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Tran J, Byerly S, Nelson J, Lenart EK, Kerwin AJ, Filiberto DM. Race and Socio-Economic Status Impact Withdrawal of Treatment in Young Traumatic Brain Injury. J Pain Symptom Manage 2024:S0885-3924(24)00913-8. [PMID: 39097244 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2024.07.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024]
Abstract
CONTEXT Withdrawal of life-sustaining therapies (WDLST) in young individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an overwhelming situation often made more stressful by socioeconomic factors that shape health outcomes. Identifying these factors is crucial to developing equitable and goal-concordant care for patients and families. OBJECTIVES We aimed to identify predictors of WDLST in young patients with 1-TBI. We hypothesized uninsured payment method, race, and co-morbid status are associated with WDLST. METHODS We queried the 2021 Trauma Quality Improvement Program database for patients <45 years with TBI. Patients with WDLST were compared to patients without WDLST. Multivariable logistic regression (MLR) was performed. RESULTS 61,115 patients were included, of whom 2,487 (4.1%) underwent WDLST. Patients in the WDLST cohort were older (29 vs 27, P<0.001), more likely to suffer from a penetrating mechanism (29% vs 11%, P<.0001), and have uninsured (22% vs 18%) or other payment method (5% vs 3%) when compared to the non-WDLST cohort. MLR identified age (AOR:1.019, 95% CI 1.014-1.024, P<.0001), non-Hispanic ethnicity (AOR:1.590, 95% CI 1.373-1.841, P<.0001), penetrating mechanism (AOR:3.075, 95% CI 2.727-3.467, P<.0001), systolic blood pressure (AOR: 0.992, 95% CI 0.990-0.993, P<0.0001), advanced directive (AOR:4.987, 95% CI 2.823-8.812, P<.0001), cirrhosis (AOR:3.854, 95% CI 2.641-5.625, P<.0001), disseminated cancer (AOR:6.595, 95% CI 2.370-18.357, P=0.0003), and interfacility transfer (AOR:1.457, 95% CI 1.295-1.640, P<0.0001) as factors associated with WDLST. Black patients were less likely to undergo WDLST when compared to white patients (AOR:0.687, 95% CI 0.603-0.782, P<.0001). CONCLUSION The decision for WDLST in young patients with severe TBI may be influenced by cultural and socioeconomic factors in addition to clinical considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Tran
- College of Medicine (T.J), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 910 Madison Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee, USA.
| | - Saskya Byerly
- Division of Trauma and Surgical Critical Care (B.S., L.E.K., K.A.J., F.D.M.), Department of Surgery, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 910 Madison Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jeffrey Nelson
- Division of General Internal Medicine (N.J.), Department of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 910 Madison Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Emily K Lenart
- Division of Trauma and Surgical Critical Care (B.S., L.E.K., K.A.J., F.D.M.), Department of Surgery, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 910 Madison Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Andrew J Kerwin
- Division of Trauma and Surgical Critical Care (B.S., L.E.K., K.A.J., F.D.M.), Department of Surgery, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 910 Madison Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Dina M Filiberto
- Division of Trauma and Surgical Critical Care (B.S., L.E.K., K.A.J., F.D.M.), Department of Surgery, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 910 Madison Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
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McKimmie A, Keeves J, Gadowski A, Bagg MK, Antonic-Baker A, Hicks AJ, Hill R, Clarke N, Holland A, Veitch B, Fatovich D, Reeder S, Romero L, Ponsford JL, Lannin NA, O’Brien TJ, Cooper DJ, Rushworth N, Fitzgerald M, Gabbe BJ, Cameron PA. The Australian Traumatic Brain Injury Initiative: Systematic Review of Clinical Factors Associated with Outcomes in People with Moderate-Severe Traumatic Brain Injury. Neurotrauma Rep 2024; 5:0. [PMID: 39081663 PMCID: PMC11286001 DOI: 10.1089/neur.2023.0111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of the Australian Traumatic Brain Injury Initiative (AUS-TBI) is to design a data dictionary to inform data collection and facilitate prediction of outcomes for moderate-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) across Australia. The process has engaged diverse stakeholders across six areas: social, health, clinical, biological, acute interventions, and long-term outcomes. Here, we report the results of the clinical review. Standardized searches were implemented across databases to April 2022. English-language reports of studies evaluating an association between a clinical factor and any clinical outcome in at least 100 patients with moderate-severe TBI were included. Abstracts, and full-text records, were independently screened by at least two reviewers in Covidence. The findings were assessed through a consensus process to determine inclusion in the AUS-TBI data resource. The searches retrieved 22,441 records, of which 1137 were screened at full text and 313 papers were included. The clinical outcomes identified were predominantly measures of survival and disability. The clinical predictors most frequently associated with these outcomes were the Glasgow Coma Scale, pupil reactivity, and blood pressure measures. Following discussion with an expert consensus group, 15 were recommended for inclusion in the data dictionary. This review identified numerous studies evaluating associations between clinical factors and outcomes in patients with moderate-severe TBI. A small number of factors were reported consistently, however, how and when these factors were assessed varied. The findings of this review and the subsequent consensus process have informed the development of an evidence-informed data dictionary for moderate-severe TBI in Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ancelin McKimmie
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jemma Keeves
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Bentley, Australia
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, Australia
| | - Adelle Gadowski
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Matthew K. Bagg
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Bentley, Australia
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, Australia
- Centre for Pain IMPACT, Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, Australia
- School of Health Sciences, University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, Australia
| | - Ana Antonic-Baker
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Amelia J. Hicks
- Monash-Epworth Rehabilitation Research Centre, Epworth Healthcare, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Regina Hill
- Regina Hill Effective Consulting Pty Ltd, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Nyssa Clarke
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Andrew Holland
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney School of Medicine, Westmead, Australia
| | - Bill Veitch
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Daniel Fatovich
- Emergency Medicine, Royal Perth Hospital, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Centre for Clinical Research in Emergency Medicine, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Nedlands, Australia
| | - Sandy Reeder
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Jennie L. Ponsford
- Monash-Epworth Rehabilitation Research Centre, Epworth Healthcare, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Natasha A. Lannin
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Alfred Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Terence J. O’Brien
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - D. Jamie Cooper
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Research Centre, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Intensive Care and Hyperbaric Medicine, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Melinda Fitzgerald
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Bentley, Australia
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, Australia
| | - Belinda J. Gabbe
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Health Data Research UK, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Singleton Park, United Kingdom
| | - Peter A. Cameron
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- National Trauma Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Emergency and Trauma Centre, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
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3
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Muehlschlegel S. Prognostication in Neurocritical Care. Continuum (Minneap Minn) 2024; 30:878-903. [PMID: 38830074 DOI: 10.1212/con.0000000000001433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This article synthesizes the current literature on prognostication in neurocritical care, identifies existing challenges, and proposes future research directions to reduce variability and enhance scientific and patient-centered approaches to neuroprognostication. LATEST DEVELOPMENTS Patients with severe acute brain injury often lack the capacity to make their own medical decisions, leaving surrogate decision makers responsible for life-or-death choices. These decisions heavily rely on clinicians' prognostication, which is still considered an art because of the previous lack of specific guidelines. Consequently, there is significant variability in neuroprognostication practices. This article examines various aspects of neuroprognostication. It explores the cognitive approach to prognostication, highlights the use of statistical modeling such as Bayesian models and machine learning, emphasizes the importance of clinician-family communication during prognostic disclosures, and proposes shared decision making for more patient-centered care. ESSENTIAL POINTS This article identifies ongoing challenges in the field and emphasizes the need for future research to ameliorate variability in neuroprognostication. By focusing on scientific methodologies and patient-centered approaches, this research aims to provide guidance and tools that may enhance neuroprognostication in neurocritical care.
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Dresch Vascouto H, Melo HM, de Oliveira Thais MER, Schwarzbold ML, Lin K, Pizzol FD, Kupek E, Walz R. Cognitive Performance of Brazilian Patients With Favorable Outcomes After Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: A Prospective Study. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2023; 102:1070-1075. [PMID: 37204939 DOI: 10.1097/phm.0000000000002279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the cognitive performance of patients with favorable outcomes, determined by the Glasgow Outcome Scale, 1 yr after hospital discharge due to severe traumatic brain injury. DESIGN This was a prospective case-control study. From 163 consecutive adult patients with severe traumatic brain injury included in the study, 73 patients had a favorable outcome (Glasgow Outcome Scale score of 4 or 5) 1 yr after hospital discharge and were eligible for the cognitive evaluation, of which 28 completed the evaluations. The latter were compared with 44 healthy controls. RESULTS The average loss of cognitive performance among participants with traumatic brain injury varied between 13.35% and 43.49% compared with the control group. Between 21.4% and 32% of the patients performed below the 10th percentile on three language tests and two verbal memory tests, whereas 39% to 50% performed below this threshold on one language test and three memory tests. Longer hospital stay, older age, and lower education were the most important predictors of worse cognitive performance. CONCLUSION One year after a severe traumatic brain injury, a significant proportion of Brazilian patients with the favorable outcome determined by Glasgow Outcome Scale still showed significant cognitive impairment in verbal memory and language domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Dresch Vascouto
- From the Center for Applied Neuroscience (CeNAp), Department of Clinical Medicine, University Hospital-UFSC (HU-UFSC) (HDV, HMM, MLS, KL, RW), Graduate Program in Neuroscience (HDV, HMM, MERdOT, RW), Graduate Program in Medical Sciences (MERdOT, MLS, KL, RW), Psychiatry Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital (HU) (MLS), Neurology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital-UFSC (HU-UFSC) (KL, RW), and Department of Public Health (EK), Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis/SC; and Laboratory of Neurobiology of Inflammatory and Metabolic Processes, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Health Sciences Unit, University of South Santa Catarina, Santa Catarina, Brazil (FDP)
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Ota K, Kobata H, Hamada Y, Mizutani S, Okuyama T, Ota K, Takeda Y, Takasu A. Anisocoria without extraocular muscle impairment due to moderate traumatic brain injury with midbrain contusion: a case report. BMC Neurol 2023; 23:270. [PMID: 37454064 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-023-03331-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND New-onset anisocoria is an important clinical clue to life-threatening intracranial injury. Anisocoria alone without impairment of extraocular muscles is a rare presentation of moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI). CASE PRESENTATION A 79-year-old woman was transported to hospital soon after falling off a bicycle. Glasgow Coma Scale score on arrival was 11 (E3V3M5). On examination at admission, she was found to be drowsy. Bruising was seen around the right eye and pupil diameters differed (right, 4.5 mm; left, 3.0 mm; both reactive to light). Computed tomography of the head revealed hemorrhagic contusion in the left temporal lobe and left pretectal area of the midbrain, right clavicular fracture, and pulmonary contusion with fractures of the 3rd and 4th ribs. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed hemorrhagic contusion of the midbrain. The patient achieved full recovery of motor and mental functions with conservative treatment and was discharged on hospital day 17. CONCLUSION We encountered a case of anisocoria without major extraocular muscle impairment due to moderate TBI with midbrain contusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koshi Ota
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 2-7 Daigaku-machi, Takatsuki City, 596-8686, Osaka, Japan.
| | - Hitoshi Kobata
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 2-7 Daigaku-machi, Takatsuki City, 596-8686, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshisuke Hamada
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 2-7 Daigaku-machi, Takatsuki City, 596-8686, Osaka, Japan
| | - Saki Mizutani
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 2-7 Daigaku-machi, Takatsuki City, 596-8686, Osaka, Japan
| | - Terunari Okuyama
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 2-7 Daigaku-machi, Takatsuki City, 596-8686, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kanna Ota
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 2-7 Daigaku-machi, Takatsuki City, 596-8686, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yuriko Takeda
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 2-7 Daigaku-machi, Takatsuki City, 596-8686, Osaka, Japan
| | - Akira Takasu
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 2-7 Daigaku-machi, Takatsuki City, 596-8686, Osaka, Japan
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Zeldovich M, Hahm S, Mueller I, Krenz U, Bockhop F, von Steinbuechel N. Longitudinal Internal Validity of the Quality of Life after Brain Injury: Response Shift and Responsiveness. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12093197. [PMID: 37176640 PMCID: PMC10179561 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12093197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The Quality of Life after Brain Injury (QoLIBRI) questionnaire was developed and validated to assess disease-specific health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in individuals after TBI. The present study aims to determine its longitudinal validity by assessing its responsiveness and response shift from 3 to 6 months post-injury. Analyses were based on data from the European longitudinal observational cohort Collaborative European NeuroTrauma Effectiveness Research in Traumatic Brain Injury study. A total of 1659 individuals recovering from TBI were included in the analyses. Response shift was assessed using longitudinal measurement invariance testing within the confirmatory factor analyses framework. Responsiveness was analyzed using linear regression models that compared changes in functional recovery as measured by the Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (GOSE) with changes in the QoLIBRI scales from 3 to 6 months post-injury. Longitudinal tests of measurement invariance and analyses of discrepancies in practical significance indicated the absence of response shift. Changes in functional recovery status from three to six months were significantly associated with the responsiveness of the QoLIBRI scales over the same time period. The QoLIBRI can be used in longitudinal studies and is responsive to changes in an individual's functional recovery during the first 6 months after TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Zeldovich
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Waldweg 37A, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Stefanie Hahm
- Department Health & Prevention, Institute of Psychology, University of Greifswald, Robert-Blum-Str. 13, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Isabelle Mueller
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Waldweg 37A, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, 622 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Ugne Krenz
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Waldweg 37A, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Fabian Bockhop
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Waldweg 37A, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Nicole von Steinbuechel
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Waldweg 37A, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
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Panunzi S, Lucca LF, De Tanti A, Cava F, Romoli A, Formisano R, Scarponi F, Estraneo A, Frattini D, Tonin P, Piergentilli I, Pioggia G, De Gaetano A, Cerasa A. Modeling outcome trajectories in patients with acquired brain injury using a non-linear dynamic evolution approach. Sci Rep 2023; 13:6295. [PMID: 37072538 PMCID: PMC10113248 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-33560-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023] Open
Abstract
This study describes a dynamic non-linear mathematical approach for modeling the course of disease in acquired brain injury (ABI) patients. Data from a multicentric study were used to evaluate the reliability of the Michaelis-Menten (MM) model applied to well-known clinical variables that assess the outcome of ABI patients. The sample consisted of 156 ABI patients admitted to eight neurorehabilitation subacute units and evaluated at baseline (T0), 4 months after the event (T1) and at discharge (T2). The MM model was used to characterize the trend of the first Principal Component Analysis (PCA) dimension (represented by the variables: feeding modality, RLAS, ERBI-A, Tracheostomy, CRS-r and ERBI-B) in order to predict the most plausible outcome, in terms of positive or negative Glasgow outcome score (GOS) at discharge. Exploring the evolution of the PCA dimension 1 over time, after day 86 the MM model better differentiated between the time course for individuals with a positive and negative GOS (accuracy: 85%; sensitivity: 90.6%; specificity: 62.5%). The non-linear dynamic mathematical model can be used to provide more comprehensive trajectories of the clinical evolution of ABI patients during the rehabilitation period. Our model can be used to address patients for interventions designed for a specific outcome trajectory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Panunzi
- CNR-IASI, Laboratorio di Biomatematica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Analisi dei Sistemi ed Informatica, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Francesca Cava
- Rehabilitation Institute Montecatone, Montecatone, Imola, BO, Italy
| | | | - Rita Formisano
- Neurorehabilitation 2 Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Federico Scarponi
- Department of Rehabilitation, San Giovanni Battista Hospital, Foligno, PG, Italy
| | - Anna Estraneo
- IRCCS- Don Carlo Gnocchi Foundation, Florence, Italy
| | - Diana Frattini
- Department of Rehabilitation, Vimercate Hospital, Vimercate, MB, Italy
| | | | - Ilaria Piergentilli
- CNR-IASI, Laboratorio di Biomatematica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Analisi dei Sistemi ed Informatica, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Pioggia
- IRIB-CNR, Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council, 98164, Messina, Italy
| | - Andrea De Gaetano
- CNR-IASI, Laboratorio di Biomatematica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Analisi dei Sistemi ed Informatica, Rome, Italy
- IRIB-CNR, Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council, 98164, Messina, Italy
- Department of Biomatics, Óbuda University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Antonio Cerasa
- S. Anna Institute, Crotone, Italy.
- IRIB-CNR, Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council, 98164, Messina, Italy.
- Pharmacotechnology Documentation and Transfer Unit, Preclinical and Translational Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, Health Science and Nutrition, University of Calabria, 87036, Arcavacata, CS, Italy.
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8
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Eagle SR, Pease M, Nwachuku E, Deng H, Okonkwo DO. Prognostic Models for Traumatic Brain Injury Have Good Discrimination but Poor Overall Model Performance for Predicting Mortality and Unfavorable Outcomes. Neurosurgery 2023; 92:137-143. [PMID: 36173200 DOI: 10.1227/neu.0000000000002150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The most extensively validated prognostic models for traumatic brain injury (TBI) are the Corticoid Randomization after Significant Head Injury (CRASH) and International Mission on Prognosis and Analysis of Clinical Trials (IMPACT). Model characteristics outside of area under the curve (AUC) are rarely reported. OBJECTIVE To report the discriminative validity and overall model performance of the CRASH and IMPACT models for prognosticating death at 14 days (CRASH) and 6 months (IMPACT) and unfavorable outcomes at 6 months after TBI. METHODS This retrospective cohort study included prospectively collected patients with severe TBI treated at a single level I trauma center (n = 467). CRASH and IMPACT percent risk values for the given outcome were computed. Unfavorable outcome was defined as a Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended score of 1 to 4 at 6 months. Binary logistic regressions and receiver operating characteristic analyses were used to differentiate patients from the CRASH and IMPACT prognostic models. RESULTS All models had low R 2 values (0.17-0.23) with AUC values from 0.77 to 0.81 and overall accuracies ranging from 72.4% to 78.3%. Sensitivity (35.3-50.0) and positive predictive values (66.7-69.2) were poor in the CRASH models, while specificity (52.3-53.1) and negative predictive values (58.1-63.6) were poor in IMPACT models. All models had unacceptable false positive rates (20.8%-33.3%). CONCLUSION Our results were consistent with previous literature regarding discriminative validity (AUC = 0.77-0.81). However, accuracy and false positive rates of both the CRASH and IMPACT models were poor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawn R Eagle
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, 3550 Terrace St
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9
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de Oliveira DV, Vieira RDCA, Pipek LZ, de Sousa RMC, de Souza CPE, Santana-Santos E, Paiva WS. Long-Term Outcomes in Severe Traumatic Brain Injury and Associated Factors: A Prospective Cohort Study. J Clin Med 2022; 11:6466. [PMID: 36362693 PMCID: PMC9655294 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11216466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 04/03/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The presence of focal lesion (FL) after a severe traumatic brain injury is an important factor in determining morbidity and mortality. Despite this relevance, few studies show the pattern of recovery of patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) with FL within one year. The objective of this study was to identify the pattern of recovery, independence to perform activities of daily living (ADL), and factors associated with mortality and unfavorable outcome at six and twelve months after severe TBI with FL. METHODOLOGY This is a prospective cohort, with data collected at admission, hospital discharge, three, six, and twelve months after TBI. RESULTS The study included 131 adults with a mean age of 34.08 years. At twelve months, 39% of the participants died, 80% were functionally independent by the Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended, 79% by the Disability Rating Scale, 79% were independent for performing ADLs by the Katz Index, and 53.9% by the Lawton Scale. Report of alcohol intake, sedation time, length of stay in intensive care (ICU LOS), Glasgow Coma Scale, trauma severity indices, hyperglycemia, blood glucose, and infection were associated with death. At six and twelve months, tachypnea, age, ICU LOS, trauma severity indices, respiratory rate, multiple radiographic injuries, and cardiac rate were associated with dependence. CONCLUSIONS Patients have satisfactory functional recovery up to twelve months after trauma, with an accentuated improvement in the first three months. Clinical and sociodemographic variables were associated with post-trauma outcomes. Almost all victims of severe TBI with focal lesions evolved to death or independence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Vieira de Oliveira
- Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Rua Dr. Enéas de Carvalho Aguiar, 255, Sao Paulo 05403-010, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Leonardo Zumerkorn Pipek
- Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Rua Dr. Enéas de Carvalho Aguiar, 255, Sao Paulo 05403-010, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Wellingson Silva Paiva
- Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Rua Dr. Enéas de Carvalho Aguiar, 255, Sao Paulo 05403-010, SP, Brazil
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Deng H, Nwachuku EL, Wilkins TE, Yue JK, Fetzick A, Chang YF, Beers SR, Okonkwo DO, Puccio AM. Time to Follow Commands in Severe Traumatic Brain Injury Survivors With Favorable Recovery at 2 Years. Neurosurgery 2022; 91:633-640. [PMID: 35833650 PMCID: PMC10553145 DOI: 10.1227/neu.0000000000002087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The recovery of severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivors with long-term favorable outlook is understudied. Time to follow commands varies widely in this patient population but has important clinical implications. OBJECTIVE To (1) evaluate time to follow commands in severe patients with TBI with favorable outcomes, (2) characterize their trajectory of recovery, and (3) identify predictors associated with delayed cognitive improvement. METHODS Participants were recruited prospectively at a Level I trauma center through the Brain Trauma Research Center from 2003 to 2018. Inclusion criteria were age 16 to 80 years, Glasgow Coma Scale score ≤8 and motor score <6, and Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended measure ≥4 at 2 years postinjury. RESULTS In 580 patients, there were 229 (39.5%) deaths and 140 (24.1%) patients had favorable outcomes at 2 years. The mean age was 33.7 ± 14.5 years, median Glasgow Coma Scale was 7 (IQR 6-7), and median Injury Severity Score was 30 (IQR 26-38). The mean time to follow commands was 12.7 ± 11.8 days. On multivariable linear regression, the presence of diffuse axonal injury (B = 9.2 days [4.8, 13.7], P < .0001) or intraventricular hemorrhage (B = 6.4 days [0.5, 12.3], P < .035) was associated with longer time before following commands and patients who developed nosocomial infections (B = 6.5 days [1.6-11.4], P < .01). CONCLUSION In severe TBI survivors with favorable outcomes, time to follow commands varied widely. Most patients began to follow commands within 2 weeks. Evidence of diffuse axonal injury, intraventricular hemorrhage, and infections can delay cognitive improvement in the acute period. Patients make considerable recovery up to 2 years after their injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hansen Deng
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Enyinna L. Nwachuku
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Tiffany E. Wilkins
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - John K. Yue
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Anita Fetzick
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Yue-Fang Chang
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sue R. Beers
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - David O. Okonkwo
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Neurotrauma Clinical Trials Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ava M. Puccio
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Neurotrauma Clinical Trials Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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11
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Minoccheri C, Williamson CA, Hemmila M, Ward K, Stein EB, Gryak J, Najarian K. An interpretable neural network for outcome prediction in traumatic brain injury. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2022; 22:203. [PMID: 35915430 PMCID: PMC9341077 DOI: 10.1186/s12911-022-01953-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a common condition with potentially severe long-term complications, the prediction of which remains challenging. Machine learning (ML) methods have been used previously to help physicians predict long-term outcomes of TBI so that appropriate treatment plans can be adopted. However, many ML techniques are "black box": it is difficult for humans to understand the decisions made by the model, with post-hoc explanations only identifying isolated relevant factors rather than combinations of factors. Moreover, such models often rely on many variables, some of which might not be available at the time of hospitalization. METHODS In this study, we apply an interpretable neural network model based on tropical geometry to predict unfavorable outcomes at six months from hospitalization in TBI patients, based on information available at the time of admission. RESULTS The proposed method is compared to established machine learning methods-XGBoost, Random Forest, and SVM-achieving comparable performance in terms of area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC)-0.799 for the proposed method vs. 0.810 for the best black box model. Moreover, the proposed method allows for the extraction of simple, human-understandable rules that explain the model's predictions and can be used as general guidelines by clinicians to inform treatment decisions. CONCLUSIONS The classification results for the proposed model are comparable with those of traditional ML methods. However, our model is interpretable, and it allows the extraction of intelligible rules. These rules can be used to determine relevant factors in assessing TBI outcomes and can be used in situations when not all necessary factors are known to inform the full model's decision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian Minoccheri
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA.
| | - Craig A Williamson
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
- Max Harry Weil Institute for Critical Care Research and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Mark Hemmila
- Max Harry Weil Institute for Critical Care Research and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Kevin Ward
- Max Harry Weil Institute for Critical Care Research and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Erica B Stein
- Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Jonathan Gryak
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
- Max Harry Weil Institute for Critical Care Research and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
- Michigan Institute for Data Science (MIDAS), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Kayvan Najarian
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
- Max Harry Weil Institute for Critical Care Research and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
- Michigan Institute for Data Science (MIDAS), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
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12
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Suehiro E, Kiyohira M, Haji K, Suzuki M. Changes in Outcomes after Discharge from an Acute Hospital in Severe Traumatic Brain Injury. Neurol Med Chir (Tokyo) 2021; 62:111-117. [PMID: 34880162 PMCID: PMC8918365 DOI: 10.2176/nmc.oa.2021-0217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurological improvement occurs from the subacute to chronic phases in severe traumatic brain injury. We analyzed factors associated with improved neurological findings in the subacute phase, using data from the Japan Neurotrauma Data Bank (JNTDB). The subjects were 1345 patients registered in the JNTDB (Project 2015). Clinical improvement was evaluated by comparing the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) at discharge and 6 months after injury. Of these patients, 157 with severe disability (SD) on the discharge GOS were examined to evaluate factors associated with neurological improvement in the subacute phase. Cases were defined as those with (group I) and without (group N) improvement: a change from SD at discharge to good recovery (GR) or moderate disability (MD) at 6 months after injury. Patient background, admission findings, treatment, and discharge destination were examined. In all patients, the favorable outcome (GR, MD) rate improved from 30.2% at discharge to 35.7% at 6 months after injury. Of SD cases at discharge, 44.6% had a favorable outcome at 6 months (group I). Patients in group I were significantly younger, and had a significantly lower D-dimer level in initial blood tests and a lower incidence of convulsions. In multivariate analysis, discharge to home was a significant factor associated with an improved outcome. Many SD cases at discharge ultimately showed neurological improvement, and the initial D-dimer level may be a predictor of such improvement. The environment after discharge from an acute care hospital may also contribute to an improved long-term prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eiichi Suehiro
- Department of Neurosurgery, International University of Health and Welfare, School of Medicine.,The Japan Neurotrauma Data Bank Committee, The Japan Society of Neurotraumatology
| | - Miwa Kiyohira
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yamaguchi University School of Medicine
| | - Kohei Haji
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yamaguchi University School of Medicine
| | - Michiyasu Suzuki
- The Japan Neurotrauma Data Bank Committee, The Japan Society of Neurotraumatology.,Department of Neurosurgery, Yamaguchi University School of Medicine
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- The Japan Neurotrauma Data Bank Committee, The Japan Society of Neurotraumatology
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13
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Nyancho D, Atem FD, Venkatachalam AM, Barnes A, Hill M, Traylor JI, Stutzman SE, Bedros N, Aiyagari V, Aoun SG. Anisocoria Correlates With Injury Severity and Outcomes After Blunt Traumatic Brain Injury. J Neurosci Nurs 2021; 53:251-255. [PMID: 34620803 DOI: 10.1097/jnn.0000000000000613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Automated infrared pupillometry (AIP) has been shown to be helpful in the setting of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage and stroke as an indicator of imminent irreversible brain injury. We postulated that the early detection of pupillary dysfunction after light stimulation using AIP may be useful in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of the Establishing Normative Data for Pupillometer Assessment in Neuroscience Intensive Care database, a prospectively populated multicenter registry of patients who had AIP measurements taken during their intensive care unit admission. The primary eligibility criterion was a diagnosis of blunt TBI. Ordinal logistic modeling was used to explore the association between anisocoria and daily Glasgow Coma Scale scores and discharge modified Rankin Scale scores from the intensive care unit and from the hospital. RESULTS: Among 118 subjects in the who met inclusion, there were 6187 pupillometer readings. Of these, anisocoria in ambient light was present in 12.8%, and that after light stimulation was present in 9.8%. Anisocoria after light stimulation was associated with worse injury severity (odds ratio [OR], 0.26 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.14-0.46]), lower discharge Glasgow Coma Scale scores (OR, 0.28 [95% CI, 0.17-0.45]), and lower discharge modified Rankin Scale scores (OR, 0.28 [95% CI, 0.17-0.47]). Anisocoria in ambient light showed a similar but weaker association. CONCLUSION: Anisocoria correlates with injury severity and with patient outcomes after blunt TBI. Anisocoria after light stimulation seems to be a stronger predictor than does anisocoria in ambient light. These findings represent continued efforts to understand pupillary changes in the setting of TBI.
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14
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Wijdicks EFM, Hwang DY. Predicting Coma Trajectories: The Impact of Bias and Noise on Shared Decisions. Neurocrit Care 2021; 35:291-296. [PMID: 34426900 PMCID: PMC8382106 DOI: 10.1007/s12028-021-01324-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Coma trajectories are characterized by quick awakening or protracted awakening. Outcome is bookended by restored functionality or permanent cognitively and physically debilitated states. Given the stakes, prognostication cannot be easily questioned as a judgment call, and a scientific underpinning is elemental. Conventional wisdom in determining coma-outcome trajectories posits that (1) predictive models are better than personal experiences, (2) self-fulfilling prophesy is unchecked and driven by nihilism, with little regard for prior probability outcomes, and (3) recovery is impacted by patients’ prior wishes and preexisting medical conditions—but also by what families are told about the patient’s state and anticipated clinical course. Moreover, a predicted good outcome can be offset by a major subsequent complication, or a predicted poor outcome can be offset by aggressive care. This article examines some of these concepts, including how we decide on aggressiveness of care, how we judge quality of life, and the impact on outcome. Most patients who awaken quickly do well and can resume their pretrauma injury lives. In worse off, slow-to-awaken patients, outcomes are a mixed bag of limited innate resilience, depleted cognitive and physical reserves, and adjusted quality of life. Bias and noise are factors not easily measured in outcome prediction, but their influence on recovery trajectories raises some troubling issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eelco F M Wijdicks
- Neuroscience Intensive Care Units, Saint Marys Hospital, Mayo Clinic Campus, Rochester, MN, USA. .,Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT, USA. .,Division of Neurocritical Care and Hospital Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
| | - David Y Hwang
- Neuroscience Intensive Care Units, Saint Marys Hospital, Mayo Clinic Campus, Rochester, MN, USA.,Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT, USA
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15
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Occurrence and timing of withdrawal of life-sustaining measures in traumatic brain injury patients: a CENTER-TBI study. Intensive Care Med 2021; 47:1115-1129. [PMID: 34351445 PMCID: PMC8486724 DOI: 10.1007/s00134-021-06484-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Background In patients with severe brain injury, withdrawal of life-sustaining measures (WLSM) is common in intensive care units (ICU). WLSM constitutes a dilemma: instituting WLSM too early could result in death despite the possibility of an acceptable functional outcome, whereas delaying WLSM could unnecessarily burden patients, families, clinicians, and hospital resources. We aimed to describe the occurrence and timing of WLSM, and factors associated with timing of WLSM in European ICUs in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Methods The CENTER-TBI Study is a prospective multi-center cohort study. For the current study, patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) admitted to the ICU and aged 16 or older were included. Occurrence and timing of WLSM were documented. For the analyses, we dichotomized timing of WLSM in early (< 72 h after injury) versus later (≥ 72 h after injury) based on recent guideline recommendations. We assessed factors associated with initiating WLSM early versus later, including geographic region, center, patient, injury, and treatment characteristics with univariable and multivariable (mixed effects) logistic regression. Results A total of 2022 patients aged 16 or older were admitted to the ICU. ICU mortality was 13% (n = 267). Of these, 229 (86%) patients died after WLSM, and were included in the analyses. The occurrence of WLSM varied between regions ranging from 0% in Eastern Europe to 96% in Northern Europe. In 51% of the patients, WLSM was early. Patients in the early WLSM group had a lower maximum therapy intensity level (TIL) score than patients in the later WLSM group (median of 5 versus 10) The strongest independent variables associated with early WLSM were one unreactive pupil (odds ratio (OR) 4.0, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3–12.4) or two unreactive pupils (OR 5.8, CI 2.6–13.1) compared to two reactive pupils, and an Injury Severity Score (ISS) if over 41 (OR per point above 41 = 1.1, CI 1.0–1.1). Timing of WLSM was not significantly associated with region or center. Conclusion WLSM occurs early in half of the patients, mostly in patients with severe TBI affecting brainstem reflexes who were severely injured. We found no regional or center influences in timing of WLSM. Whether WLSM is always appropriate or may contribute to a self-fulfilling prophecy requires further research and argues for reluctance to institute WLSM early in case of any doubt on prognosis. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00134-021-06484-1.
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16
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McCrea MA, Giacino JT, Barber J, Temkin NR, Nelson LD, Levin HS, Dikmen S, Stein M, Bodien YG, Boase K, Taylor SR, Vassar M, Mukherjee P, Robertson C, Diaz-Arrastia R, Okonkwo DO, Markowitz AJ, Manley GT, Adeoye O, Badjatia N, Bullock MR, Chesnut R, Corrigan JD, Crawford K, Duhaime AC, Ellenbogen R, Feeser VR, Ferguson AR, Foreman B, Gardner R, Gaudette E, Goldman D, Gonzalez L, Gopinath S, Gullapalli R, Hemphill JC, Hotz G, Jain S, Keene CD, Korley FK, Kramer J, Kreitzer N, Lindsell C, Machamer J, Madden C, Martin A, McAllister T, Merchant R, Ngwenya LB, Noel F, Nolan A, Palacios E, Perl D, Puccio A, Rabinowitz M, Rosand J, Sander A, Satris G, Schnyer D, Seabury S, Sherer M, Toga A, Valadka A, Wang K, Yue JK, Yuh E, Zafonte R. Functional Outcomes Over the First Year After Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury in the Prospective, Longitudinal TRACK-TBI Study. JAMA Neurol 2021; 78:982-992. [PMID: 34228047 DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2021.2043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Importance Moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (msTBI) is a major cause of death and disability in the US and worldwide. Few studies have enabled prospective, longitudinal outcome data collection from the acute to chronic phases of recovery after msTBI. Objective To prospectively assess outcomes in major areas of life function at 2 weeks and 3, 6, and 12 months after msTBI. Design, Setting, and Participants This cohort study, as part of the Transforming Research and Clinical Knowledge in TBI (TRACK-TBI) study, was conducted at 18 level 1 trauma centers in the US from February 2014 to August 2018 and prospectively assessed longitudinal outcomes, with follow-up to 12 months postinjury. Participants were patients with msTBI (Glasgow Coma Scale scores 3-12) extracted from a larger group of patients with mild, moderate, or severe TBI who were enrolled in TRACK-TBI. Data analysis took place from October 2019 to April 2021. Exposures Moderate or severe TBI. Main Outcomes and Measures The Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (GOSE) and Disability Rating Scale (DRS) were used to assess global functional status 2 weeks and 3, 6, and 12 months postinjury. Scores on the GOSE were dichotomized to determine favorable (scores 4-8) vs unfavorable (scores 1-3) outcomes. Neurocognitive testing and patient reported outcomes at 12 months postinjury were analyzed. Results A total of 484 eligible patients were included from the 2679 individuals in the TRACK-TBI study. Participants with severe TBI (n = 362; 283 men [78.2%]; median [interquartile range] age, 35.5 [25-53] years) and moderate TBI (n = 122; 98 men [80.3%]; median [interquartile range] age, 38 [25-53] years) were comparable on demographic and premorbid variables. At 2 weeks postinjury, 36 of 290 participants with severe TBI (12.4%) and 38 of 93 participants with moderate TBI (41%) had favorable outcomes (GOSE scores 4-8); 301 of 322 in the severe TBI group (93.5%) and 81 of 103 in the moderate TBI group (78.6%) had moderate disability or worse on the DRS (total score ≥4). By 12 months postinjury, 142 of 271 with severe TBI (52.4%) and 54 of 72 with moderate TBI (75%) achieved favorable outcomes. Nearly 1 in 5 participants with severe TBI (52 of 270 [19.3%]) and 1 in 3 with moderate TBI (23 of 71 [32%]) reported no disability (DRS score 0) at 12 months. Among participants in a vegetative state at 2 weeks, 62 of 79 (78%) regained consciousness and 14 of 56 with available data (25%) regained orientation by 12 months. Conclusions and Relevance In this study, patients with msTBI frequently demonstrated major functional gains, including recovery of independence, between 2 weeks and 12 months postinjury. Severe impairment in the short term did not portend poor outcomes in a substantial minority of patients with msTBI. When discussing prognosis during the first 2 weeks after injury, clinicians should be particularly cautious about making early, definitive prognostic statements suggesting poor outcomes and withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment in patients with msTBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A McCrea
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
| | - Joseph T Giacino
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts.,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston.,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jason Barber
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Nancy R Temkin
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Lindsay D Nelson
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
| | - Harvey S Levin
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Sureyya Dikmen
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Murray Stein
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California, San Diego, San Diego
| | - Yelena G Bodien
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts.,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston.,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kim Boase
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Sabrina R Taylor
- Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco
| | - Mary Vassar
- Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco
| | - Pratik Mukherjee
- Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco
| | - Claudia Robertson
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | | | - David O Okonkwo
- Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Amy J Markowitz
- Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco
| | - Geoffrey T Manley
- Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Sonia Jain
- University of California, San Diego, La Jolla
| | | | | | - Joel Kramer
- University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Amber Nolan
- University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco
| | - Eva Palacios
- University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco
| | - Daniel Perl
- Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Ava Puccio
- University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Arthur Toga
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles
| | | | | | - John K Yue
- University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco
| | - Esther Yuh
- University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco
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17
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Kim
- Division of Neurocritical Care, Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Kevin N Sheth
- Division of Neurocritical Care, Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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18
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Winans NJ, Liang JJ, Ashcroft B, Doyle S, Fry A, Fiore SM, Mofakham S, Mikell CB. Modeling the return to consciousness after severe traumatic brain injury at a large academic level 1 trauma center. J Neurosurg 2020; 133:477-485. [PMID: 31200372 DOI: 10.3171/2019.2.jns183568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) carries significant morbidity and mortality. It remains difficult to counsel families on functional prognosis and plan research initiatives aimed at treating traumatic coma. In order to better address these problems, the authors set out to develop statistical models using retrospective data to identify admission characteristics that correlate with time until the return of consciousness, defined as the time to follow commands (TFC). These results were then used to create a TFC score, allowing for rapid identification of patients with predicted prolonged TFC. METHODS Data were reviewed and collected from medical records of sTBI patients with Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) motor subscores ≤ 5 who were admitted to Stony Brook University Hospital from January 2011 to July 2018. Data were used to calculate descriptive statistics and build binary logistic regression models to identify admission characteristics that correlated with in-hospital mortality and in-hospital command-following. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to identify admission characteristics that correlated with the length of TFC. A TFC score was developed using the significant variables identified in the Cox regression model. RESULTS There were 402 adult patients who met the inclusion criteria for this study. The average age was 50.5 years, and 122 (30.3%) patients were women. In-hospital mortality was associated with older age, higher Injury Severity Score (ISS), higher Rotterdam score (head CT grading system), and the presence of bilateral fixed and dilated pupils (p < 0.01). In-hospital command-following was anticorrelated with age, ISS, Rotterdam score, and the presence of a single fixed and dilated pupil (p < 0.05). TFC was anticorrelated with age, ISS, Rotterdam score, and the presence of a single fixed and dilated pupil. Additionally, patients who sustained injuries from falls from standing height had a shorter average TFC. The 3 significant variables from the Cox regression model that explained the most variance were used to create a 4-point TFC score. The most significant of these characteristics were Rotterdam head CT scores, high impact traumas, and the presence of a single fixed and dilated pupil. Importantly, the presence of a single fixed and dilated pupil was correlated with longer TFC but no increase in likelihood of in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSIONS The creation of the 4-point TFC score will allow clinicians to quickly identify patients with predicted prolonged TFC and estimate the likelihood of command-following at different times after injury. Discussions with family members should take into account the likelihood that patients will return to consciousness and survive after TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan J Winans
- 1Department of Neurological Surgery, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Justine J Liang
- 1Department of Neurological Surgery, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Bradley Ashcroft
- 1Department of Neurological Surgery, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Stephen Doyle
- 2Department of Emergency Medicine, Christiana Care Health System, Newark, Delaware; and
| | - Adam Fry
- 3Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Susan M Fiore
- 1Department of Neurological Surgery, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Sima Mofakham
- 1Department of Neurological Surgery, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Charles B Mikell
- 1Department of Neurological Surgery, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York
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19
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Wagner A, Schebesch KM, Isenmann S, Steinbrecher A, Kapapa T, Zeman F, Baldaranov D, Grauer O, Backhaus R, Linker RA, Schlachetzki F. Interdisciplinary Decision Making in Hemorrhagic Stroke Based on CT Imaging-Differences Between Neurologists and Neurosurgeons Regarding Estimation of Patients' Symptoms, Glasgow Coma Scale, and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale. Front Neurol 2019; 10:997. [PMID: 31616360 PMCID: PMC6775244 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.00997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose: Acute intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) requires rapid decision making toward neurosurgery or conservative neurological stroke unit treatment. In a previous study, we found overestimation of clinical symptoms when clinicians rely mainly on cerebral computed tomography (cCT) analysis. The current study investigates differences between neurologists and neurosurgeons estimating specific scores and clinical symptoms. Methods: Overall, 14 neurologists and 15 neurosurgeons provided clinical estimates and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) as well as Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) based on cCT images and basic information of 50 patients with hypertensive and lobar ICH. Subgroup analyses were performed for the different professions (neurologists vs. neurosurgeons) and bleeding subtypes (typical location vs. atypical). The differences between the actual GCS and NIHSS scores and the cCT-imaging-based estimated scores were depicted as Bland–Altman plots and negative and positive predictive value (NPV and PPV) for prediction of clinical relevant items. ΔNIHSS points (ΔGCS points) were calculated as the difference between actual and rated NIHSS (GCS) including 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Mean ΔGCS points for neurosurgeons was 1.16 (95% CI: −2.67–4.98); for neurologists, 0.99 (95% CI: −2.58–4.55), p = 0.308; mean ΔNIHSS points for neurosurgeons was −2.95 (95% CI: −12.71–6.82); for neurologists, −0.33 (95% CI: −9.60–8.94), p < 0.001. NPV and PPV for stroke symptoms were low, with large differences between different symptoms, bleeding subtypes, and professions. Both professions had more problems in proper rating of specific clinic–neurological symptoms than rating scores. Conclusion: Our results stress the need for joint decision making based on detailed neurological examination and neuroimaging findings also in telemedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Wagner
- Department of Neurology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Andreas Steinbrecher
- Department of Neurology, General Hospital Helios Klinikum Erfurt, Erfurt, Germany
| | - Thomas Kapapa
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Florian Zeman
- Center for Clinical Studies, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Dobri Baldaranov
- Department of Neurology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Oliver Grauer
- Neurology, Department of Neurology and Institution for Translational Neurology, Münster, Germany
| | - Roland Backhaus
- Stroke Center Hirslanden, Klinik Hirslanden Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ralf A Linker
- Department of Neurology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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20
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Puffer RC, Yue JK, Mesley M, Billigen JB, Sharpless J, Fetzick AL, Puccio A, Diaz-Arrastia R, Okonkwo DO. Long-term outcome in traumatic brain injury patients with midline shift: a secondary analysis of the Phase 3 COBRIT clinical trial. J Neurosurg 2019; 131:596-603. [PMID: 30074459 DOI: 10.3171/2018.2.jns173138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Following traumatic brain injury (TBI), midline shift of the brain at the level of the septum pellucidum is often caused by unilateral space-occupying lesions and is associated with increased intracranial pressure and worsened morbidity and mortality. While outcome has been studied in this population, the recovery trajectory has not been reported in a large cohort of patients with TBI. The authors sought to utilize the Citicoline Brain Injury Treatment (COBRIT) trial to analyze patient recovery over time depending on degree of midline shift at presentation. METHODS Patient data from the COBRIT trial were stratified into 4 groups of midline shift, and outcome measures were analyzed at 30, 90, and 180 days postinjury. A recovery trajectory analysis was performed identifying patients with outcome measures at all 3 time points to analyze the degree of recovery based on midline shift at presentation. RESULTS There were 892, 1169, and 895 patients with adequate outcome data at 30, 90, and 180 days, respectively. Rates of favorable outcome (Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended [GOS-E] scores 4-8) at 6 months postinjury were 87% for patients with no midline shift, 79% for patients with 1-5 mm of shift, 64% for patients with 6-10 mm of shift, and 47% for patients with > 10 mm of shift. The mean improvement from unfavorable outcome (GOS-E scores 2 and 3) to favorable outcome (GOS-E scores 4-8) from 1 month to 6 months in all groups was 20% (range 4%-29%). The mean GOS-E score for patients in the 6- to 10-mm group crossed from unfavorable outcome (GOS-E scores 2 and 3) into favorable outcome (GOS-E scores 4-8) at 90 days, and the mean GOS-E of patients in the > 10-mm group nearly reached the threshold of favorable outcome by 180 days postinjury. CONCLUSIONS In this secondary analysis of the Phase 3 COBRIT trial, TBI patients with less than 10 mm of midline shift on admission head CT had significantly improved functional outcomes through 180 days after injury compared with those with greater than 10 mm of midline shift. Of note, nearly 50% of patients with > 10 mm of midline shift achieved a favorable outcome (GOS-E score 4-8) by 6 months postinjury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross C Puffer
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - John K Yue
- 2Department of Neurosurgery, UPMC, Pittsburgh; and
| | | | | | | | | | - Ava Puccio
- 2Department of Neurosurgery, UPMC, Pittsburgh; and
| | - Ramon Diaz-Arrastia
- 3Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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21
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This article discusses the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to patients who are comatose and reviews the current knowledge on prognosis from various causes of coma. This article also provides an overview of the principles for determination of brain death as well as advice on how to avoid common pitfalls. RECENT FINDINGS Technologic advances have refined our understanding of the physiology of consciousness and the spectrum of disorders of consciousness; they also promise to improve our prognostic accuracy. Yet the clinical principles for the evaluation and treatment of coma remain unaltered. The clinical standards for determination of death by neurologic criteria (ie, brain death) are also well established, although variabilities in local protocols and legal requirements remain a problem to be resolved. SUMMARY Effective evaluation of coma demands a systematic approach relying on clinical information to ensure rational use of laboratory and imaging tests. When the cause of coma is deemed irreversible in the setting of a catastrophic brain injury and no clinical evidence exists for brain and brainstem function, patients should be evaluated for the possibility of brain death by following the clinical criteria specified in the American Academy of Neurology guidelines.
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22
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Yan J, Bu X, Li Z, Wu J, Wang C, Li D, Song J, Wang J. Screening the expression of several miRNAs from TaqMan Low Density Array in traumatic brain injury: miR-219a-5p regulates neuronal apoptosis by modulating CCNA2 and CACUL1. J Neurochem 2019; 150:202-217. [PMID: 31077370 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Revised: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, a comprehensive characterization of the serum miRNA profile in patients with TBI and the roles of these potential markers in neuronal regulation have rarely been reported. In this study, the levels of 754 serum miRNAs were initially determined in two pooled samples of 15 severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) patients and 15 healthy controls using a TaqMan Low Density Array. The markedly upregulated miRNAs in sTBI patients were subsequently validated individually by quantitative reverse-transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) in another larger cohort consisting of 81 sTBI patients, 81 mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) patients and 82 age/sex-matched healthy controls. Seven miRNAs, including miR-103a-3p, miR-219a-5p, miR-302d-3p, miR-422a, miR-518f-3p, miR-520d-3p and miR-627, were significantly upregulated in both sTBI and mTBI patients compared with their expression in controls. Among these miRNAs, miR-219a-5p not only discriminated sTBI and mTBI patients from controls but also discriminated between sTBI and mTBI patients. We further show here that in the neuronal cell injury model, upregulated miR-219a-5p inhibits the expression of CCNA2 and CACUL1 and further regulates akt/Foxo3a and p53/Bcl-2 signaling pathways, causing a notable change in the expression of cleaved caspase-3, thereby inducing neuronal apoptosis. These results indicate that these seven selected miRNAs could serve as novel biomarkers for TBI. In particular, miR-219a-5p is a potentially valuable indicator of the diagnosis, prognosis of TBI and appears to regulate neuronal apoptosis and death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Yan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.,Jinling Clinical Medical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaomin Bu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhuoling Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jia Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Cheng Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dandan Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiaxi Song
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Junjun Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
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23
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Bangirana P, Giordani B, Kobusingye O, Murungyi L, Mock C, John CC, Idro R. Patterns of traumatic brain injury and six-month neuropsychological outcomes in Uganda. BMC Neurol 2019; 19:18. [PMID: 30717695 PMCID: PMC6360708 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-019-1246-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traumatic brain injuries in Uganda are on the increase, however little is known about the neuropsychological outcomes in survivors. This study characterized patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and the associated six-month neuropsychological outcomes in a Ugandan tertiary hospital. METHODS Patients admitted at Mulago Hospital with head injury from November 2015 to April 2016 were prospectively enrolled during admission and followed up at six months after discharge to assess cognition, posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), depression symptoms and physical disability. The outcomes were compared to a non-head-injury group recruited from among the caretakers, siblings and neighbours of the patients with age and sex entered as covariates. RESULTS One hundred and seventy-one patients and 145 non-head injury participants were enrolled. The age range for the whole sample was 1 to 69 years with the non-head injury group being older (mean age (SD) 33.34 (13.35) vs 29.34 (14.13) years of age, p = 0.01). Overall, motorcycle crashes (36/171, 38.6%) and being hit by an object (58/171, 33.9%) were the leading causes of TBI. Head injury from falls occurred more frequently in children < 18 years (13.8% vs 2.8%, p = 0.03). In adults 18 years and older, patients had higher rates of neurocognitive impairment (28.4% vs 6.6%, p < 0.0001), PTSS (43.9% vs 7.9%, p < 0.0001), depression symptoms (55.4% vs 10%, p < 0.0001) and physical disability (7.2% vs 0%, p = 0.002). Lower Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) on admission was associated with neurocognitive impairment (11.6 vs 13.1, p = 0.04) and physical disability (10 vs 12.9, p = 0.01) six months later. CONCLUSION This first such study in the East-African region shows that depth of coma on admission in TBI is associated with neurocognitive impairment and physical disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Bangirana
- Department of Psychiatry, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Bruno Giordani
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Olive Kobusingye
- Trauma, Injury, and Disability Track, School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Charles Mock
- Harborview Injury Prevention & Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Chandy C John
- Department of Paediatrics, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Richard Idro
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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24
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Geary SP, Brown MR, Decker C, Angotti LM, Ata A, Rosati C. Patient Characteristics Associated with Comfort Care among Trauma Patients at a Level I Trauma Center. Am Surg 2018. [DOI: 10.1177/000313481808401144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Trauma patients admitted to the intensive care unit are a unique population with high mortality. This study aims to identify characteristics predicting the likelihood of progressing to palliative management often referred to as comfort care measures, thus enabling the trauma team to broach end-of-life decisions earlier in these patients’ care. This is a retrospective analysis of the prospectively collected New York State Trauma Registry database for a single Level I trauma center for patients admitted from 2008 to 2015. During this time, a total of 13,662 patients were admitted to the trauma service and there were 827 deaths, resulting in a crude annual mortality rate of approximately 6 per cent. Approximately one-half of the total mortalities, 404 of 827 (48.9%), were ultimately designated as comfort care. Univariate analysis identified the following risk factors for comfort care designation: advanced age, multiple comorbidities, blunt trauma mechanism, traumatic brain injury, and admission location. Multivariate analysis confirmed advanced age and traumatic brain injury. Subgroup analysis also identified advanced directives, pre-existing dementia, and bleeding disorders as significant associations with comfort care designation. The identification of factors predicting comfort care will result in improved care planning and resource utilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean P. Geary
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Albany Medical Center, Albany, New York
| | - Maria R. Brown
- Department of Surgery, Albany Medical Center, Albany, New York
| | | | - Lisa M. Angotti
- Department of Surgery, Albany Medical Center, Albany, New York
| | - Ashar Ata
- Department of Surgery, Albany Medical Center, Albany, New York
| | - Carl Rosati
- Department of Surgery, Albany Medical Center, Albany, New York
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