Epidemiological characteristics of Chinese paediatric traumatic brain injury inpatients

Hospitalization information and burden of pediatric inpatients in transport accidents

BACKGROUND

Transport accidents are one of the leading causes of child morbidity and mortality worldwide and represent a significant public health burden. This study aimed to investigate the hospitalization information and burden of pediatric inpatients in transport accidents in China.

METHODS

In this study, we collected the cover page of the medical records of pediatric inpatients in transport accidents using the Futang Research Center of Pediatric Development (FRCPD) database from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2021. Then, we extracted the epidemiological characteristics, including demographic characteristics, cases distribution, disease information, and hospitalization burden.

RESULTS

Among 36,455 included inpatients, males, aged 1-3 years, East China, July were dominant in different subgroups. In transport accidents, pedestrians were the most frequently type of injury (65.69%). Of all known lesions, craniocerebral/nerve injury was the more common results in pediatric inpatients in transport accidents (33.93%). In addition to pedal cyclists more susceptible to sport system injury, other types of injured person with transport accidents were mainly craniocerebral/nerve injury. In terms of the type of discharge, occupant of heavy transport vehicle or bus and people with craniocerebral/nerve injury had the highest mortality rate after hospitalization in all type and lesion of injured person groups, respectively. The largest hospitalization burden in the type of injured person was occupant of heavy transport vehicle or bus.

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed that epidemiological characteristics and the main factor influencing the hospitalization information and burden of children with traffic accidents in China.

The epidemiological characteristics of pediatric head injury in Hangzhou, China: a retrospective study based on cranial CT examinations

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE

This study aims to create a pediatric head injury database based on cranial CT examinations and explore their epidemiologic characteristics.

METHODS

Data related to cranial CT examinations of pediatric head injuries from March 2014 to March 2021 were collected at outpatient and emergency department of a pediatric medical center. The causes of injury, observable post-injury symptoms, and cranial injury findings were extracted with the assistance of natural language processing techniques.

RESULTS

Reviewing the data from records on 52,821 children with head injuries over a period of 7 years, the most common causes of pediatric head injury were falls (58.3%), traffic accidents (26.0%), smash/crush/strike (13.9%), violence (1.5%) and sports-related incidents (0.3%). Overall, most of those injured were boys which accounting for 62.2% of all cases. Skull fractures most commonly occur in the parietal bone (9.0%), followed by the occipital (5.2%), frontal (3.3%) and temporal bones (3.0%). Most intracranial hemorrhages occurred in epidural (5.8%), followed by subdural (5.1%), subarachnoid (0.9%), intraparenchymal (0.5%) and intraventricular (0.2%) hemorrhages. Spring and autumn showed more events than any other season.

CONCLUSIONS

To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest sample of epidemiological study of head injury in the Chinese pediatric population to date.

History of pediatric TBI hospitalization and current child-parent relationship quality in China

BACKGROUND

Long-term child-parent relationship quality following hospitalization for pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains poorly understood.

OBJECTIVE

We tested whether current child-parent conflict and closeness were related to the children's history of TBI-related experiences and contemporary child/family characteristics.

METHODS

The sample included 202 Chinese children (Boys: 60.4%) with a history of hospitalization for TBI. On average, the children were 11.2 years old (SD = 1.59) and sustained TBI at 8.5 years old (SD = 1.6). TBI-related data were obtained from hospital medical records. Parents provided data on child-parent closeness, child-parent conflict, and parental efficacy 2-4 years (M = 2.7, SD = 0.7) after discharge.

RESULTS

Forty-nine children (24.3%) had mild TBI, 139 (68.8%) had moderate TBI, and 14 (6.9%) had severe TBI. Surgical intervention occurred among 128 (63.4%) of the 202 children. Contemporaneous child and family characteristics explained 19% of the variance, history of surgery, length of hospitalization, and recovery status explained another 7%, and the interaction between length of hospitalization and parental efficacy explained another 4% in child-parent conflict. Contemporaneous child and family characteristics explained 29% of the variance, and TBI-related variables explained another 2% in child-parent closeness.

CONCLUSION

Post-TBI child-parent relationship was more associated with child/family characteristics than with TBI variables. Practitioners and families should be aware of the long-term challenges to child-parent relationship following hospitalization for pediatric TBI.

Using bioinformatics technology to mine the expression of serum exosomal miRNA in patients with traumatic brain injury

Introduction

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is considered the most common traumatic neurological disease, is associated with high mortality and long-term complications, and is a global public health issue. However, there has been little progress in serum markers for TBI research. Therefore, there is an urgent need for biomarkers that can sufficiently function in TBI diagnosis and evaluation.

Methods

Exosomal microRNA (ExomiR), a stable circulating marker in the serum, has aroused widespread interest among researchers. To explore the level of serum ExomiR after TBI, we quantified ExomiR expression levels in serum exosomes extracted from patients with TBI using next-generation sequencing (NGS) and explored potential biomarkers using bioinformatics screening.

Results

Compared with the control group, there were 245 ExomiR (136 up-regulated and 109 down-regulated) in the serum of the TBI group that changed significantly. We observed serum ExomiRs expression profiles associated with neurovascular remodeling, the integrity of the blood-brain barrier, neuroinflammation, and a cascade of secondary injury, including eight up-regulated ExomiRs (ExomiR-124-3p, ExomiR-137-3p, ExomiR-9-3p, ExomiR-133a-5p, ExomiR-204-3p, ExomiR-519a-5p, ExomiR-4732-5p, and ExomiR-206) and 2 down-regulated ExomiR (ExomiR-21-3p and ExomiR-199a-5).

Discussion

The results revealed that serum ExomiRs might become a new research direction and breakthrough for the diagnosis and pathophysiological treatment of patients with TBI.

Neurotrauma Surveillance in National Registries of Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Scoping Review and Comparative Analysis of Data Dictionaries

BACKGROUND

Injury is a major global health problem, causing >5 800 000 deaths annually and widespread disability largely attributable to neurotrauma. 89% of trauma deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), however data on neurotrauma epidemiology in LMICs is lacking. In order to support neurotrauma surveillance efforts, we present a review and analysis of data dictionaries from national registries in LMICs.

METHODS

We performed a scoping review to identify existing national trauma registries for all LMICs. Inclusion/ exclusion criteria included articles published since 1991 describing national registry neurotrauma data capture methods in LMICs. Data sources included PubMed and Google Scholar using the terms "trauma/neurotrauma registry" and country name. Resulting registries were analyzed for neurotrauma-specific data dictionaries. These findings were augmented by data from direct contact of neurotrauma organizations, health ministries, and key informants from a convenience sample. These data were then compared to the World Health Organization (WHO) minimum dataset for injury (MDI) from the international registry for trauma and emergency care (IRTEC).

RESULTS

We identified 15 LMICs with 16 total national trauma registries tracking neurotrauma-specific data elements. Among these, Cameroon had the highest concordance with the MDI, followed by Colombia, Iran, Myanmar and Thailand. The MDI elements least often found in the data dictionaries included helmet use, and alcohol level. Data dictionaries differed significantly among LMICs. Common elements included Glasgow Coma Score, mechanism of injury, anatomical site of injury and injury severity scores. Limitations included low response rate in direct contact methods.

CONCLUSION

Significant heterogeneity was observed between the neurotrauma data dictionaries, as well as a spectrum of concordance or discordance with the MDI. Findings offer a contextually relevant menu of possible neurotrauma data elements that LMICs can consider tracking nationally to enhance neurotrauma surveillance and care systems. Standardization of nationwide neurotrauma data collection can facilitate international comparisons and bidirectional learning among healthcare governments.

Clinical features and direct medical cost of splenic injury in China: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

This study analyses the clinical features and direct medical cost (DMC) of splenic injury during 2000-2013 in China.

DESIGN

This was a cross-sectional study.

METHODS

We used 'The No. 1 Military Medical Project' information system to conduct a retrospective study. Patients' information from 2000 to 2013 were identified. Demographic data, treatment, clinical data and DMC were collected. We performed a generalised linear method (GLM) using gamma distribution to assess the drivers of DMCs.

RESULTS

We included 8083 patients with splenic injury who met the study criteria. Over the 14-year study period, 2782 (34.4%) patients were treated with non-operative management (NOM), 5301 (65.6%) with OM. From 2000 to 2013, the rate of NOM increased from 34.7% to 55.9%, while OM decreased from 65.3% to 44.1%. Mean per-patient DMC in both NOM and OM increased from 2000 to 2013. In GLM analysis, male, old age, length of stay, severe splenic injury grade, OM, intensive care unit, blood transfusion and tertiary hospitals were associated with higher DMC, while female and NOM was associated with lower DMC.

CONCLUSIONS

In China, management of splenic injury was the most important factor impacting the total DMC. Proper management and public policy could curtail the burden of splenic injury.

Traumatic Brain Injury-Related Pediatric Mortality and Morbidity in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

The burden of pediatric traumatic brain injury (pTBI) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is unknown. To fill this gap, we conducted a review that aimed to characterize the causes of pTBI in LMICs, and their reported associated mortality and morbidity.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted. MEDLINE, Embase, Global Health, and Global Index Medicus were searched from January 2000 to May 2020. Observational or experimental studies on pTBI of individuals aged between 0 and 16 years in LMICs were included. The causes of pTBI and morbidity data were descriptively analyzed, and case fatality rates were calculated.

PROSPERO ID

CRD42020171276.

RESULTS

A total of 136 studies were included. Fifty-seven studies were at high risk of bias. Of the remaining studies, 170,224 cases of pTBI were reported in 32 LMICs. The odds of having a pTBI were 1.8 times higher (95% confidence interval, 1.6-2.0) in males. The odds of a pTBI being mild were 4.4 times higher (95% confidence interval, 1.9-6.8) than a pTBI being moderate or severe. Road traffic accidents were the most common cause (n = 16,275/41,979; 39%) of pTBIs. On discharge, 24% of patients (n = 4385/17,930) had a reduction in their normal mental or physical function. The median case fatality rate was 7.3 (interquartile range, 2.1-7.7).

CONCLUSIONS

Less than a quarter (n = 32) of all LMICs have published high-quality data on the volume and burden of pTBI. From the limited data available, young male children are at a high risk of pTBIs in LMICs, particularly after road traffic accidents.

Recent advances in the neuroprotective effects of medical gases

Central nervous system injuries are a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Although the exact pathophysiological mechanisms of various brain injuries vary, central nervous system injuries often result in an inflammatory response, and subsequently lead to brain damage. This suggests that neuroprotection may be necessany in the treatment of multiple disease models. The use of medical gases as neuroprotective agents has gained great attention in the medical field. Medical gases include common gases, such as oxygen, hydrogen and carbon dioxide; hydrogen sulphide and nitric oxide that have been considered toxic; volatile anesthetic gases, such as isoflurane and sevoflurane; and inert gases like helium, argon, and xenon. The neuroprotection from these medical gases has been investigated in experimental animal models of various types of brain injuries, such as traumatic brain injury, stroke, subarachnoid hemorrhage, cerebral ischemic/reperfusion injury, and neurodegenerative diseases. Nevertheless, the transition into the clinical practice is still lagging. This delay could be attributed to the contradictory paradigms and the conflicting results that have been obtained from experimental models, as well as the presence of inconsistent reports regarding their safety. In this review, we summarize the potential mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective effects of medical gases and discuss possible candidates that could improve the outcomes of brain injury.

Sex and age differences in hospitalized pediatric traumatic brain injury

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiological characteristics of pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) requiring hospitalization in Chinese children ≤17 years of age according to sex and age group.

METHODS

This study retrospectively analyzed pediatric TBI inpatient data obtained via electronic health records from one children's hospital in China. Patients aged ≤17 years admitted to the hospital due to TBI between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2015 were identified using International Classification of Diseases (ICD) -9 and ICD-10 codes. The demographic, injury, and hospitalization characteristics were analyzed by sex and age groups.

RESULTS

The subject consisted of 1,087 pediatric TBI patients admitted to the hospital (61.5% boys). The highest proportion of hospitalization was observed in the 1-3 years age group. For both boys and girls, the most common diagnosis was "traumatic epidural hematoma" and the leading mechanism of TBI was "fall". The median length of hospital stay was 8.5 days and the median hospitalization cost was 7,977.4 Chinese yuan (approximately $US 1,140).

CONCLUSIONS

Boys and children aged 1-3 years incurred more pediatric TBI requiring hospitalization than their counterparts. Prevention of falls, the most common injury mechanism in both boys and girls, is an important strategy to reduce pediatric TBI and related hospitalizations.

Traumatic brain injury in China

China has more patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) than most other countries in the world, making this condition a major public health concern. Population-based mortality of TBI in China is estimated to be approximately 13 cases per 100 000 people, which is similar to the rates reported in other countries. The implementation of various measures, such as safety legislation for road traffic, establishment of specialised neurosurgical intensive care units, and the development of evidence-based guidelines, have contributed to advancing prevention and care of patients with TBI in China. However, many challenges remain, which are augmented further by regional differences in TBI care. High-level care, such as intracranial pressure monitoring, is not universally available yet. In the past 30 years, the quality of TBI research in China has substantially improved, as evidenced by an increasing number of clinical trials done. The large number of patients with TBI and specialised trauma centres offer unique opportunities for TBI research in China. Furthermore, the formation and development of research collaborations between China and international groups are considered essential to advancing the quality of TBI care and research in China, and to improve quality of life in patients with this condition.

Fourteen-Day Mortality in Pediatric Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury After Early Decompressive Craniectomy: A Single-Center Retrospective Study

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to analyze the risk factors for 14-day mortality in pediatric patients undergoing early decompressive craniectomy (DC) after traumatic brain injury (TBI).

METHODS

This retrospective analysis included all pediatric patients (≤16 years of age) undergoing DC within 12 hours of TBI between August 2011 and July 2017 at the authors' institute. Demographic information, clinical characteristics, surgical information, and laboratory parameters were retrieved from medical records. Risk factors for 14-day mortality were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression models. First, potentially relevant variables were compared between those who died within 14 days versus those who did not. Variables with P < 0.10 were entered into the final multivariate regression analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 36 patients (23 boys and 13 girls; median age, 7 years) were included in the analysis. Fall (n = 19, 52.8%) was the leading cause of injury. The 14-day mortality was 38.9% (14/36). At the time of admission, the median Glasgow Score Scale (GCS) was 6 (IQR 4-8), and the mean Injury Severity Score (ISS) (± standard deviation) was 29.03 ± 8.54. Preoperative hypoxia, defined as oxyhemoglobin arterial saturation <90% or apnea >20 seconds, was observed in 6 patients (16.7%). Coagulopathy was present in 14 patients (38.9%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis suggested an association between 14-day mortality and younger age (odds ratio [OR] = 0.708, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.513-0.978; P = 0.036) and higher ISS (OR = 1.399; 95% CI: 1.023-1.914; P = 0.035).

CONCLUSIONS

In children undergoing early DC after TBI, risk factors for 14-day mortality include younger age and higher ISS.