[Multimodal monitoring of head injuries in children]

Clinical characteristics and prognosis of traumatic head injury following road traffic accidents admitted in ICU "analysis of 694 cases"

BACKGROUND

The aim of the present study is to analyze the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) following Road Traffic Accidents (RTAs). Moreover, we aim to evaluate the outcome of the TBI victims referred to our medico-surgical Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and to define predictive factors associated with poor prognosis.

METHODS

A retrospective study over a 4-year period (2009 to 2012) of 694 patients with head injuries, incurred during road traffic accidents, admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a university hospital (Sfax-Tunisia). Basic demographic, clinical, biological, and radiological data were recorded on admission and during the ICU stay.

RESULTS

There were 592 males (85.3%), and 102 female patients. The mean age was at 31.8 ± 17.8 years (range 1-91). The mechanism of the accident was detailed in 666 patients (96%). The majority of the victims were motorcycle riders and/or passengers (40.5%), followed by pedestrians (29.1%). Extra-cranial pathology was present in 452 patients (65%). A total of 677 patients (97.6%) required intubation, mechanical ventilation, and sedation. Mean ICU stay was 16 ± 17.4 days. A total of 187 patients (26.9%) died during their hospital stay. The GOS performed within a mean delay of 6 months after hospital discharge was as follows: 198 deaths (28.5%), 13 vegetative state (1.9%), and 349 (50.3%) good recovery and/or moderate disability. A multivariate analysis showed that the factors which correlated with a poor prognosis (mortality and severe disability) were: age > 38 years, Glasgow coma scale score < 8, subdural hematoma, and development of secondary systemic insults (respiratory, circulatory, and metabolic).

CONCLUSION

In Tunisia, traumatic brain injury due to RTAs is a frequent cause of ICU admission, especially among young adults, and is associated with high mortality and morbidity rates. The majority of the victims were motorcycle riders and/or passengers and pedestrians. The factors associated with a poor outcome were: age > 38 years, Glasgow Coma Scale score < 8, subdural hematoma, and development of secondary systemic insults (respiratory, circulatory, and metabolic). As a consequence, prevention is highly warranted.

Outcome analysis and outcome predictors of traumatic head injury in childhood: Analysis of 454 observations

Aim:

To determine factors associated with poor outcome in children suffering traumatic head injury (HI).

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective study over an 8-year period including 454 children with traumatic HI admitted in the Intensive Care Unit of a university hospital (Sfax-Tunisia). Basic demographic, clinical, biological and radiological data were recorded on admission and during the ICU stay. Prognosis was defined according Glasgow outcome scale (GOS) performed after hospital discharge by ICU and pediatric physicians.

Results:

There were 313 male (68.9%) and 141 female patients. Mean age (±SD) was 7.2±3.8 years, the main cause of trauma was traffic accidents (69.4%). Mean Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score was 8±3, mean injury severity score (ISS) was 26.4±8.6, mean pediatric trauma score (PTS) was 4±2 and mean pediatric risk of mortality (PRISM) was 11.1±8. The GOS performed within a mean delay of 7 months after hospital discharge was as follow: 82 deaths (18.3%), 5 vegetative states (1.1%), 15 severe disabilities (3.3%), 71 moderate disabilities (15.6%) and 281 good recoveries (61.9%). Multivariate analysis showed that factors associated with poor outcome (death, vegetative state or severe disability) were: PRISM ≥24 (P=0.03; OR: 5.75); GCS ≤8 (P=0.04; OR:2.42); Cerebral edema (P=0.03; OR:2.23); lesion type VI according to Traumatic Coma Data Bank Classification (P=0.002; OR:55.95); Hypoxemia (P=0.02; OR:2.97) and sodium level >145 mmol/l (P=0.04; OR: 4.41).

Conclusions:

A significant proportion of children admitted with HI were found to have moderate disability at follow-up. We think that improving prehospital care, establishing trauma centers and making efforts to prevent motor vehicle crashes should improve the prognosis of HI in children.

Isolated traumatic head injury in children: Analysis of 276 observations

BACKGROUND

To determine predictive factors of mortality among children after isolated traumatic brain injury.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this retrospective study, we included all consecutive children with isolated traumatic brain injury admitted to the 22-bed intensive care unit (ICU) of Habib Bourguiba University Hospital (Sfax, Tunisia). Basic demographic, clinical, biochemical, and radiological data were recorded on admission and during ICU stay.

RESULTS

There were 276 patients with 196 boys (71%) and 80 girls, with a mean age of 6.7 ± 3.8 years. The main cause of trauma was road traffic accident (58.3%). Mean Glasgow Coma Scale score was 8 ± 2, Mean Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 23.3 ± 5.9, Mean Pediatric Trauma Score (PTS) was 4.8 ± 2.3, and Mean Pediatric Risk of Mortality (PRISM) was 10.8 ± 8. A total of 259 children required mechanical ventilation. Forty-eight children (17.4%) died. Multivariate analysis showed that factors associated with a poor prognosis were PRISM > 24 (OR: 10.98), neurovegetative disorder (OR: 7.1), meningeal hemorrhage (OR: 2.74), and lesion type VI according to Marshall tomographic grading (OR: 13.26).

CONCLUSION

In Tunisia, head injury is a frequent cause of hospital admission and is most often due to road traffic injuries. Short-term prognosis is influenced by demographic, clinical, radiological, and biochemical factors. The need to put preventive measures in place is underscored.

Severe head injury among children: prognostic factors and outcome

AIM

To determine predictive factors of mortality among children after traumatic brain injury.

METHODS

A retrospective study over 8 years of 222 children with severe head injury (Glasgow Coma Scale score < or = 8) admitted to a university hospital (Sfax, Tunisia). Basic demographic, clinical, biological and radiological data were recorded on admission and during intensive care unit stay.

RESULTS

The study included 163 boys (73.4%) and 59 girls, with mean age 7.54+/-3.8 years. The main cause of trauma was road traffic accident (75.7%). Mean Glasgow Coma Scale score was 6+/-1.5, mean Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 28.2+/-6.9, mean Paediatric Trauma Score (PTS) was 3.7+/-2.1 and mean Paediatric Risk of Mortality (PRISM) was 14.3+/-8.5; 54 children (24.3%) died. Univariate analysis showed that low PTS on admission, high ISS or PRISM, presence of shock or meningeal haemorrhage or bilateral mydriasis, and serum glucose > 10 mmol l(-1) were associated with mortality rate. Multivariate analysis showed that factors associated with a poor prognosis were PRISM > 20 and bilateral mydriasis on admission.

CONCLUSIONS

In Tunisia, head injury is a frequent cause of hospital admission and is most often due to road traffic accidents. Short-term prognosis is poor, with a high mortality rate (24.3%), and is influenced by demographic, clinical, radiological and biological factors.