Pre-hospital and in-hospital parameters and outcomes in patients with traumatic brain injury: A comparison between German and Australian trauma registries

Introduction

In Germany, physician-operated emergency medical services (EMS) manage most pre-hospital trauma care. Australia uses a different EMS system, deploying highly trained paramedics for road and air transport of trauma patients. The effect of these different systems on secondary insults to traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients is unclear. There is conflicting evidence regarding which system is preferable. To add to the body of evidence, we compared the profile of injury, pre-hospital management and outcomes of TBI patients from both populations.

Methods

Cases aged ≥16 years, with AIS head ≥3, AIS other body parts ≤3, recorded in the Victorian State Trauma Registry (VSTR) and Trauma Registry of the German Society of Trauma Surgery (TR-DGU) from 2002 to 2007 were compared.

Results

10,183 cases (5665 German, 4518 Australian) were included. No difference in sex or median age was observed. There were major between-registry differences in type of injury, trauma circumstance, intent and severity of injury. German cases sustained more serious injury and received more pre-hospital interventions. Mortality was significantly higher amongst German patients even when adjusted for demographics, injury severity and in- and pre-hospital parameters. German patients had a longer hospital and ICU stay.

Conclusion

There were clear differences in injury characteristics and outcomes in TBI patients between Germany and Australia. As differences in coding, data collection and patient selection are evident, firm conclusions regarding the contribution of variations in pre-hospital care are not possible. The differences in outcome deserve further exploration in prospective studies.     

Efficacy of pre-hospital rapid sequence intubation in paediatric traumatic brain injury: A 9-year observational study

IntroductionPrehospital airway management of the paediatric patient with traumatic brain injury (TBI) is controversial. Endotracheal intubation of children in the field requires specific skills and has potential benefits but also carries potentially serious complications. We aimed to compare mortality and functional outcomes after six months between children with TBI who either underwent prehospital rapid sequence intubation (RSI) by trained Intensive Care paramedics (ICP) or received no intubation.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study of patients aged ≤14 years with suspected TBI in Victoria, Australia. Patients were either transported via helicopter and received RSI by an ICP (2005–2013) or via road ambulance and received no intubation (2006–2013). Prehospital data was linked to hospital and 6-month follow-up data to assess mortality and functional outcome.ResultsA total of 106 patients were included in the study of which 87 received RSI by paramedics and 19 did not receive intubation. Overall, the intubation success rate was 99% (86/87), with a first-pass success rate of 93% (81/87). In total, 67% of patients (n = 41) receiving RSI had a favourable functional outcome, compared with 54% of non-intubated patients (n = 7) (p = 0.36). In the 75 children with major trauma, prehospital RSI was associated with a significant decrease in length of hospital stay (523 h vs. 1939 h, p = 0.03). In the 53 children in this subgroup with available six months data the difference in favourable functional outcome increased to 66% (n = 31)vs. 17% (n = 1) (p = 0.06).DiscussionPrehospital RSI in paediatric patients with TBI can safely be performed by highly trained paramedics. Overall, we observed more favourable long-term outcomes in patients who received prehospital intubation than those who did not, however our study is not powered to detect a significant difference. Intubation prior to transport might be beneficial for major trauma patients.     

Extracellular glycerol in patients with severe traumatic brain injury

Objective： To study the factors affecting extracellular glycerol （Gly） in patients with severe traumatic brain injury （STBI）.
Methods： Perilesional extracellular Gly and cerebral blood flow （CBF） in 53 patients with STBI were consecutively monitored. Simultaneously, the intracranial pressure （ICP） and cerebral perfusion pressure （CCP） were monitored. The hourly minimum of CCP and CBF and the hourly maximum of ICP levels were matched with the hourly Gly. Gly values were divided into several groups according to regional ICP （〈 15 nun Hg or 〉 15 nun Hg）, CCP （〈70 nun Hg or 〉70 nun Hg）, CBF （〈50 AU or 50-150 AU） and the outcomes （death or persistent vegetative state group, severe or moderate disability group, and good recovery group）.
Results： In comparison with the severe or moderate disability group, the Gly concentration of the death or persistent vegetative state group increased significantly, but CBF and CCP decreased significantly. In comparison with the good recovery group, the Gly concentration of the severe or moderate disability group increased significantly, but CBF and CCP decreased significantly. The Gly concen- trations in patients with ICP〉15 mm Hg, CCP〈70 mm Hg and CBF〈50 AU were respectively higher than those of patients with ICP 〈15 mm Hg, CCP〉70 mm Hg and 50AU 〈CBF〈150AU. In patients with diffuse axial injury, the mean Gly concentration was （201.17±55.00） μmol/L, which was significantly higher than that of the patients with epidural hematoma （n=7, 73.26±8.37, P〈O.05） or subdural hematoma （n=9, 114.67 ±62.88, P〈O.05）, but it did not increase signifi- cantly when compared with those in patients with contusion （n=24, 167.48±52.63）.
Conclusion： Gly can be taken as a marker for degrada- tion of membrane phospholipids and ischemia, which reflects the severity of primary or secondary insult.     

A multi-perspective concept mapping study of problems associated with traumatic brain injury

Objective: To develop a model of the problems of persons with traumatic brain injury that includes multiple perspectives as well as the multi-dimensional nature of the phenomena.

Design: Concept mapping, a multi-variate modelling strategy, was employed to produce an exhaustive inventory and concept map of TBI-related problems based on input from patients, family caregivers and professional providers.

Results: The eight-cluster concept map included the following dimensions: social competence, intimacy, behavioural, maturity/independence, neurophysiological, mood, executive functions and non-executive functions.

Conclusions: An underlying two-dimensional conceptual model of TBI problems is proposed with relevance for theory, practice and further research.     

Metabolism and nutrition in patients with moderate and severe traumatic brain injury: A systematic review

Primary objective: To examine the evidence on the metabolic state and nutritional treatment of patients with moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Research design: A systematic review of the literature. Methods and procedures: From 1547 citations, 232 articles were identified and retrieved for text screening. Thirty-six studies fulfilled the criteria and 30 were accepted for data extraction. Main outcomes and results: Variations in measurement methods and definitions of metabolic abnormalities hampered comparison of studies. However, consistent data demonstrated increased metabolic rate (96-160% of the predicted values), of hypercatabolism (-3 to -16 g N per day) and of upper gastrointestinal intolerance in the majority of the patients during the first 2 weeks after injury. Data also indicated a tendency towards less morbidity and mortality in early fed patients. Conclusions: The impact of timing, content and ways of administration of nutritional support on neurological outcome after TBI remains to be demonstrated.     

The characteristics of patients who do not seek medical treatment for traumatic brain injury

Primary objective: To identify factors associated with not seeking medical care for traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Research Design: Internet survey.

Methods and procedures: The survey consisted of 17 questions related to demographics, TBI case ascertainment, location and mechanism of injury, type of treatment sought, and post-concussive (PC) symptoms. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with not seeking medical care.

Main outcome and results: Of the 1381 survey respondents with TBI, 584 (42%) did not seek medical care. TBI respondents were less likely to seek care if they were older (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.97-0.99), suffered a mild TBI grade 2/3 (OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.31-0.58), or were injured in the home (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.36-0.78).

Conclusions: Several factors associated with not seeking medical care after TBI were identified. Raising public awareness of the signs and symptoms of TBI, and the benefits of medical care, could help increase the number of TBI patients who seek medical care.     

Thrombocytopenia after therapeutic hypothermia in severe traumatic brain injury

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics and significance of thrombocytopenia after therapeutic hypothermia in severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Methods:Ninety-six inpatients with severe brain injury were randomized into three groups: SBC (selective brain cooling) group (n=24), MSH (mild systemic hypothermia ) group (n=30), and control (normothermia) group (n=42). The platelet counts and prognosis were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Thrombocytopenia was present in 18 (75%), 23 (77%) and 15 (36%) patients in SBC group, MSH group and control group, respectively (P<0. 01). Thrombocytopenia, in which the minimum platelet count was seen 3 days after hypothermia, showed no significant difference between SBC and MSH group (P>0.05). Most platelet counts (37 cases, 90 %) in hypothermia group were returned to normal level after 1 to 2 days of natural rewarming. The platelet count in SBC group reduced by 16%, 27% and 29% at day 1, 3 and 5 respectively compared with the baseline value. Good recovery ( GOS score 4-5) rate of thrombocytopenia 1 year after injury for hypothermia group (17 cases, 37%) was significantly lower than that of control group (P < 0.01). Conclusions: Therapeutic hypothermia increases the incidence of thrombocytopenia in severe TBI, and patients with thrombocytopenia after therapeutic hypothermia are associated with unfavorable neurological prognosis.     

Prehospital prediction of severe injury in road traffic injuries: A multicenter cross-sectional study

BackgroundTo develop and validate a risk stratification model of severe injury (SI) and death to identify and prioritize road traffic injury (RTI) patients for transportation to an appropriate trauma center (TC).MethodsA 2-phase multicenter-cross-sectional study with prospective data collection was collaboratively conducted using 9 dispatch centers (DC) across Thailand. Among the 9 included DC, 7 and 2 DCs were used for development and validation, respectively. RTI patients who were treated and transported to hospitals by advanced life support (ALS) response units were enrolled. Multiple logistic regression was used to derive risk prediction score of death in 48 h and SI (new injury severity score ≥ 16). Calibration/discrimination performances were explored.ResultsA total of 5359 and 2097 RTIs were used for development and external validation, respectively. Seven and 9 predictors among demographic data, mechanism of injury, physic data, EMS operation, and prehospital managements were significant predictors of death and SI, respectively. Risk prediction models fitted well with the developed data (O/E ratios of 1.00 (IQR: 0.69, 1.01) and 0.99 (IQR: 0.95, 1.05) for death and SI, respectively); and the C statistics of 0.966 (0.961, 0.972) and 0.913 (0.905, 0.922). The risk scores were further stratified as low, moderate and high risk. The derive models did not fit well with external data but they were improved after recalibrating the intercepts. However, the model was externally good/excellent discriminated with C statistics from 0.896 (0.871, 0.922) to 0.981 (0.971, 0.991).ConclusionRisk prediction models of death and SI were developed with good calibration and excellent discrimination. The model should be useful for ALS response units in proper allocation of patients.     

Gender differences in outcome in patients with hypotension and severe traumatic brain injury

BACKGROUND: Animal studies have identified hormonal influences on responses to injury and recovery, creating a potential gender effect on outcome. Progesterone and oestrogen are thought to afford protection in the immediate post-injury period, suggesting females have an advantage, although there has been limited evidence of this in human outcome studies. METHODS: This study examined the influence of gender on outcome in 229 adults (151 males), aged >17 years, with severe blunt head trauma, initial GCS <9 and hypotension, recruited into a randomised controlled trial of pre-hospital hypertonic saline resuscitation versus conventional fluid management. Outcome was measured by survival and Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended version (GOS-E) scores at 6 months post-injury. RESULTS: Females recruited into the study had a higher mean age. Females were more likely to be injured as passengers and pedestrians and males as drivers or motorcyclists. There were no gender differences in GCS or injury severity scores, ICP, cerebral perfusion pressure, gas exchange (PaO2/FiO2 ratio), or duration of mechanical ventilation. After controlling for GCS, age and cause of injury, females had a lower rate of survival. They also showed a lower rate of good outcome (GOS-E score >4) at 6 months, but this appeared to reflect the lower rate of initial survival. Those females surviving had similar outcomes to males. CONCLUSIONS: The study provides no evidence that females fare better than males following severe TBI, suggesting rather that females may fare worse.     

Dysautonomia and heart rate variability following severe traumatic brain injury

Primary objective: To investigate disconnection theories postulated as the cause of dysautonomia following severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) through analysis of heart rate variability (HRV).

Methods and procedures: Data were collected on age-matched subjects with and without dysautonomia (eight subjects in each group) and 16 non-injured controls. Data included injury details, continuous electrocardiograph recordings and rehabilitation outcome.

Main outcomes and results: The TBI group revealed significant differences in HRV parameters both compared to controls and between dysautonomic and non-dysautonomic subjects. Additionally, HRV parameters for dysautonomic subjects showed evidence of an uncoupling of the normal relationship between heart rate and sympathetic/parasympathetic balance. HRV changes persisted for the dysautonomia group for a mean of 14 months post-injury.

Conclusions: Dysautonomic subjects revealed prolonged uncoupling of heart rate and HRV parameters compared to non-dysautonomic subjects and controls. These findings represent direct pathophysiological evidence supporting the disconnection theory postulated to produce dysautonomia following TBI.     

Long-term outcome in severe traumatic brain injury is significantly influenced by brainstem involvement

Primary objective: To study the 1-year-outcome of 32 survivors of severe traumatic brain injury with respect to the impact of brainstem injury.

Research design: Retrospective clinical study performed in a university hospital.

Methods and procedures: Thirty-two 1-year-survivors (15 with brainstem injury present) of severe traumatic brain injury were investigated for neurological function, activities of daily living, need for care and professional ability.

Main outcomes and results: Visual impairment, spasticity, co-ordination deficits and organic psychosis were more frequent in the group harbouring brainstem lesions. Professional ability was worse among these patients.

Conclusion: Brainstem involvement in survivors of severe traumatic brain injury conveys a negative impact on long-term outcome.     

Brain metabolic and hemodynamic effects of cyclosporin A after human severe traumatic brain injury: a microdialysis study

Background  Mitochondrial dysfunction is a major limiting factor in neuronal recovery following traumatic brain injury. Cyclosporin A (CsA) has been recently proposed for use in the early phase after severe head injury, for its ability to preserve mitochondrial bioenergetic state, potentially exerting a neuroprotective effect. The aim of this study was, therefore, to evaluate the effect of CsA on brain energy metabolism, as measured by cerebral microdialysis, and on cerebral hemodynamics, in a group of severely head injured patients. Methods  Fifty adult patients with a severe head injury were enrolled in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Patients received 5 mg/kg of CsA over 24 h, or placebo, within 12 h of the injury. A microdialysis probe was placed in all patients, who were managed according to standard protocols for the treatment of severe head injury. Findings  The most robust result of this study was that, over most of the monitoring period, brain dialysate glucose was significantly higher in the CsA treated patients than in placebo. Both lactate and pyruvate were also significantly higher in the CsA group. Glutamate concentration and lactate/pyruvate ratio were significantly higher in the placebo group than in CsA treated patients, respectively 1 to 2 days, and 2 to 3 days after the end of the 24-h drug infusion. The administration of CsA was also associated with a significant increase in mean arterial pressure (MAP) and cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP). Conclusions  The administration of CsA in the early phase after head injury resulted in significantly higher extracellular fluid glucose and pyruvate, which may be evidence of a beneficial effect. The early administration of CsA was also associated with a significant increase in MAP and CPP and such a potentially beneficial hemodynamic effect might contribute to a neuroprotective effect.     

Ethical considerations on consent procedures for emergency research in severe and moderate traumatic brain injury

Summary Therapeutic trials in TBI are subject to principles of Good Clinical Practice (GCP), to national legislation, and to international and European ethical concepts and regulations [e.g. 13]. The guiding principles underlying these investigations of treatment are respect for autonomy of research subjects, protection against discomfort, risk, harm and exploitation and the prospect of some benefit. Patients with significant TBI are mentally incapacitated, thus prohibiting obtaining consent directly from the subject. Various approaches to consent procedures are used as surrogate to subject consent: proxy consent, consent by an independent physician and waiver of consent. These approaches are reviewed. A questionnaire soliciting opinions was mailed to 148 EBIC (European Brain Injury Consortium) associated neuro-trauma centers in 19 European countries. 48% respondents believe that relatives were not able to make a balanced decision, 72% believed that consent procedures are a significant factor causing decrease in enrollment rate and 83% stated that consent procedures delay initiation of study treatment, resulting in possible harm if the agent has shown to be effective. 64% of the respondents considered TBI an emergency situation in which clinical research could be initiated under the emergency exception for consent. In new European legislation, emergency research under waiver of consent is not permitted. Nevertheless, we consider that randomising patients with TBI into carefully evaluated trial protocols without prior consent may be considered ethically justified.     

Tracheostomy in craniectomised survivors after traumatic brain injury: A cross-sectional analytical study

Background

Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is a life-saving measure for traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, survivors may remain in a vegetative or minimally conscious state and require tracheostomy to facilitate airway management. In this cross-sectional analytical study, we investigated the predictors for tracheostomy requirement and influence of tracheostomy timing on outcomes in craniectomised survivors after TBI.

Methods

We enrolled 160 patients undergoing DC and surviving >7 days after TBI in this 3-year retrospective study. The patients were subdivided into 2 groups based on whether tracheostomy was (N = 38) or was not (N = 122) performed. We identified intergroup differences in early clinical parameters. Multivariable logistic regression was used to adjust for independent predictors of the need for tracheostomy. Early tracheostomy was defined as the performance of the procedure within the first 10 days after DC. Intensive care unit (ICU) stay, hospital stay, mortality, and Glasgow outcome scale (GOS) were analysed according to the timing of the tracheostomy procedure.

Results

After TBI, 24% of craniectomised survivors required tracheostomy. In the multivariate logistic regression mode, the significant factors related to the need for tracheostomy were age (odds ratio = 1.041; p = 0.002), the Glasgow coma score (GCS) at admission (odds ratio = 0.733; p = 0.005), and normal status of basal cisterns (odds ratio = 0.000; p = 0.008). The ICU stay was shorter for patients with early tracheostomy than for those undergoing late tracheostomy (p = 0.004). The timing of tracheostomy had no influence on the hospital stay, mortality, or GOS.

Conclusion

Age and admission GCS were independent predictors of the need for tracheostomy in craniectomised survivors after TBI. If tracheostomy is necessary, an earlier procedure may assist in patient care.     

Bomb blast, mild traumatic brain injury and psychiatric morbidity: A review

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) arising from blast exposure during war is common, and frequently complicated by psychiatric morbidity. There is controversy as to whether mild TBI from blast is different from other causes of mild TBI. Anxiety and affective disorders such as Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and depression are common accompaniments of blast injury with a significant overlap in the diagnostic features of PTSD with post-concussive syndrome (PCS). This review focuses on this overlap and the effects of mild TBI due to bomb blast. Mild TBI may have been over diagnosed by late retrospective review of returned servicemen and women using imprecise criteria. There is therefore a requirement for clear and careful documentation by health professionals of a TBI due to bomb blast shortly after the event so that the diagnosis of TBI can be made with confidence. There is a need for the early recognition of symptoms of PCS, PTSD and depression and early multi-disciplinary interventions focussed on expected return to duties. There also needs to be a continued emphasis on the de-stigmatisation of psychological conditions in military personnel returning from deployment.     

Clinical predictors and neuropsychological outcome in severe traumatic brain injury patients

Summary Background. The aim of the study was to evaluate the possible significant role of some clinical factors in predicting cognitive outcome in a group of severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients, with Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) lower than 8 and duration of unconsciousness for at least 15 days (prolonged coma).Method. A consecutive sample of 25 survivors of severe TBI attending the Physical and Cognitive Rehabilitation program participated in this study. The neuropsychological test battery included: Word-list Learning, Prose recall, Rey Figure Delayed recall, Word fluency, Ravens Progressive Matrices 47. The clinical variables evaluated in correlation with the neuropsychological outcome were the following: age, duration of unconsciousness, duration of post-traumatic amnesia, interval from head trauma to neuropsychological evaluation, interval from head trauma to recovery of oral feeding, and finally interval from head trauma to first verbal communication.Findings. The clinical variable with a significant predictive value on most neuropsychological scores was the interval from head trauma to the recovery of oral feeding.Conclusions. If this result is confirmed in larger samples, time interval of oral feeding recovery from head trauma should be considered as a possible predictor of neuropsychological outcome in TBI patients with prolonged coma.     

Hospital length of stay following admission for traumatic brain injury in a Canadian integrated trauma system: A retrospective multicenter cohort study

BackgroundTraumatic brain injury (TBI) is the leading cause of disability in children and young adults and costs CAD$3 billion annually in Canada. Stakeholders have expressed the urgent need to obtain information on resource use for TBI to improve the quality and efficiency of acute care in this patient population. We aimed to assess the components and determinants of hospital and ICU LOS for TBI admissions.MethodsWe performed a retrospective multicenter cohort study on 11,199 adults admitted for TBI between 2007 and 2012 in an inclusive Canadian trauma system. Our primary outcome measure was index hospital LOS (admission to the hospital with the highest designation level). Index LOS was compared to total LOS (all consecutive admissions related to the injury). Expected LOS was calculated by matching TBI admissions to all-diagnosis hospital admissions by age, gender, and year of admission. LOS determinants were identified using multilevel linear regression.ResultsGeometric mean total LOS was 1 day longer than geometric mean index LOS (12.6 versus 11.7 days). Observed index and ICU LOS were respectively 4.2 days and 2.5 days longer than that expected according to all-diagnosis admissions. The six most important determinants of LOS were discharge destination, severity of concomitant injuries, extracranial complications, GCS, TBI severity, and mechanical ventilation, accounting for 80% of explained variation.ConclusionsResults of this multicenter retrospective cohort study suggest that hospital and ICU LOS for TBI admissions are 56% and 119% longer than expected according to all-diagnosis admissions, respectively. In addition, hospital LOS is underestimated when only the index visit is considered and is largely influenced by discharge destination and extracranial complications, suggesting that improvements could be achieved with better discharge planning and interventions targeting prevention of in-hospital complications. This study highlights the importance of considering TBI patients as a distinct population when allocating resources or planning quality improvement interventions.     

Prospective evaluation of oro-pharyngeal dysphagia after severe traumatic brain injury

Primary objective: To evaluate clinical, videofluoroscopic findings and clinical evolution of neurogenic dysphagia and to establish the prognostic factors.

Research design: Prospective cohort study.

Methods and procedures: Forty-eight patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) and clinically-suspected oro-pharyngeal dysphagia were studied. Clinical evaluation of oro-pharyngeal dysphagia and videofluoroscopic examination were performed. Clinical evolution was based on feeding mode at discharge, the presence of respiratory complications and body mass index (BMI) at admission and at discharge.

Main outcomes and results: Sixty-five per cent of patients had impaired gag reflex and 44% cough during oral feeding. Videofluoroscopy revealed some type of disorder in 90% of cases: 65% in the oral phase and 73% in the pharyngeal phase (aspiration in 62.5%, being silent in 41%). At discharge, 45% were on normal diet, 27% on a modified oral diet, 14% combined oral intake and gastrostomy feeding and 14% were fed exclusively by gastrostomy. Feeding mode at discharge substantially correlated with RLCF score at admission (p=0.04) and with RLCF (p=0.009) and DRS (p=0.02) scores at discharge.

Conclusions: Aspiration is very frequent in patients with severe TBI, being silent in almost half. Cognitive function evaluated with the RLCF is the best prognostic factor. At discharge, 72% of the patients were on oral food intake despite having severe TBI.     

Bromocriptine in traumatic brain injury

The authors report the case of a 63-year-old patient with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) associated with Parkinson's syndrome, whose performances were dramatically improved by bromocriptine therapy, with an improvement of the scores, not only on tests evaluating motor functions but also on tests evaluating the patient's cognitive functions. However, no improvement was observed with levodopa.