Adolescent traumatic brain injuries: Onset, mechanism and links with current academic performance and physical injuries

Exploring the adaptability of TeachABI as an online professional development module for high school educators

Objective

Educators often lack the knowledge and resources to assist students with acquired brain injury (ABI). TeachABI, an education module, was created to help elementary school teachers support students with ABI in classrooms. This study examined the adaptability of TeachABI for high school educators.

Methods

A qualitative descriptive study explored high school educators' (n = 9) experiences reviewing TeachABI and its adaptability for high school through semi-structured interviews. The interview guide was informed by implementation and adaptation frameworks. Transcripts were examined using directed content analysis.

Results

Teachers felt TeachABI was a good foundation for creating a high school-based education module. Adaptations were highlighted, such as streamlining content (e.g., mental health) and strategies (e.g., supporting test taking), to better meet educator needs.

Conclusions

Using implementation science and adaptation frameworks provided a structured approach to explore the adaptive elements of TeachABI. The module was perceived as a suitable platform for teaching high school educators about ABI.

Innovation

TeachABI is an innovative, user informed education module, providing a multi-modal (e.g., case study, videos) and replicable approach to learning about ABI. Applying frameworks from different fields provides concepts to consider when tailoring resources to align with educator needs (e.g., grade, class environment) and facilitate innovation uptake.

Self-Reported Traumatic Brain Injury and Its Biopsychosocial Risk Factors in Siblings of Individuals with Neurodevelopmental Conditions

Siblings of individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions (NDCs) are situated within a complex system of risk and resilience factors for poor outcomes, many of which overlap with the risk of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and correlate with poorer recovery trajectories. This study used Bayesian analyses to characterize and compare TBI and biopsychosocial risk factors among 632 siblings (207 NDC, 425 controls; mean age 20.54 years, range 10-30, 78.48% female). NDC siblings had a higher self-reported lifetime history of TBI compared to controls (14.98% versus 6.35%), with most reporting more than one TBI, and at an earlier age. TBI history was associated with psychiatric diagnoses and subclinical NDC features. Family and structural factors related to TBI included poorer parent-child relationship, NDC diagnoses of autism or fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, minority ethnicity, and lower income. Findings have implications for health literacy, TBI education and screening, and implementation of family support.

Effectiveness of hypertonic saline infusion in management of traumatic brain injury: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to find out the efficacy of using Hypertonic saline solution (HSS) over mannitol in the management of TBI by comparing their performance in improving different outcomes.

METHODS

Electronic databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the impact of HSS vs. mannitol on ICP in patients who suffered TBI. Outcomes of interest were mortality, neurologic functional outcomes, risk ratio (RR) of successful ICP treatment, reduction in ICP after 30-60 and 90-120 min, improvement in cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) at 30-60 and 90-120 min, and also treatment failure. Evaluations were reported as RR or mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using weighted random-effects models.

RESULTS

The analysis included 624 patients from 15 RCTs. HSS infusion had a significant impact on the improvement of CPP at 30-60 min [MD = 5.54, 95% CI (3.04, 8.03),p < 0.001] compared to mannitol. However, results yielded no significant difference between HSS and mannitol in terms of mortality, neurologic functional outcomes, successful ICP treatment, reduction in ICP after 30-60 min and 90-120 min, improvement in CPP at 90-120 min, and treatment failure.

CONCLUSION

HSS and mannitol are both effective treatments for elevated ICP due to TBI. However, further research is required to derive a better comparison.

Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury Outcomes and Disparities During the COVID-19 Pandemic

BACKGROUND

To study the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on traumatic brain injury (TBI) patient demographic, clinical and trauma related characteristics, and outcomes.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review was conducted on pediatric TBI patients admitted to a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center between January 2015 and June 2022. The pre-COVID era was defined as January 1, 2015, through March 12, 2020. The COVID-19 era was defined as March 13, 2020, through June 30, 2022. Bivariate analysis and logistic regression were performed.

RESULTS

Four hundred-thirty patients were treated for pediatric TBI in the pre-COVID-19 period, and 166 patients during COVID-19. In bivariate analyses, the racial/ethnic makeup, age, and sex varied significantly across the two time periods (p < 0.05). Unwitnessed TBI events increased during the COVID-19 era. Logistic regression analyses also demonstrated significantly increased odds of death, severe disability, or vegetative state during COVID-19 (AOR 7.23; 95 % CI 1.43, 36.41).

CONCLUSION

During the COVID-19 pandemic, patients admitted with pediatric TBI had significantly different demographics with regards to age, sex, and race/ethnicity when compared to patients prior to the pandemic. There was an increase in unwitnessed events. In the COVID period, patients had a higher odds ratio of severe morbidity and mortality despite adjustment for confounding factors.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE AND STUDY TYPE

Level II, Prognosis.

Reality of treatment for severely injured patients: are there age-specific differences?

BACKGROUND

Major trauma and its consequences are one of the leading causes of death worldwide across all age groups. Few studies have conducted comparative age-specific investigations. It is well known that children respond differently to major trauma than elderly patients due to physiological differences. The aim of this study was to analyze the actual reality of treatment and outcomes by using a matched triplet analysis of severely injured patients of different age groups.

METHODS

Data from the TraumaRegister DGU® were analyzed. A total of 56,115 patients met the following inclusion criteria: individuals with Maximum Abbreviated Injury Scale > 2 and < 6, primary admission, from German-speaking countries, and treated from 2011-2020. Furthermore, three age groups were defined (child: 3-15 years; adult: 20-50 years; and elderly: 70-90 years). The matched triplets were defined based on the following criteria: 1. exact injury severity of the body regions according to the Abbreviated Injury Scale (head, thorax, abdomen, extremities [including pelvis], and spine) and 2. level of the receiving hospital.

RESULTS

A total of 2,590 matched triplets could be defined. Traffic accidents were the main cause of severe injury in younger patients (child: 59.2%; adult: 57.9%). In contrast, low falls (from < 3 m) were the most frequent cause of accidents in the elderly group (47.2%). Elderly patients were least likely to be resuscitated at the scene. Both children and elderly patients received fewer therapeutic interventions on average than adults. More elderly patients died during the clinical course, and their outcome was worse overall, whereas the children had the lowest mortality rate.

CONCLUSIONS

For the first time, a large patient population was used to demonstrate that both elderly patients and children may have received less invasive treatment compared with adults who were injured with exactly the same severity (with the outcomes of these two groups being opposite to each other). Future studies and recommendations should urgently consider the different age groups.

Factors impacting educational outcomes for students with traumatic brain injury in BrainSTEPS

Purpose: To describe child pre-injury and injury factors impacting post-injury educational outcomes for students with traumatic brain injury (TBI) participating in a state-wide, school-based, school re-entry consultation program, BrainSTEPS in Pennsylvania.Method: Retrospective analysis of a BrainSTEPS annual follow-up survey.Result: A total of 296 parent surveys were completed. Analysis revealed a significant difference between levels of severity of TBI and current educational placement (p < 0.001), receipt of current therapy (p < 0.05) and need for additional consult (p < 0.05). Severity of TBI was not related to other examined educational outcome variables (i.e. school performance, current symptoms). History of TBI, symptoms and treatment were not found to be associated with educational outcomes.Conclusion: These results both support findings from previous studies, and extend previous work by highlighting ongoing needs, including continued, individualised support, of children who sustain a moderate-severe TBI during childhood, and are currently in the chronic stages of injury, with consideration of pre- and post- injury factors. Programs such as BrainSTEPS provide identification of educational needs and provide needed services and supports for children with TBI. Sensitive, validated measures are needed to further understand the role of pre-injury and injury factors on educational outcomes, particularly in programs like BrainSTEPS.

Gender Differences in Adolescents' Affective Symptoms and Behavioral Disorders After Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

OBJECTIVE

Mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI) are considered self-limiting and full recovery is expected. Recent studies identify deficits persisting years after mTBI. Large-scale prospective data permit testing the hypothesis that mTBI increases incidence of affective and behavioral symptoms after new, past , or new and past mTBI.

SETTING

The study involved secondary analyses of survey responses from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study.

PARTICIPANTS

Adolescents in the ABCD Study ( n = 11 869; Wave 1, aged 9-10 years; Wave 2, aged 11-12 years) whose parents reported a new ( n = 157), past ( n = 1318), or new and past ( n = 50) mTBI on the Ohio State University Traumatic Brain Injury Identification Method short form were compared with controls who had no history of mTBI ( n = 9,667).

DESIGN

Multivariable binary logistic regression models examined associations between a new, past, or new and past mTBI and current affective (aggression, depression, anxiety) and behavioral (somatic, thought, social, attention, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, conduct) disorders while controlling for demographic factors and baseline symptoms.

MAIN MEASURES

The primary measure was parental reports of psychiatric and behavioral symptoms on the Child Behavior Checklist.

RESULTS

Girls exhibited no significant effects after a new mTBI, although a past mTBI increased anxiety (adjusted odds ratios [aOR] = 1.83, 95% confidence interval [CI: 1.15-2.90]) and attention (1.89 [1.09-3.28]) problems. Girls with new and past mTBIs reported elevated anxiety (17.90 [4.67-68.7]), aggression (7.37 [1.49-36.3]), social (9.07 [2.47-33.30]), thought (7.58 [2.24-25.60]), and conduct (6.39 [1.25-32.50]) disorders. In boys, new mTBI increased aggression (aOR = 3.83, 95% CI [1.42-10.30]), whereas past mTBI heightened anxiety (1.91 [1.42-2.95]), but new and past mTBIs had no significant effects.

CONCLUSION

Adolescents are at greater risk of affective and behavioral symptoms after an mTBI. These effects differ as a function of gender and time of injury. Extended screening for mTBI history and monitoring of affective and behavioral disorders after mTBI in adolescents are warranted.

Predictors of High School and College Graduation After Sustaining a Moderate-to-Severe Traumatic Brain Injury

OBJECTIVE

To identify early predictors of US high school and college graduation after moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).

SETTING

Inpatient rehabilitation and community.

PARTICIPANTS

TBI Model Systems participants, aged 16 to 24 years, enrolled as high school or college students at time of injury.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

MAIN MEASURES

Successful graduation was defined as having a diploma (high school) or an associate/bachelor's degree (college) at 1-, 2-, or 5-year follow-up. Predictors were sex, race/ethnicity, urbanicity, preinjury substance abuse, primary rehabilitation payer, and functional independence at inpatient rehabilitation discharge.

METHOD

We descriptively characterized differences between those who did and did not graduate high school and college within the first 5 years postinjury and identified early predictors of successful high school and college graduation using 2 binomial logistic regressions.

RESULTS

Of those with known graduation status, 81.2% of high school and 41.8% of college students successfully graduated. Graduates in both groups were more often White than Black and had more functional independence at discharge. Among high school students, preinjury substance abuse was also a risk factor for not graduating, as was identifying as Hispanic or "other" race.

CONCLUSIONS

Sociodemographic factors and disability influence graduation outcomes, requiring structural, institutional, and personal interventions for success.

Is prehospital intubation of severely injured children in accordance with guidelines?

BACKGROUND

The current German S3 guideline for polytrauma lists five criteria for prehospital intubation: apnea, severe traumatic brain injury (GCS ≤8), severe chest trauma with respiratory failure, hypoxia, and persistent hemodynamic instability. These guideline criteria, used in adults in daily practice, have not been previously studied in a collection of severely injured children. The aim of this study was to assess the extent to which the criteria are implemented in clinical practice using a multivariate risk analysis of severely injured children.

METHODS

Data of 289,698 patients from the TraumaRegister DGU® were analyzed. Children meeting the following criteria were included: Maximum Abbreviated Injury Scale 3+, primary admission, German-speaking countries, years 2008-2017, and declaration of intubation. Since children show age-dependent deviating physiology, four age groups were defined (years old: 0-2; 3-6; 7-11; 12-15). An adult collective served as a control group (age: 20-50). After a descriptive analysis in the first step, factors leading to prehospital intubation in severely injured children were analyzed with a multivariate regression analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 4489 children met the inclusion criteria. In this cohort, young children up to 2 years old had the significantly highest injury severity (Injury Severity Score: 21; p ≤ 0.001). Falls from both high (> 3 m) and low heights (< 3 m) were more common in children than in adults. The same finding applied to the occurrence of severe traumatic brain injury. When at least one intubation criterion was formally present, the group up to 6 years old was least likely to actually be intubated (61.4%; p ≤ 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis showed that Glasgow Coma Scale score ≤ 8 in particular had the greatest influence on intubation (odds ratio: 26.9; p ≤ 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The data presented here show for the first time that the existing criteria in the guideline for prehospital intubation are applied in clinical practice (approximately 70% of cases), compared to adults, in the vast majority of injured children. Although severely injured children still represent a minority of all injured patients, future guidelines should focus more on them and address them in a specialized manner.

VR-based cognitive rehabilitation for children with traumatic brain injuries: Feasibility and safety

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of acquired disability in children, who are at risk of significant impairment in executive function (EF). Virtual reality technology provides a novel strategy to offer rich and immersive training content that is both appealing to children and of potential value in improving their daily functioning. The present study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of implementing an innovative VR-based interactive cognitive training (VICT) system for EF rehabilitation designed to meet the developmental and clinical needs of children with TBI.

RESEARCH METHOD/DESIGN

A parallel-group random-block randomized controlled trial was conducted among 26 children 7-17 years with TBI, who completed baseline, postintervention, and 2-month follow-up visits. Feasibility was assessed for recruiting children, measuring outcomes, and implementing the intervention. VR satisfaction was assessed via 5-point Likert scales. Safety outcomes included simulator sickness (0-4) and physical exertion (6-20). Preliminary efficacy was assessed by NIH Toolbox Cognitive Battery tasks.

RESULTS

Findings supported the feasibility of recruitment, outcome assessment, and delivery of the intervention. The intervention group reported adequate VR satisfaction in terms of pleasure (M = 3.25, SD = .50) and motivation (M = 2.75, SD = .96), as well as low levels of physical exertion (M = 6.25, SD = .50) and simulator sickness (M = .16, SD = .19). Preliminary evidence supported potential efficacy of the intervention, particularly for moderate and severe TBIs.

CONCLUSION/IMPLICATIONS

The present study found high feasibility, safety, and preliminary efficacy of the VICT system. Further research is required to fully examine the intervention's efficacy as a possible rehabilitation tool for children with TBI. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

A mapping review of adolescent identity after TBI: what clinicians need to know

ABSTRACTAdolescence is a critical period for developing a sense of identity, an iterative process that relies on the development of skills such as self-reflection and self-appraisal. Outcomes of identity development include personal ethics, knowledge of one's strengths and challenges, and, ultimately, independence. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects these outcomes in adults, when identity has been established and may need to be redefined; but what happens when an injury occurs while identity is being formed? To answer this question, we used mapping review methodology to explore TBI effects on adolescent identity formation, mapping the evidence onto a biopsychosocial framework for rehabilitation. We reviewed studies on identity in adolescents with mild to severe TBI ages 13-18 years, published from inception to 2021, with a focus on outpatient rehabilitation settings. Key findings of the mapping review noted adolescents post-TBI are likely to: (1) question their identity considering dissonance between the current self and their pre-injury self; and (2) seek to establish new, adaptive meanings and identities. All studies drew conclusions regarding identity and participation of adolescents post-TBI. Results provided insight into the importance of considering individualized rehabilitation interventions for adolescents, given their unique developmental path towards identity formation.

Biological determinants impact the neurovascular toxicity of nicotine and tobacco smoke: A pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics perspective

Accumulating evidence suggests that the detrimental effect of nicotine and tobacco smoke on the central nervous system (CNS) is caused by the neurotoxic role of nicotine on blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, nicotinic acetylcholine receptor expression, and the dopaminergic system. The ultimate consequence of these nicotine associated neurotoxicities can lead to cerebrovascular dysfunction, altered behavioral outcomes (hyperactivity and cognitive dysfunction) as well as future drug abuse and addiction. The severity of these detrimental effects can be associated with several biological determinants. Sex and age are two important biological determinants which can affect the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of several systemically available substances, including nicotine. With regard to sex, the availability of gonadal hormone is impacted by the pregnancy status and menstrual cycle resulting in altered metabolism rate of nicotine. Additionally, the observed lower smoking cessation rate in females compared to males is a consequence of differential effects of sex on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of nicotine. Similarly, age-dependent alterations in the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of nicotine have also been observed. One such example is related to severe vulnerability of adolescence towards addiction and long-term behavioral changes which may continue through adulthood. Considering the possible neurotoxic effects of nicotine on the central nervous system and the deterministic role of sex as well as age on these neurotoxic effects of smoking, it has become important to consider sex and age to study nicotine induced neurotoxicity and development of treatment strategies for combating possible harmful effects of nicotine. In the future, understanding the role of sex and age on the neurotoxic actions of nicotine can facilitate the individualization and optimization of treatment(s) to mitigate nicotine induced neurotoxicity as well as smoking cessation therapy. Unfortunately, however, no such comprehensive study is available which has considered both the sex- and age-dependent neurotoxicity of nicotine, as of today. Hence, the overreaching goal of this review article is to analyze and summarize the impact of sex and age on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of nicotine and possible neurotoxic consequences associated with nicotine in order to emphasize the importance of including these biological factors for such studies.

Quality of family environment predicts child perceptions of competence 12 months after pediatric traumatic brain injury

BACKGROUND

. Demographic and environmental factors can affect child recovery after traumatic brain injury (TBI); however, little is known about their role in predicting child perceptions of competence (i.e., subjective judgments of ability or a sense of adequacy).

OBJECTIVES

. This prospective, cohort study examined the contribution of participant sex, age at assessment, socioeconomic status, parent-reported change in academic performance post-injury, and the quality of a child's relationship with their family (i.e., family affective involvement, intimacy, integration, and the nature of family roles) to child perceptions of global and academic competence 12 months after pediatric TBI.

METHODS

. Participants included 127 children, 84 with a TBI (53 mild, 31 moderate-severe TBI; injury age: 5-15 years) and 43 age-matched typically developing (TD) controls. Children rated their perceptions of global and academic competence and degree of family intimacy and integration. Parents completed questionnaires measuring socioeconomic status, family affective involvement, and the nature of family roles. Parents also indicated whether they perceived a change in their child's post-injury academic performance.

RESULTS

. Child perceptions of academic competence were significantly lower for children with moderate-severe TBI relative to TD children. In contrast, child perceptions of global competence were comparable between TBI and TD control groups. Socioeconomic status, age at assessment, parent-reported relative change in academic performance post-TBI, and family roles were associated with child perceptions of academic competence. Degree of family integration was the sole predictor of child perceptions of global competence.

CONCLUSIONS

. Child perceptions of academic competence are vulnerable to the effects of moderate-severe TBI, particularly among older children and those from low socioeconomic backgrounds. Well-defined family roles for handling family functions and greater integration of family units might enhance perceptions of global and academic competence in children with TBI.

Traumatic brain injuries and problem gambling in youth: Evidence from a population-based study of secondary students in Ontario, Canada

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is characterized by a change in brain function after an external force or sudden movement to the head. TBI is associated with risk-taking, impulsivity, psychological distress, substance abuse, and violent crime. Previous studies have also linked problem gambling to TBI, but these studies have not controlled for possible confounding variables such as mental health problems and hazardous drinking which are also linked to TBI. This study examines the relationship between problem gambling and TBI among adolescents. Data were obtained from the 2011, 2013 and 2015 cycles of the OSDUHS, a biennial cross-sectional school-based study of children in grades 7 to 12 (N = 9,198). Logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (AOR) in controlled and uncontrolled analyses. Adjusting for sex and grade only, problem gambling was associated with a history of TBI (AOR = 2.8). This association remained significant after adjusting for hazardous drinking and suicidality (AOR = 2.0). In addition, problem gambling had a statistically significant relationship with being male (AOR = 4.7), hazardous drinking (AOR = 4.5), and suicidality (AOR = 3.1). This study provides further data to suggest a link between TBI and problem gambling. However, research is needed on the causal relationship between these variables and the potential implications for treatment and prevention.