Disability 3, 12, and 24 months after traumatic brain injury among children and adolescents

Understanding factors that influence goal setting in rehabilitation for paediatric acquired brain injury: a qualitative study using the Theoretical Domains Framework

Background While goal setting with children and their families is considered best practice during rehabilitation following acquired brain injury, its successful implementation in an interdisciplinary team is not straightforward. This paper describes the application of a theoretical framework to understand factors influencing goal setting with children and their families in a large interdisciplinary rehabilitation team. Methods A semi-structured focus group was conducted with rehabilitation clinicians and those with lived experience of paediatric acquired brain injury (ABI). The 90-min focus group was audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were thematically coded and mapped against the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to understand influencing factors, which were then linked to the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation - Behaviour (COM-B) model. Results A total of 11 participants (nine paediatric rehabilitation clinicians, one parent and one young person with lived experience of paediatric ABI) participated in the focus group. Factors influencing collaborative goal setting mapped to the COM-B and six domains of the TDF: Capabilities (Skills, Knowledge, Beliefs about capabilities, and Behavioural regulation), Opportunities (Environmental context and resources), and Motivation (Social/professional role and identity). Results suggest that a multifaceted intervention is needed to enhance rehabilitation clinicians' and families' skills and knowledge of goal setting, restructure the goal communication processes, and clarify the roles clinicians play in goal setting within the interdisciplinary team. Conclusion The use of the TDF and COM-B enabled a systematic approach to understanding the factors influencing goal setting for children with acquired brain injury in a large interdisciplinary rehabilitation team, and develop a targeted, multifaceted intervention for clinical use. These represent important considerations for the improvement of collaborative goal setting in paediatric rehabilitation services to ensure that best practice approaches to goal setting are implemented effectively in clinical practice.

Intelligence and executive function are associated with age at insult, time post-insult, and disability following chronic pediatric acquired brain injury

Background

Pediatric acquired brain injury (pABI) profoundly affects cognitive functions, encompassing IQ and executive functions (EFs). Particularly, young age at insult may lead to persistent and debilitating deficits, affecting daily-life functioning negatively. This study delves into the intricate interplay of age at insult, time post-insult, and their associations with IQ and EFs during chronic (>1 year) pABI. Additionally, we investigate cognitive performance across different levels of global function, recognizing the multifaceted nature of developmental factors influencing outcomes.

Methods

Drawing upon insult data and baseline information analyzing secondary outcomes from a multicenter RCT, including comprehensive medical and neuropsychological assessments of participants aged 10 to 17 years with pABI and parent-reported executive dysfunctions. The study examined associations between age at insult (early, EI; ≤7y vs. late, LI; > 7y) and time post-insult with IQ and EFs (updating, shifting, inhibition, and executive attention). Additionally, utilizing the Pediatric Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended, we explored cognitive performance across levels of global functioning.

Results

Seventy-six participants, median 8 years at insult and 5 years post-insult, predominantly exhibiting moderate disability (n = 38), were included. Notably, participants with LI demonstrated superior IQ, executive attention, and shifting compared to EI, [adjusted mean differences with 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs); 7.9 (1.4, 14.4), 2.48 (0.71, 4.24) and 1.73 (0.03, 3.43), respectively]. Conversely, extended post-insult duration was associated with diminished performances, evident in mean differences with 95% CIs for IQ, updating, shifting, and executive attention compared to 1-2 years post-insult [-11.1 (-20.4, -1.7), -8.4 (-16.7, -0.1), -2.6 (-4.4, -0.7), -2.9 (-4.5, -1.2), -3.8 (-6.4, -1.3), -2.6 (-5.0, -0.3), and -3.2 (-5.7, -0.8)]. Global function exhibited a robust relationship with IQ and EFs.

Conclusion

Early insults and prolonged post-insult durations impose lasting tribulations in chronic pABI. While confirmation through larger studies is needed, these findings carry clinical implications, underscoring the importance of vigilance regarding early insults. Moreover, they dispel the notion that children fully recover from pABI; instead, they advocate equitable rehabilitation offerings for pABI, tailored to address cognitive functions, recognizing their pivotal role in achieving independence and participation in society. Incorporating disability screening in long-term follow-up assessments may prove beneficial.

Effects of inpatient rehabilitation after acute care on motor, neuropsychological and behavioral outcomes in children with severe traumatic brain injury

PURPOSE

An observational study of children with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) (Approaches and Decisions in Acute Pediatric TBI [ADAPT] Trial) demonstrated the benefits of inpatient rehabilitation on functional outcomes for those with more severely impaired consciousness when medically stable. We conducted a secondary analysis to assess whether using an inpatient rehabilitation or skilled nursing facility after acute hospitalization was associated with better motor, neuropsychological, and behavioral outcomes compared to receiving only non-inpatient rehabilitation among children with severe TBI.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We included 180 children who used an inpatient rehabilitation or skilled nursing facility and 74 children who only received non-inpatient rehabilitation from the ADAPT trial. At 12 months post-injury, children underwent tests of motor skills, intellectual functioning, verbal learning, memory, processing speed, and cognitive flexibility. Parents/guardians rated children's executive function and behaviors. We performed inverse probability weighting to adjust for potential confounders.

RESULTS

No significant differences were found in any motor, neuropsychological, or behavioral measures between children receiving inpatient rehabilitation and children receiving only non-inpatient rehabilitation.

CONCLUSIONS

Analyses of comprehensive outcomes did not show differences between children receiving inpatient rehabilitation and children receiving only non-inpatient rehabilitation, suggesting a need for more research on specific components of the rehabilitation process.

Open source and reproducible and inexpensive infrastructure for data challenges and education

Data sharing is necessary to maximize the actionable knowledge generated from research data. Data challenges can encourage secondary analyses of datasets. Data challenges in biomedicine often rely on advanced cloud-based computing infrastructure and expensive industry partnerships. Examples include challenges that use Google Cloud virtual machines and the Sage Bionetworks Dream Challenges platform. Such robust infrastructures can be financially prohibitive for investigators without substantial resources. Given the potential to develop scientific and clinical knowledge and the NIH emphasis on data sharing and reuse, there is a need for inexpensive and computationally lightweight methods for data sharing and hosting data challenges. To fill that gap, we developed a workflow that allows for reproducible model training, testing, and evaluation. We leveraged public GitHub repositories, open-source computational languages, and Docker technology. In addition, we conducted a data challenge using the infrastructure we developed. In this manuscript, we report on the infrastructure, workflow, and data challenge results. The infrastructure and workflow are likely to be useful for data challenges and education.

Bilingual randomized controlled trial design, of a telephone-based intervention to promote rehabilitation adherence; A study focus on recruitment of Hispanic children with traumatic brain injury

BACKGROUND

While Hispanic children experience large long-term disparities in disability after traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), there is a gap in evidenced-based interventions to improve outcomes among this rapidly growing and at high-risk population. We developed and pilot tested a bilingual/bicultural intervention informed by Hispanic families consisting of Brain Injury Education and outpatient Navigation (1st BIEN). It integrates bilingual in-person education enriched by video content delivered through mobile phone devices, with outpatient navigation by bilingual and bicultural navigators during transitions of care and school return.

METHODS

Randomized controlled trial to test the efficacy of 1st BIEN to maintain long-term adherence to rehabilitation and determine its effect on children's functional outcomes. The primary outcome is treatment adherence at 6 months post-discharge at centralized acute facilities and community providers. Secondary outcomes are functional status of the child using PROMIS parental report measures and parental health literacy, self-efficacy, and mental health; measured at baseline (pre-injury and discharge) 3-,6- and 12- months post discharge. Children's academic performance is assessed using school records the year before and the year after injury.

DISCUSSION

Our study evaluates a novel, flexible and scalable approach using mobile phone devices to aid transitions of care, increase treatment adherence and improve TBI outcomes. It addresses the needs of an understudied population and builds upon their strengths. It is implemented by a bilingual and bicultural team with a deep understanding of the study population. It can serve as a model for TBI family centered interventions for at risk groups.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.govNCT05261477. Registered on March 2, 2022.

The Influence of the Family Functioning and Social Relationships on Child Participation After Traumatic Brain Injury

PURPOSE

To describe the relationship amongst child and family characteristics (e.g. social relationships, family functioning) and child participation after traumatic brain injury (TBI) an average of 2.65 years post-TBI (SD = 2.12).

METHOD

Cross-sectional, secondary analysis of data collected as part of a larger research project.

RESULTS

N = 44 children with TBI. Analysis revealed statistically significant correlations between child participation, family functioning, and child characteristics.

CONCLUSIONS

School-aged children with TBI might experience chronic participation restrictions, associated with challenges in family functioning. Professionals can support children with TBI and their families through follow-up services that include a focus on family-based interventions to better support long-term outcomes for this population.

Social Determinants of Health and Health Equity in the Diagnosis and Management of Pediatric Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A Content Analysis of Research Underlying Clinical Guidelines

We conducted a content analysis of the literature underlying the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Guideline on the Diagnosis and Management of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Among Children (i.e., the "Guideline") to determine the extent to which social determinants of health (SDoH) were examined or addressed. The systematic review forming the basis for the Guideline included 37 studies addressing diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment/rehabilitation. We examined those studies to identify SDoH domains derived from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Healthy People 2020 and 2030 websites. No study explicitly mentioned "social determinants of health," by name, and few studies addressed SDoH domains as a primary focus (ranging from 0% to 27% of studies across SDoH domains). The most frequently represented SDoH domains, described in an inferential or a descriptive manner, were Education Access and Quality (29.7% of studies), Social and Community Context (27.0% of studies), and Economic Stability (21.6% of studies). Health Care Access (13.5% of studies) was less well represented and no studies (0%) examined Neighborhood and Built Environment. In terms of the CDC clinical questions, SDoH were only examined as predictors of outcome (prognosis) and no studies examined SDoH in relation to diagnosis or treatment/rehabilitation. The Guideline includes some commentary on health literacy and socioeconomic status. Overall, social determinants of health are largely unrepresented as important or meaningful variables influencing the Guideline on the Diagnosis and Management of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Among Children, or in the studies that informed the Guideline.

Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Behavior and Sleep Among 9- and 10-Year Old Children: Initial Findings From the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study

There has been concern about the potential sequelae of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in children. This study used data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive DevelopmentSM (ABCD) study to investigate associations between mTBI and behavior and sleep in school-aged children. Generalized additive mixed models were run to examine the association between TBI and parent-reported Child Behavior Checklist and Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children scores. mTBI with or without loss of consciousness (LOC) in 9- and 10-year old children was associated with 1) higher internalizing, externalizing and total problems and 2) greater sleep disturbance scores on the CBCL. The study also demonstrated a higher incidence of mTBI with and without LOC in boys compared to girls. This study shows a statistically significant but modest association between mTBI and behavioral and sleep changes, suggesting that in a non-clinical, sociodemographically diverse community sample of school-aged children mTBI does not result in clinically significant behavioral or psychological sequelae.

Cognitive rehabilitation in paediatric acquired brain injury-A 2-year follow-up of a randomised controlled trial

Background

Goal management training (GMT), a metacognitive rehabilitation method that has been demonstrated to improve executive function (EF) in adults with acquired brain injury (ABI), could potentially be effective for children in the chronic phase of ABI. In a previously published randomised controlled trial (RCT), the efficacy of a paediatric adaptation of GMT (pGMT) compared to a psychoeducative control intervention (paediatric Brain Health Workshop, pBHW) was investigated. Comparable improvements in EF in both groups were found at 6-month follow-up. However, a specific effect of pGMT could not be conclusively proven. The present study reports 2-year follow-up data (T4; T1: baseline, T2: post-intervention, T3: 6-month follow-up, and T4: 2-year follow-up) from this original RCT.

Methods

A total of 38 children and adolescents and also their parents completed questionnaires tapping into daily life EF. Explorative analyses were conducted comparing the 2-year follow-up data (T4) with the baseline (T1) and 6-month follow-up data (T3) for T4-participants in the two intervention groups (pGMT; n = 21, pBHW; n = 17), and we also assessed T4-participants vs. non-responders (n = 38) in the RCT. Primary outcome measures were the Behavioural Regulation Index (BRI) and the Metacognition Index (MI) derived from the Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) parent report.

Results

No difference between intervention groups was found (BRI, F = 2.25, p = 0.143, MI, F = 1.6, p = 0.213), and no time^*group interaction (BRI, F = 0.07, p = 0.976, MI, F = 0.137, p = 0.937) could be seen at the 2-year follow-up. Nevertheless, both pGMT and the pBHW groups improved daily EF as measured by parental reports over time from the baseline to T4 (p = 0.034). T4 participants and non-responders shared similar baseline characteristics.

Conclusion

Our results extend the findings from the 6-month follow-up previously published. Both pGMT and pBHW groups sustained their improvements in daily life EFs from the baseline, but additional effectiveness of pGMT relative to pBHW was not found.

The Integrity of the Blood-Brain Barrier as a Critical Factor for Regulating Glutamate Levels in Traumatic Brain Injury

A healthy blood-brain barrier (BBB) shields the brain from high concentrations of blood glutamate, which can cause neurotoxicity and neurodegeneration. It is believed that traumatic brain injury (TBI) causes long-term BBB disruption, subsequently increasing brain glutamate in the blood, in addition to increased glutamate resulting from the neuronal injury. Here, we investigate the relationship between blood and brain glutamate levels in the context of BBB permeability. Rats exposed to BBB disruption through an osmotic model or TBI and treated with intravenous glutamate or saline were compared to control rats with an intact BBB treated with intravenous glutamate or saline. After BBB disruption and glutamate administration, the concentrations of glutamate in the cerebrospinal fluid and blood and brain tissue were analyzed. The results showed a strong correlation between the brain and blood glutamate concentrations in the groups with BBB disruption. We conclude that a healthy BBB protects the brain from high levels of blood glutamate, and the permeability of the BBB is a vital component in regulating levels of glutamate in the brain. These findings bring a new approach to treating the consequences of TBI and other diseases where long-term disruption of the BBB is the central mechanism of their development.

Concurrent Psychosocial Concerns and Post-Concussive Symptoms Following Pediatric mTBI: An A-CAP Study

OBJECTIVES

To measure the association between psychosocial problems and persistent post-concussive symptoms (PCS) in youth who were seen in the emergency department with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) or orthopedic injury (OI).

METHODS

From a larger prospective cohort study, Advancing Concussion Assessment in Pediatrics (A-CAP), 122 child-guardian pairs who presented to the emergency department with mTBI (N = 70) or OI (N = 52) were recruited for this cross-sectional sub-study. Each pair completed 2 measures assessing PCS burden at 2 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months post-injury. At one visit, pairs concurrently completed MyHEARTSMAP, a comprehensive, psychosocial self-assessment tool to evaluate 4 domains of mental wellness.

RESULTS

When measured at the same visit, children who self-reported moderate or severe Psychiatry domain concerns concurrently experienced a greater burden of cognitive symptoms (β = 5.49; 0.93-10.05) and higher overall PCS count (β = 2.59; 0.70-4.48) after adjusting for covariables, including retrospective pre-injury symptoms and injury group. Additionally, reports indicating mild Function domain severity were associated with increased cognitive (β = 3.34; 95% CI: 0.69-5.99) and somatic symptoms (β = 6.79; 2.15-11.42) and total symptom count (β = 1.29; 0.18-2.39).

CONCLUSION

Increasing severity in multiple domains of mental health is associated with more PCS in youth. While the differences in PCS between the mTBI and OI groups appeared somewhat larger for children with more mental health concerns, the interaction was not statistically significant; larger sample sizes are needed to evaluate the moderating effect of psychosocial difficulties on post-concussion symptoms.

Blood glutamate scavenging as a novel glutamate-based therapeutic approach for post-traumatic brain injury anxiety and social impairment

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious condition that is associated with an increased risk of severe, long-term psychiatric consequences. Drugs that target the glutamatergic system have proven successful in treating both TBI and many of its psychiatric sequelae. Blood glutamate scavengers (BGS) cause a decrease in blood glutamate levels, leading to a reduction in glutamate's concentration gradient from the brain to the blood and decreased levels of brain glutamate. This study evaluated the BGS pyruvate as a treatment for TBI-related neuropsychiatric conditions in a rat model. 213 rats were divided into four groups in a 2 × 2 design: Sham or TBI rats treated with pyruvate or control treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging, neurological status, brain glutamate and blood glutamate levels were assessed following the injury. Four weeks after the start of treatment, all rats underwent behavioral tests to assess anxious behavior and social impairment (aggressive and hierarchical behavior). Rats responded positively to pyruvate in several tasks, lowering brain glutamate levels and reducing anxiety and depression, as well as modulating TBI-related changes in social behavior. Glutamate scavenging with pyruvate may be an effective therapeutic option for post-TBI behavioral changes by reducing associated elevations in brain glutamate levels.

Unplanned Admissions, Emergency Department Visits, and Epilepsy After Critical Neurological Illness Requiring Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation in Children

Background and Purpose

Long-term outcomes after pediatric neurocritical illness are poorly characterized. This study aims to characterize the frequency and risk factors for post-discharge unplanned health resource use in a pediatric neurocritical care population using insurance claims data.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study evaluating children who survived a hospitalization for an acute neurologic illness or injury requiring mechanical ventilation for >72 hours and had insurance eligibility in Colorado's All Payers Claims database. Insurance claims identified unplanned readmissions and emergency department [ED] visits during the post-discharge year. For patients without pre-existing epilepsy/seizures, we evaluated for post-ICU epilepsy identified by claim(s) for a maintenance anti-seizure medication during months 6-12 post-discharge. Multivariable logistic regression identified factors associated with each outcome.

Results

101 children, median age 3.7 years (interquartile range (IQR) .4-11.9), admitted for trauma (57%), hypoxic-ischemic injury (17%) and seizures (15%). During the post-discharge year, 4 (4%) patients died, 26 (26%) were readmitted, and 48 (48%) had an ED visit. Having a pre-existing complex chronic condition was independently associated with readmission and emergency department visit. Admission for trauma was protective against readmission. Of those without pre-existing seizures (n = 86), 25 (29%) developed post-ICU epilepsy. Acute seizures during admission and prolonged ICU stays were independently associated with post-ICU epilepsy.

Conclusions

Survivors of pediatric neurocritical illness are at risk of unplanned healthcare use and post-ICU epilepsy. Critical illness risk factors including prolonged ICU stay and acute seizures may identify cohorts for targeted follow up or interventions to prevent unplanned healthcare use and post-ICU epilepsy.

A Pilot Prospective Observational Study of Cerebral Autoregulation and 12-Month Outcomes in Children With Complex Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: The Argument for Sufficiency Conditions Affecting TBI Outcomes

BACKGROUND

The relationship between cerebral autoregulation and outcomes in pediatric complex mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) is unknown, and explored in this study.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective observational study of patients aged 0 to 18 years hospitalized with complex mild TBI (admission Glasgow Coma Scale score 13 to 15 with either abnormal computerized tomogram of the head or history of loss of consciousness). Cerebral autoregulation was tested using transcranial Doppler ultrasonography, and impaired autoregulation defined as autoregulation index<0.4. We collected Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended-Pediatrics score and health-related quality of life data at 3, 6, and 12 months after discharge.

RESULTS

Twenty-four patients aged 1.8 to 16.6 years (58.3% male) with complete 12-month outcome data were included in the analysis. Median admission Glasgow Coma Scale score was 15 (range: 13 to 15), median injury severity score was 12 (range: 4 to 29) and 23 patients (96%) had isolated TBI. Overall, 10 (41.7%) patients had impaired cerebral autoregulation. Complete recovery was observed in 6 of 21 (28.6%) children at 3 months, in 4 of 16 (25%) children at 6 months, and in 8 of 24 (33.3%) children at 12 months. There was no difference in median (interquartile range) Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended-Pediatrics score (2 [2.3] vs. 2 [interquartile range 1.3]) or health-related quality of life scores (91.5 [21.1] vs. 90.8 [21.6]) at 12 months between those with intact and impaired autoregulation, respectively. Age-adjusted hypotension occurred in 2/24 (8.3%) patients.

CONCLUSION

Two-thirds of children with complex mild TBI experienced incomplete functional recovery at 1 year. The co-occurrence of hypotension and cerebral autoregulation may be a sufficiency condition needed to affect TBI outcomes.

Effects of inpatient rehabilitation after acute care on functional and quality-of-life outcomes in children with severe traumatic brain injury

OBJECTIVE

Few studies have assessed the effectiveness of the rehabilitation process in children surviving severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). We evaluated whether receiving inpatient rehabilitation after acute hospitalization was associated with better functional outcomes compared to receiving only non-inpatient rehabilitation in children with severe TBI and explored an effect modification for Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score at hospital discharge.

METHODS

We included 254 children who received rehabilitation following severe TBI from a multinational observational study. The Pediatric Glasgow Outcome Scale - Extended (GOS-E Peds), parent/guardian-reported and child-reported Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) at 12 months post-injury were assessed and described using summary statistics. Unadjusted and propensity score-weighted linear/ordinal logistic regression modeling were also performed.

RESULTS

180 children received inpatient rehabilitation and 74 children received only non-inpatient rehabilitation after acute hospitalization. Among children with a GCS<13 at discharge, those receiving inpatient rehabilitation had a more favorable GOS-E Peds score (OR = 0.12, p = 0.045). However, no such association was observed in children with a higher GCS. We found no differences in PedsQL scores between rehabilitation groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Future studies are warranted to confirm the benefits of inpatient rehabilitation for children with more severely impaired consciousness when medically stable.

Exploring the measurement of pediatric cognitive-communication disorders in traumatic brain injury research: A scoping review

OBJECTIVE

To synthesize information about the constructs measured, measurement instruments used, and the timing of assessment of cognitive-communication disorders (CCDs) in pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) research.

METHODS AND PROCEDURES

Scoping review conducted in alignment with Arksey and O'Malley's five-stage methodological framework and reported per the PRISMA extension for Scoping Reviews. Inclusion criteria: (a) cohort description, case-control, and treatment studies; (b) participants with TBI aged 5-18 years; (c) communication or psychosocial outcomes; and (d) English full-text journal articles. The first author reviewed all titles, abstracts, and full-text articles; 10% were independently reviewed.

OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

Following screening, a total of 687 articles were included and 919 measurement instruments, measuring 2134 unique constructs, were extracted. The Child Behavior Checklist was the most used measurement instrument and 'Global Outcomes/Recovery' was the construct most frequently measured. The length of longitudinal monitoring ranged between ≤3 months and 16 years.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

We found considerable heterogeneity in the constructs measured, the measurement instruments used, and the timing of CCD assessment in pediatric TBI research. A consistent approach to measurement may support clinical decision-making and the efficient use of data beyond individual studies in systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

The School-Based Speech-Language Pathologist and Students With Concussion: An Examination of Evolving Knowledge and Confidence

PURPOSE

This study examines school-based speech-language pathologists' (SLPs') experience, knowledge, and confidence in supporting students as they return to the classroom following concussion, with a particular focus on knowledge of new management guidelines over the last decade.

METHOD

Participants were 74 school-based SLPs who completed an electronic survey about their knowledge and experiences serving students with concussion. We examined participants' accuracy and confidence across knowledge questions using Kruskal-Wallis tests. We also conducted linear regression to explore the relationships between training, work experiences, knowledge, and confidence.

RESULTS

Nearly half of participants who are currently working with students with concussion reported having no clinical or training experiences related to concussion. Participants who had more concussion-related training or working experiences reported higher confidence. Participants were confident about general concussion knowledge but less confident about providing assessment and supporting students with concussion as they returned to school. Participants had the lowest confidence and accuracy for the most recent guidelines around rest and activity, as well as the differential impact of concussion on children as compared to adults.

CONCLUSIONS

Many school-based SLPs have limited training around concussion management and are often not specifically consulted to work with students following concussion. Despite this, SLPs have good awareness of their knowledge about concussion, but show gaps in knowledge surrounding more recent evidence-based guidelines. Additional investigation is needed to determine better ways to move research into clinical practice and to increase the involvement of SLPs in school-based concussion teams.

SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.20361969.

Endogenous Interleukin-17a Contributes to Normal Spatial Memory Retention but Does Not Affect Early Behavioral or Neuropathological Outcomes after Experimental Traumatic Brain Injury

Interleukin-17 (IL-17) is a proinflammatory cytokine primarily secreted in the brain by inflammatory T lymphocytes and glial cells. IL-17+ T-helper (Th17) cells are increased in the ipsilateral hemisphere after experimental traumatic brain injury (TBI), and IL-17 levels are increased in serum and brain tissue. We hypothesized that il17a and related gene expression would be increased in brain tissue after TBI in mice and il17a-/- mice would demonstrate neuroprotection versus wild type. The controlled cortical impact (CCI) model of TBI in adult male C57BL6/J mice was used for all experiments. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) or repeated-measures two-way ANOVA with the Bonferroni correction. A value of p < 0.05 determined significance. Expression of il17a was significantly reduced in the ipsilateral cortex and hippocampus by day 3 after TBI, and expression remained low at 28 days. There were no differences between il17a-/- and il17a+/+ mice in beam balance, Morris water maze performance, or lesion volume after CCI. Surprisingly, naïve il17a -/- mice performed significantly (p = 0.02) worse than naïve il17a+/+ mice on the probe trial. In conclusion, sustained depression of il17a gene expression was observed in brains after TBI in adult mice. Genetic knockout of IL-17 was not neuroprotective after TBI. IL-17a may be important for memory retention in naïve mice.

Glutamate Neurotoxicity and Destruction of the Blood–Brain Barrier: Key Pathways for the Development of Neuropsychiatric Consequences of TBI and Their Potential Treatment Strategies

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with significant cognitive and psychiatric conditions. Neuropsychiatric symptoms can persist for years following brain injury, causing major disruptions in patients’ lives. In this review, we examine the role of glutamate as an aftereffect of TBI that contributes to the development of neuropsychiatric conditions. We hypothesize that TBI causes long-term blood–brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction lasting many years and even decades. We propose that dysfunction in the BBB is the central factor that modulates increased glutamate after TBI and ultimately leads to neurodegenerative processes and subsequent manifestation of neuropsychiatric conditions. Here, we have identified factors that determine the upper and lower levels of glutamate concentration in the brain after TBI. Furthermore, we consider treatments of disruptions to BBB integrity, including repairing the BBB and controlling excess glutamate, as potential therapeutic modalities for the treatment of acute and chronic neuropsychiatric conditions and symptoms. By specifically focusing on the BBB, we hypothesize that restoring BBB integrity will alleviate neurotoxicity and related neurological sequelae.

Traumatic injury clinical trial evaluating tranexamic acid in children (TIC-TOC): A pilot randomized trial

BACKGROUND

The antifibrinolytic drug tranexamic acid (TXA) improves survival in adults with traumatic hemorrhage; however, the drug has not been evaluated in a trial in injured children. We assessed the feasibility of a large-scale trial evaluating the effects of TXA in children with severe hemorrhagic injuries.

METHODS

Severely injured children (0 up to 18th birthday) were randomized into a double-blind randomized trial of (1) TXA 15 mg/kg bolus dose, followed by 2 mg/kg/h infusion over 8 h, (2) TXA 30 mg/kg bolus dose, followed by 4 mg/kg/h infusion over 8 h, or (3) normal saline placebo bolus and infusion. The trial was conducted at four pediatric Level I trauma centers in the United States between June 2018 and March 2020. We enrolled patients under federal exception from informed consent (EFIC) procedures when parents were unable to provide informed consent. Feasibility outcomes included the rate of enrollment, adherence to intervention arms, and ability to measure the primary clinical outcome. Clinical outcomes included global functioning (primary), working memory, total amount of blood products transfused, intracranial hemorrhage progression, and adverse events. The target enrollment rate was at least 1.25 patients per site per month.

RESULTS

A total of 31 patients were randomized with a mean age of 10.7 years (standard deviation [SD] 5.0 years) and 22 (71%) patients were male. The mean time from injury to randomization was 2.4 h (SD 0.6 h). Sixteen (52%) patients had isolated brain injuries and 15 (48%) patients had isolated torso injuries. The enrollment rate using EFIC was 1.34 patients per site per month. All eligible enrolled patients received study intervention (nine patients TXA 15 mg/kg bolus dose, 10 patients TXA 30 mg/kg bolus dose, and 12 patients placebo) and had the primary outcome measured. No statistically significant differences in any of the clinical outcomes were identified.

CONCLUSION

Based on enrollment rate, protocol adherence, and measurement of the primary outcome in this pilot trial, we confirmed the feasibility of conducting a large-scale, randomized trial evaluating the efficacy of TXA in severely injured children with hemorrhagic brain and/or torso injuries using EFIC.

Traumatic brain injury-induced submissive behavior in rats: link to depression and anxiety

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects millions of people worldwide, many of whom are affected with post-TBI mood disorders or behavioral changes, including aggression or social withdrawal. Diminished functionality can persist for decades after TBI and delay rehabilitation and resumption of employment. It has been established that there is a relationship between these mental disorders and brain injury. However, the etiology and causal relationships behind these conditions are poorly understood. Rodent models provide a helpful tool for researching mood disorders and social impairment due to their natural tendencies to form social hierarchies. Here, we present a rat model of mental complications after TBI using a suite of behavioral tests to examine the causal relationships between changes in social behavior, including aggressive, hierarchical, depressive, and anxious behavior. For this purpose, we used multivariate analysis to identify causal relationships between the above post-TBI psychiatric sequelae. We performed statistical analysis using principal component analysis, discriminant analysis, and correlation analysis, and built a model to predict dominant-submissive behavior based on the behavioral tests. This model displayed a predictive accuracy of 93.3% for determining dominant-submissive behavior in experimental groups. Machine learning algorithms determined that in rats, aggression is not a principal prognostic factor for dominant-submissive behavior. Alternatively, dominant-submissive behavior is determined solely by the rats' depressive-anxious state and exploratory activity. We expect the causal approach used in this study will guide future studies into mood conditions and behavioral changes following TBI.

Inpatient Rehabilitation After Pediatric and Adolescent Trauma: Outcomes and Discharge Needs

INTRODUCTION

Traumatic injury is the leading cause of pediatric mortality and morbidity in the United States. Pediatric trauma survivors requiring inpatient rehabilitation (IPR) require coordinated, multispecialty follow-up. Knowledge of the nature and level of disability is necessary for planning this continued care that is specific to the needs of pediatric trauma patients. This study aims to describe the outcomes of pediatric and adolescent trauma patients using measures of functional progression.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review of trauma patients aged ≤18 y admitted to IPR between January 2018 and December 2020 at the only certified pediatric rehabilitation center in the region was performed.

RESULTS

Ninety five children and adolescents were admitted to IPR after traumatic injury with diagnoses of multitrauma (MT, N = 18), traumatic brain injury (TBI, N = 59), and spinal cord injury (SCI, N = 18). School aged children returned to school at high rates for all injury types (MT: 86.7%, TBI: 97.4%, SCI: 93.8%, P = ns). All groups had similar hospital and rehabilitation length of stay, and most patients required a durable medical equipment at discharge (79%). Using pediatric functional independence measure scoring progression from admission to discharge from IPR, SCI patients made significant improvement in bladder function and the least improvement in stair function. Patients sustaining a TBI made significant improvement in memory and comprehension tasks.

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric and adolescent trauma patients admitted to IPR had a positive progression during their therapy but required variable ongoing care depending on the mechanism of injury. Excellent rates of returning to school were seen across the three injury types.

Discriminatory Capacity of the Physical Domain Versus the Full-Scale Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory With Traumatic Brain Injury Severity in Children

ABSTRACT

A previous study demonstrated that the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, a health-related quality-of-life instrument consisting of physical and psychosocial domain scores, reliably differentiates between children with varying severities of traumatic brain injuries (N = 729) 3, 12, and 24 mos after injury. However, the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory physical domain score alone may simplify evaluation outcomes in physical rehabilitation and clinical research when comparing different trauma interventions. Therefore, we performed a secondary analysis to evaluate and compare the discriminative capacity of traumatic brain injury severity for changes in the overall Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory or the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory physical domain score alone. We used linear mixed models to assess the change of outcome scores from baseline compared with arm-injury controls. Somers' D was calculated to compare discriminatory capacity with injury severity as a predictor of change in Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory outcome scores. We found that traumatic brain injury severity in children can be differentiated by the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory physical domain score alone. However, at all follow-up time points, traumatic brain injury severity had higher discriminatory capacity for changes in the overall Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory. Our results suggest that the overall Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory should be used preferentially in children with traumatic brain injuries, although further investigation of the physical domain is warranted in conditions where physical injuries may predominate.

Mobile Subthreshold Exercise Program (MSTEP) for concussion: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Subthreshold exercise, defined as aerobic exercise below the level that causes symptoms, has been utilized as a treatment for youth with persistent postconcussive symptoms (PPCS), but there is currently little evidence to guide use. In addition, prior studies of exercise for PPCS have all required multiple in-person visits. We developed a virtual approach for delivering subthreshold exercise to youth with PPCS called the Mobile Subthreshold Exercise Program (MSTEP), and we have now been funded to conduct a large national randomized controlled trial (RCT) to test its efficacy for reducing concussive symptoms and improving health-related quality of life.

METHODS

This investigation is an RCT comparing MSTEP to an active control. We will recruit 200 adolescents 11-18 years old with postconcussive symptoms persisting for at least 1 week but less than 1 year. Youth will be randomized to receive either 6 weeks of subthreshold exercise (MSTEP) or a stretching condition (control). Youth and parents will complete surveys of concussive symptoms at baseline, weekly during the intervention, and at 3 and 6 months. The primary outcomes will be trajectory of concussive symptoms and health-related quality of life over the 6 months of the study. Secondary outcomes will include depression, anxiety, and sleep quality. We will also assess potential mediators of treatment effects including moderate-vigorous physical activity and fear avoidance of concussive symptoms.

DISCUSSION

This multisite RCT of MSTEP will provide vital information regarding the efficacy of a virtually delivered subthreshold exercise program for youth with PPCS, and insight regarding potential mediators of treatment effects, including objectively measured physical activity and fear avoidance of concussive symptoms.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04688255. Registered on December 29, 2020.

A Child Presenting with a Glasgow Coma Scale Score of 13: Mild or Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury? A Narrative Review

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this article was to compare children with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and Glasgow Coma Scale score (GCS) 13 with children presenting with GCS 14 and 15 and GCS 9 to 12.

DATA SOURCE

We searched PubMed for clinical studies of children of 0 to 18 years of age with mild TBI (mTBI) and moderate TBI, published in English language in the period of 2000 to 2020.

STUDY SELECTION

We selected studies sub-classifying children with GCS 13 in comparison with GCS 14 and 15 and 9 to 12. We excluded reviews, meta-analyses, non-U.S./European population studies, studies of abusive head trauma, and severe TBI.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Most children (>85%) with an mTBI present at the emergency department with an initial GCS 15. A minority of only 5% present with GCS 13, 40% of which sustain a high-energy trauma. Compared with GCS 15, they present with a longer duration of unconsciousness and of post-traumatic amnesia. More often head computerized tomography scans show abnormalities (in 9-16%), leading to neurosurgical intervention in 3 to 8%. Also, higher rates of severe extracranial injury are reported. Admission is indicated in more than 90%, with a median length of hospitalization of more than 4 days and 28% requiring intensive care unit level care. These data are more consistent with children with GCS 9 to 12. In children with GCS 15, all these numbers are much lower.

CONCLUSION

We advocate classifying children with GCS 13 as moderate TBI and treat them accordingly.

A population-based study of global outcome after moderate to severe traumatic brain injury in children and adolescents

OBJECTIVE

The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the global outcome longitudinally over 5 years in children and adolescents surviving moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (msTBI) to investigate changes in outcome over time. The secondary aim was to explore how age at the time of injury affected outcome.

METHODS

All children and adolescents (aged 0-17 years; subdivided into children aged 0-10 years and adolescents aged 11-17 years) with moderate (Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS] score 9-13) or severe (GCS score ≤ 8) TBI who were admitted to a level I trauma center in Norway over a 10-year period (2004-2014) were prospectively included. In addition, young adults (aged 18-24 years) with msTBI were included for comparison. Outcome was assessed with the Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (GOS-E) at 6 months, 12 months, and 5 years after injury. The effect of time since injury and age at injury on the probability of good outcome was estimated by the method of generalized estimating equations.

RESULTS

A total of 30 children, 39 adolescents, and 97 young adults were included, among which 24 children, 38 adolescents, and 76 young adults survived and were planned for follow-up. In-hospital mortality from TBI was 7% for children, 3% for adolescents, and 18% for young adults. In surviving patients at the 5-year follow-up, good recovery (GOS-E score 7 or 8) was observed in 87% of children and all adolescents with moderate TBI, as well as in 44% of children and 59% of adolescents with severe TBI. No patient remained in a persistent vegetative state. For all patients, the odds for good recovery increased from 6 to 12 months (OR 1.79, 95% CI 1.15-2.80; p = 0.010), although not from 12 months to 5 years (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.62-1.55; p = 0.940). Children/adolescents (aged 0-17 years) had higher odds for good recovery than young adults (OR 2.86, 95% CI 1.26-6.48; p = 0.012).

CONCLUSIONS

In this population-based study of pediatric msTBI, surprisingly high rates of good recovery over 5 years were found, including good recovery for a large majority of children and all adolescents with moderate TBI. Less than half of the children and more than half of the adolescents with severe TBI had good outcomes. The odds for good recovery increased from 6 to 12 months and were higher in children/adolescents (aged 0-17 years) than in young adults.

Alcohol is not associated with increased mortality in adolescent traumatic brain injury patients

PURPOSE

Compared to adults, there is a paucity of data regarding the association of a positive alcohol screen (PAS) and outcomes in adolescent patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). We hypothesize adolescent TBI patients with a PAS on admission to have increased mortality compared to patients with a negative alcohol screen.

METHODS

The 2017 Trauma Quality Improvement Program database was queried for patients aged 13-17 years presenting with a TBI and serum alcohol screen. Patients with missing information regarding midline shift on imaging and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score were excluded. A multivariable logistic regression analysis for mortality was performed.

RESULTS

From 2553 adolescent TBI patients with an alcohol screen, 220 (8.6%) had a PAS. Median injury severity scores and rates of penetrating trauma (all p > 0.05) were similar between alcohol positive and negative patients. Patients with a PAS had a similar mortality rate (13.2% vs. 12.1%, p = 0.64) compared to patients with a negative screen. Multivariate logistic regression controlling for risk factors associated with mortality revealed a PAS to confer a similar risk of mortality compared to alcohol negative patients (p = 0.40).

CONCLUSION

Adolescent TBI patients with a PAS had similar associated risk of mortality compared to patients with a negative alcohol screen.

Functional status 1 year after severe childhood traumatic brain injury predicts 7-year outcome: Results of the TGE study

BACKGROUND

Childhood severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of long-lasting acquired disability, but predicting long-term functional outcome remains difficult.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to 1) describe the functional outcome at 1 and 7 years post-TBI; 2) determine the initial and concurrent factors associated with long-term outcome; and 3) evaluate the predictive value of functional status, overall disability level and intellectual ability measured at 1 year post-injury to determine 7-year clinically meaningful outcomes.

METHODS

Among the children (<16 years) consecutively included over 3 years in the Traumatisme Grave de l'Enfant (TGE) prospective longitudinal cohort study after accidental severe TBI, we studied the outcomes of 39 survivors at 1 and 7 years post-injury. Overall outcome included disability level (Glasgow Outcome Scale), functional status (Pediatric Injury Functional Outcome Scale), intellectual ability (Wechsler scales), executive functions (Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functions), behavior (Child Behavior Checklist) as well as neurological impairments and academic status.

RESULTS

Mean (SD) age of the 39 survivors at injury was 7.6 (4.6) years, and long-term evaluation was conducted at a mean of 7.8 years post-injury (range 5.9-9.3); 36% of participants were adults (≥18 years old). Most of the neurological impairments remained stable beyond 1 year after TBI, whereas overall disability level improved significantly from 1 to 7 years but remained highly variable, with almost half of participants presenting significant disability levels (moderate: 26%, or severe: 21%). Almost half of participants had significant cognitive, behavior and/or academic difficulties at 7 years post-TBI. On multivariate regression analysis, functional impairment at 1 year was the best predictor of severe disability at 7 years (F_(3,31)=13.18, p < 0.001, sensitivity=100%, specificity=78%).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results confirm the significant long-term impact of childhood severe TBI. All children with TBI should benefit from systematic follow-up, especially those with persistent functional deficits at 1 year post-injury, because the severity of functional impairment at 1 year seems the best predictor of long-term significant disability up to 7 years post-TBI.

Neuropsychological and neuropsychiatric recovery from mild traumatic brain injury

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is a significant public health concern for children. This review summarizes recent literature on early symptoms and neuropsychiatric and neuropsychological outcomes following pediatric mTBI and highlights factors that predict prolonged recovery. Evidence-based recommendations for assessment and treatment are also discussed.

RECENT FINDINGS

Whereas most children recover within 1 month after mTBI, 10-30% of children experience lingering neuropsychiatric or neuropsychological symptoms 3 months or more after injury. For the subset who experience prolonged recovery, new or worsening emotional and behavioral symptoms are the most frequent concerns. Recent research has suggested that specific factors, including preinjury mental health concerns, female sex, and family characteristics, are associated with increased risk of experiencing prolonged recovery. Early management includes reassurance, brief rest (1-3 days), and gradual return to typical activities. When symptoms linger for more than 4 weeks, evaluation in a specialty clinic is recommended and multimodal therapies are considered. Active recovery models, which include gradual return to aerobic exercise and cognitive behavioral approaches, are promising for the management of prolonged symptoms.

SUMMARY

A minority of children with mTBI experience prolonged neuropsychiatric or neuropsychological concerns. While our understanding of pediatric mTBI is growing, and recommendations for assessment and management have been developed, many gaps remain.

Risk of Mental Health Problems in Children and Youths Following Concussion

IMPORTANCE

Concussion may exacerbate existing mental health issues. Little evidence exists on whether concussion is associated with the onset of new psychopathologies or long-term mental health problems.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate associations between concussion and risk of subsequent mental health issues, psychiatric hospitalizations, self-harm, or suicides.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This population-based retrospective cohort study including children and youths aged 5 to 18 years with a concussion or orthopedic injury incurred between April 1, 2010, and March 31, 2020, in Ontario, Canada. Participants had no previous mental health visit in the year before the index event for cohort entry and no prior concussion or traumatic brain injury 5 years before the index visit. Data were collected from provincewide health administrative databases. Participants with concussion were included in the exposed cohort, and those with an orthopedic injury were included in the comparison cohort; these groups were matched 1:2, respectively, on age and sex.

EXPOSURES

Concussion or orthopedic injury.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary outcome was mental health problems, such as psychopathologies and psychiatric disorders, identified from health care visits in emergency departments, hospitalizations, or primary care settings. Secondary outcomes were psychiatric hospitalizations, self-harm health care visits, and death by suicide (identified in health care or vital statistics databases).

RESULTS

A total of 152 321 children and youths with concussion (median [IQR] age, 13 [10-16] years; 86 423 [56.7%] male) and 296 482 children and youths with orthopedic injury (median [IQR] age, 13 [10-16] years; 171 563 [57.9%] male) were matched by age and sex. The incidence rates of any mental health problem were 11 141 per 100 000 person-years (exposed group) and 7960 per 100 000 person-years (unexposed group); with a difference of 3181 (95% CI, 3073-3291) per 100 000 person-years. The exposed group had an increased risk of developing a mental health issue (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.39; 95% CI, 1.37-1.40), self-harm (aHR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.42-1.56), and psychiatric hospitalization (aHR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.41-1.53) after a concussion. There was no statistically significant difference in death by suicide between exposed and unexposed groups (HR, 1.54; 95% CI, 0.90-2.61).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Among children and youths aged 5 to 18 years, concussion was associated with an increased risk of mental health issues, psychiatric hospitalization, and self-harm compared with children and youths with an orthopedic injury.

Blood Glutamate Scavenging With Pyruvate as a Novel Preventative and Therapeutic Approach for Depressive-Like Behavior Following Traumatic Brain Injury in a Rat Model

Depression is a common and serious complication following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Both depression and TBI have independently been associated with pathologically elevated extracellular brain glutamate levels. In the setting of TBI, blood glutamate scavenging with pyruvate has been widely shown as an effective method to provide neuroprotection by reducing blood glutamate and subsequent brain glutamate levels. Here we evaluate pyruvate as a novel approach in the treatment and prevention of post-TBI depression-like behavior in a rat model. Rats were divided into five groups: (1) sham-operated control with pyruvate, (2) sham-operated control with placebo, (3) post-TBI with placebo, (4) post-TBI given preventative pyruvate, and (5) post-TBI treated with pyruvate. These groups had an equal number of females and males. Rats were assessed for depressive-like behavior, neurological status, and glutamate levels in the blood and brain. Post-TBI neurological deficits with concurrent elevations in glutamate levels were demonstrated, with peak glutamate levels 24 h after TBI. Following TBI, the administration of either prophylactic or therapeutic pyruvate led to reduced glutamate levels, improved neurologic recovery, and improved depressive-like behavior. Glutamate scavenging with pyruvate may be an effective prophylactic and therapeutic option for post-TBI depression by reducing associated elevations in brain glutamate levels.

Relationship Between CT Head Findings and Long-term Recovery in Children with Complicated Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE

Complicated mild traumatic brain injury (C-mTBI) refers to CT positive patients with clinically mild TBI. This study investigates the association between CT head findings at time of injury and recovery of paediatric patients with C-mTBI.

RESEARCH DESIGN

Retrospective survey and chart review.

METHODS

For paediatric patients with C-mTBI (N = 77), CT findings associated with corresponding degree and lengths of recovery from C-mTBI using logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

There was a trend that the odds of incomplete recovery at the time of survey was higher for older children than for younger children (OR = 1.14, 95% CI = 0.98-1.32, p = 0.072). There was a trend that the odds of incomplete recovery (OR = 6.26, 95% CI = 0.97-40.57, p = 0.054) and longer duration for recovery (OR = 8.14, 95% CI = 0.78-84.46, p = 0.079) was higher for children with multiple haemorrhagic contusions than those with single haemorrhagic contusion. No other imaging patterns predicted degree or length of recovery with statistical significance (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Other than the presence of multiple haemorrhagic contusions, no other pattern of imaging abnormality in paediatric C-mTBI appears to be associated with degree or length of recovery. Further studies with larger cohorts are encouraged.

Application of Second-Order Growth Mixture Modeling (SO-GMM) to Longitudinal TBI Outcome Research: 15-year Trajectories of Life Satisfaction in Adolescents and Young Adults (AYA) as an Example

OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate the application of Second-Order Growth Mixture Modeling using life satisfaction among adolescents and young adults with TBI up to 15 years post-injury.

DESIGN

SO-GMM, a data-driven modeling approach that accounts for measurement errors, was adopted to uncover distinct growth trajectories of life satisfaction over 15 years post-injury. Membership in growth trajectories was then linked with baseline characteristics to understand the contributing factors to distinct growth over time.

SETTING

Traumatic Brain Injury Model System National Database PARTICIPANTS: 3,756 AYAs with TBI aged 16 - 25 (M_age=20.49, SD_age=2.66; 27.24% female) INTERVENTIONS: Not Applicable MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Satisfaction with Life Scale RESULTS: Four quadratic growth trajectories were identified: low-stable (16.6%) that had low initial life satisfaction and remained low over time; high-stable (49.3%) that had high life satisfaction at the baseline and stayed high over time; high-decreasing (15.8%) that started with high life satisfaction but decreased over time; and low-increasing (18.2%) that started with low life satisfaction but increased over time. Sex, race, pre-injury employment status, age, and FIM cognition were associated with group assignment.

CONCLUSION

This study applied SO-GMM to a national TBI database and identified four longitudinal trajectories of life satisfaction among AYAs with TBI. Findings provided data-driven evidence for development of future interventions that are tailored at both temporal and personalized levels for improved health outcomes among AYAs with TBI.

Protocol for the multicentre prospective paediatric craniectomy and cranioplasty registry (pedCCR) under the auspices of the European Society for Paediatric Neurosurgery (ESPN)

PURPOSE

In the paediatric age group, the overall degree of evidence regarding decompressive craniectomy (DC) and cranioplasty is low, whereas in adults, randomised controlled trials and prospective multicentre registries are available. To improve the evidence-based treatment of children, a consensus was reached to establish a prospective registry under the auspices of the European Society for Pediatric Neurosurgery (ESPN).

METHODS

This international multicentre prospective registry is aimed at collecting information on the indication, timing, technique and outcome of DC and cranioplasty in children. The registry will enrol patients ≤ 16 years of age at the time of surgery, irrespective of the underlying medical condition. The study design comprises four obligatory entry points as a core dataset, with an unlimited number of further follow-up entry points to allow documentation until adolescence or adulthood. Study centres should commit to complete data entry and long-term follow-up.

RESULTS

Data collection will be performed via a web-based portal (homepage: www.pedccr.com ) in a central anonymised database after local ethics board approval. An ESPN steering committee will monitor the project's progress, coordinate analyses of data and presentation of results at conferences and in publications on behalf of the study group.

CONCLUSION

The registry aims to define predictors for optimal medical care and patient-centred treatment outcomes. The ultimate goal of the registry is to generate results that are so relevant to be directly transferred into clinical practice to enhance treatment protocols.

Association Between Self-Reported Disability and Lifetime History of Traumatic Brain Injury With Loss of Consciousness Among Veterans and Nonveterans in North Carolina

BACKGROUND

Compared with civilians, service members and veterans who have a history of traumatic brain injury (TBI) are more likely to experience poorer physical and mental health. To investigate this further, this article examines the association between self-reported history of TBI with loss of consciousness and living with 1 or more current disabilities (ie, serious difficulty with hearing, vision, cognition, or mobility; any difficulty with self-care or independent living) for both veterans and nonveterans.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study using data from the North Carolina Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System for 4733 veterans and nonveterans aged 18 years and older.

RESULTS

Approximately 34.7% of veterans residing in North Carolina reported having a lifetime history of TBI compared with 23.6% of nonveterans. Veterans reporting a lifetime history of TBI had a 1.4 times greater risk of also reporting living with a current disability (adjusted prevalence ratio = 1.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-1.8) compared with nonveterans. The most common types of disabilities reported were mobility, cognitive, and hearing.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with nonveterans, veterans who reported a lifetime history of TBI had an increased risk of reporting a current disability. Future studies, such as longitudinal studies, may further explore this to inform the development of interventions.

Quality Indicators for Children With Traumatic Brain Injury After Transition to an American College of Surgeons Level I Pediatric Trauma Center

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to compare quality indicators, including frequency of acute surgical and emergent interventions, and resource utilization before and after American College of Surgeons (ACS) level I trauma verification among children with moderate or severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).

METHODS

This is a retrospective review of patients younger than 18 years treated for moderate or severe TBI, as determined by International Classification of Disease codes. Our institution obtained ACS level I trauma verification in 2013. Outcomes during the pre-ACS (June 2003-May 2008), interim (June 2008-May 2013), and post-ACS (June 2013-May 2018) periods were compared via nonparametric tests. Tests for linear trend were conducted using Cochran-Armitage tests for categorical data and by linear regression for continuous variables.

RESULTS

There were 677 children with moderate or severe TBIs (pre-ACS, 125; interim, 198; post-ACS, 354). Frequency of any surgical intervention increased significantly in the post-ACS period (12.2%) compared with interim (5.1%) and pre-ACS periods (5.6%, P = 0.007). More children in the post-ACS period required intracranial pressure monitoring (P = 0.017), external ventricular drain placement (P = 0.003), or endotracheal intubation (P = 0.001) compared with interim and pre-ACS periods. There was no significant change in time to operating room (P = 0.514), frequency of decompression (P = 0.096), or time to decompression (P = 0.788) between study periods. The median time to head CT decreased significantly in the post-ACS period (26 minutes; interquartile range [IQR], 9-60) compared with interim (36 minutes; IQR, 21-69) and pre-ACS periods (53 minutes; IQR, 36-89; P < 0.001). Frequency of repeat head computed tomography decreased significantly in the post-ACS period (30.2%) compared with interim (56.1%) and pre-ACS periods (64.0%, Ptrend = 0.044).

CONCLUSIONS

Transition to an ACS level I trauma verification was associated with improvements in quality indicators for children with moderate or severe TBI.

Predictors of health-related quality of life following injury in childhood and adolescence: a pooled analysis

BACKGROUND

Injury is a leading contributor to the global disease burden in children and places children at risk for adverse and lasting impacts on their health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and development. This study aimed to identify key predictors of HRQoL following injury in childhood and adolescence.

METHODS

Data from 2259 injury survivors (<18 years when injured) were pooled from four longitudinal cohort studies (Australia, Canada, UK, USA) from the paediatric Validating Injury Burden Estimates Study (VIBES-Junior). Outcomes were the Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) total, physical, psychosocial functioning scores at 1, 3-4, 6, 12, 24 months postinjury.

RESULTS

Mean PedsQL total score increased with higher socioeconomic status and decreased with increasing age. It was lower for transport-related incidents, ≥1 comorbidities, intentional injuries, spinal cord injury, vertebral column fracture, moderate/severe traumatic brain injury and fracture of patella/tibia/fibula/ankle. Mean PedsQL physical score was lower for females, fracture of femur, fracture of pelvis and burns. Mean PedsQL psychosocial score was lower for asphyxiation/non-fatal submersion and muscle/tendon/dislocation injuries.

CONCLUSIONS

Postinjury HRQoL was associated with survivors' socioeconomic status, intent, mechanism of injury and comorbidity status. Patterns of physical and psychosocial functioning postinjury differed according to sex and nature of injury sustained. The findings improve understanding of the long-term individual and societal impacts of injury in the early part of life and guide the prioritisation of prevention efforts, inform health and social service planning to help reduce injury burden, and help guide future Global Burden of Disease estimates.

Characteristics Associated with the Use of an Inpatient Rehabilitation or Skilled Nursing Facility after Acute Care in Children with Severe Traumatic Brain Injury

To characterize inpatient rehabilitation services for children with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), we included 254 children, whose parents/guardians reported receipt of rehabilitation within a 12-month follow-up period, from a multinational observational study. Children discharged to an inpatient rehabilitation or skilled nursing facility after acute care were classified into the "inpatient rehabilitation" group, and children discharged home after acute care were classified into the "non-inpatient rehabilitation" group. Multivariable regression analyses determined the associations of sociodemographic and clinical characteristics with rehabilitation groups. Children receiving inpatient rehabilitation had a shorter length of acute hospitalization. Children from the UK were less likely to receive inpatient rehabilitation compared to children from the US. Future studies are warranted to extend current findings by identifying the reasons behind differential access to inpatient rehabilitation among children with severe TBI.

Effect of parental education and household poverty on recovery after traumatic brain injury in school-aged children

OBJECTIVE

While prior studies have found parental socioeconomic status (SES) affects the outcomes of pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI), the longitudinal trajectory of this effect is not well understood.

METHODS

This prospective cohort study included children 8-18 years of age admitted to six sites with a complicated mild (n = 123) or moderate-severe TBI (n = 47). We used caregiver education and household poverty level as predictors, and multiple quality of life and health behavior domains as outcomes. Differences at 6, 12, and 24 months from baseline ratings of pre-injury functioning were compared by SES. We examined the association between measures of SES and domains of functioning over the 24 months post-injury in children with a complicated mild or moderate- severe TBI, and determined how this association varied over time.

RESULTS

Parental education was associated with recovery among children with complicated mild TBI; outcomes at 6, 12, and 24 months were substantially poorer than at baseline for children with the least educated parents. After moderate-severe TBI, children in households with lower incomes had poorer outcomes compared to baseline across time.

IMPLICATIONS

Parental education and household income were associated with recovery trajectories for children with TBI of varying severity.

Met and unmet rehabilitative needs among pediatric patients with moderate to severe TBI

OBJECTIVE

Estimate the probability of met and unmet post-acute rehabilitative needs among pediatric patients with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).

PARTICIPANTS

One hundred and thirty children who received acute and post-acute rehabilitative services at a hospital for children.

METHODS

Prospective, observational study. Recommended service needs (1. Medical, 2. Psychological, 3. Cognitive/Educational, 4. Medically Based Therapies, 5. Community/Caregiver/Family Support) were collected at discharge and 1, 6, 12, and 18 months post-injury. Probabilities were estimated using nonlinear logistic regression models. The impact of age at discharge was also assessed.

RESULTS

Over time, the estimated probability of need for Medical, Medically Based Therapies, and Cognitive/Educational services were consistently high. Whereas unmet need for Medical and Medically Based Therapies were low, unmet need for Cognitive/Educational services were relatively high. Need for Psychological and Community/Caregiver/Family Support services increased in the months post-discharge, as did the probability of unmet need. Older age at discharge was associated with need for Psychological and Community/Caregiver Family Support services.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings support the long-term monitoring of need for Psychological and Community/Caregiver/Family Support services among children with moderate to severe TBI. Future research to explore the etiology of unmet needs is warranted.

Influence of insurance type on rate and type of initial concussion-related medical visits among youth

Background

A growing number of studies report increased concussion-related health care utilization in recent years, but factors impacting care-seeking behaviors among youth following a concussion are not well described. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of insurance type on the rate and type of initial concussion visits and the time from injury to the initial visit in youth.

Methods

We extracted and analyzed initial concussion-related medical visits for youth ages 10 to 17 from electronic health records. Patients must have visited Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s (NCH) concussion clinic at least once between 7/1/2012 and 12/31/2017. We evaluated the trends and patterns of initial concussion visits across the study period using regression analyses.

Results

Of 4955 unique concussion visits included, 60.1% were males, 80.5% were white, and 69.5% were paid by private insurance. Patients’ average age was 13.9 years (SD = 3.7). The rate of the initial concussion visits per 10,000 NCH visits was consistently higher in privately insured than publicly insured youth throughout the study period (P < .0001). Privately insured youth had greater odds of initial concussion visits to sports medicine clinics (AOR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.20, 1.76) but lower odds of initial concussion visits to the ED/urgent care (AOR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.60, 0.90) than publicly insured youth. Days from injury to initial concussion visit significantly decreased among both insurance types throughout the study (P < .0001), with a greater decrease observed in publicly insured than privately insured youth (P = .011).

Conclusions

Results on the differences in the rate, type, and time of initial concussion-related visits may help inform more efficient care of concussion among youth with different types of insurance.

Changing Healthcare and School Needs in the First Year After Traumatic Brain Injury

OBJECTIVE

To examine children's unmet and unrecognized healthcare and school needs following traumatic brain injury (TBI).

SETTING

Two pediatric trauma centers.

PARTICIPANTS

Children with all severity of TBI aged 4 to 15 years.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort.

MAIN MEASURES

Caregivers provided child health and school service use 3 and 12 months postinjury. Unmet and unrecognized needs were categorized compared with norms on standardized physical, cognitive, socioemotional health, or academic competence measures in conjunction with caregiver report of needs and services. Modified Poisson models examined child and family predictors of unmet and unrecognized needs.

RESULTS

Of 322 children, 28% had unmet or unrecognized healthcare or school needs at 3 months, decreasing to 24% at 12 months. Unmet healthcare needs changed from primarily physical (79%) at 3 months to cognitive (47%) and/or socioemotional needs (68%) at 12 months. At 3 months, low social capital, preexisting psychological diagnoses, and 6 to 11 years of age predicted higher healthcare needs and severe TBI predicted higher school needs. Twelve months postinjury, prior inpatient rehabilitation, low income, and preexisting psychological diagnoses were associated with higher healthcare needs; family function was important for school and healthcare needs.

CONCLUSIONS

Targeted interventions to provide family supports may increase children's access to services.

Feasibility and Acceptability of a Telephone-Based Intervention for Hispanic Children to Promote Treatment Adherence After Traumatic Brain Injury: A Pilot Study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the feasibility and acceptability of a telephone-based education and navigation program for Hispanic parents of children hospitalized with traumatic brain injury (TBI).

SETTING

Level I trauma hospital and pediatric inpatient rehabilitation unit in the Northwestern United States.

PARTICIPANTS

Fourteen Hispanic parent-child dyads. Parents were 85% female, with a mean age of 35 years. Children were 58% male, with a mean age of 9.7 years, and had been hospitalized for complicated mild/moderate (n = 5) or severe (n = 9) TBI.

DESIGN

Pilot prospective cohort design.

MAIN MEASURES

Feasibility measures include recruitment, retention, and intervention adherence rates. Acceptability of intervention was measured by parents' use of educational materials and satisfaction with navigation program. We also evaluated study processes, including completion of baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months functional assessments of the child; assessment of parental health literacy and self-efficacy; and adherence to follow-up rehabilitation appointments.

RESULTS

Eighty-two percent of approached potential participants were recruited into the study. One hundred percent of participants completed the intervention, and 85% had 1-year follow-up. Intervention acceptability was high: 90% reported satisfaction with navigator, and 92% used the educational manual. Assessments demonstrated significant improvement in parents' TBI caregiving and community self-efficacy; 92% attendance to follow-up rehabilitation appointments; and improvement in the child's functional measures, except communication skills.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings support feasibility and acceptability of a culturally relevant program to facilitate transitions of care for Hispanic children with TBI. A future randomized trial is warranted to determine the efficacy of the intervention on long-term treatment adherence and the child's post-TBI function.

Novel Claims-Based Outcome Phenotypes in Survivors of Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury

OBJECTIVE

For children hospitalized with acute traumatic brain injury (TBI), to use postdischarge insurance claims to identify: (1) healthcare utilization patterns representative of functional outcome phenotypes and (2) patient and hospitalization characteristics that predict outcome phenotype.

SETTING

Two pediatric trauma centers and a state-level insurance claim aggregator.

PATIENTS

A total of 289 children, who survived a hospitalization after TBI between 2009 and 2014, were in the hospital trauma registry, and had postdischarge insurance eligibility.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

MAIN MEASURES

Unsupervised machine learning to identify phenotypes based on postdischarge insurance claims. Regression analyses to identify predictors of phenotype.

RESULTS

Median age 5 years (interquartile range 2-12), 29% (84/289) female. TBI severity: 30% severe, 14% moderate, and 60% mild. We identified 4 functional outcome phenotypes. Phenotypes 3 and 4 were the highest utilizers of resources. Morbidity burden was highest during the first 4 postdischarge months and subsequently decreased in all domains except respiratory. Severity and mechanism of injury, intracranial pressure monitor placement, seizures, and hospital and intensive care unit lengths of stay were phenotype predictors.

CONCLUSIONS

Unsupervised machine learning identified postdischarge phenotypes at high risk for morbidities. Most phenotype predictors are available early in the hospitalization and can be used for prognostic enrichment of clinical trials targeting mitigation or treatment of domain-specific morbidities.

Effect of Collaborative Care on Persistent Postconcussive Symptoms in Adolescents: A Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE

Despite the high level of impairment for adolescents with persistent postconcussive symptoms, few studies have tested whether such problems can be remediated.

OBJECTIVE

To examine whether collaborative care treatment is associated with improvements in postconcussive, quality of life, anxiety, and depressive symptoms over 1 year, compared with usual care.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

The Collaborative Care Model for Treatment of Persistent Symptoms After Concussion Among Youth II Trial was a randomized clinical trial conducted from March 2017 to May 2020 with follow-up assessments at 3, 6, and 12 months. Participants were recruited from pediatric primary care, sports medicine, neurology, and rehabilitation clinics in western Washington. Adolescents aged 11 to 18 years with a diagnosed sports-related or recreational-related concussion within the past 9 months and with at least 3 symptoms persisting at least 1 month after injury were eligible. Data analysis was performed from June to September 2020.

INTERVENTIONS

The collaborative care intervention included cognitive behavioral therapy and care management, delivered mostly through telehealth, throughout the 6-month treatment period, with enhanced medication consultation when warranted. The comparator group was usual care provided in specialty clinics.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Primary outcomes were adolescents' reports of postconcussive, quality of life, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Secondary outcomes were parent-reported symptoms.

RESULTS

Of the 390 eligible adolescents, 201 (51.5%) agreed to participate, and 200 were enrolled (mean [SD] age, 14.7 [1.7] years; 124 girls [62.0%]), with 96% to 98% 3- to 12-month retention. Ninety-nine participants were randomized to usual care, and 101 were randomized to collaborative care. Adolescents who received collaborative care reported significant improvements in Health Behavior Inventory scores compared with usual care at 3 months (3.4 point decrease; 95% CI, -6.6 to -0.1 point decrease) and 12 months (4.1 point decrease; 95% CI, -7.7 to -0.4 point decrease). In addition, youth-reported Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory scores at 12 months improved by a mean of 4.7 points (95% CI, 0.05 to 9.3 points) in the intervention group compared with the control group. No differences emerged by group over time for adolescent depressive or anxiety symptoms or for parent-reported outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Although both groups improved over time, youth receiving the collaborative care intervention had fewer symptoms and better quality of life over 1 year. Intervention delivery through telehealth broadens the reach of this treatment.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03034720.

Qualitative study of the needs of injured children and their families after a child's traumatic injury

OBJECTIVE

To explore the needs of children and their families after a child's traumatic injury.

DESIGN

Semi-structured qualitative interviews with purposeful sampling for different types of injuries and a theoretical thematic analysis.

PARTICIPANTS

32 participants; 13 children living at home after a traumatic injury, their parents/guardians (n=14) and five parents whose injured child did not participate.

SETTING

Two Children's Major Trauma Centres (hospitals) in England.

RESULTS

Interviews were conducted a median 8.5 months (IQR 9.3) postinjury. Injuries affected the limbs, head, chest, abdomen, spine or multiple body parts. Participants highlighted needs throughout their recovery (during and after the hospital stay). Education and training were needed to help children and families understand and manage the injury, and prepare for discharge. Information delivery needed to be timely, clear, consistent and complete, include the injured child, but take into account individuals' capacity to absorb detail. Similarly, throughout recovery, services needed to be timely and easily accessible, with flexible protocols and eligibility criteria to include injured children. Treatment (particularly therapy) needed to be structured, goal directed and of sufficient frequency to return injured children to their full function. A central point of contact is required after hospital discharge for advice, reassurance and to coordinate ongoing care. Positive partnerships with professionals helped injured children and their families maintain a sense of hope and participate in joint decision making about their care.

CONCLUSION

Throughout the full trajectory of recovery injured children and their families need family centred, accessible, flexible, coordinated health services, with more effective harmonious, communication between professionals, the child and their family. There is a requirement for support from a single point of contact and a system that monitors the needs of the injured child and their family after hospital discharge.

Pediatric traumatic brain injury and abusive head trauma

Childhood traumatic brain injury (TBI) commonly occurs during brain development and can have direct, immediately observable neurologic, cognitive, and behavioral consequences. However, it can also disrupt subsequent brain development, and long-term outcomes are a combination of preinjury development and abilities, consequences of brain injury, as well as delayed impaired development of skills that were immature at the time of injury. There is a growing number of studies on mild TBI/sport-related concussions, describing initial symptoms and their evolution over time and providing guidelines for effective management of symptoms and return to activity/school/sports. Mild TBI usually does not lead to long-term cognitive or academic consequences, despite reports of behavioral/psychologic issues postinjury. Regarding moderate to severe TBI, injury to the brain is more severe, with evidence of a number of detrimental consequences in various domains. Patients can display neurologic impairments (e.g., motor deficits, signs of cerebellar disorder, posttraumatic epilepsy), medical problems (e.g., endocrine pituitary deficits, sleep-wake abnormalities), or sensory deficits (e.g., visual, olfactory deficits). The most commonly reported deficits are in the cognitive-behavioral field, which tend to be significantly disabling in the long-term, impacting the development of autonomy, socialization and academic achievement, participation, quality of life, and later, independence and ability to enter the workforce (e.g., intellectual deficits, slow processing speed, attention, memory, executive functions deficits, impulsivity, intolerance to frustration). A number of factors influence outcomes following pediatric TBI, including preinjury stage of development and abilities, brain injury severity, age at injury (with younger age at injury most often associated with worse outcomes), and a number of family/environment factors (e.g., parental education and occupation, family functioning, parenting style, warmth and responsiveness, access to rehabilitation and care). Interventions should identify and target these specific factors, given their major role in postinjury outcomes. Abusive head trauma (AHT) occurs in very young children (most often <6 months) and is a form of severe TBI, usually associated with delay before appropriate care is sought. Outcomes are systematically worse following AHT than following accidental TBI, even when controlling for age at injury and injury severity. Children with moderate to severe TBI and AHT usually require specific, coordinated, multidisciplinary, and long-term rehabilitation interventions and school adaptations, until transition to adult services. Interventions should be patient- and family-centered, focusing on specific goals, comprising education about TBI, and promoting optimal parenting, communication, and collaborative problem-solving.