Are initial radiographic and clinical scales associated with subsequent intracranial pressure and brain oxygen levels after severe traumatic brain injury?

Prediction of Mortality and Morbidity After Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: A Comparison Between Rotterdam and Richmond Computed Tomography Scan Scoring System

OBJECTIVE

Accurate prediction of the morbidity and mortality outcomes of traumatic brain injury patients is still challenging. In the present study, we aimed to compare the predictive value of the Richmond and Rotterdam scoring systems as two novel computed tomography-based predictive models.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 1400 subjects who suffered from severe traumatic brain injury and were admitted to Emtiaz Hospital, a tertiary referral trauma center in Shiraz, south of Iran, from January 2018 to December 2019. We evaluated the 1-month results; considering two primary factors: mortality and morbidity. The patients' condition was the basis for this assessment. We conducted a logistic regression analysis to determine the association between scoring systems and outcomes. To determine the optimal threshold value, we utilized the receiver operating characteristic curve model.

RESULTS

The mean age of participants was 36.61 ± 17.58 years, respectively. Concerning predicting the mortality rate, the area under the curve (AUC) for the Rotterdam score was relatively low 0.64 (95% confidence interval: 0.60, 0.67), while the Richmond score had a higher AUC 0.74 (0.71-0.77), which demonstrated the superiority of this scoring system. Moreover, the Richmond score was more accurate for predicting 1-month morbidity with AUC: 0.71 (0.69, 0.74) versus 0.62 (0.59, 0.65).

CONCLUSIONS

The Richmond scoring system demonstrated more accurate predictions for the present outcomes. The simplicity and predictive value of the Richmond score make this system an ideal option for use in emergency settings and centers with high patient loads.

Prognostic Value of Different Computed Tomography Scoring Systems in Patients With Severe Traumatic Brain Injury Undergoing Decompressive Craniectomy

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we investigate the preoperative and postoperative computed tomography (CT) scores in severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients undergoing decompressive craniectomy (DC) and compare their predictive accuracy.

METHODS

Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine the relationship between CT score (preoperative and postoperative) and mortality at 30 days after injury. The discriminatory power of preoperative and postoperative CT score was assessed by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).

RESULTS

Multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for the established predictors of TBI outcomes showed that preoperative Rotterdam CT score (odds ratio [OR], 3.60; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13-11.50; P = 0.030), postoperative Rotterdam CT score (OR, 4.17; 95% CI, 1.63-10.66; P = 0.003), preoperative Stockholm CT score (OR, 3.41; 95% CI, 1.42-8.18; P = 0.006), postoperative Stockholm CT score (OR, 4.50; 95% CI, 1.60-12.64; P = 0.004), preoperative Helsinki CT score (OR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.03-2.02; P = 0.031), and postoperative Helsinki CT score (OR, 2.55; 95% CI, 1.32-4.95; P = 0.005) were significantly associated with mortality. The performance of the postoperative Rotterdam CT score was superior to the preoperative Rotterdam CT score (AUC, 0.82-0.97 vs 0.71-0.91). The postoperative Stockholm CT score was superior to the preoperative Stockholm CT score (AUC, 0.76-0.94 vs 0.72-0.92). The postoperative Helsinki CT score was superior to the preoperative Helsinki CT score (AUC, 0.88-0.99 vs 0.65-0.87).

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, assessing the CT score before and after DC may be more precise and efficient for predicting early mortality in severe TBI patients who undergo DC.

Head CT for the intensivist: 10 tips and pearls

Head imaging is an essential diagnostic tool for the management of patients with most acute neurological emergencies involving the brain. While numerous modalities including magnetic resonance imaging and catheter angiography play a role, computed tomography (CT) of the brain is far and away the most widely utilized technique because of its widespread availability and the fact that it is usually easier to implement in critically ill and potentially unstable patients. CT is particularly useful in identifying acute intracranial hemorrhage and this makes it often indispensable in the management of patients with traumatic brain injury and hemorrhagic stroke. However, shortcomings in identifying early ischemia on non-contrast CT mean that care must be taken in considering findings early after symptom onset, with newer CT sequences such as CT angiography and CT perfusion adding value. The critical role played by intensivist in managing neurocritical care patients necessitates familiarity and ability with viewing and understanding the advantages and shortcomings of head CT imaging and under which circumstances other modalities may be appropriate to obtain. This manuscript provides ten different circumstances commonly encountered in neurocritical care and how intensivists can use CT for the benefit of their patients.

Prediction of early mortality after primary decompressive craniectomy in patients with severe traumatic brain injury

Objectives

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a worldwide major health problem associated with a high rate of morbidity and mortality. Intracranial hypertension following TBI is the main but not the only cause of early mortality. Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is used to decrease the intracranial pressure (ICP) and prevent brain herniation following TBI; however, the clinical outcome after DC for patients with TBI generates continuous debate. Prediction of early mortality after DC will help in making the surgery decision.

The aim of this study is to predict early mortality after DC based on the initial clinical and radiological findings.

Methods

In this study, 104 patients with severe traumatic brain injury have been treated by decompressive craniectomy and were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups; group I involved 32 patients who died within 28 days while group II involved 72 patients who survived after 28 days. The relationship between initial Glasgow Coma Scale score (GCS), pupil size and reactivity, associated injuries, and radiological findings were analyzed as predictor factors for early mortality.

Results

A total of 104 patients with severe TBI have been treated by DC and were analyzed; the early mortality occurred in 32 patients, 30.77%. There is a significant difference between groups in gender, mean GCS, Marshall scale, presence of isochoric pupils, and lung injury.

After stratification, odds of early mortality increases with the lower GCS, higher Marshall scale, lung injury, and abdominal injury while male gender and the presence of isochoric pupils decrease the odds of mortality. After univariate regression, the significant impact of GCS disappears except for GCS-8 which decreases the odds of mortality in comparison to other GCS scores while higher Marshall scale, presence of isochoric pupils, and lung injury increase the odds of mortality, but most of these effects disappear after multiple regressions except for lung injury and isochoric pupils.

Conclusion

Prediction of early mortality after DC is multifactorial, but the odds of early mortality after decompressive craniectomy in severe traumatic brain injury are progressively increased with the lower GCS, higher Marshall scale, and the presence of lung or abdominal injury.

A Novel INCNS Score for Prediction of Mortality and Functional Outcome of Comatose Patients

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to verify the veracity and reliability of the INCNS score for prediction of neurological ICU (NICU) mortality and 3-month functional outcome and mortality in comatose patients.

Methods: In this prospective study, data of the patients admitted to NICU from January 2013 to January 2019 were collected for validation. The 3-month functional outcomes were evaluated using modified Rankin Scale (mRS). By using the receiver operating characteristics curve (ROC) analysis, we compared the INCNS score with Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), Full Outline of Un-Responsiveness Score (FOUR) and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) for assessment of the predictive performance of these scales for 3-month functional outcome and mortality and NICU mortality performed at 24- and 72-h after admission to the NICU.

Results: Totally 271 patients were used for evaluation; the INCNS score achieved an AUC (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve) of 0.766 (95% CI: 0.711–0.815) and 0.824 (95% CI: 0.774–0.868) for unfavorable functional outcomes, an AUC of 0.848 (95% CI: 0.800–0.889) and 0.892 (95% CI: 0.848–0.926) for NICU mortality, and an AUC of 0.811 (95% CI: 0.760–0.856) and 0.832 (95% CI: 0.782–0.874) for the 3-month mortality after discharge from the NICU at 24- and 72-h. The INCNS score exhibited a significantly better predictive performance of mortality and 3-month functional outcomes than FOUR and GCS. There was no significant difference in predicting NICU mortality and 3-month functional outcomes between INCNS and APACHE II, but INCNS had better predictive performance of 3-month mortality than APACHE II.

Conclusions: The INCNS score could be used for predicting the functional outcomes and mortality rate of comatose patients.

Early Head Computed Tomography Abnormalities Associated with Elevated Intracranial Pressure in Severe Traumatic Brain Injury

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring is recommended in severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI), yet invasive monitoring has risks, and many patients do not develop elevated ICP. Tools to identify patients at risk for ICP elevation are limited. We aimed to identify early radiologic biomarkers of ICP elevation.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, we analyzed a prospectively enrolled cohort of patients with a sTBI at an academic level 1 trauma center. Inclusion criteria were nonpenetrating TBI, age ≥16 years, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score ≤8, and presence of an ICP monitor. Two independent reviewers manually evaluated 30 prespecified features on serial head computed tomography (CTs). Patient characteristics and radiologic features were correlated with elevated ICP. The primary outcome was clinically relevant ICP elevation, defined as ICP ≥ 20 mm Hg on at least 5 or more hourly recordings during postinjury days 0-7 with concurrent administration of an ICP-lowering treatment.

RESULTS

Among 111 sTBI patients, the median GCS was 6 (interquartile range 3-8), and 45% had elevated ICP. Features associated with elevated ICP were younger age (every 10-year decrease, odds ratio [OR] 1.4), modified Fisher scale (mFS) score at 0-4 hours postinjury (every 1 point, OR 1.8), and combined volume of contusional hemorrhage and peri-hematoma edema (10 ml, OR 1.2) at 4-18 hours postinjury.

CONCLUSIONS

Younger age, mFS score, and volume of contusion are associated with ICP elevation in patients with a sTBI. Imaging features may stratify patients by their risk of subsequent ICP elevation.

Emergency Neurological Life Support: Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) was chosen as an Emergency Neurological Life Support topic due to its frequency, the impact of early intervention on outcomes for patients with TBI, and the need for an organized approach to the care of such patients within the emergency setting. This protocol was designed to enumerate the practice steps that should be considered within the first critical hour of neurological injury.

Sequential changes in Rotterdam CT scores related to outcomes for patients with traumatic brain injury who undergo decompressive craniectomy

OBJECT

Rotterdam CT scoring is a CT classification system for grouping patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) based on multiple CT characteristics. This retrospective study aimed to determine the relationship between initial or preoperative Rotterdam CT scores and TBI prognosis after decompressive craniectomy (DC).

METHODS

The authors retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all consecutive patients who underwent DC for nonpenetrating TBI in 2 hospitals from January 2006 through December 2013. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were used to determine the relationship between initial or preoperative Rotterdam CT scores and mortality at 30 days or Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) scores at least 3 months after the time of injury. Unfavorable outcomes were GOS Scores 1–3 and favorable outcomes were GOS Scores 4 and 5.

RESULTS

A total of 48 cases involving patients who underwent DC for TBI were included in this study. Univariate analyses showed that initial Rotterdam CT scores were significantly associated with mortality and both initial and preoperative Rotterdam CT scores were significantly associated with unfavorable outcomes. Multivariable logistic regression analysis adjusted for established predictors of TBI outcomes showed that initial Rotterdam CT scores were significantly associated with mortality (OR 4.98, 95% CI 1.40–17.78, p = 0.01) and unfavorable outcomes (OR 3.66, 95% CI 1.29–10.39, p = 0.02) and preoperative Rotterdam CT scores were significantly associated with unfavorable outcomes (OR 15.29, 95% CI 2.50–93.53, p = 0.003). ROC curve analyses showed cutoff values for the initial Rotterdam CT score of 5.5 (area under the curve [AUC] 0.74, 95% CI 0.59–0.90, p = 0.009, sensitivity 50.0%, and specificity 88.2%) for mortality and 4.5 (AUC 0.71, 95% CI 0.56–0.86, p = 0.02, sensitivity 62.5%, and specificity 75.0%) for an unfavorable outcome and a cutoff value for the preoperative Rotterdam CT score of 4.5 (AUC 0.81, 95% CI 0.69–0.94, p < 0.001, sensitivity 90.6%, and specificity 56.2%) for an unfavorable outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Assessment of changes in Rotterdam CT scores over time may serve as a prognostic indicator in TBI and can help determine which patients require DC.

Intraventricular hemorrhage on initial computed tomography as marker of diffuse axonal injury after traumatic brain injury

Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) on initial computed tomography (CT) was reported to predict lesions of diffuse axonal injury (DAI) in the corpus callosum (CC) on subsequent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We aimed to examine the relationship between initial CT findings and DAI lesions detected on MRI as well as the relationship between the severity of IVH (IVH score) and severity of DAI (DAI staging). A consecutive 140 patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) who underwent MRI within 30 days after onset were revisited. We reviewed their initial CT for the following six findings: Status of basal cistern, status of mid-line shift, epidural hematoma, IVH, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and volume of hemorrhagic mass and IVH score were assigned in each patient. Based on MRI findings, patients were divided into DAI and non-DAI groups and were assigned a DAI staging. Then, to confirm that the IVH on initial CT predicts DAI lesions on MRI, we used multi-variate analysis of the six CT findings, including IVH, and examined the relationship between IVH score and DAI staging. The IVH detected on CT was the only predictor of DAI (p=0.0139). The IVH score and DAI staging showed significant positive correlation (p<0.0003). IVH score in DAI stage 3 (with DAI involving the brain stem; p=0.0025) or stage 2 (with DAI involving CC; p=0.0042) was significantly higher than that of DAI stage 0 (no DAI lesions). In conclusion, IVH on initial CT is the only marker of DAI on subsequent MRI, specifically severe DAI (stage 2 or 3).

Early CT findings to predict early death in patients with traumatic brain injury: Marshall and Rotterdam CT scoring systems compared in the major academic tertiary care hospital in northeastern Japan

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

Computed tomography (CT) plays a crucial role in early assessment of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Marshall and Rotterdam are the mostly used scoring systems, in which CT findings are grouped differently. We sought to determine the scoring system and initial CT findings predicting the death at hospital discharge (early death) in patients with TBI.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We included 245 consecutive adult patients with mild-to-severe TBI. Their initial CT and status at hospital discharge (dead or alive) were reviewed, and both CT scores were calculated. We examined whether each score was related to early death; compared the two scoring systems' performance in predicting early death, and identified the CT findings that are independent predictors of early death.

RESULTS

More deaths occurred among patients with higher Marshall and Rotterdam scores (both P < .05, Mann-Whitney U test). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUCs) indicated that both scoring systems had similarly good discriminative power in predicting early death (Marshall, AUC = 0. 85 vs. Rotterdam, AUC = 0.85). Basal cistern absence (odds ratio [OR] = 771.5, P < .0001), positive midline shift (OR = 56.2, P = .0011), hemorrhagic mass volume ≥25 mL (OR = 12.9, P = .0065), and intraventricular or subarachnoid hemorrhage (OR = 3.8, P = .0395) were independent predictors of early death.

CONCLUSIONS

Both Marshall and Rotterdam scoring systems can be used to predict early death in patients with TBI. The performance of the Marshall score is at least equal to that of the Rotterdam score. Thus, although older, the Marshall score remains useful in predicting patients' prognosis.

Computed tomography characteristics in pediatric versus adult traumatic brain injury

OBJECT

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of injury, hospitalization, and death among pediatric patients. Admission CT scans play an important role in classifying TBI and directing clinical care, but little is known about the differences in CT findings between pediatric and adult patients. The aim of this study was to determine if radiographic differences exist between adult and pediatric TBI.

METHODS

The authors retrospectively analyzed TBI registry data from 1206 consecutive patients with nonpenetrating TBI treated at a Level 1 adult and pediatric trauma center over a 30-month period.

RESULTS

The distribution of sex, race, and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score was not significantly different between the adult and pediatric populations; however, the distribution of CT findings was significantly different. Pediatric patients with TBI were more likely to have skull fractures (OR 3.21, p < 0.01) and epidural hematomas (OR 1.96, p < 0.01). Pediatric TBI was less likely to be associated with contusion, subdural hematoma, subarachnoid hemorrhage, or compression of the basal cisterns (p < 0.05). Rotterdam CT scores were significantly lower in the pediatric population (2.3 vs 2.6, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

There are significant differences in the CT findings in pediatric versus adult TBI, despite statistical similarities with regard to clinical severity of injury as measured by the GCS. These differences may be due to anatomical characteristics, the biomechanics of injury, and/or differences in injury mechanisms between pediatric and adult patients. The unique characteristics of pediatric TBI warrant consideration when formulating a clinical trial design or predicting functional outcome using prognostic models developed from adult TBI data.

Physiological monitoring of the severe traumatic brain injury patient in the intensive care unit

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite encouraging animal research, pharmacological agents and neuroprotectants have disappointed in the clinical environment. Current TBI management therefore is directed towards identification, prevention, and treatment of secondary cerebral insults that are known to exacerbate outcome after injury. This strategy is based on a variety of monitoring techniques that include the neurological examination, imaging, laboratory analysis, and physiological monitoring of the brain and other organ systems used to guide therapeutic interventions. Recent clinical series suggest that TBI management informed by multimodality monitoring is associated with improved patient outcome, in part because care is provided in a patient-specific manner. In this review we discuss physiological monitoring of the brain after TBI and the emerging field of neurocritical care bioinformatics.

Emergency neurological life support: traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) was chosen as an Emergency Neurological Life Support topic due to its frequency, the impact of early intervention on outcomes for patients with TBI, and the need for an organized approach to the care of such patients within the emergency setting. This protocol was designed to enumerate the practice steps that should be considered within the first critical hour of neurological injury.