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Menditto VG, Rossetti G, Sampaolesi M, Buzzo M, Pomponio G. Traumatic Brain Injury in Patients under Anticoagulant Therapy: Review of Management in Emergency Department. J Clin Med 2024; 13:3669. [PMID: 38999235 PMCID: PMC11242576 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13133669] [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: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The best management of patients who suffer from traumatic brain injury (TBI) while on oral anticoagulants is one of the most disputed problems of emergency services. Indeed, guidelines, clinical decision rules, and observational studies addressing this topic are scarce and conflicting. Moreover, relevant issues such as the specific treatment (and even definition) of mild TBI, rate of delayed intracranial injury, indications for neurosurgery, and anticoagulant modulation are largely empiric. We reviewed the most recent evidence on these topics and explored other clinically relevant aspects, such as the promising role of dosing brain biomarkers, the strategies to assess the extent of anticoagulation, and the indications of reversals and tranexamic acid administration, in cases of mild TBI or as a bridge to neurosurgery. The appropriate timing of anticoagulant resumption was also discussed. Finally, we obtained an insight into the economic burden of TBI in patients on oral anticoagulants, and future directions on the management of this subpopulation of TBI patients were proposed. In this article, at the end of each section, a "take home message" is stated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo G Menditto
- Emergency and Internal Medicine Department, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria delle Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Giulia Rossetti
- Internal Medicine, Santa Croce Hospital AST1 Pesaro Urbino, 61032 Fano, Italy
| | - Mattia Sampaolesi
- Emergency and Internal Medicine Department, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria delle Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Marta Buzzo
- Emergency and Internal Medicine Department, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria delle Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Giovanni Pomponio
- Clinica Medica, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria delle Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy
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Magnusson BM, Isaksson E, Koskinen LOD. A prospective observational cohort study of traumatic brain injury in the northern region of Sweden. Brain Inj 2022; 36:191-198. [DOI: 10.1080/02699052.2022.2034952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice M. Magnusson
- Department of Surgery and Perioperative Sciences, Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Umeå University, Sweden
| | - Emil Isaksson
- Department of Surgery and Perioperative Sciences, Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Umeå University, Sweden
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3
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Lam C, Yen JC, Wu CC, Lin HY, Hsu MH. Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Treatment Efficiency for Traumatic Brain Injury in the Emergency Department: A Multicenter Study in Taiwan. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10225314. [PMID: 34830592 PMCID: PMC8621260 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10225314] [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: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted emergency department (ED) practice, including the treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI), which is commonly encountered in the ED. Our study aimed to evaluate TBI treatment efficiency in the ED during the COVID-19 pandemic. A retrospective observational study was conducted using the electronic medical records from three hospitals in metropolitan Taipei, Taiwan. The time from ED arrival to brain computed tomography (CT) and the time from ED arrival to surgical management were used as measures of treatment efficiency. TBI treatment efficiencies in the ED coinciding with a small-scale local COVID-19 outbreak in 2020 (P1) and large-scale community spread in 2021 (P2) were compared against the pre-pandemic efficiency recorded in 2019. The interval between ED arrival and brain CT was significantly shortened during P1 and P2 compared with the pre-pandemic interval, and no significant delay between ED arrival and surgical management was found, indicating increased treatment efficiency for TBI in the ED during the COVID-19 pandemic. Minimizing viral spread in the community and the hospital is vital to maintaining ED treatment efficiency and capacity. The ED should retain sufficient capacity to treat older patients with serious TBI during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Lam
- Emergency Department, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11696, Taiwan; (C.L.); (C.-C.W.)
- Department of Emergency, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11030, Taiwan
| | - Ju-Chuan Yen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei City Hospital, Renai Branch, Taipei 10629, Taiwan;
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medical Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11030, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Chieh Wu
- Emergency Department, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11696, Taiwan; (C.L.); (C.-C.W.)
- Department of Emergency, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11030, Taiwan
| | - Heng-Yu Lin
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11030, Taiwan;
| | - Min-Huei Hsu
- Graduate Institute of Data Science, College of Management, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11030, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-2-66382736 (ext. 1105)
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Yang K, Zhao M, Sun J, Nie X. Accuracy of PECARN decision rule in minor blunt head trauma in pediatric emergency department: A meta-analysis. Int J Clin Pract 2021; 75:e14586. [PMID: 34191372 DOI: 10.1111/ijcp.14586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Paediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network (PECARN) is a useful Clinical Decision Support Tool (CDST) to identify traumatic brain injuries and reduce the use of head computed tomography (CT) scans among paediatric patients. The present Meta-analysis aims to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the PECARN rule from 2009 to 2020 in children with a very low risk of blunt head trauma. METHODS A detailed search was conducted from the databases of Medline (via PubMed), Cinahl (via Ebsco), Scopus, Web of Sciences, from 2009 till the end of December 2020 using the keywords like decreased use of CT scan, blunt head trauma (BHT) combined with accuracy, PECARN OR CDST. Studies showing the diagnostic accuracy of the PECARN rule in children younger than 18 years of age with minor BHT were included. RESULTS Thirteen studies were included in the present analysis. Pooled sensitivity of 0.08, (95% confidence interval of 0.074-0.087), pooled specificity of 0.20 (95% CI of 0.196-0.213) and diagnostic odds ratio of 0.004 (95% CI of 0.000-0.1666) was in <2 years of age. The overall sensitivity of 0.07, specificity of 0.66, and the diagnostic odds ratio of 0.54 (95% CI of 0.10-2.78) were seen in ≥2 years of age. Overall sensitivity of 0.13 (95% CI 0.12-0.14), specificity of 0.81 (95% CI 0.80-0.82) and diagnostic odds ratio of 0.79 (95% CI of 0.08-7.71) was in 0-18 years of age. CONCLUSION The present analysis indicates the PECARN decision tool as an accurate CDST in low-risk minor BHT cases in children below two years of age and can become a valuable tool in reducing Head CT scan overuse in paediatric emergency departments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Yang
- Department of CT and MRI, The First People's Hospital of Tianmen City, Tianmen, China
| | - Meng Zhao
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jing Sun
- Department of Radiology, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiuli Nie
- Department of Radiology, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
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Biofluid Biomarkers in Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Scoping Review. Neurocrit Care 2021; 35:559-572. [PMID: 33403583 DOI: 10.1007/s12028-020-01173-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that biofluid-based biomarkers have diagnostic and prognostic potential in traumatic brain injuries (TBI). However, owing to the lack of a conceptual framework or comprehensive review, it is difficult to visualize the breadth of materials that might be available. We conducted a systematic scoping review to map and categorize the evidence regarding biofluid-based biochemical markers of TBI. A comprehensive search was undertaken in January 2019. Of 25,354 records identified through the literature search, 1036 original human studies were included. Five hundred forty biofluid biomarkers were extracted from included studies and classified into 19 distinct categories. Three categories of biomarkers including cytokines, coagulation tests, and nerve tissue proteins were investigated more than others and assessed in almost half of the studies (560, 515, and 502 from 1036 studies, respectively). S100 beta as the most common biomarker for TBI was tested in 21.2% of studies (220 articles). Cortisol was the only biomarker measured in blood, cerebrospinal fluid, urine, and saliva. The most common sampling time was at admission and within 24 h of injury. The included studies focused mainly on biomarkers from blood and central nervous system sources, the adult population, and severe and blunt injuries. The most common outcome measures used in studies were changes in biomarker concentration level, Glasgow coma scale, Glasgow outcome scale, brain computed tomography scan, and mortality rate. Biofluid biomarkers could be clinically helpful in the diagnosis and prognosis of TBI. However, there was no single definitive biomarker with accurate characteristics. The present categorization would be a road map to investigate the biomarkers of the brain injury cascade separately and detect the most representative biomarker of each category. Also, this comprehensive categorization could provide a guiding framework to design combined panels of multiple biomarkers.
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Santing JAL, Van den Brand CL, Jellema K. Traumatic Brain Injury in Patients Receiving Direct Oral Anticoagulants. J Emerg Med 2020; 60:285-291. [PMID: 33067068 DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2020.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Revised: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emergency departments (EDs) are faced with a growing number of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) using direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). However, there remains uncertainty about the bleeding risk, rate of hematoma expansion, and the efficacy of reversal strategies in these patients. OBJECTIVE This study aims to identify the risk of traumatic hemorrhagic complications in patients with TBI using DOACs. METHODS In this retrospective study we included patients with TBI. All TBI patients were using DOACs, attended one of the three EDs of our hospital between January 2016 and October 2019, and received a computed tomography (CT) scan of the brain. The primary outcome was any traumatic intracranial hemorrhage on CT. Secondary outcomes were the use of reversal agents, secondary neurological deterioration, a neurosurgical intervention within 30 days after the injury, length of stay (LOS), Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) at discharge, and mortality. RESULTS Of the included patients (N = 316), 24 patients (7.6%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.2-9.8) presented with a traumatic intracranial hematoma (ICH). Seven patients (2.2%, 95% CI 0.6-3.8) received a reversal agent and 1 patient (0.3%, 95% CI -0.3-0.9) underwent a neurosurgical intervention. Of the 24 patients with a traumatic ICH, progression of the lesion was seen in 6 patients (1.9%, 95% CI 0.4-3.4). The mean LOS was 6.5 days (95% CI 3.0-10.1) and the mean GOS at discharge was 4 (95% CI 3.6-4.6). Death occurred in 1 patient (0.3%, 95% CI -0.3-0.9) suffering from an ICH. CONCLUSION Based on the present findings it can be postulated that TBI patients using DOACs have a low risk for ICH. Hematoma progression occurred, however, in a substantial number of patients. Considering the retrospective nature of the present study, future prospective trials are needed to confirm this finding.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Crispijn L Van den Brand
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Haaglanden Medical Center, The Hague, the Netherlands; Dutch Institute for Clinical Auditing, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Korné Jellema
- Department of Neurology, Haaglanden Medical Center, The Hague, the Netherlands
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7
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Abstract
Emergency departments (EDs) are eerily quiet for illnesses apart from COVID-19. In this short communication, we assessed the effect of COVID-19 on ED attendance rates for traumatic brain injury (TBI). Data were collected from all consecutive patients with TBI attending our hospital (Haaglanden Medical Center, The Hague, The Netherlands) during the first 3 weeks of the Dutch lockdown (from March 18 to April 6) and for the same period last year. We observed a 36% decrease in ED attendance for TBI since the beginning of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic (91 vs. 143). Patients who presented during the lockdown were significantly older compared with the patients who visited the ED in the previous year (72 vs. 57, p = 0.01). No other significant differences were found.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Crispijn L van den Brand
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Haaglanden Medical Center, The Hague, The Netherlands.,Dutch Institute for Clinical Auditing, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Korné Jellema
- Department of Neurology, Haaglanden Medical Center, The Hague, The Netherlands
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8
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Zanetto L, Da Dalt L, Daverio M, Dunning J, Frigo AC, Nigrovic LE, Bressan S. Systematic review and meta-analysis found significant risk of brain injury and neurosurgery in alert children after a post-traumatic seizure. Acta Paediatr 2019; 108:1841-1849. [PMID: 30951221 DOI: 10.1111/apa.14810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Revised: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
AIM This study aimed to determine the frequency of traumatic brain injury (TBI) on neuroimaging and the need for emergency neurosurgery in children with normal mental status following a post-traumatic seizure (PTS). METHODS We searched six electronic databases from inception to October 15, 2018, to identify studies including children under 18 years with head injury and a Glasgow Coma Score of 15 after an immediate PTS. Relevant non-English articles were translated to determine eligibility. RESULTS We performed random effect meta-analyses and assessed heterogeneity with I2 . The pooled estimate of the frequency of TBI, from seven studies, was 13.0% (95% CI: 4.0-26.1; I2 = 81%). Data on the need of emergency neurosurgery were reported in four studies and the pooled estimate of its frequency was 2.3% (95% CI: 0.0-9.9; I2 = 86%). Two studies reported on children with isolated PTS without any other signs of head injury, representing 0.1% of patients in both studies, for a total of 76 children. Of these, only three had TBI and one underwent neurosurgery. CONCLUSION Children with immediate PTS and normal mental status frequently have TBI with a substantial need for neurosurgery. Clinicians should strongly consider neuroimaging for these children, although prolonged observation may be considered for those with isolated PTS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Zanetto
- Division of Emergency Medicine Department of Women's and Children's Health University of Padova Padova Italy
| | - Liviana Da Dalt
- Division of Emergency Medicine Department of Women's and Children's Health University of Padova Padova Italy
| | - Marco Daverio
- Division of Emergency Medicine Department of Women's and Children's Health University of Padova Padova Italy
| | - Joel Dunning
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery James Cook University Hospital Middlesbrough UK
| | - Anna Chiara Frigo
- Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences University of Padova Padova Italy
| | - Lise E. Nigrovic
- Division of Emergency Medicine Harvard Medical School Boston Children's Hospital Boston MA USA
| | - Silvia Bressan
- Division of Emergency Medicine Department of Women's and Children's Health University of Padova Padova Italy
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Karr JE, Iverson GL, Berghem K, Kotilainen AK, Terry DP, Luoto TM. Complicated mild traumatic brain injury in older adults: Post-concussion symptoms and functional outcome at one week post injury. Brain Inj 2019; 34:26-33. [DOI: 10.1080/02699052.2019.1669825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Justin E. Karr
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Home Base, A Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Program, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Grant L. Iverson
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Home Base, A Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Program, Boston, MA, USA
- Spaulding Research Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ksenia Berghem
- Medical Imaging Centre, Department of Radiology, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | | | - Douglas P. Terry
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Home Base, A Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Program, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Teemu M. Luoto
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tampere University Hospital and Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
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10
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Khalifa M, Gallego B. Grading and assessment of clinical predictive tools for paediatric head injury: a new evidence-based approach. BMC Emerg Med 2019; 19:35. [PMID: 31200643 PMCID: PMC6570950 DOI: 10.1186/s12873-019-0249-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many clinical predictive tools have been developed to diagnose traumatic brain injury among children and guide the use of computed tomography in the emergency department. It is not always feasible to compare tools due to the diversity of their development methodologies, clinical variables, target populations, and predictive performances. The objectives of this study are to grade and assess paediatric head injury predictive tools, using a new evidence-based approach, and to provide emergency clinicians with standardised objective information on predictive tools to support their search for and selection of effective tools. METHODS Paediatric head injury predictive tools were identified through a focused review of literature. Based on the critical appraisal of published evidence about predictive performance, usability, potential effect, and post-implementation impact, tools were evaluated using a new framework for grading and assessment of predictive tools (GRASP). A comprehensive analysis was conducted to explain why certain tools were more successful. RESULTS Fourteen tools were identified and evaluated. The highest-grade tool is PECARN; the only tool evaluated in post-implementation impact studies. PECARN and CHALICE were evaluated for their potential effect on healthcare, while the remaining 12 tools were only evaluated for predictive performance. Three tools; CATCH, NEXUS II, and Palchak, were externally validated. Three tools; Haydel, Atabaki, and Buchanich, were only internally validated. The remaining six tools; Da Dalt, Greenes, Klemetti, Quayle, Dietrich, and Güzel did not show sufficient internal validity for use in clinical practice. CONCLUSIONS The GRASP framework provides clinicians with a high-level, evidence-based, comprehensive, yet simple and feasible approach to grade, compare, and select effective predictive tools. Comparing the three main tools which were assigned the highest grades; PECARN, CHALICE and CATCH, to the remaining 11, we find that the quality of tools' development studies, the experience and credibility of their authors, and the support by well-funded research programs were correlated with the tools' evidence-based assigned grades, and were more influential, than the sole high predictive performance, on the wide acceptance and successful implementation of the tools. Tools' simplicity and feasibility, in terms of resources needed, technical requirements, and training, are also crucial factors for their success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Khalifa
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, 75 Talavera Road, North Ryde, Sydney, NSW, 2113, Australia.
| | - Blanca Gallego
- Centre for Big Data Research in Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, Level 4, Cnr High &, Botany St, Kensington, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
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11
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Gonschorek AS, Schaan M, Schwenkreis P, Wohlfarth K, Schmehl I. [Quality standards in treatment and rehabilitation of traumatic brain injuries]. Chirurg 2019; 89:1017-1032. [PMID: 30377703 DOI: 10.1007/s00104-018-0751-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The quality standards of the "Deutsche gesetzliche Unfallversicherung" (DGUV) on the treatment of traumatic brain injuries were first published in 2015. They describe the optimal conditions and requirements of acute treatment and in all phases of rehabilitation and aftercare, according to the current state of knowledge. The aim is to enable a life worth living in family, school, occupation and society for as many injuries as possible. The quality standards, as systematic orientation and decision-making aids, should promote the future development of the treatment and rehabilitation of traumatic brain injuries of all grades of severity and guarantee a uniformly high quality of treatment. A special and comprehensive rehabilitative alignment as well as a close networking of medical and occupation-promoting services will be of particular importance for the institutions participating in the rehabilitation of patients with traumatic brain injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Gonschorek
- Neurotraumatologisches Zentrum, BG Klinikum Hamburg, Bergedorfer Str. 10, 21033, Hamburg, Deutschland.
| | - M Schaan
- BG Unfallklinik Murnau, Murnau, Deutschland
| | - P Schwenkreis
- BG Universitätsklinikum Bergmannsheil Bochum, Bochum, Deutschland
| | - K Wohlfarth
- BG Klinikum Bergmannstrost Halle, Halle, Deutschland
| | - I Schmehl
- BG Klinikum Unfallkrankenhaus Berlin, Berlin, Deutschland
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12
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Bolton-Hall AN, Hubbard WB, Saatman KE. Experimental Designs for Repeated Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: Challenges and Considerations. J Neurotrauma 2019; 36:1203-1221. [PMID: 30351225 PMCID: PMC6479246 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2018.6096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Mild traumatic brain injury (mild TBI) is a growing public concern, as evidence mounts that even brain injuries classified as "mild" can result in persistent neurological dysfunction. Multiple brain injuries heighten the likelihood of worsened or more prolonged symptomatology and may trigger long-term neurodegeneration. Animal models provide a logical platform to identify key parameters, such as loading forces, duration between injuries, and number of injuries, which contribute to additive or synergistic damage after repeated mild TBI. Despite the tremendous increase in research productivity in the field of repeated mild TBI, relatively few studies have been designed in such a way as to provide experimental-based insights into the dependence of cellular and functional outcomes on the prescribed parameters of mild TBI. In this review, we summarize how standard models of TBI have been adapted to produce mild TBI and highlight commonly observed aspects of neuropathology replicated in rodent models of mild TBI. The complexity of designing studies of repeated TBI is discussed, including challenges of incorporating appropriate control groups, informative experimental design, and relevant outcome measures. We then feature studies that provide a well-controlled, within-study design varying either the number of injuries or the interinjury interval. Harnessing the power of experimental models of TBI to elucidate which injury parameters are critical contributors to acute and chronic damage after repeated injury can further efforts at prevention and provide improved models for testing mechanisms and therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda N. Bolton-Hall
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - W. Brad Hubbard
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Kathryn E. Saatman
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky
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13
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Mortimer D, Bosch M, Mckenzie JE, Turner S, Chau M, Ponsford JL, Knott JC, Gruen RL, Green SE. Economic evaluation of the NET intervention versus guideline dissemination for management of mild head injury in hospital emergency departments. Implement Sci 2018; 13:147. [PMID: 30518430 PMCID: PMC6280545 DOI: 10.1186/s13012-018-0834-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence-based guidelines for the management of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in the emergency department (ED) are now widely available, and yet, clinical practice remains inconsistent with the guidelines. The Neurotrauma Evidence Translation (NET) intervention was developed to increase the uptake of guideline recommendations and improve the management of minor head injury in Australian emergency departments (EDs). However, the adoption of this type of intervention typically entails an upfront investment that may or may not be fully offset by improvements in clinical practice, health outcomes and/or reductions in health service utilisation. The present study estimates the cost and cost-effectiveness of the NET intervention, as compared to the passive dissemination of the guideline, to evaluate whether any improvements in clinical practice or health outcomes due to the NET intervention can be obtained at an acceptable cost. METHODS AND FINDINGS Study setting: The NET cluster randomised controlled trial [ACTRN12612001286831]. STUDY SAMPLE Seventeen EDs were randomised to the control condition and 14 to the intervention. One thousand nine hundred forty-three patients were included in the analysis of clinical practice outcomes (NET sample). A total of 343 patients from 14 control and 10 intervention EDs participated in follow-up interviews and were included in the analysis of patient-reported health outcomes (NET-Plus sample). OUTCOME MEASURES Appropriate post-traumatic amnesia (PTA) screening in the ED (primary outcome). Secondary clinical practice outcomes: provision of written information on discharge (INFO) and safe discharge (defined as CT scan appropriately provided plus PTA plus INFO). Secondary patient-reported, post-discharge health outcomes: anxiety (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), post-concussive symptoms (Rivermead), and preference-based health-related quality of life (SF6D). METHODS Trial-based economic evaluations from a health sector perspective, with time horizons set to coincide with the final follow-up for the NET sample (2 months post-intervention) and to 1-month post-discharge for the NET-Plus sample. RESULTS Intervention and control groups were not significantly different in health service utilisation received in the ED/inpatient ward following the initial mTBI presentation (adjusted mean difference $23.86 per patient; 95%CI - $106, $153; p = 0.719) or over the longer follow-up in the NET-plus sample (adjusted mean difference $341.78 per patient; 95%CI - $58, $742; p = 0.094). Savings from lower health service utilisation are therefore unlikely to offset the significantly higher upfront cost of the intervention (mean difference $138.20 per patient; 95%CI $135, $141; p < 0.000). Estimates of the net effect of the intervention on total cost (intervention cost net of health service utilisation) suggest that the intervention entails significantly higher costs than the control condition (adjusted mean difference $169.89 per patient; 95%CI $43, $297, p = 0.009). This effect is larger in absolute magnitude over the longer follow-up in the NET-plus sample (adjusted mean difference $505.06; 95%CI $96, $915; p = 0.016), mostly due to additional health service utilisation. For the primary outcome, the NET intervention is more costly and more effective than passive dissemination; entailing an additional cost of $1246 per additional patient appropriately screened for PTA ($169.89/0.1363; Fieller's 95%CI $525, $2055). For NET to be considered cost-effective with 95% confidence, decision-makers would need to be willing to trade one quality-adjusted life year (QALY) for 25 additional patients appropriately screened for PTA. While these results reflect our best estimate of cost-effectiveness given the data, it is possible that a NET intervention that has been scaled and streamlined ready for wider roll-out may be more or less cost-effective than the NET intervention as delivered in the trial. CONCLUSIONS While the NET intervention does improve the management of mTBI in the ED, it also entails a significant increase in cost and-as delivered in the trial-is unlikely to be cost-effective at currently accepted funding thresholds. There may be a scope for a scaled-up and streamlined NET intervention to achieve a better balance between costs and outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12612001286831 , date registered 12 December 2012.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duncan Mortimer
- Centre for Health Economics, Monash Business School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Marije Bosch
- Department of Surgery, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,National Trauma Research Institute, Alfred Hospital and Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Joanne E Mckenzie
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Simon Turner
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Marisa Chau
- Department of Surgery, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,National Trauma Research Institute, Alfred Hospital and Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jennie L Ponsford
- Monash-Epworth Rehabilitation Research Centre, Epworth Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.,School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jonathan C Knott
- Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Emergency Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Russell L Gruen
- National Trauma Research Institute, Alfred Hospital and Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Melbourne, Singapore
| | - Sally E Green
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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14
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Isokuortti H, Iverson GL, Silverberg ND, Kataja A, Brander A, Öhman J, Luoto TM. Characterizing the type and location of intracranial abnormalities in mild traumatic brain injury. J Neurosurg 2018; 129:1588-1597. [PMID: 29328003 DOI: 10.3171/2017.7.jns17615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2017] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVEThe incidence of intracranial abnormalities after mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) varies widely across studies. This study describes the characteristics of intracranial abnormalities (acute/preexisting) in a large representative sample of head-injured patients who underwent CT imaging in an emergency department.METHODSCT scans were systematically analyzed/coded in the TBI Common Data Elements framework. Logistic regression modeling was used to quantify risk factors for traumatic intracranial abnormalities in patients with mild TBIs. This cohort included all patients who were treated at the emergency department of the Tampere University Hospital (between 2010 and 2012) and who had undergone head CT imaging after suffering a suspected TBI (n = 3023), including 2766 with mild TBI and a reference group with moderate to severe TBI.RESULTSThe most common traumatic lesions seen on CT scans obtained in patients with mild TBIs and those with moderate to severe TBIs were subdural hematomas, subarachnoid hemorrhages, and contusions. Every sixth patient (16.1%) with mild TBI had an intracranial lesion compared with 5 of 6 patients (85.6%) in the group with moderate to severe TBI. The distribution of different types of acute traumatic lesions was similar among mild and moderate/severe TBI groups. Preexisting brain lesions were a more common CT finding among patients with mild TBIs than those with moderate to severe TBIs. Having a past traumatic lesion was associated with increased risk for an acute traumatic lesion but neurodegenerative and ischemic lesions were not. A lower Glasgow Coma Scale score, male sex, older age, falls, and chronic alcohol abuse were associated with higher risk of acute intracranial lesion in patients with mild TBI.CONCLUSIONSThese findings underscore the heterogeneity of neuropathology associated with the mild TBI classification. Preexisting brain lesions are common in patients with mild TBI, and the incidence of preexisting lesions increases with age. Acute traumatic lesions are fairly common in patients with mild TBI; every sixth patient had a positive CT scan. Older adults (especially men) who fall represent a susceptible group for acute CT-positive TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Grant L Iverson
- 2Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School
- 6Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
- 7Sports Concussion Program, MassGeneral Hospital for Children; and
- 8Home Base, A Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Program, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Noah D Silverberg
- 2Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School
- 3Department of Medicine, Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of British Columbia; and
- 8Home Base, A Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Program, Boston, Massachusetts
- 9GF Strong Rehab Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Anneli Kataja
- 4Medical Imaging Centre, Department of Radiology, and
| | - Antti Brander
- 4Medical Imaging Centre, Department of Radiology, and
| | - Juha Öhman
- 5Department of Neurosurgery, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Teemu M Luoto
- 5Department of Neurosurgery, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
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15
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Gerritsen H, Samim M, Peters H, Schers H, van de Laar FA. Incidence, course and risk factors of head injury: a retrospective cohort study. BMJ Open 2018; 8:e020364. [PMID: 29858414 PMCID: PMC5988084 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-020364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the incidence of head injury and predictors of complication across the care continuum. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study using data from a research network. We calculated the incidence of overall head injury in a longitudinal cohort covering 1-year interval (31 369 patient-years), and the incidence of complicated head injury in a longitudinal cohort covering 10 years interval (220 352 patient-ears). Incidence rates were calculated per 1000 patient-years with 95% CI using the Mid-P exact test. We calculated ORs to assess potential risk factors for a complicated head injury. SETTING A practice-based research network covering a population of >30 000 patients. PARTICIPANTS All patients listed in practices within the research network during the years 2005-2014. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Incidence of (complicated) head injury and predictors for clinical complications. RESULTS The incidence of overall head injury was 22.1 per 1000 person-years and the incidence of a complicated course following head injury was 0.16 per 1000 person-years. The following determinants were risk factors for a complicated course: high energy trauma, bicycle accident, traffic accident in general, use of anticoagulants, alcohol intoxication, age above 60 years and low Glasgow Coma Scale at initial presentation. A complicated course was very unlikely when the patients' first encounter with a healthcare professional was in primary care (OR 0.03, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.07). CONCLUSIONS Complication after head injury are rarely seen in general practice. Patients who do experience complications are often easily identifiable as requiring specialist care. A more reserved referral policy for general practice may be desirable, suggesting that current guidelines are too defensive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herman Gerritsen
- Primary Care Center, Geert Groote Huisartsengroepspraktijk, Zwolle, The Netherlands
| | - Mariam Samim
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, The Netherlands
| | - Hans Peters
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, The Netherlands
| | - Henk Schers
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, The Netherlands
| | - Floris A van de Laar
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, The Netherlands
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16
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Borland ML, Dalziel SR, Phillips N, Dalton S, Lyttle MD, Bressan S, Oakley E, Hearps SJC, Kochar A, Furyk J, Cheek JA, Neutze J, Babl FE. Vomiting With Head Trauma and Risk of Traumatic Brain Injury. Pediatrics 2018; 141:peds.2017-3123. [PMID: 29599113 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2017-3123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the prevalence of traumatic brain injuries in children who vomit after head injury and identify variables from published clinical decision rules (CDRs) that predict increased risk. METHODS Secondary analysis of the Australasian Paediatric Head Injury Rule Study. Vomiting characteristics were assessed and correlated with CDR predictors and the presence of clinically important traumatic brain injury (ciTBI) or traumatic brain injury on computed tomography (TBI-CT). Isolated vomiting was defined as vomiting without other CDR predictors. RESULTS Of the 19 920 children enrolled, 3389 (17.0%) had any vomiting, with 2446 (72.2%) >2 years of age. In 172 patients with ciTBI, 76 had vomiting (44.2%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 36.9%-51.7%), and in 285 with TBI-CT, 123 had vomiting (43.2%; 95% CI 37.5%-49.0%). With isolated vomiting, only 1 (0.3%; 95% CI 0.0%-0.9%) had ciTBI and 2 (0.6%; 95% CI 0.0%-1.4%) had TBI-CT. Predictors of increased risk of ciTBI with vomiting by using multivariate regression were as follows: signs of skull fracture (odds ratio [OR] 80.1; 95% CI 43.4-148.0), altered mental status (OR 2.4; 95% CI 1.0-5.5), headache (OR 2.3; 95% CI 1.3-4.1), and acting abnormally (OR 1.86; 95% CI 1.0-3.4). Additional features predicting TBI-CT were as follows: skull fracture (OR 112.96; 95% CI 66.76-191.14), nonaccidental injury concern (OR 6.75; 95% CI 1.54-29.69), headache (OR 2.55; 95% CI 1.52-4.27), and acting abnormally (OR 1.83; 95% CI 1.10-3.06). CONCLUSIONS TBI-CT and ciTBI are uncommon in children presenting with head injury with isolated vomiting, and a management strategy of observation without immediate computed tomography appears appropriate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith L Borland
- Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, Perth, Australia; .,Division of Paediatrics and Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia
| | - Stuart R Dalziel
- Starship Children's Health, Auckland, New Zealand.,Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Natalie Phillips
- Lady Cilento Children's Hospital, South Brisbane, Australia.,Child Health Research Centre, School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Sarah Dalton
- The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mark D Lyttle
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, Bristol, United Kingdom.,Academic Department of Emergency Care, University of the West of England, Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Silvia Bressan
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Ed Oakley
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Amit Kochar
- Women's and Children's Hospital, North Adelaide, Australia
| | - Jeremy Furyk
- The Townsville Hospital, Townsville, Australia; and
| | - John A Cheek
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Franz E Babl
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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17
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Panenka WJ, Lange RT, Bouix S, Shewchuk JR, Heran MKS, Brubacher JR, Eckbo R, Shenton ME, Iverson GL. Neuropsychological outcome and diffusion tensor imaging in complicated versus uncomplicated mild traumatic brain injury. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0122746. [PMID: 25915776 PMCID: PMC4411162 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0122746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2014] [Accepted: 02/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examined whether intracranial neuroimaging abnormalities in those with mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) (i.e., “complicated” MTBIs) are associated with worse subacute outcomes as measured by cognitive testing, symptom ratings, and/or diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). We hypothesized that (i) as a group, participants with complicated MTBIs would report greater symptoms and have worse neurocognitive outcomes than those with uncomplicated MTBI, and (ii) as a group, participants with complicated MTBIs would show more Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) abnormalities. Participants were 62 adults with MTBIs (31 complicated and 31 uncomplicated) who completed neurocognitive testing, symptom ratings, and DTI on a 3T MRI scanner approximately 6-8 weeks post injury. There were no statistically significant differences between groups on symptom ratings or on a broad range of neuropsychological tests. When comparing the groups using tract-based spatial statistics for DTI, no significant difference was found for axial diffusivity or mean diffusivity. However, several brain regions demonstrated increased radial diffusivity (purported to measure myelin integrity), and decreased fractional anisotropy in the complicated group compared with the uncomplicated group. Finally, when we extended the DTI analysis, using a multivariate atlas based approach, to 32 orthopedic trauma controls (TC), the findings did not reveal significantly more areas of abnormal DTI signal in the complicated vs. uncomplicated groups, although both MTBI groups had a greater number of areas with increased radial diffusivity compared with the trauma controls. This study illustrates that macrostructural neuroimaging changes following MTBI are associated with measurable changes in DTI signal. Of note, however, the division of MTBI into complicated and uncomplicated subtypes did not predict worse clinical outcome at 6-8 weeks post injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- William J. Panenka
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - Rael T. Lange
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Sylvain Bouix
- Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Brigham Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jason R. Shewchuk
- Department of Radiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Manraj K. S. Heran
- Department of Radiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Jeffrey R. Brubacher
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Ryan Eckbo
- Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Brigham Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Martha E. Shenton
- Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Brigham Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- VA Boston Healthcare System, Brockton, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Grant L. Iverson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, & Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Home Base Program, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
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18
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Bosch M, McKenzie JE, Mortimer D, Tavender EJ, Francis JJ, Brennan SE, Knott JC, Ponsford JL, Pearce A, O'Connor DA, Grimshaw JM, Rosenfeld JV, Gruen RL, Green SE. Implementing evidence-based recommended practices for the management of patients with mild traumatic brain injuries in Australian emergency care departments: study protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial. Trials 2014; 15:281. [PMID: 25012235 PMCID: PMC4107995 DOI: 10.1186/1745-6215-15-281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2014] [Accepted: 06/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mild head injuries commonly present to emergency departments. The challenges facing clinicians in emergency departments include identifying which patients have traumatic brain injury, and which patients can safely be sent home. Traumatic brain injuries may exist with subtle symptoms or signs, but can still lead to adverse outcomes. Despite the existence of several high quality clinical practice guidelines, internationally and in Australia, research shows inconsistent implementation of these recommendations. The aim of this trial is to test the effectiveness of a targeted, theory- and evidence-informed implementation intervention to increase the uptake of three key clinical recommendations regarding the emergency department management of adult patients (18 years of age or older) who present following mild head injuries (concussion), compared with passive dissemination of these recommendations. The primary objective is to establish whether the intervention is effective in increasing the percentage of patients for which appropriate post-traumatic amnesia screening is performed. Methods/design The design of this study is a cluster randomised trial. We aim to include 34 Australian 24-hour emergency departments, which will be randomised to an intervention or control group. Control group departments will receive a copy of the most recent Australian evidence-based clinical practice guideline on the acute management of patients with mild head injuries. The intervention group will receive an implementation intervention based on an analysis of influencing factors, which include local stakeholder meetings, identification of nursing and medical opinion leaders in each site, a train-the-trainer day and standardised education and interactive workshops delivered by the opinion leaders during a 3 month period of time. Clinical practice outcomes will be collected retrospectively from medical records by independent chart auditors over the 2 month period following intervention delivery (patient level outcomes). In consenting hospitals, eligible patients will be recruited for a follow-up telephone interview conducted by trained researchers. A cost-effectiveness analysis and process evaluation using mixed-methods will be conducted. Sample size calculations are based on including 30 patients on average per department. Outcome assessors will be blinded to group allocation. Trial registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12612001286831 (date registered 12 December 2012).
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Affiliation(s)
- Marije Bosch
- Department of Surgery, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
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19
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Jalali A, Buckley EM, Lynch JM, Schwab PJ, Licht DJ, Nataraj C. Prediction of periventricular leukomalacia occurrence in neonates after heart surgery. IEEE J Biomed Health Inform 2014; 18:1453-60. [PMID: 24122606 PMCID: PMC4122287 DOI: 10.1109/jbhi.2013.2285011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
This paper is concerned with predicting the occurrence of periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) using vital and blood gas data which are collected over a period of 12 h after the neonatal cardiac surgery. A data mining approach has been employed to generate a set of rules for classification of subjects as healthy or PVL affected. In view of the fact that blood gas and vital data have different sampling rates, in this study we have divided the data into two categories: 1) high resolution (vital), and 2) low resolution (blood gas), and designed a separate classifier based on each data category. The developed algorithm is composed of several stages; first, a feature pool has been extracted from each data category and the extracted features have been ranked based on the data reliability and their mutual information content with the output. An optimal feature subset with the highest discriminative capability has been formed using simultaneous maximization of the class separability measure and mutual information of a set. Two separate decision trees (DTs) have been developed for the classification purpose and more importantly to discover hidden relationships that exist among the data to help us better understand PVL pathophysiology. The DT result shows that high amplitude 20 min variations and low sample entropy in the vital data and the defined out of range index as well as maximum rate of change in blood gas data are important factors for PVL prediction. Low sample entropy represents lack of variability in hemodynamic measurement, and constant blood pressure with small fluctuations is an important indicator of PVL occurrence. Finally, using the different time frames of data collection, we show that the first 6 h of data contain sufficient information for PVL occurrence prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Jalali
- PhD candidate at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Villanova University, Villanova, PA, 19085 USA
| | - Erin M. Buckley
- Post-Doctoral researcher at the Neurovascular Imaging Lab, Division of Child Neurology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19140 USA
| | - Jennifer M. Lynch
- PhD candidate at the Neurovascular Imaging Lab, Division of Child Neurology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19140 USA
| | - Peter J. Schwab
- Neurovascular Imaging Lab, Division of Child Neurology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19140 USA
| | - Daniel J. Licht
- Director of the Neurovascular Imaging Lab, Division of Child Neurology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19140 USA
| | - C Nataraj
- Mrs. and Mr. Mortiz, Sr. Endowed Professor in Engineered Systems and Chair of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Villanova University, Villanova, PA, 19085 USA
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