1
|
Alhourani A, Stephenson TL, Bridwell EM, Danehower SE, Walek KW, Smith JW, Sieg E. Coagulopathy in Penetrating Ballistic Cranial Trauma: A 7-Year Experience. Neurosurgery 2024:00006123-990000000-01221. [PMID: 38899908 DOI: 10.1227/neu.0000000000002995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Penetrating ballistic cranial trauma (PBCT) carries significant mortality when compared with blunt trauma. The development of coagulopathy in PBCT is a strong predictor of mortality. The goal of the study was to describe the incidence and risk factors of coagulopathy in PBCT and to report the value of tranexamic acid administration in PBCT. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed 270 patients who presented with PBCT to a single, Level 1 trauma center between 2016 and 2023. RESULTS A total of 47% (127/270) of patients with PBCT developed coagulopathy at presentation. Fifty-seven patients received tranexamic acid at presentation, which did not affect the development of coagulopathy. Coagulopathic patients were more likely to have more serious injury patterns (bihemispheric [adjusted odds ratio, aOR: 2.6 CI: 1.4-4.9, P = .004] or transventricular trajectories [aOR: 4.9 CI: 1.9-19.6, P = .03]). In addition, they presented with a larger base deficit (aOR: 0.9 CI: 1.002-1.2 per mEq/L, P = .006) which negatively correlated with the international normalized ratio (ρ: -0.46, P < .0001, Spearman correlation). Using thromboelastography helped to identify an additional 20% of patients who presented with normal coagulation on conventional testing. CONCLUSION Coagulopathy is prevalent in approximately 50% of patients with PBCT and is persistent despite treatment in a substantial subset of patients. The addition of thromboelastography with its increased coagulopathy sensitivity can potentially guide treatment more efficiently than traditional coagulopathy laboratory tests and fibrinogen alone. Patients with a significant base deficit on arterial blood gas are at higher risk for coagulopathy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Alhourani
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Tyler L Stephenson
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | | | - Sarah E Danehower
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Konrad W Walek
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Jason W Smith
- Department of General Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Emily Sieg
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Reyes G, Gadot R, Ouellette L, Nouri SH, Gopinath SP, Patel AJ. Firearm-Related Traumatic Brain Injuries in Adults: A Scoping Review. Neurosurgery 2024; 94:229-239. [PMID: 37878414 DOI: 10.1227/neu.0000000000002734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Firearm-related traumatic brain injury (TBI) has emerged as a significant public health issue in the United States, coinciding with a rapid increase in gun-related deaths. This scoping review aims to update our understanding of firearm-related TBI in adult populations. METHODS A comprehensive search of 6 online databases yielded 22 studies that met the inclusion criteria. The reviewed studies predominantly focused on young adult men who were victims of assault, although other vulnerable populations were also affected. RESULTS Key factors in evaluating patients with firearm-related TBI included low Glasgow Coma Scale scores, central nervous system involvement, hypotension, and coagulopathies at presentation. Poor outcomes in firearm-related TBIs were influenced by various factors, including the location and trajectory of the gunshot wound, hypercoagulability, hemodynamic instability, insurance status, and specific clinical findings at hospital admission. CONCLUSION Proposed interventions aimed to reduce the incidence and mortality of penetrating TBIs, including medical interventions such as coagulopathy reversal and changes to prehospital stabilization procedures. However, further research is needed to demonstrate the effectiveness of these interventions. The findings of this scoping review hope to inform future policy research, advocacy efforts, and the training of neurosurgeons and other treating clinicians in the management of firearm-related TBI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Reyes
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston , Texas , USA
- Texas Medical Center Library, Houston , Texas , USA
| | - Ron Gadot
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston , Texas , USA
- Texas Medical Center Library, Houston , Texas , USA
| | | | - Shervin H Nouri
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston , Texas , USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston , Texas , USA
- Texas Medical Center Library, Houston , Texas , USA
| | - Shankar P Gopinath
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston , Texas , USA
- Texas Medical Center Library, Houston , Texas , USA
| | - Akash J Patel
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston , Texas , USA
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston , Texas , USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston , Texas , USA
- Texas Medical Center Library, Houston , Texas , USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Persistent coagulopathy after gunshot traumatic brain injury: the importance of INR and the SPIN score. Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg 2022; 48:4813-4822. [PMID: 35732810 DOI: 10.1007/s00068-022-02009-7] [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: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Penetrating ballistic brain injury (gunshot traumatic brain injury or GTBI) is associated with a high mortality. Admission Glascow Coma Scale (GCS), injury severity score and neurological findings, cardiopulmonary instability, coagulopathy and radiological finding such as bullet trajectory and mass effect are shown to predict survival after GTBI. We aimed to examine the dynamics of the observed coagulopathy and its association with outcome. METHODS In this single-centered retrospective cohort study, we examined 88 patients with GTBI between 2015 and 2021. Variables analyzed include patient age; temperature, hemodynamic and respiratory variables, admission Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS); injury severity score (ISS); head abbreviated injury scale (AIS); Marshall, Rotterdam, SPIN and Baylor scores, and laboratory data including PTT, INR and platelet count. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was conducted to evaluate the performance of the predictive models. RESULTS The average age of our sample was 28.5 years and a majority were male subjects (92%). Fifty-four (62%) of the patients survived to discharge. The GCS score, as well as the motor, verbal, and eye-opening sub-scores were higher in survivors (P < 0.001). As was expected, radiologic findings including the Marshall and Rotterdam Scores were also associated with survival (P < 0.001). Although the ISS and Head AIS scores were higher (P < 0.001), extracranial injuries were not more prevalent in non-survivors (P= 0.567). Non-survivors had lower platelet counts and elevated PTT and INR (P < 0.001) on admission. PTT normalized within 24 h but INR continued to increase in non-survivors. SPIN score, which includes INR, was a better predictor for mortality than Rotterdam, Marshall, and Baylor etc. CONCLUSION: Progressively increasing INR after GTBI is associated with poor outcome and may indicate consumption coagulopathy from activation of the extrinsic pathway of coagulation and metabolic derangements that are triggered and sustained by the brain injury. The SPIN score, which incorporates INR as a major survival score component, outperforms other available prediction models for predicting outcome after GTBI.
Collapse
|
4
|
Loggini A, Kass-Hout T, Awad IA, El Ammar F, Kramer CL, Goldenberg FD, Lazaridis C, Mansour A. Case Report: Management of Traumatic Carotid-Cavernous Fistulas in the Acute Setting of Penetrating Brain Injury. Front Neurol 2022; 12:715955. [PMID: 35222224 PMCID: PMC8879509 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.715955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic carotid-cavernous fistulas (tCCFs) after penetrating brain injury (PBI) have been uncommonly described in the literature with little guidance on optimal treatment. In this case series, we present two patients with PBI secondary to gunshot wounds to the head who acutely developed tCCFs, and we review the lead-up to diagnosis in addition to the treatment of this condition. We highlight the importance of early cerebrovascular imaging as the clinical manifestations may be limited by poor neurological status and possibly concomitant injury. Definitive treatment should be attempted as soon as possible with embolization of the fistula, flow diversion via stenting of the fistula site, and, finally, vessel sacrifice as possible therapeutic options.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Loggini
- Neurosciences Intensive Care Unit, Department of Neurology, University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Tareq Kass-Hout
- Neurosciences Intensive Care Unit, Department of Neurology, University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences, Chicago, IL, United States
- Section of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Issam A. Awad
- Neurosciences Intensive Care Unit, Department of Neurology, University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences, Chicago, IL, United States
- Section of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Faten El Ammar
- Neurosciences Intensive Care Unit, Department of Neurology, University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Christopher L. Kramer
- Neurosciences Intensive Care Unit, Department of Neurology, University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences, Chicago, IL, United States
- Section of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Fernando D. Goldenberg
- Neurosciences Intensive Care Unit, Department of Neurology, University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences, Chicago, IL, United States
- Section of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Christos Lazaridis
- Neurosciences Intensive Care Unit, Department of Neurology, University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences, Chicago, IL, United States
- Section of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Ali Mansour
- Neurosciences Intensive Care Unit, Department of Neurology, University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences, Chicago, IL, United States
- Section of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences, Chicago, IL, United States
- *Correspondence: Ali Mansour
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Chen Y, Tian J, Chi B, Zhang S, Wei L, Wang S. Factors Associated with the Development of Coagulopathy after Open Traumatic Brain Injury. J Clin Med 2021; 11:jcm11010185. [PMID: 35011926 PMCID: PMC8745860 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11010185] [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: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The incidence of coagulopathy after open traumatic brain injury (TBI) is high. Coagulopathy can aggravate intracranial hemorrhage and further increase morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical characteristics of coagulopathy after open TBI and its relationship with the prognosis. Methods: This study retrospectively evaluated patients with isolated open TBI from December 2018 to December 2020. Coagulopathy was defined as international normalized ratio (INR) > 1.2, activated thromboplastin time (APTT) > 35 s, or platelet count <100,000/μL. We compared the relationship between the clinical, radiological, and laboratory parameters of patients with and without coagulopathy, and the outcome at discharge. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the risk factors associated with coagulopathy. We then compared the effects of treatment with and without TXA in open TBI patients with coagulopathy. Results: A total of 132 patients were included in the study; 46 patients developed coagulopathy. Patients with coagulopathy had significantly lower platelet levels (170.5 × 109/L vs. 216.5 × 109/L, p < 0.001), and significantly higher INR (1.14 vs. 1.02, p < 0.001) and APTT (30.5 s vs. 24.5 s, p < 0.001) compared to those with no coagulopathy. A Low Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, high neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), low platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and hyperglycemia at admission were significantly associated with the occurrence of coagulopathy. Conclusions: Coagulopathy often occurs after open TBI. Patients with a low GCS score, high NLR, low PLR, and hyperglycemia at admission are at greater risk of coagulopathy, and therefore of poor prognosis. The efficacy of TXA in open TBI patients with coagulopathy is unclear. In addition, these findings demonstrate that PLR may be a novel indicator for predicting coagulopathy.
Collapse
|
6
|
Civilian Firearm-Inflicted Brain Injury: Coagulopathy, Vascular Injuries, and Triage. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2021; 21:47. [PMID: 34244864 DOI: 10.1007/s11910-021-01131-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Civilian firearm-inflicted penetrating brain injury (PBI) carries high morbidity and mortality. Concurrently, the evidence base guiding management decisions remains limited. Faced with large volume of PBI patients, we have made observations in relation to coagulopathy and cerebrovascular injuries. We here review this literature in addition to the question about early prognostication as it may inform neurosurgical decision-making. RECENT FINDINGS The triad of coagulopathy, low motor score, and radiographic compression of basal cisterns comprises a phenotype of injury with exceedingly high mortality. PBI leads to high rates of cerebral arterial and venous injuries, and projectile trajectory is emerging as an independent predictor of outcome. The combination of coagulopathy with cerebrovascular injury creates a specific endophenotype. The nature and role of coagulopathy remain to be deciphered, and consideration to the use of tranexamic acid should be given. Prospective controlled trials are needed to create clinical evidence free of patient selection bias.
Collapse
|