Intubation and In-Hospital Mortality After Trauma With Glasgow Coma Scale Score Eight or Less-A Cohort Study.

INTRODUCTION: Most trauma societies recommend intubating trauma patients with Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores ≤8 without robust supporting evidence. We examined the association between intubation and 30-d in-hospital mortality in trauma patients arriving with a GCS score ≤8 in an Indian trauma registry. METHODS: Outcomes of patients with a GCS score ≤8 who were intubated within 1 h of arrival (intubation group) were compared with those who were intubated later or not at all (nonintubation group) using various analytical approaches. The association was assessed in various subgroup and sensitivity analyses to identify any variability of the effect. RESULTS: Of 3476 patients who arrived with a GCS score ≤8, 1671 (48.1%) were intubated within 1 h. Overall, 1957 (56.3%) patients died, 947 (56.7%) in the intubation group and 1010 (56.0%) in the nonintubation group, with no significant difference in mortality (odds ratio = 1.2 [confidence interval, 0.8-1.8], P value = 0.467) in multivariable regression and propensity score-matched analysis. This result persisted across subgroup and sensitivity analyses. Patients intubated within an hour of arrival had longer durations of ventilation, intensive care unit stay, and hospital stay (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Intubation within an hour of arrival with a GCS score ≤8 after major trauma was not associated with differences in-hospital mortality. The indications and benefits of early intubation in these severely injured patients should be revisited to promote optimal resource utilization in LMICs.

Neuro-ophthalmic manifestations in traumatic brain injury: a hospital-based study from Nepal.

Objective: Neuro-ophthalmic manifestations occur frequently in patients with a traumatic head injury which are often ignored, leading to late presentation with permanent visual disability and visual field defects. This study aimed to find the various neuro-ophthalmic manifestations of traumatic brain injury and correlate them with the neurological status and neuroimaging abnormality. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was carried out among patients admitted to our centre with a diagnosis of traumatic brain injury for a period of six months from August 2020 to January 2021. Glasgow Coma Score was used to grade the severity of the head injury. Detailed ophthalmological examinations were documented in predesigned proforma. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the outcomes. Results: A total of 377 head injury patients underwent neuro-ophthalmic examination-271 (71.9%) were males and 106 (28.1%) were females. The mean age in our study population was 38.6 ± 16.8 years, their age ranging from 3 to 85 years. Time from injury to ophthalmologic examination ranged from 30 min to 12 days post-injury, the mean duration being 24.2 ± 34 h. Road traffic accidents were the most common cause of head injury, with 203 cases (53.8%). 38 (10.1%) patients had neuro-ophthalmic manifestations-16 (42.0%) had afferent pathway deficits and 22 (57.9%) had efferent pathway deficits. The most frequently encountered neuro-ophthalmic abnormality was optic neuropathy in 14 (36.8%) followed by trochlear, oculomotor, abducens nerve, and chiasmal injury. The presence of brain contusion was associated with traumatic optic neuropathy while skull fractures were associated with trochlear nerve palsy, these associations being statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion: Neuroimaging abnormalities, particularly brain contusions and skull fractures were significantly associated with neuro-ophthalmic deficits.

The Message of the Glasgow Coma Scale: A Comprehensive Bibliometric Analysis and Systematic Review of Clinical Practice Guidelines Spanning the Past 50 years.

BACKGROUND: Despite the ubiquitous use of the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) worldwide, no study to date has objectively and quantitatively assessed its impact on the scientific literature and clinical practice. Therefore, we comprehensively analyzed scientific publications and clinical practice guidelines employing the GCS to gauge its clinical and academic impact, identify research hotspots, and inform future research on the topic. METHODS: A cross-sectional bibliometric analysis was performed on Scopus to obtain relevant publications incorporating the GCS from 1974 to 2022. In addition, a systematic review of existing clinical practice guidelines in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Trip Database was performed. Validated bibliometric parameters including article title, journal, publication year, authors, citation count, country, institution, keywords, impact factor, and references were assessed. When evaluating clinical practice guidelines, the sponsoring organization, country of origin, specialty, and publication year were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 37,633 articles originating from 3924 different scientific journals spanning 1974-2022 were included in the final analysis. The compound annual growth rate of publications referencing the GCS was 16.7%. Of 104 countries, the United States had the highest total number of publications employing the GCS (n = 8517). World Neurosurgery was the scientific periodical with the highest number of publications on the GCS (n = 798). The top trending author-supplied keyword was "traumatic brain injury" (n = 3408). The 97 included clinical practice guidelines most commonly employed the GCS in the fields of internal medicine (n = 22, 23%), critical care (n = 21, 22%), and neurotrauma (n = 19, 20%). CONCLUSIONS: At the turn of the 50th anniversary of the GCS, we provided a unique and detailed description of the "path to success" of the GCS both in terms of its scientific and clinical impact. These results have not only a historical but also an important didactic value. Ultimately our detailed analysis, which revealed some of the factors that led the GCS to become such a widespread and highly influential score, may assist future researchers in their development of new outcome measures and clinical scores, especially as such tools become increasingly relevant in an evidence-based data-driven age.

Incidence and Risk Factors for ICU-Associated Delirium in the Alert Geriatric Trauma Population.

BACKGROUND: This study analyzed the overall incidence of delirium, comorbid conditions, injury patterns, and pharmacological risk factors for the development of delirium in an alert, geriatric trauma population. METHODS: IRB-approved, prospective, consecutive cohort series at two Southeastern Level 1 trauma centers from June 11 to August 15, 2023. Delirium was assessed using the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) score. Comorbidities and medications were detailed from electronic medical records. Inclusion criteria: age ≥55, GCS ≥14, and ICU admission for trauma. Patients on a ventilator were excluded. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 28 (Armonk, NY: IBM Corp). RESULTS: In total, 196 patients met inclusion criteria. Incidences of delirium for Hospital 1 (n = 103) and Hospital 2 (n = 93) were 15.5% and 12.9%, respectively, with an overall incidence of 14.3% and with no statistical differences between hospitals (P = .599). CAD, CKD, dementia, stroke history, and depression were statistically significant risk factors for developing delirium during ICU admission. Inpatient SSRI/SNRIs, epinephrine/norepinephrine, and lorazepam were significant risk factors. Injury patterns, operative intervention, and use of lidocaine infusions and gabapentin were not statistically significant in delirium development. Using binary linear regression (BLR) analysis, independent risk factors for delirium were dementia, any stage CKD, home SSRI/SRNI prescription, any spine injury and cerebrovascular disease, or injury. DISCUSSION: Comorbidities of CAD, CHF, CKD, and depression, and these medications: home lorazepam and ICU epinephrine/norepinephrine statistically are more common in patients developing delirium. Dementia, CKD, home SSRI/SRNI and stroke/cerebrovascular disease/injury, and spine injuries are independent predictors by BLR.

Characteristics of ocular injuries associated with mortality in patients admitted with major trauma.

BACKGROUND: Few ocular trauma studies have addressed mortality outcomes. We sought to determine characteristics of mortality-related ocular trauma admissions and compared them with non-fatal injuries. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted using de-identified data of patients admitted with major trauma from the National Trauma Data Bank (2008-2014). Patients with ocular injury were identified using ICD- 9CM codes. Demographics, intention and mechanism, types of ocular and head injuries, and injury severity were documented. Mortality was determined using post-admission disposition. Statistical analysis using student t-test, chi-square, and odds ratios (OR) calculations were performed with STATA-17 software. Significance was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: Of 316,485 patients admitted with ocular trauma, 12,233 (3.86%) were mortality related. Expired patients were older than survivors: mean (SD) of 50.1(25.5) vs. 41.5(22.8) years. White (OR = 1.32; P < 0.001), ≥ 65years old (OR = 2.25; P < 0.001), and male (OR = 1.05; P = 0.029) patients were most likely to expire than their counterparts. Common mechanisms of injury in survivors were falls (25.3%), motor vehicle traffic-occupant, MVTO (21.8%) and struck by/against (18.1%) and for fatal injuries, falls (29.7%), MVTO (21.9%) and firearms (11.5%). Traumatic brain injury (TBI) was documented in 88.2% of mortality-related admissions. Very severe injury severity scores (ISS > 24) (OR = 19.19; P < 0.001) and severe Glasgow Coma Score (GCS < 8) (OR = 19.22; P < 0.001) were most associated with mortality than survival. Firearms were most associated with very severe ISS (OR = 3.73; P < 0.001), severe GCS (OR = 4.68; P < 0.001) and mortality (OR = 5.21; P < 0.001) than other mechanisms. Patients with cut/pierce injuries had the greatest odds of survival (OR = 13.48; P < 0.001). Optic nerve/visual pathways injuries (3.1%) had the highest association with very severe ISS (OR = 2.51; P < 0.001), severe GCS (OR = 3.64; P < 0.001) and mortality (OR = 2.58; P < 0.001) than other ocular injuries. Black patients with very severe ISS (OR = 32.14; P < 0.001) and severe GCS (OR = 31.89; P < 0.001) were more likely to expire than other race/ethnicities with similar injury severity. CONCLUSIONS: Mortality-related admissions were older, male, and mostly of White race than ocular trauma admissions of survivors. Firearms were the deadliest mechanism. TBI was commonly associated and patients with optic nerve/pathway injuries, very severe ISS and severe GCS had higher mortality rates. Characteristics and demographic variations identified in this study may be useful in developing focused measures aimed at preventing trauma-related deaths.

Confounding factors impacting the Glasgow coma score: a literature review.

BACKGROUND: The Glasgow coma score (GCS) is a clinical tool used to measure level of consciousness in traumatic brain injury and other settings. Despite its widespread use, there are many inaccuracies in its reporting. One source of inaccuracy is confounding factors which affect consciousness as well as each sub-score of the GCS. The purpose of this article was to create a comprehensive list of confounding factors in order to improve the accuracy of the GCS and ultimately improve decision-making. METHODS: An English language literature search was conducted discussing GCS and multiple other keywords. Ultimately, 64 out of 3972 articles were included for further analysis. RESULTS: A multitude of confounding factors were identified which may affect consciousness or GCS sub-scores including the eye exam, motor exam and the verbal response. CONCLUSIONS: An up-to-date comprehensive list of confounding factors has been created that may be used to aide in GCS recording in hopes of improving its accuracy and utility.

Comparison of Glasgow Coma Scale Full Outline of UnResponsiveness and Glasgow Coma Scale: Pupils Score for Predicting Outcome in Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury.

Background: Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score is the most widely used clinical score for the initial assessment of neurologically injured patients and is also frequently used for prognostication. Other scores such as the Full Outline of UnResponsivness (FOUR) score and the Glasgow Coma Scale-Pupils (GCS-P) score have been more recently developed and are gaining popularity. This prospective cohort study was conducted to compare various scores in terms of their ability to predict outcomes at 3 months in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Materials and methods: The study was carried out between October 2020 and March 2022. Patients who presented to the hospital with TBI were assessed for inclusion. Initial coma scores were assessed in the emergency department and again after 48 hours of admission. Outcome was assessed using the extended Glasgow outcome score (GOSE) at 3 months after injury. The receiver operating curve (ROC) was plotted to correlate coma scores with the outcome, and the area under the curve (AUC) was compared. Results: A total of 355 patients with TBI were assessed for eligibility, of which 204 patients were included in the study. The AUC values to predict poor outcomes for initial GCS, FOUR, and GCS-P scores were 0.75 each. The AUC values for 48-hour coma scores were 0.88, 0.87, and 0.88, respectively. Conclusion: The GCS, FOUR, and GCS-P scores were found to be comparable in predicting the functional outcome at 3 months as assessed by GOSE. However, coma scores assessed at 48 hours were better predictors of poor outcomes at 3 months than coma scores recorded initially at the time of hospital admission. How to cite this article: Chawnchhim AL, Mahajan C, Kapoor I, Sinha TP, Prabhakar H, Chaturvedi A. Comparison of Glasgow Coma Scale Full Outline of UnResponsiveness and Glasgow Coma Scale: Pupils Score for Predicting Outcome in Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury. Indian J Crit Care Med 2024;28(3):256-264.

Inconsistency in the Application of Glasgow Coma Scale in Pediatric Patients.

OBJECTIVE: The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is widely used to objectively describe the extent of patients' impaired consciousness. However, there are known variations in scoring GCS both in adults and children which may impact patient management. The aim of this audit was to assess the application of GCS by medical and nursing staff in pediatric medical patients. SUBJECT AND METHODS: An online questionnaire was distributed amongst doctors and nurses working in the Department of Child and Adolescent Health at Mater Dei Hospital in Malta. The participants assigned GCS for 8 case scenarios involving children of different ages with varying levels of consciousness. Results were analyzed by calculating percentage agreement and by Cronbach's alpha. RESULTS: Sixty-six participants were studied, with a response rate of 52%. Performance was poor overall, with Cronbach alpha 0.53. Correlation was better at the upper and lower ends of the scale and the worst performance was for verbal response. Only respondents with 5-10 years of experience achieved acceptable consistency in the application of the GCS (Cronbach alpha 0.78). CONCLUSION: There is considerable variation in application of GCS in pediatric patients, highlighting the need for education and training to improve consistency for this commonly used neurological assessment tool.

Predictors of Outcome After Traumatic Brain Injury: Experience at a Tertiary Healthcare Facility in Inner Mongolia, China.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is 1 of the leading causes of death in all age groups globally. Understanding TBI causative factors and early interventions that may result in poor outcomes plays an important role in decreasing the mortality and disability associated with TBI. METHODS: In this retrospective case-control study, we collected electronic case data from patients with TBI who visited our hospital between 2018 and 2022. We collected patient information from accident to discharge, and by using linear regression predicted factors influencing death from TBI. RESULTS: A total of 957 patients with a mean age of 56.4 ± 17.0 years and a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 12 ± 3.7 on admission were included in the study. Of the total, 54 patients died in the hospital. Multifactorial logistic regression showed that the Glasgow Coma Scale scores, degree of injury on admission, surgical treatment, and brainstem hemorrhage all had a significant effect on the survival status of the patients at discharge. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding the causes, patterns, and distribution of people with TBI in this study will benefit our country and others to develop policies, research, health management, and rehabilitation tools at the national level.

Examining the independent risk factors for withdrawal of life sustaining treatment in trauma patients.

INTRODUCTION: Withdrawal of life sustaining treatment (WLST) occurs when medical intervention no longer benefits a patient's acute goals for care. The incidence of WLST in the trauma patient population is not well understood. The purpose of this study was to examine the incidence and independent risk factors associated with WLST. METHODS: The Trauma Quality Improvement Program (2017-2018) was utilized. Patients arrived without signs of life or without mortality or WLST data were excluded. Demographics, injury data, and outcomes were analyzed. Categorical variables are presented as number (percentage) and continuous variables as median [interquartile range]. WLST and non-WLST patients were compared. Early (<24 h) WLST patients were compared to all other WLST patients. RESULTS: Of 749,754 patients, 35,464 (4.7 %) died. Of these, 19,424 (2.6 %) died after WLST, constituting 54.8 % of all deaths. Median age was 67 [50-79], 67.6 % male, 17,557 (90.4 %) blunt injuries, 11,334 (58.4 %) GCS < 9. Median ISS 26 [17-30]. Median head AIS 4 (3-5). The WLST group had a much higher incidence of elderly (60+) patients (65.1% vs 41.0 %), blunt mechanism of injury (90.4% vs 76.9 %) and hypertension (43.5% vs 26.5 %). Black patients (8.2% vs 19.5 %) and Hispanic patients (7.9% vs 12.2 %) were less likely to undergo WLST. On multivariate analysis, patients 80+ years old (OR 12.939, p < 0.001), GCS < 9 (OR 15.621, p < 0.001), and head AIS = 5, head AIS = 6 (OR 3.886, p < 0.001 and OR 5.283, p < 0.001) were independently associated with WLST. GCS < 9 (OR 4.006, p < 0.001) and penetrating injury (OR 2.825, p < 0.001) were independently associated with early WLST within 24 h. CONCLUSIONS: More than half who die from trauma undergo withdrawal of life sustaining treatment. Elderly patients and those with severe TBI and low GCS scores are at high risk of experiencing withdrawal of life sustaining treatment. Further prospective evaluation is warranted.

An avian Modified Glasgow Coma Scale as a prognostic indicator in raptors with head trauma.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a Modified Glasgow Coma Scale (MGCS) for use in raptors presenting with head trauma and assess the agreement of the MGCS scores between examiners with varying backgrounds, and to assess the prognostic value of the avian MGCS in raptors with head trauma. ANIMALS: 156 native raptorial species. METHODS: All raptors received an MGCS assessment within 8 hours of their presentation, between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2019. For the first objective, the assessment was performed by a veterinary student, a wildlife veterinarian, and a board-certified or resident veterinary neurologist. Each animal received a score in 3 categories (motor activity, level of consciousness, and brain stem reflexes) and an overall score. For the second objective, the MGCS scoring was performed by the intaking clinical team member and survival after 48 hours was documented. RESULTS: Agreement between the 3 individual scores was assessed via Cronbach α and intraclass correlation. There was excellent-good agreement in all 3 assessment categories as well as the overall score. Univariate associations between survival and demographic factors were determined using the χ2 test. Overall, raptors with a total MGCS of < 10 were less likely to survive than those with a score > 12. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: An avian-specific MGCS demonstrated good-excellent agreement among raters of various backgrounds in assessing raptors with head trauma. Additionally, this study showed that an avian-specific MGCS may be correlated with the probability of survival within the first 48 hours after presentation to rehabilitation facilities in raptors with head trauma.

Biochemical and Radiological Factors for Prognostication of Traumatic Brain Injury: An Institutional Experience.

Introduction Traumatic brain injury (TBI) necessitates identifying patients at risk of fatal outcomes. Classic biomarkers used clinically today in other organ systems are quantitative in nature. This aspect largely restricts the prognostic ability of a theoretical quantitative brain biomarker. This study aimed to explore biochemical markers and imaging findings reflecting the severity of cerebral damage to predict outcomes. Methodology In this study, 61 TBI cases with moderate to severe brain injury were prospectively observed, and various indices including random blood sugar (RBS), hemoglobin, international normalized ratio (INR), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), cortisol, and CT findings were assessed. Glasgow Outcome Scores (GOS) determined the outcomes. Statistical analysis was carried out to assess correlations.  Results The mean RBS level of those who did not survive was 259.58 mg/dL, whereas in those who survived the value was 158.48 mg/dL. Analysis indicated that patients with high RBS value on admission had a higher risk of mortality (p=0.000). We noted that the mean serum cortisol levesl on both Days 1 and 5 were higher in patients who died and were able to establish a statistically significant correlation between both the values and outcome. A statistically significant negative correlation between Day 1 and Day 5 serum LDH levels and outcomes was evident from our study (p=0.000 for both). Among the components of the Rotterdam score, the presence of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) in the CT scan had a significant association with unfavorable outcomes (p=0.01) while midline shift was significantly associated with a low GCS (p=0.04). Conclusion Biochemical markers such as INR, RBS, serum cortisol, and LDH at admission can serve as valuable indicators of prognosis in TBI patients. Furthermore, a persistent increase in LDH and cortisol levels between Days 1 and 5, along with the Glasgow Coma Scale and Rotterdam Scoring system, are good predictors of mortality.

Neurosurgical Outcomes in Severe Traumatic Brain Injuries Between Service Lines: Review of a Single Institution Database.

Severe traumatic injury (sTBI) continues to be a common source of morbidity and mortality. While there have been several advances in understanding the pathophysiology of this injury, the clinical outcome has remained grim. These trauma patients often require multidisciplinary care and are admitted to a surgical service line, depending on hospital policy. A retrospective chart review spanning 2019-2022 was completed using the electronic health record of the neurosurgery service. We identified 140 patients with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) of eight or less, ages 18-99, who were admitted to a level-one trauma center in Southern California. Seventy patients were admitted under the neurosurgery service, while the other half were admitted to the surgical intensive care unit (SICU) service after initial assessment in the emergency department by both services to evaluate for multisystem injury. Between both groups, the injury severity scores that evaluated patients' overall injuries were not significantly different. The results demonstrate a significant difference in GCS change, modified Rankin Scale (mRS) change, and Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) change between the two groups. Furthermore, the mortality rate differed between neurosurgical care and other service care by 27% and 51%, respectively, despite similar Injury Severity Scores (ISS) (p=0.0026). Therefore, this data demonstrates that a well-trained neurosurgeon with critical care experience can safely manage a severe traumatic brain injury patient with an isolated head injury as a primary service while in the intensive care unit. Since injury severity scores did not differ between these two service lines, we further theorize that this is likely due to a deep understanding of the nuances of neurosurgical pathophysiology and Brain Trauma Foundation (BTF) guidelines.

Posterior Circulation Stroke Secondary to Basilar Artery Thrombosis With a Fatal Outcome.

Stroke is a regularly encountered emergency by emergency physicians, categorized based on the culprit artery and diagnosed based on non-contrast computerized tomography (CT) brain, which is supported by clinical examination that can be treated intravenously by thrombolytic agents or mechanical thrombectomy. Here we present one such case, which was brought to the emergency room with symptoms of posterior circulation stroke within 8 hours and underwent mechanical thrombectomy.

Decompressive Craniectomy in the Management of Low Glasgow Coma Score Patients With Extradural Hematoma: A Review of Literature and Guidelines.

An extradural hematoma (EDH), also known as an epidural hematoma, is a collection of blood between the inner skull table and the dura mater. It is restricted by the coronal, lambdoid, and sagittal sutures, as these are dural insertions. EDH most frequently occurs in 10- to 40-year-old patients. EDH is uncommon after age 60, as dura matter adheres firmly to the inner skull table. EDH is more common among men as compared to women. EDH most commonly occurs in the temporo-frontal regions and can also be seen in the parieto-occipital, parasagittal regions, and middle and posterior fossae. An EDH contributes approximately 2% of total head injuries and 15% of total fatal head injuries. In EDH, patients typically have a persistent, severe headache, and also, following a few hours of injury, they gradually lose consciousness. The primary bleeding vessels for EDH are the middle meningeal artery, middle meningeal vein, and torn dural venous sinuses. EDH is one of the many consequences of severe traumatic brain injuries that might lead to death. EDH is potentially a lethal condition that requires immediate intervention as, if left untreated, it can lead to growing transtentorial herniation, diminished consciousness, dilated pupils, and other neurological problems. Non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT) imaging is the gold standard of investigation for diagnosing EDH. For patients with surgical indications, early craniotomy and evacuation of acute extradural hematoma (AEDH) is the gold standard procedure and is predicted to have significant clinical results. Nevertheless, there is an ongoing debate regarding the best surgical operations for AEDH. Neurosurgeons must choose between a decompressive craniectomy (DC) or a craniotomy to manage EDH, especially in patients with low Glasgow coma scores, to have a better prognosis and clinical results. This is a consultant-based review article in which we have tried to contemplate various pieces of available literature. Here, the objective is to hypothesize DC as the primary surgical management for massive hematoma, which usually presents as a low Glasgow coma score. This is because DC was found to be beneficial in clinical practice.

The association between hematologic parameters and intracranial injuries in pediatric patients with traumatic brain injury.

OBJECTIVE: Analyzing the association between hematologic parameters and abnormal cranial computerized tomography (CT) findings after head trauma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 287 children with isolated traumatic brain injury (TBI) were divided into the 'normal' (NG), 'linear fracture' (LFG) and 'intraparenchymal injury' groups (IPG) based on head CT findings. Demographical/clinical data and laboratory results were obtained from medical records. RESULTS: The neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio was markedly higher in the LFG (p = 0.010 and p = 0.016, respectively) and IPG (p = 0.004 and p < 0.001, respectively) compared with NG. Lower lymphocyte-monocyte ratio (p = 0.044) and higher red cell distribution width-platelet ratio (RPR) (p = 0.030) were associated with intraparenchymal injuries. Patients requiring neurosurgical intervention had higher neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (p = 0.026) and RPR values (p = 0.031) and lower platelet counts (p = 0.035). Lower levels of erythrocytes (p = 0.005), hemoglobin (p = 0.003) and hematocrit (p = 0.002) were associated with severe TBI and unfavorable outcome (p = 0.012, p = 0.004 and p = 0.006, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Hematologic parameters are useful in predicting the presence of abnormal cranial CT findings in children with TBI in association with injury severity; surgery need and clinical outcome.

Effect of Cerebrolysin in severe traumatic brain injury: A multi-center, retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients with nonoperative lesions are known to have a poorer prognosis. Recent and ongoing clinical studies have been exploring the utility of Cerebrolysin in improving patient outcomes among TBI patients; however, few studies are available on the effect of Cerebrolysin among nonoperative severe TBI patients. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effects of Cerebrolysin as add-on therapy to the standard medical decompression protocol for nonoperative severe TBI patients. METHODS: The study employed a retrospective cohort design and included 87 severe TBI patients on admission. In addition to the current medical decompression protocol, 42 patients received 30 ml/day Cerebrolysin for 14 days, followed by a subsequent 10 ml/day dosage for another 14 days. The control group included 45 patients who received the standard decompression protocol only. Stata MP version 16 was used for data analysis. RESULTS: Compared to the control group, a significantly higher proportion of patients who received Cerebrolysin treatment achieved a favourable outcome at Day 21 post-TBI (50% vs. 87%; p < 0.00001) and GOS ≥ 4 (18% vs. 39%; p = 0.043). The mean length of hospital stay was approximately seven days shorter in the Cerebrolysin group (25.61 days vs. 31.92 days; p < 0.00001), and a significantly lower proportion of Cerebrolysin patients had a LOS ≥ 30 days (Cerebrolysin: 13%; Control: 51%; p < 0.0001). No significant group differences were seen in the 28-day mortality rate. CONCLUSION: Cerebrolysin is beneficial for severe TBI patients with nonoperative lesions as evidenced by stronger improvement in GCS/GOS and shorter length of hospital stay than standard treatment alone.

Enteral combined with parenteral nutrition improves clinical outcomes in patients with traumatic brain injury.

Objective: To investigate the effect of nutritional support on nutritional status and clinical outcomes of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI).Methods: Sixty-one patients with TBI from the intensive care unit and neurosurgery of Xianyang Central Hospital from 2017 to 2019 were retrospectively included. General and clinical data of the study subjects were collected. The control group (n = 28) received parenteral nutrition alone, and the observation group (n = 33) received parenteral nutrition combined with enteral nutrition. The general conditions and biochemical indicators of both groups of patients were divided into two groups of ≤8 and ≥9 for stratified analysis to compare the nutritional support status and infection complications during hospitalization Occurrence, ICU length of stay, total length of stay, total cost of stay, and prognostic indicators of the patients were analyzed and compared.Results: There were no significant differences in biochemical indicators between both groups of patients when they were discharged. Among patients with GCS ≤8 points, the incidence of lung infection in the observer was significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.001), but the incidence of intracranial infection, stress ulcers, and diarrhea was not statistically different from that in the control group (P = 0.739). No significant differences were observed in hospitalization time and hospitalization costs between both groups (P = 0.306 and P = 0.079, respectively). The observation group was significantly better than the control group in GSC score and long-term quality of life score (P = 0.042 and P = 0.025, respectively). When GCS was ≥ 9 points, there was no statistical difference in the incidence of lung infections and intracranial infections between both groups of patients (P = 0.800 and P = 0.127, respectively). The observation group was significantly higher than the control group in terms of length of hospital stay, nasal feeding time and hospitalization costs (P < 0.001, P < 0.001 and P = 0.006, respectively). The observation group was significantly better than the control group in GSC score and long-term quality of life score (P = 0.001 and P = 0.015, respectively). There was no significant difference in the incidence of pulmonary infection and intracranial infection between both groups of patients (P = 0.800 and P = 0.127, respectively).Conclusion: Enteral nutrition combined with parenteral nutrition intervention has a positive effect on the clinical prognosis of TBI patients.

Shock index combined with age and the Glasgow Coma Scale during the initial care of polytraumatized patients as a predictor of mortality. / Shock Index asociado a la edad y al Glasgow Coma Score como predictor de mortalidad en la atención inicial del paciente politraumatizado.

OBJECTIVES: To study whether combining age and the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) with the shock index (SI) - SIA/G - during the initial care of polytraumatized patients can improve the ability of the SI alone to predict mortality. To compare the predictive performance of the SIA/G combination to other prognostic scales: the addition of points for the GCS, age and systolic blood pressure (GAP); the Revised Trauma Score (RTS); and the Injury Severity Score (ISS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational cohort study of patients with severe trauma admitted to the intensive care unit of a tertiary care hospital between 2015 and 2020. We calculated the SI (heart rate/systolic blood pressure), the SI/G ratio, the product of the SI and age SIA, and the combined index: SIA/G. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROCs) for hospital mortality and 24-hour mortality were calculated for the SIA/G combination and compared to the AUROCs for the GAP, the RTS, and the ISS. RESULTS: We analyzed data for 433 patients, 47 of whom (10.9%) died. All the prognostic indexes were significantly related to mortality but the SIA/G was the best predictor of both hospital and 24-hour mortality, with AUROCs of 0.879 (95% CI, 0.83-0.93) and 0.875 (95% CI, 0.82-0.93), respectively. A score of 3.3 for the SIA/G showed 82% sensitivity and 80% specificity for hospital mortality (86% and 78%, respectively, for 24-hour mortality). The AUROCs for the GAP, RTS, and ISS indexes were lower for hospital mortality. CONCLUSION: The combined SIA/G score is a better predictor in hospital of mortality in patients with multiple injuries than the SI or the traditional GAP, RTS, and ISS indexes.

OBJETIVO: Estudiar si la edad y la puntuación Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) incrementan la predicción de mortalidad del Shock Index (SI) en la atención inicial del paciente politraumatizado y compararlo con las escalas pronósticas, GAP (Glasgow Coma Score-Age-Systolic Blood Pressure), RTS (Revised Trauma Score) e ISS (Injury Severity Score). METODO: Estudio observacional sobre una cohorte de pacientes de la unidad de cuidados críticos de un hospital de tercer nivel con diagnóstico de trauma grave entre 2015 y 2020. Se recogió el SI (FC/TAS) y el SI asociado al GCS (SI/G), a la edad (SIA) y a ambos (SIA/G). Se calculó el área bajo la curva (ABC) de la característica operativa del receptor (COR) para cada uno de ellos para la mortalidad hospitalaria (MH) y en las primeras 24 horas (M24). También se comparó el ABC COR del SIA/G con las de las escalas GAP, RTS e ISS. RESULTADOS: Se analizaron 433 pacientes de los cuales fallecieron 47 (10,9%). Todos los SI se relacionaron significativamente con la mortalidad, pero el SIA/G presentó la mayor ABC COR para MH (0,879, IC 95% 0,83-0,93) y para M24 (0,875, IC 95% 0,82-0,93). El valor SIA/G de 3,3 puntos mostró una sensibilidad del 82% y especificidad del 80% para MH y del 86% y 78% para M24. El ABC COR del SIA/G para la MH fue superior a las de las escalas GAP, RTS e ISS. CONCLUSIONES: SIA/G es superior al SI y a las escalas clásicas GAP, RTS e ISS como predictor de MH del paciente politraumatizado.

Acute necrotic hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis related to COVID-19: a report of 2 cases.

Acute necrotic hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis (ANHLE) is a subform of acute disseminating leukoencephalitis which is a post viral or vaccination uncommon disease with poor prognosis. Radiological findings include multiple or diffuse lesions involving the white matter and sparing the cortex with or without rim enhancement. In addition to areas of hemorrhages with possible involvement of basal ganglia and thalami. We describe the imaging findings for 2 cases of ANHLE; a 59-years-old male and a 47-years-old female. Both of them were tested positive of SARS-COVID2 with presentation of consciousness loss and respiratory failure. CT and MRI brain show global white matter changes associated with acute hemorrhagic necrosis, although uncommon, are compatible with postviral acute necrotic hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis with end point of death for the first patient and coma for the second patient.