mumin M, Caqli I, Osman J, Gelaye B, Bousleiman S, Fricchione GL, Chemali Z. Reporting on neurological burden in Hargeisa, Somaliland between 2019 and 2020: A cross-sectional study. J Neurol Sci 2022; 440:120322. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2022.120322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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14
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Comley-White N, Mudzi W, Gouws H. Community reintegration of people with traumatic brain injury in South Africa. Brain Inj 2022; 36:1187-1195. [PMID: 36000817 DOI: 10.1080/02699052.2022.2111027] [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
BACKGROUND Traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects cognitive, behavioral and physical function, influencing community reintegration. OBJECTIVES To describe the level of community reintegration and the associated influencing factors post-TBI in South Africa. METHODS A cross-sectional analysis of patients living with TBI was done, using the Community Integration Questionnaire (CIQ), the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0), and the Quality of Life after Brain Injury Overall Score (QOLIBRI-OS). RESULTS Of the 80 participants 54.0% presented with mild TBI. The median (IQR) score of the CIQ, WHODAS 2.0 and QOLIBRI-OS was 22 (7.5)/29, 31(18)/100 and 73 (45.5)/100. There was a moderate inverse relationship between the WHODAS 2.0 and CIQ scores (r = -0.68; p < 0.001) and a moderate positive correlation between the QOLIBRI-OS and CIQ scores (r = 0.54; p < 0.001). The WHODAS 2.0 scores also showed a strong inverse correlation with the QOLIBRI-OS scores (r = -0.76; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION The participants had high levels of functioning and low levels of disability, both of which were found to be in tandem with high CIQ scores and generally good quality of life. Post-TBI patients are capable of achieving good community integration provided they attain high levels of functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolette Comley-White
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Witness Mudzi
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,University of the Free State, Centre for Graduate Support, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Heidi Gouws
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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15
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Providing Neurocritical Care in Resource-Limited Settings: Challenges and Opportunities. Neurocrit Care 2022; 37:583-592. [PMID: 35840824 DOI: 10.1007/s12028-022-01568-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Acute neurologic illnesses (ANI) contribute significantly to the global burden of disease and cause disproportionate death and disability in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) where neurocritical care resources and expertise are limited. Shifting epidemiologic trends in recent decades have increased the worldwide burden of noncommunicable diseases, including cerebrovascular disease and traumatic brain injury, which coexist in many LMICs with a persistently high burden of central nervous system infections such as tuberculosis, neurocysticercosis, and HIV-related opportunistic infections and complications. In the face of this heavy disease burden, many resource-limited countries lack the infrastructure to provide adequate care for patients with ANI. Major gaps exist between wealthy and poor countries in access to essential resources such as intensive care unit beds, neuroimaging, clinical laboratories, neurosurgical capacity, and medications for managing complex neurologic emergencies. Moreover, many resource-limited countries face critical shortages in health care workers trained to manage neurologic emergencies, with subspecialized neurocritical care expertise largely absent outside of high-income countries. Numerous opportunities exist to overcome these challenges through capacity-building efforts that improve outcomes for patients with ANI in resource-limited countries. These include research on needs and best practices for ANI management in LMICs, developing systems for effective triage, education and training to expand the neurology workforce, and supporting increased collaboration and data sharing among LMIC health care workers and systems. The success of these efforts in curbing the disproportionate and rising impact of ANI in LMICs will depend on the coordinated engagement of the global neurocritical care community.
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16
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Manning Smith R, Cambiano V, Colbourn T, Collins JH, Graham M, Jewell B, Li Lin I, Mangal TD, Manthalu G, Mfutso-Bengo J, Mnjowe E, Mohan S, Ng'ambi W, Phillips AN, Revill P, She B, Sundet M, Tamuri A, Twea PD, Hallet TB. Estimating the health burden of road traffic injuries in Malawi using an individual-based model. Inj Epidemiol 2022; 9:21. [PMID: 35821170 PMCID: PMC9275162 DOI: 10.1186/s40621-022-00386-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Road traffic injuries are a significant cause of death and disability globally. However, in some countries the exact health burden caused by road traffic injuries is unknown. In Malawi, there is no central reporting mechanism for road traffic injuries and so the exact extent of the health burden caused by road traffic injuries is hard to determine. A limited number of models predict the incidence of mortality due to road traffic injury in Malawi. These estimates vary greatly, owing to differences in assumptions, and so the health burden caused on the population by road traffic injuries remains unclear. METHODS We use an individual-based model and combine an epidemiological model of road traffic injuries with a health seeking behaviour and health system model. We provide a detailed representation of road traffic injuries in Malawi, from the onset of the injury through to the final health outcome. We also investigate the effects of an assumption made by other models that multiple injuries do not contribute to health burden caused by road accidents. RESULTS Our model estimates an overall average incidence of mortality between 23.5 and 29.8 per 100,000 person years due to road traffic injuries and an average of 180,000 to 225,000 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) per year between 2010 and 2020 in an estimated average population size of 1,364,000 over the 10-year period. Our estimated incidence of mortality falls within the range of other estimates currently available for Malawi, whereas our estimated number of DALYs is greater than the only other estimate available for Malawi, the GBD estimate predicting and average of 126,200 DALYs per year over the same time period. Our estimates, which account for multiple injuries, predict a 22-58% increase in overall health burden compared to the model ran as a single injury model. CONCLUSIONS Road traffic injuries are difficult to model with conventional modelling methods, owing to the numerous types of injuries that occur. Using an individual-based model framework, we can provide a detailed representation of road traffic injuries. Our results indicate a higher health burden caused by road traffic injuries than previously estimated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tim Colbourn
- University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | | | - Matthew Graham
- University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Britta Jewell
- Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Ines Li Lin
- University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Tara D Mangal
- Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Gerald Manthalu
- Ministry of Health and Population, P.O. Box 30377, Lilongwe 3, Malawi
| | - Joseph Mfutso-Bengo
- Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi, 52X8+782, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Bingling She
- Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Mads Sundet
- REMEDY-Center for treatment of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Asif Tamuri
- University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Pakwanja D Twea
- Ministry of Health and Population, P.O. Box 30377, Lilongwe 3, Malawi
| | - Timothy B Hallet
- Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
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17
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Kayambankadzanja RK, Samwel R, Baker T. Pragmatic sedation strategies to prevent secondary brain injury in low‐resource settings. Anaesthesia 2022; 77 Suppl 1:43-48. [DOI: 10.1111/anae.15621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- R. K. Kayambankadzanja
- School of Public Health Kamuzu University of Health Science Blantyre Malawi
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital Blantyre Malawi
| | - R. Samwel
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Bugando Medical Centre Mwanza Tanzania
| | - T. Baker
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences Dar es Salaam Tanzania
- Department of Clinical Research London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine London UK
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18
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Ackah M, Gazali Salifu M, Osei Yeboah C. Estimated incidence and case fatality rate of traumatic brain injury among children (0-18 years) in Sub-Saharan Africa. A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0261831. [PMID: 34968399 PMCID: PMC8717989 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0261831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Studies from Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries have reported on the incidence and case fatality rate of children with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). However, there is lack of a general epidemiologic description of the phenomenon in this sub-region underpinning the need for an accurate and reliable estimate of incidence and outcome of children (0-18 years) with TBI. This study therefore, extensively reviewed data to reliably estimate incidence, case fatality rate of children with TBI and its mechanism of injury in SSA. METHODS Electronic databases were systematically searched in English via Medline (PubMed), Google Scholar, and Africa Journal Online (AJOL). Two independent authors performed an initial screening of studies based on the details found in their titles and abstracts. Studies were assessed for quality/risk of bias using the modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). The pooled case fatality rate and incidence were estimated using DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model (REM). A sub-group and sensitivity analyses were performed. Publication bias was checked by the funnel plot and Egger's test. Furthermore, trim and fill analysis was used to adjust for publication bias using Duval and Tweedie's method. RESULTS Thirteen (13) hospital-based articles involving a total of 40685 participants met the inclusion criteria. The pooled case fatality rate for all the included studies in SSA was 8.0%; [95% CI: 3.0%-13.0%], and the approximate case fatality rate was adjusted to 8.2%, [95% CI:3.4%-13.0%], after the trim-and-fill analysis was used to correct for publication bias. A sub-group analysis of sub-region revealed that case fatality rate was 8% [95% CI: 2.0%-13.0%] in East Africa, 1.0% [95% CI: 0.1% -3.0%] in Southern Africa and 18.0% [95% CI: 6.0%-29.0%] in west Africa. The pooled incidence proportion of TBI was 18% [95% CI: 2.0%-33.0%]. The current review showed that Road Traffic Accident (RTA) was the predominant cause of children's TBI in SSA. It ranged from 19.1% in South Africa to 79.1% in Togo. CONCLUSION TBI affects 18% of children aged 0 to 18 years, with almost one-tenth dying in SSA. The most common causes of TBI among this population in SSA were RTA and falls. TBI incidence and case fatality rate of people aged 0-18 years could be significantly reduced if novel policies focusing on reducing RTA and falls are introduced and implemented in SSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Ackah
- Department of Physiotherapy, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Epidemiology and Disease Control, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Mohammed Gazali Salifu
- Department of Epidemiology and Disease Control, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Policy Planning Budgeting Monitoring and Evaluation Directorate, Ministry of Health, Accra, Ghana
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19
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Amare AT, Tesfaye TD, Ali AS, Woelile TA, Birlie TA, Kebede WM, Tassew SF, Chanie ES, Fleke DG. Survival status and predictors of mortality among traumatic brain injury patients in an Ethiopian hospital: A retrospective cohort study. Afr J Emerg Med 2021; 11:396-403. [PMID: 34703730 PMCID: PMC8524110 DOI: 10.1016/j.afjem.2021.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Traumatic brain injury is a major global public health problem causing substantial mortality among the adult population. Hence, this study aimed to determine the predictors of mortality among adult traumatic brain injury patients in Felegehiwot Comprehensive Specialized Hospital in Northwest Ethiopia during 2020. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was conducted at Felegehiwot Comprehensive Specialized Hospital using anonymized patient data obtained from chart review. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the patient characteristics. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve and log-rank test were used to test for differences in survival status among groups. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was used at the 5% level of significance to determine the net effect of each explanatory variable on time to death. RESULTS In total, 338 patients aged ≥15 years and diagnosed with traumatic brain injury were included in the analysis. Among these patients, 103 (30.45%) died, giving a crude death rate of 25.53 per 1000 (95% CI: 21.05-30.98) person-days of follow-up. The overall median survival time was 44 days. The independent predictors of mortality after diagnosis of traumatic brain injury were admission Glasgow coma scale score ≤ 8 (adjusted hazard ratio (AHR): 4.85; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.73-13.62), bilateral non-reactive pupils at admission (AHR: 2.00 (95% CI: 1.10-3.71), elevated systolic blood pressure at admission (AHR: 0.31; 95% CI:0.11-0.86), elevated diastolic blood pressure at admission (AHR: 3.54; 95% CI: 1.33-9.43), and haematoma evacuation (AHR: 0.42; 95% CI: 0.16-0.90). DISCUSSION The Survival status of traumatic brain injury patients was relatively low in this study. Glasgow coma scale score, bilateral non-reactive pupils, and elevated blood pressure were significant predictors of mortality. Further prospective follow-up studies that include residence and occupation are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abraham Tsedalu Amare
- Department of Adult Health Nursing, College of Health Sciences, Debre-Tabor University, Debre-Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Tadesse Dagget Tesfaye
- Department of Adult Health Nursing, College of Health Sciences, Bahir-Dar University, Bahir-Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Awole Seid Ali
- Department of Adult Health Nursing, College of Health Sciences, Bahir-Dar University, Bahir-Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Tamiru Alene Woelile
- Department of Pediatrics and Neonatal Nursing, College of Health Sciences, Wolaita-Sodo University, Ethiopia
| | - Tekalign Amera Birlie
- Department of Adult Health Nursing, College of Health Sciences, Debre-Tabor University, Debre-Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Worku Misganew Kebede
- Department of Adult Health Nursing, College of Health Sciences, Debre-Berhan University, Debre-Berhan, Ethiopia
| | - Sheganew Fetene Tassew
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Nursing, College of Health Sciences, Debre-Tabor University, Debre-Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Ermias Sisay Chanie
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health Nursing, College of Health Sciences, Debre-Tabor University, Debre-Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Dejen Getaneh Fleke
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health Nursing, College of Health Sciences, Debre-Tabor University, Debre-Tabor, Ethiopia
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Ogunfolaji O, Egu C, Sebopelo L, Sichimba D, Zolo Y, Mashauri C, Phiri E, Sakaiwa N, Alalade A, Kanmounye US. Misconceptions About Traumatic Brain Injuries in Five Sub-Saharan African Countries. Cureus 2021; 13:e18369. [PMID: 34725617 PMCID: PMC8555915 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.18369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) remains a significant problem in certain regions of the world but receives little attention despite its enormous burden. This discrepancy could consequently lead to various misconceptions among the general public. This study evaluated misconceptions about TBI in five African countries. Methods Data for this cross-sectional study were collected using the Common Misconception about Traumatic Brain Injury (CM-TBI) questionnaire, which was electronically disseminated from January 16 to February 6, 2021. Associations between the percentage of correct answers and independent variables (i.e., sociodemographic characteristics and experience with TBI) were evaluated with the ANOVA test. Additionally, answers to the question items were compared against independent variables using the Chi-Square test. A P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results A total of 817 adults, 50.2% female (n=410), aged 24.3 ± 4.3 years, and majoritarily urban dwellers (94.6%, n=773) responded to the survey. They had received tertiary education (79.2%, n=647) and were from Nigeria (77.7%, n=635). Respondents had few misconceptions (mean correct answers=71.7%, 95% CI=71.0-72.4%) and the amnesia domain had the highest level of misconception (39.3%, 95% CI=37.7-40.8%). Surveyees whose friends had TBI were more knowledgeable about TBI (mean score difference=4.1%, 95% CI=1.2-6.9, P=0.01). Additionally, surveyees whose family members had experienced TBI had a better understanding of brain damage (mean score difference=5.7%, 95% CI=2.1-9.2%, P=0.002) and recovery (mean score difference=4.3%, 95% CI=0.40-8.2%, P=0.03). Conclusion This study identified some misconceptions about TBI among young adult Africans. This at-risk population should benefit from targeted education strategies to prevent TBI and reduce TBI patients' stigmatization in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oloruntoba Ogunfolaji
- General Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, NGA.,Department of Research, Association of Future African Neurosurgeons, Yaounde, CMR
| | - Chinedu Egu
- Neurological Surgery, Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals, Nottingham, GBR.,Department of Research, Association of Future African Neurosurgeons, Yaounde, CMR
| | - Lorraine Sebopelo
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Botswana, Gaborone, BWA.,Department of Research, Association of Future African Neurosurgeons, Yaounde, CMR
| | - Dawin Sichimba
- Faculty of Medicine, Michael Chilufya Sata School of Medicine, Copperbelt University, Kitwe, ZMB.,Department of Research, Association of Future African Neurosurgeons, Yaounde, CMR
| | - Yvan Zolo
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, CMR.,Department of Research, Association of Future African Neurosurgeons, Yaounde, CMR
| | - Crecencia Mashauri
- Faculty of Medicine, Medical Institute, Derzhavin Tambov State University, Tambov, RUS.,Department of Research, Association of Future African Neurosurgeons, Yaounde, CMR
| | - Emmanuel Phiri
- Department of Research, Association of Future African Neurosurgeons, Yaounde, CMR
| | - Neontle Sakaiwa
- Department of Research, Association of Future African Neurosurgeons, Yaounde, CMR
| | - Andrew Alalade
- Neurosurgery, Royal Preston Hospital, Preston, GBR.,Department of Research, Association of Future African Neurosurgeons, Yaounde, CMR
| | - Ulrick Sidney Kanmounye
- Neurosurgery, Bel Campus University of Technology, Kinshasa, COD.,Global Neurosurgery Initiative, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA.,Department of Research, Association of Future African Neurosurgeons, Yaounde, CMR
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21
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Karthigeyan M, Gupta SK, Salunke P, Dhandapani S, Wankhede LS, Kumar A, Singh A, Sahoo SK, Tripathi M, Gendle C, Singla R, Aggarwal A, Singla N, Mohanty M, Mohindra S, Chhabra R, Tewari MK, Jain K. Head injury care in a low- and middle-income country tertiary trauma center: epidemiology, systemic lacunae, and possible leads. Acta Neurochir (Wien) 2021; 163:2919-2930. [PMID: 34159448 DOI: 10.1007/s00701-021-04908-x] [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: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although head injury (HI) from low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) heavily contributes to the global disease burden, studies are disproportionately less from this part of the world. Knowing the different epidemiological characteristics from high-income nations can target appropriate prevention strategies. This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the clinico-epidemiological data of HI patients, focusing on the existing challenges with possible solutions from a developing nation's perspective. METHODS This is a prospective, registry-based, observational study of HI in an Indian tertiary trauma-care center over 4 years. Various clinico-epidemiological parameters, risk factors, and imaging spectrum were analyzed in a multivariate model to identify the challenges faced by LMIC and discuss pragmatic solutions. RESULTS The study included a large-volume cohort of 14,888 patients. Notably, half of these patients belonged to mild HI, despite most were referred (90.3%) cases. Only one-third (30.8%) had severe HI. Less than a third reached us within 6 h of injury. Road traffic accidents (RTA) accounted for most injuries (61.1%), especially in the young (70.9%). Higher age, males, RTA, helmet non-usage, drunken driving, systemic injuries, and specific imaging features had an independent association with injury severity. CONCLUSIONS The study represents the much-needed, large-volume, epidemiological profile of HI from an LMIC, highlighting the suboptimal utilization of peripheral healthcare systems. Strengthening and integrating these facilities with the tertiary centers in a hub and enhanced spoke model, task sharing design, and efficient back-referrals promise effective neurotrauma care while avoiding overburden in the tertiary centers. Better implementation of road safety laws also has the potential to reduce the burden of HI.
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22
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Abio A, Bovet P, Valentin B, Bärnighausen T, Shaikh MA, Posti JP, Lowery Wilson M. Changes in Mortality Related to Traumatic Brain Injuries in the Seychelles from 1989 to 2018. Front Neurol 2021; 12:720434. [PMID: 34512529 PMCID: PMC8430237 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.720434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) are a significant source of disability and mortality, which disproportionately affect low- and middle-income countries. The Republic of Seychelles is a country in the African region that has experienced rapid socio-economic development and one in which all deaths and the age distribution of the population have been enumerated for the past few decades. The aim of this study was to investigate TBI-related mortality changes in the Republic of Seychelles during 1989–2018. Methods: All TBI-related deaths were ascertained using the national Civil Registration and Vital Statistics System. Age- and sex-standardised mortality rates (per 100,000 person-years) were standardised to the age distribution of the World Health Organisation standard population. Results: The 30-year age-standardised TBI-related mortality rates were 22.6 (95% CI 19.9, 25.2) in males and 4.0 (95% CI 2.9, 5.1) in females. Road traffic collisions were the leading contributor to TBI-related mortality [10.0 (95% CI 8.2, 11.8) in males and 2.7 (95% CI 1.8, 3.6) in females, P > 0.05]. TBI-related mortality was most frequent at age 20–39 years in males (8.0) and at age 0–19 in females (1.4). Comparing 2004–2018 vs. 1989–2003, the age-standardised mortality rates changed in males/females by −20%/−11% (all cause mortality), −24%/+39.4% (TBIs) and +1%/+34.8% (road traffic injury-related TBI). Conclusion: TBI-related mortality rates were much higher in males but decreased over time. Road traffic collisions were the single greatest contributor to TBI mortality, emphasising the importance of road safety measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Abio
- Injury Epidemiology and Prevention Research Group, Turku Brain Injury Centre, Division of Clinical Neurosciences, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Pascal Bovet
- University Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Ministry of Health, Victoria, Seychelles
| | | | - Till Bärnighausen
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Masood Ali Shaikh
- Injury Epidemiology and Prevention Research Group, Turku Brain Injury Centre, Division of Clinical Neurosciences, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Jussi P Posti
- Department of Neurosurgery and Turku Brain Injury Centre, Neurocentre, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Michael Lowery Wilson
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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Adegboyega G, Zolo Y, Sebopelo LA, Dalle DU, Dada OE, Mbangtang CB, Tetinou F, Kanmounye US, Alalade AF. The Burden of Traumatic Brain Injury in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Scoping Review. World Neurosurg 2021; 156:e192-e205. [PMID: 34520864 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2021.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the growing incidence of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in Sub-Saharan Africa, there is yet to be a study to map the current burden of the disease on the continent. This scoping review aims to outline the literature on TBI. METHODS This scoping review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for scoping reviews. A search string was developed to identify studies relating to TBI epidemiology, management, and outcomes. The search was applied to Medline, Embase, and Global Medicus Index. RESULTS In total, 107 studies were included in the final analysis. More than one half originated from South Africa. Seventy-five studies were published in 2013 or later. Studies recruited a median of 115 patients: 83.5 male and 31 female. TBI affected all age groups (range = 0-105 years) and sexes but was more common among young males aged 20-40. Road traffic accidents caused TBI in a median of 71 patients. Other major causes included assault (median = 39.5) and falls (median = 12.5). Craniectomies were the most commonly reported surgical treatment (18.7%) followed by burr holes (7.5%). Four studies (3.7%) reported delays in seeking neurotrauma care, with delays in reaching a neurotrauma facility and delays in receiving care being reported in 15 studies (14%) each. Glasgow Outcome Scale score was reported in 28 (26.1%) studies, whereas quality of life measures were reported in 2 (1%). Younger age was associated with favorable outcomes. CONCLUSIONS There is an increased need for TBI research, education, and training in Sub-Saharan Africa. This will aid stakeholders in optimizing patient management and outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gideon Adegboyega
- Research Department, Association of Future African Neurosurgeons, Yaounde, Cameroon.
| | - Yvan Zolo
- Research Department, Association of Future African Neurosurgeons, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | | | - David Ulrich Dalle
- Research Department, Association of Future African Neurosurgeons, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | | | | | - Francklin Tetinou
- Research Department, Association of Future African Neurosurgeons, Yaounde, Cameroon
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An SJ, Purcell LN, Mulima G, Charles AG. Characteristics and outcomes following motorized and non-motorized vehicular trauma in a resource-limited setting. Injury 2021; 52:2645-2650. [PMID: 33879340 PMCID: PMC8429052 DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2021.04.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite the ubiquity of motorized vehicular transport, non-motorized transportation continues to be common in sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS We performed a retrospective analysis of trauma patients presenting to Kamuzu Central Hospital in Malawi from February 2008 to May 2018. Demographic and clinical variables including injury characteristics and outcomes were collected. We performed bivariate and multivariate logistic regression to determine predictors of mortality following non-motorized vehicular trauma. RESULTS This study included 36,412 patients involved in vehicular road injuries. Patients in the non-motorized group had a preponderance of men (84% versus 73%, p<0.01). The proportion of patients with Glasgow Coma Scale > 8 was slightly higher in the non-motorized group (99% versus 98%, p<0.01), though injury severity did not differ significantly between the two groups. A higher proportion in the motorized group had the most severe injury of contusions and abrasions (56% versus 50%, p<0.01). In contrast, the non-motorized group had a higher proportion of orthopedic injuries (24% versus 16%, p<0.01). The crude mortality rate was 4.51% and 2.15% in the motorized and non-motorized groups, respectively. After controlling for demographic factors and injury severity, the incidence rate ratio of mortality did not differ significantly between motorized and non-motorized trauma groups (IRR 0.91, p=0.35). CONCLUSIONS Non-motorized vehicular trauma remains a significant proportion of morbidity and mortality resulting from road traffic injuries. The injury severity and incidence rate ratio of mortality did not differ between motorized and non-motorized trauma groups. Health care providers should not underestimate the severity of injuries from non-motorized trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selena J. An
- Department of Surgery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Laura N. Purcell
- Department of Surgery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | | | - Anthony G. Charles
- Department of Surgery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
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25
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Abafita BJ, Abate SM, Kasim HM, Basu B. Pattern and Outcomes of Injuries among Trauma Patients in Gedeo Zone, Dilla, South Ethiopia: A 5 Years Retrospective Analysis. Ethiop J Health Sci 2021; 30:745-754. [PMID: 33911836 PMCID: PMC8047256 DOI: 10.4314/ejhs.v30i5.14] [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] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Injury has become a life threatening community health problem associated with significant mortality and morbidity worldwide. The aim of this study was to assess the burden of injury in Dilla University Hospital. Methods Institution-based retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2015 to June 2019. Data was collected using questionnaire adapted from WHO injury surveillance guideline. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were performed to determine the factors associated with hospital mortality. Results Road traffic accident was the commonest cause of injury 178(47.3%) followed by interpersonal violence 113(30.1%). Revised trauma score (RTS) < 10 (AOR=2.5; 95% CI, 1.8–25.6), Glasgow coma scale (GCS) (AOR =0.3; 95% CI, 0.13–0.5), length of hospitalization (LOS) 1–7 days (AOR=0.1; 95% CI, 0.01–0.8) and time of arrival >24hr were predictors of mortality in a patient with injury. Conclusion Lower extremity injury was common and mostly associated with RTA. Pre-hospital emergency medical service system and trauma registry need to be established to decrease the burden of injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bedru Jemal Abafita
- Dilla University, college of Health Sciences and medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Dilla, Ethiopia
| | - Semagn Mekonnen Abate
- Dilla University, college of Health Sciences and medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Dilla, Ethiopia
| | - Hilemariam Mulugeta Kasim
- Dilla University, college of Health Sciences and medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Dilla, Ethiopia
| | - Bivash Basu
- University of Calcutta, medical college, department of Anesthesiology, India
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26
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Embolo FN, Bellamkonda N, Dickson D, Motwani G, Mbeboh SN, Mbiarikai M, Oben E, Oke R, Dicker RA, Juillard C, Christie SA, Chichom-Mefire A. Epidemiology of traumatic brain injury based on clinical symptoms amongst inhabitants of the Southwest Region of Cameroon: a community-based study. Brain Inj 2021; 35:1184-1191. [PMID: 34383629 DOI: 10.1080/02699052.2021.1957150] [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
BACKGROUND The majority of studies investigating the epidemiology of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in sub-Saharan Africa are primarily hospital-based, missing fatal, mild, and other cases of TBI that do not present to formal care settings. This study aims to bridge this gap in data by describing the epidemiology of TBI in the Southwest Region of Cameroon. METHODS This was a cross-sectional community-based study. Using a three-stage cluster sampling, local research assistants surveyed households with a pre-tested questionnaire to identify individuals with symptoms of TBI in nine health districts in the Southwest Region of Cameroon from 2016 to 2017. RESULTS Data gathered on 8,065 individuals revealed 78 cases of suspected TBI. Road traffic injury (RTI) comprised 55% of subjects' mechanism of injury. Formal medical care was sought by 82.1% of subjects; three subjects died at the time of injury. Following injury, 59% of subjects reported difficulty affording basic necessities and 87.2% of subjects were unable to perform activities of their primary occupation. CONCLUSIONS This study postulates an incidence of TBI in Southwest Cameroon of 975.57 per 100,000 individuals, significantly greater than prior findings. A large proportion of TBI is secondary to RTI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frida N Embolo
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon.,Center for Global Surgical Studies, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Nikhil Bellamkonda
- Program for the Advancement of Surgical Equity, Department of Surgery, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Drusia Dickson
- Center for Global Surgical Studies, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Girish Motwani
- Center for Global Surgical Studies, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Susan N Mbeboh
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon.,Program for the Advancement of Surgical Equity, Department of Surgery, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Mbianyor Mbiarikai
- Center for Global Surgical Studies, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Eunice Oben
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon.,Center for Global Surgical Studies, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Rasheedat Oke
- Program for the Advancement of Surgical Equity, Department of Surgery, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Rochelle A Dicker
- Program for the Advancement of Surgical Equity, Department of Surgery, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Catherine Juillard
- Program for the Advancement of Surgical Equity, Department of Surgery, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - S Ariane Christie
- Center for Global Surgical Studies, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
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27
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de Oliveira AJM. Letter to the Editor Regarding "Prospective Study of Surgery for Traumatic Brain Injury in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: Trauma Causes, Injury Types, and Clinical Presentation". World Neurosurg 2021; 150:224. [PMID: 34098641 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2021.02.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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In Reply to "Letter to the Editor Regarding Prospective Study of Surgery for Traumatic Brain Injury in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: Trauma Causes, Injury Types, and Clinical Presentation". World Neurosurg 2021; 150:225. [PMID: 34098642 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2021.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Gallaher JR, Yohann A, Purcell LN, Kumwenda KK, Charles A. Trends in head injury associated mortality in Malawi. Injury 2021; 52:1170-1175. [PMID: 33419564 PMCID: PMC8107122 DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2020.12.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To address the problem of surgical workforce deficiencies in Malawi, we partnered with local institutions to establish a surgical residency-training and educational program for local surgeons in 2009. While this program has improved trauma-associated outcomes, it is unclear whether, without additional system improvements, the management of traumatic brain injury (TBI) has similarly advanced. This study sought to describe trends of TBI-associated in-hospital trauma mortality at a tertiary trauma center in sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS We conducted a retrospective analysis of all patients recorded in the Kamuzu Central Hospital trauma surveillance registry in Lilongwe, Malawi, from 2012 through 2017. Modified Poisson regression modeling was used to compare the risk ratio of TBI associated in-hospital death each year compared to the year 2012, after adjusting for relevant covariates. RESULTS 87,295 patients were recorded into the KCH Trauma Registry. 3,393 patients with TBI were identified, and most TBI patients were young males. In 2013 (RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.48, 0.92) and 2014 (RR 0.57, 95% CI 0.41, 0.79), the adjusted risk ratio of in-hospital death decreased compared to 2012 when adjusted for age, sex, initial AVPU score, transfer status, and multisystem trauma. However, the adjusted risk ratio of mortality in 2015 (0.73, 95% CI 0.53, 1.02) plateaued, with relatively minor improvements in 2016 (0.72, 95% CI 0.54, 0.97) and 2017 (0.71, 95% CI 0.53, 0.96). CONCLUSIONS A decrease in TBI associated mortality was associated with the establishment of a residency and educational training program for general surgery. This program increased available surgeons, improved critical care and trauma training, and integrated some neurosurgical training. However, improvements in outcomes plateaued in the last few years of the study, despite these enhancements to surgical care. The general surgery workforce must be supplemented with improved neurosurgical services and neurocritical care to decrease TBI-related mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jared R Gallaher
- Department of Surgery, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Avital Yohann
- Department of Surgery, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Laura N Purcell
- Department of Surgery, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Anthony Charles
- Department of Surgery, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Surgery, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi
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30
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Laeke T, Tirsit A, Kassahun A, Sahlu A, Yesehak B, Getahun S, Zenebe E, Deyassa N, Moen BE, Lund-Johansen M, Sundstrøm T. Prospective Study of Surgery for Traumatic Brain Injury in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: Surgical Procedures, Complications, and Postoperative Outcomes. World Neurosurg 2021; 150:e316-e323. [PMID: 33706016 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2021.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an important cause of trauma-related mortality and morbidity in Ethiopia. There are significant resource limitations along the entire continuum of care, and little is known about the neurosurgical activity and patient outcomes. METHODS All surgically treated TBI patients at the 4 teaching hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia were prospectively registered from October 2012 to December 2016. Data registration included surgical procedures, complications, reoperations, discharge outcomes, and mortality. RESULTS A total of 1087 patients were included. The most common procedures were elevation of depressed skull fractures (49.5%) and craniotomies (47.9%). Epidural hematoma was the most frequent indication for a craniotomy (74.7%). Most (77.7%) patients were operated within 24 hours of admission. The median hospital stay for depressed skull fracture operations or craniotomies was 4 days. Decompressive craniectomy was only done in 10 patients. Postoperative complications were seen in 17% of patients, and only 3% were reoperated. Cerebrospinal fluid leak was the most common complication (7.9%). The overall mortality was 8.2%. Diagnosis, admission Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, surgical procedure, and complications were significant predictors of discharge GCS score (P < 0.01). Age, admission GCS score, and length of hospital stay were significantly associated with mortality (P ≤ 0.005). CONCLUSIONS The injury panorama, surgical activity, and outcome are significantly influenced by patient selection due to deficits within both prehospital and hospital care. Still, the neurosurgical services benefit a large number of patients in the greater Addis region and are qualitatively comparable with reports from high-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsegazeab Laeke
- Surgery Department, Neurosurgery Unit, Addis Ababa University, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Abenezer Tirsit
- Surgery Department, Neurosurgery Unit, Addis Ababa University, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Azarias Kassahun
- Surgery Department, Neurosurgery Unit, Addis Ababa University, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Abat Sahlu
- Surgery Department, Neurosurgery Unit, Addis Ababa University, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Betelehem Yesehak
- Surgery Department, Neurosurgery Unit, Addis Ababa University, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Samuel Getahun
- Surgery Department, Neurosurgery Unit, Addis Ababa University, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Eyob Zenebe
- Surgery Department, Neurosurgery Unit, Addis Ababa University, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Negussie Deyassa
- School of Public Health, Addis Ababa University, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Bente E Moen
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Center for International Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Morten Lund-Johansen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Department of Neurosurgery, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Terje Sundstrøm
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Department of Neurosurgery, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
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Laeke T, Tirsit A, Kassahun A, Sahlu A, Debebe T, Yesehak B, Masresha S, Deyassa N, Moen BE, Lund-Johansen M, Sundstrøm T. Prospective Study of Surgery for Traumatic Brain Injury in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: Trauma Causes, Injury Types, and Clinical Presentation. World Neurosurg 2021; 149:e460-e468. [PMID: 33567370 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2021.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a public health problem in Ethiopia. More knowledge about the epidemiology and neurosurgical management of TBI patients is needed to identify possible focus areas for quality improvement and preventive efforts. METHODS This prospective cross-sectional study (2012-2016) was performed at the 4 teaching hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. All surgically treated TBI patients were included, and data on clinical presentation, injury types, and trauma causes were collected. RESULTS We included 1087 patients (mean age 29 years; 8.7% females; 17.1% <18 years old). Only 15.5% of TBIs were classified as severe (Glasgow Coma Scale score 3-8). Depressed skull fracture (44.9%) and epidural hematoma (39%) were the most frequent injuries. Very few patients had polytrauma (3.1%). Assault was the most common injury mechanism (69.9%) followed by road traffic accidents (15.8%) and falls (8.1%). More than 80% of patients came from within 200 km of the hospitals, but the median time to admission was 24 hours. Most assault victims (80.4%) were injured >50 km from the hospitals, whereas 46% of road traffic accident victims came from the urban area. Delayed admission was associated with higher Glasgow Coma Scale scores and nonsevere TBI (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS The injury panorama, delayed admission, and small number of operations performed for severe TBI are linked to a substantial patient selection bias both before and after hospital admission. Our results also suggest that there should be a geographical framework for tailored guidelines, preventive efforts, and development of prehospital and hospital services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsegazeab Laeke
- Neurosurgery Unit, Surgery Department, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Abenezer Tirsit
- Neurosurgery Unit, Surgery Department, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Azarias Kassahun
- Neurosurgery Unit, Surgery Department, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Abat Sahlu
- Neurosurgery Unit, Surgery Department, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Tequam Debebe
- Department of Radiology, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Betelehem Yesehak
- Neurosurgery Unit, Surgery Department, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Samuel Masresha
- Neurosurgery Unit, Surgery Department, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Negussie Deyassa
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Bente E Moen
- Center for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Morten Lund-Johansen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Department of Neurosurgery, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Terje Sundstrøm
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Department of Neurosurgery, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
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Wooldridge G, Hansmann A, Aziz O, O'Brien N. Survey of resources available to implement severe pediatric traumatic brain injury management guidelines in low and middle-income countries. Childs Nerv Syst 2020; 36:2647-2655. [PMID: 32300872 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-020-04603-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, with a disproportionately high burden in low-middle income countries. Guideline implementation has been associated with mortality reduction in high-income countries (HIC), but it is not known if hospitals in low and middle-income countries possess the resources to implement the pre-hospital TBI guidelines and the guidelines for the management of severe pediatric traumatic brain injury. METHOD An anonymous online survey was undertaken by a range of health care professionals currently managing children with severe TBI in low to middle-income countries. A variety of international and national pediatric, intensive care, and neurological societies assisted in the survey distribution. Thirty-eight questions were included to evaluate patient care and the provider's perceptions of their resources available to implement the pre-hospital specific TBI and current pediatric severe TBI guidelines. RESULTS Two hundred and forty-seven hospitals were represented from 68 countries. Fifty percent of LMIC hospitals that responded had the resources to implement 13 of 15 guidelines for the pediatric component of pre-hospital management for TBI and all baseline care recommendations. First tier therapies including the intracranial pressure (ICP) and cerebral perfusion pathways (CPP), however, demonstrated low capacity for uptake with 21.5% and 38.5% of surveyed hospitals possessing sufficient resources to follow the recommended pathways. CONCLUSION Pediatric TBI ICP/CPP management guidelines require numerous resources not widely sourced in LMIC. The creation of international guidelines that outline recommendations of care for LMIC may benefit patient care and outcomes in these settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Omer Aziz
- Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, Bristol, UK
| | - Nicole O'Brien
- Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi.,Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
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Zimmerman A, Fox S, Griffin R, Nelp T, Thomaz EBAF, Mvungi M, Mmbaga BT, Sakita F, Gerardo CJ, Vissoci JRN, Staton CA. An analysis of emergency care delays experienced by traumatic brain injury patients presenting to a regional referral hospital in a low-income country. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0240528. [PMID: 33045030 PMCID: PMC7549769 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0240528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Trauma is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), trauma patients have a higher risk of experiencing delays to care due to limited hospital resources and difficulties in reaching a health facility. Reducing delays to care is an effective method for improving trauma outcomes. However, few studies have investigated the variety of care delays experienced by trauma patients in LMICs. The objective of this study was to describe the prevalence of pre- and in-hospital delays to care, and their association with poor outcomes among trauma patients in a low-income setting. Methods We used a prospective traumatic brain injury (TBI) registry from Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center in Moshi, Tanzania to model nine unique delays to care. Multiple regression was used to identify delays significantly associated with poor in-hospital outcomes. Results Our analysis included 3209 TBI patients. The most common delay from injury occurrence to hospital arrival was 1.1 to 4.0 hours (31.9%). Most patients were evaluated by a physician within 15.0 minutes of arrival (69.2%). Nearly all severely injured patients needed and did not receive a brain computed tomography scan (95.0%). A majority of severely injured patients needed and did not receive oxygen (80.8%). Predictors of a poor outcome included delays to lab tests, fluids, oxygen, and non-TBI surgery. Conclusions Time to care data is informative, easy to collect, and available in any setting. Our time to care data revealed significant constraints to non-personnel related hospital resources. Severely injured patients with the greatest need for care lacked access to medical imaging, oxygen, and surgery. Insights from our study and future studies will help optimize resource allocation in low-income hospitals thereby reducing delays to care and improving trauma outcomes in LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armand Zimmerman
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Samara Fox
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Randi Griffin
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Taylor Nelp
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | | | - Mark Mvungi
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Blandina T Mmbaga
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania.,Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, Tanzania.,Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Francis Sakita
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania.,Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Charles J Gerardo
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Joao Ricardo Nickenig Vissoci
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America.,Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Catherine A Staton
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America.,Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
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Elahi C, Rocha TAH, da Silva NC, Sakita FM, Ndebea AS, Fuller A, Haglund MM, Mmbaga BT, Nickenig Vissoci JR, Staton CA. An evaluation of outcomes in patients with traumatic brain injury at a referral hospital in Tanzania: evidence from a survival analysis. Neurosurg Focus 2020; 47:E6. [PMID: 31675716 DOI: 10.3171/2019.7.focus19316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to determine if patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) in low- and middle-income countries who receive surgery have better outcomes than patients with TBI who do not receive surgery, and whether this differs with severity of injury. METHODS The authors generated a series of Kaplan-Meier plots and performed multiple Cox proportional hazard models to assess the relationship between TBI surgery and TBI severity. The TBI severity was categorized using admission Glasgow Coma Scale scores: mild (14, 15), moderate (9-13), or severe (3-8). The authors investigated outcomes from admission to hospital day 14. The outcome considered was the Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended, categorized as poor outcome (1-4) and good outcome (5-8). The authors used TBI registry data collected from 2013 to 2017 at a regional referral hospital in Tanzania. RESULTS Of the final 2502 patients, 609 (24%) received surgery and 1893 (76%) did not receive surgery. There were significantly fewer road traffic injuries and more violent causes of injury in those receiving surgery. Those receiving surgery were also more likely to receive care in the ICU, to have a poor outcome, to have a moderate or severe TBI, and to stay in the hospital longer. The hazard ratio for patients with TBI who underwent operation versus those who did not was 0.17 (95% CI 0.06-0.49; p < 0.001) in patients with moderate TBI; 0.2 (95% CI 0.06-0.64; p = 0.01) for those with mild TBI, and 0.47 (95% CI 0.24-0.89; p = 0.02) for those with severe TBI. CONCLUSIONS Those who received surgery for their TBI had a lower hazard for poor outcome than those who did not. Surgical intervention was associated with the greatest improvement in outcomes for moderate head injuries, followed by mild and severe injuries. The findings suggest a reprioritization of patients with moderate TBI-a drastic change to the traditional practice within low- and middle-income countries in which the most severely injured patients are prioritized for care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyrus Elahi
- 1Division of Neurosurgery and Neurology, Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center.,2Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Thiago Augusto Hernandes Rocha
- 1Division of Neurosurgery and Neurology, Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center.,3Pan American Health Organization, World Health Organization, Brasilia
| | - Núbia Cristina da Silva
- 1Division of Neurosurgery and Neurology, Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center.,4Methods Analytics and Technology for Health (MATH) Consortium, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | | | - Anthony Fuller
- 1Division of Neurosurgery and Neurology, Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center.,2Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Michael M Haglund
- 1Division of Neurosurgery and Neurology, Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center.,2Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | | | - João Ricardo Nickenig Vissoci
- 1Division of Neurosurgery and Neurology, Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center.,2Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina.,6Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Catherine A Staton
- 1Division of Neurosurgery and Neurology, Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center.,2Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina.,6Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
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Dixon J, Comstock G, Whitfield J, Richards D, Burkholder TW, Leifer N, Mould-Millman NK, Calvello Hynes EJ. Emergency department management of traumatic brain injuries: A resource tiered review. Afr J Emerg Med 2020; 10:159-166. [PMID: 32923328 PMCID: PMC7474234 DOI: 10.1016/j.afjem.2020.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Traumatic brain injury is a leading cause of death and disability globally with an estimated African incidence of approximately 8 million cases annually. A person suffering from a TBI is often aged 20–30, contributing to sustained disability and large negative economic impacts of TBI. Effective emergency care has the potential to decrease morbidity from this multisystem trauma. Objectives Identify and summarize key recommendations for emergency care of patients with traumatic brain injuries using a resource tiered framework. Methods A literature review was conducted on clinical care of brain-injured patients in resource-limited settings, with a focus on the first 48 h of injury. Using the AfJEM resource tiered review and PRISMA guidelines, articles were identified and used to describe best practice care and management of the brain-injured patient in resource-limited settings. Key recommendations Optimal management of the brain-injured patient begins with early and appropriate triage. A complete history and physical can identify high-risk patients who present with mild or moderate TBI. Clinical decision rules can aid in the identification of low-risk patients who require no neuroimaging or only a brief period of observation. The management of the severely brain-injured patient requires a systematic approach focused on the avoidance of secondary injury, including hypotension, hypoxia, and hypoglycaemia. Most interventions to prevent secondary injury can be implemented at all facility levels. Urgent neuroimaging is recommended for patients with severe TBI followed by consultation with a neurosurgeon and transfer to an intensive care unit. The high incidence and poor outcomes of traumatic brain injury in Africa make this subject an important focus for future research and intervention to further guide optimal clinical care.
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First Report of Traumatic Brain Injury in Luanda, Angola. World Neurosurg 2020; 143:e362-e364. [PMID: 32730976 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2020.07.152] [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: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a global problem and is the greatest contributor to death and disability among all trauma-related injuries worldwide. Road traffic accidents are an important cause of TBI. The purpose of this paper is to present the first data on TBI in Angola. METHODS This was a retrospective study of the clinical and radiologic profile of patients admitted to the intensive care unit of a tertiary hospital in Luanda, Angola, from January 2018 to December 2018. The medical records of patients with moderate and severe TBI admitted to the intensive care unit were reviewed. The inclusion criteria were adult patients who suffered from TBI. The exclusion criteria were incomplete medical records, pediatric age, and mild TBI. RESULTS We included 29 patients (6 female) with a mean age of 31 years. Of them, 31% visited the hospital without an ambulance (using private or commercial vehicles), 58.6% suffered from severe TBI, and the mortality rate in our sample was 34.5%. Road accident was the most frequent cause of trauma. CONCLUSIONS This first report of TBI in Angola reveals major problems with TBI management, road accident prevention, prehospital management, and loss of lives of young patients.
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Quinsey C, Eaton J, Northam W, Gilleskie M, Charles A, Hadar E. Challenges and opportunities for effective data collection in global neurosurgery: traumatic brain injury surveillance experience in Malawi. Neurosurg Focus 2019; 45:E10. [PMID: 30269581 DOI: 10.3171/2018.7.focus18281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Global health research can transform clinical and surgical practice worldwide. Partnerships between US academic centers and hospitals in low- and middle-income counties can improve clinical care at the host institution hospital and give the visiting institution access to a large volume of valuable research data. Recognizing the value of these partnerships, the University of North Carolina (UNC) formed a partnership with Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH) in Lilongwe, Malawi. The Department of Neurosurgery joined the partnership with KCH and designed a Head Trauma Surveillance Registry. The success of this registry depended on the development of methods to accurately collect head injury data at KCH. Since medical record documentation is often unreliable in this setting, data collection teams were implemented to capture data from head trauma patients on a 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week basis. As data collection improved, pilot groups tested methods to collect new variables and the registry expanded. UNC provided onsite and remote oversight to strengthen the accuracy of the data. Data accuracy still remains a hurdle in global research. Data collection teams, oversight from UNC, pilot group testing, and meaningful collaboration with local physicians improved the accuracy of the head trauma registry. Overall, these methods helped create a more accurate epidemiological and outcomes-centered analysis of brain injury patients at KCH to date.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jessica Eaton
- 2Department of Neurosurgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | | | - Matt Gilleskie
- 3University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina; and
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Fu P, Yuan Q, Lv K, Hu J. First Intracranial Pressure Monitoring or First Operation: Which One Is Better? World Neurosurg 2019; 133:e105-e114. [PMID: 31479786 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2019.08.166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND For patients with TBI, traditional methods such as clinical examination and imaging data are the primary references used for deciding whether to operate or not. Intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring based on lateral ventricles or parenchymal pressure is a more direct reflection of ICP. However, the research on whether the outcome results of ICP monitoring are better than results based on clinical signs and imaging is sparse. Therefore, we compared treatment results for patients with TBI based on ICP monitoring and traditional methods. METHODS This retrospective study included patients with TBI admitted to our collaborative hospitals between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2013. All patients enrolled were divided into a traditional methods group and ICP monitoring group. Follow-up treatment was determined by ICP monitoring value or traditional methods in the 2 groups. Propensity matching scores were used to ensure that baseline characteristics of patients in the 2 groups were consistent. RESULTS A significant association was found between the initial ICP value and neurologic deterioration (odds ratio 1.24; P < 0.001), and nonlinear correlation achieved the best fit (R2 = 0.547). Both 6-month good recovery rate and favorable outcome rate were higher in the ICP monitoring group than the traditional methods group by propensity score analysis (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS For patients with TBI with cerebral contusion volume >20 mL, both 6-month good recovery rate and favorable outcome rate were significantly higher in the ICP monitoring group than the traditional methods group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Fu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiang Yuan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ke Lv
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin Hu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Choi MS, Jeong D, You N, Roh TH, Kim SH. Identification of clinical characteristics and factors predicting favorable treatment outcomes in elderly patients with traumatic brain injury. J Clin Neurosci 2019; 69:61-66. [PMID: 31451377 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2019.08.035] [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: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Age is an important prognostic factor for patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI), and worse treatment outcomes have been reported in elderly patients. Therefore, proper treatment is needed for the increasing number of elderly patients with TBI. We aimed to analyze predictive factors of favorable treatment outcomes (FTO) in elderly patients. Clinical and radiological data from 493 patients with TBI who visited a single institute were retrospectively collected from January 2014 to December 2015. We compared the characteristics of the elderly group (individuals above 65 years) and younger group (16-65 years). We analyzed the characteristics and outcomes in both groups and the factors related to the Glasgow outcome scale-extended score at 6 months after injury in 170 elderly patients. The treatment outcomes were dichotomized into favorable and unfavorable groups. In the elderly group, the proportion of female patients and the incidence of subdural hemorrhage (SDH) were higher than in the younger group. Among the 170 elderly patients, 62 had pure SDH, and 21 of the 62 with pure SDH had undergone surgical treatment. Compared with other types of intracranial hemorrhage, FTO was as high as 85.5%, and mortality was as low as 11.3% in patients with pure SDH. High initial Glasgow coma scale score, low injury severity score, and normal pupillary reflex were significantly related to FTO in multivariate analysis. Therefore, active therapeutic strategies, including surgery should be considered for elderly patients with pure SDH without intra-parenchymal injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi Sun Choi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Inje University Seoul Paik Hospital, 9 Mareunnae-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul 04551, Republic of Korea
| | - Donghwan Jeong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hallym University Medical Center, 7 Keunjaebong-gil, Hwaseong-si, Gyeonggi-do 18450, Republic of Korea
| | - Namkyu You
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ajou University School of Medicine, 164 Worldcup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Hoon Roh
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ajou University School of Medicine, 164 Worldcup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Se-Hyuk Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ajou University School of Medicine, 164 Worldcup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea.
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Gupte R, Brooks W, Vukas R, Pierce J, Harris J. Sex Differences in Traumatic Brain Injury: What We Know and What We Should Know. J Neurotrauma 2019; 36:3063-3091. [PMID: 30794028 PMCID: PMC6818488 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2018.6171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 250] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
There is growing recognition of the problem of male bias in neuroscience research, including in the field of traumatic brain injury (TBI) where fewer women than men are recruited to clinical trials and male rodents have predominantly been used as an experimental injury model. Despite TBI being a leading cause of mortality and disability worldwide, sex differences in pathophysiology and recovery are poorly understood, limiting clinical care and successful drug development. Given growing interest in sex as a biological variable affecting injury outcomes and treatment efficacy, there is a clear need to summarize sex differences in TBI. This scoping review presents an overview of current knowledge of sex differences in TBI and a comparison of human and animal studies. We found that overall, human studies report worse outcomes in women than men, whereas animal studies report better outcomes in females than males. However, closer examination shows that multiple factors including injury severity, sample size, and experimental injury model may differentially interact with sex to affect TBI outcomes. Additionally, we explore how sex differences in mitochondrial structure and function might contribute to possible sex differences in TBI outcomes. We propose recommendations for future investigations of sex differences in TBI, which we hope will lead to improved patient management, prognosis, and translation of therapies from bench to bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raeesa Gupte
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - William Brooks
- Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
- Hoglund Brain Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
- The University of Kansas Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Rachel Vukas
- School of Medicine, Dykes Library of Health Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Janet Pierce
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Janna Harris
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
- Hoglund Brain Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
- Address correspondence to: Janna Harris, PhD, Hoglund Brain Imaging Center, MS 1052, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas City, KS 66160
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Kim Y, Morris MC, Lee TC, Earnest RE. Surgical management of compound skull fracture with exposed brain matter in a third-world country. J Surg Case Rep 2019; 2019:rjz147. [PMID: 31086656 PMCID: PMC6507808 DOI: 10.1093/jscr/rjz147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We hereby present a case of a 6-year-old boy with exposed brain matter following traumatic injury from a road traffic accident, in a third-world country with poor healthcare resources. The patient was taken immediately to operating theater where two general surgeons performed an emergent craniotomy and debridement. The patient survived the injury and surgery without neurological deficits or other surgical complications. He was discharged home in good condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Kim
- Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Mackenzie C Morris
- Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Tiffany C Lee
- Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Ryan E Earnest
- Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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Kassi AAY, Mahavadi AK, Clavijo A, Caliz D, Lee SW, Ahmed AI, Yokobori S, Hu Z, Spurlock MS, Wasserman JM, Rivera KN, Nodal S, Powell HR, Di L, Torres R, Leung LY, Rubiano AM, Bullock RM, Gajavelli S. Enduring Neuroprotective Effect of Subacute Neural Stem Cell Transplantation After Penetrating TBI. Front Neurol 2019; 9:1097. [PMID: 30719019 PMCID: PMC6348935 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2018.01097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the largest cause of death and disability of persons under 45 years old, worldwide. Independent of the distribution, outcomes such as disability are associated with huge societal costs. The heterogeneity of TBI and its complicated biological response have helped clarify the limitations of current pharmacological approaches to TBI management. Five decades of effort have made some strides in reducing TBI mortality but little progress has been made to mitigate TBI-induced disability. Lessons learned from the failure of numerous randomized clinical trials and the inability to scale up results from single center clinical trials with neuroprotective agents led to the formation of organizations such as the Neurological Emergencies Treatment Trials (NETT) Network, and international collaborative comparative effectiveness research (CER) to re-orient TBI clinical research. With initiatives such as TRACK-TBI, generating rich and comprehensive human datasets with demographic, clinical, genomic, proteomic, imaging, and detailed outcome data across multiple time points has become the focus of the field in the United States (US). In addition, government institutions such as the US Department of Defense are investing in groups such as Operation Brain Trauma Therapy (OBTT), a multicenter, pre-clinical drug-screening consortium to address the barriers in translation. The consensus from such efforts including “The Lancet Neurology Commission” and current literature is that unmitigated cell death processes, incomplete debris clearance, aberrant neurotoxic immune, and glia cell response induce progressive tissue loss and spatiotemporal magnification of primary TBI. Our analysis suggests that the focus of neuroprotection research needs to shift from protecting dying and injured neurons at acute time points to modulating the aberrant glial response in sub-acute and chronic time points. One unexpected agent with neuroprotective properties that shows promise is transplantation of neural stem cells. In this review we present (i) a short survey of TBI epidemiology and summary of current care, (ii) findings of past neuroprotective clinical trials and possible reasons for failure based upon insights from human and preclinical TBI pathophysiology studies, including our group's inflammation-centered approach, (iii) the unmet need of TBI and unproven treatments and lastly, (iv) present evidence to support the rationale for sub-acute neural stem cell therapy to mediate enduring neuroprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anelia A Y Kassi
- Department of Neurological Surgery, The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Anil K Mahavadi
- Department of Neurological Surgery, The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Angelica Clavijo
- Neurosurgery Service, INUB-MEDITECH Research Group, El Bosque University, Bogotá, CO, United States
| | - Daniela Caliz
- Neurosurgery Service, INUB-MEDITECH Research Group, El Bosque University, Bogotá, CO, United States
| | - Stephanie W Lee
- Department of Neurological Surgery, The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Aminul I Ahmed
- Wessex Neurological Centre, University Hospitals Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Shoji Yokobori
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Zhen Hu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Markus S Spurlock
- Department of Neurological Surgery, The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Joseph M Wasserman
- Department of Neurological Surgery, The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Karla N Rivera
- Department of Neurological Surgery, The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Samuel Nodal
- Department of Neurological Surgery, The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Henry R Powell
- Department of Neurological Surgery, The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Long Di
- Department of Neurological Surgery, The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Rolando Torres
- Department of Neurological Surgery, The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Lai Yee Leung
- Branch of Brain Trauma Neuroprotection and Neurorestoration, Center for Military Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States.,Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Andres Mariano Rubiano
- Neurosurgery Service, INUB-MEDITECH Research Group, El Bosque University, Bogotá, CO, United States
| | - Ross M Bullock
- Department of Neurological Surgery, The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Shyam Gajavelli
- Department of Neurological Surgery, The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
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Brown JB, Kheng M, Carney NA, Rubiano AM, Puyana JC. Geographical Disparity and Traumatic Brain Injury in America: Rural Areas Suffer Poorer Outcomes. J Neurosci Rural Pract 2019; 10:10-15. [PMID: 30765964 PMCID: PMC6337961 DOI: 10.4103/jnrp.jnrp_310_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Significant heterogeneity exists in traumatic brain injury (TBI) outcomes. In the United States, TBI remains a primary driver of injury-related mortality and morbidity. Prior work has suggested that disparity exists in rural areas; our objective was to evaluate potential differences in TBI mortality across urban and rural areas on a national scale. METHODS Age-adjusted TBI fatality rates were obtained at the county level across the U.S. from 2008 to 2014. To evaluate geography, urban influence codes (UIC) were also obtained at the county level. UIC codes range from 1 (most urban) to 12 (most rural). Metropolitan counties are defined as those with an UIC ≤2, while nonmetropolitan counties are defined as an UIC ≥3. County-level fatality rates and UIC classification were geospatially mapped. Linear regression was used to evaluate the change in TBI fatality rate at each category of UIC. The median TBI fatality rate was also compared between metropolitan and nonmetropolitan counties. RESULTS Geospatial analysis demonstrated higher fatality rates distributed among nonmetropolitan counties across the United States. The TBI fatality rate was 13.00 deaths per 100,000 persons higher in the most rural UIC category compared to the most urban UIC category (95% confidence interval 12.15, 13.86; P < 0.001). The median TBI rate for nonmetropolitan counties was significantly higher than metropolitan counties (22.32 vs. 18.22 deaths per 100,000 persons, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS TBI fatality rates are higher in rural areas of the United States. Additional studies to evaluate the mechanisms and solutions to this disparity are warranted and may have implications for lower-and middle-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua B Brown
- Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma and General Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Marin Kheng
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Nancy A Carney
- Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | | | - Juan Carlos Puyana
- Department of Critical Care Medicine and Surgery, Global Health, Division of Trauma and Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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