Head Injury and Risk of Incident Ischemic Stroke in Community-Dwelling Adults.

BACKGROUND: While stroke is a recognized short-term sequela of traumatic brain injury, evidence about long-term ischemic stroke risk after traumatic brain injury remains limited. METHODS: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study is an ongoing prospective cohort comprised of US community-dwelling adults enrolled in 1987 to 1989 followed through 2019. Head injury was defined using self-report and hospital-based diagnostic codes and was analyzed as a time-varying exposure. Incident ischemic stroke events were physician-adjudicated. We used Cox regression adjusted for sociodemographic and cardiovascular risk factors to estimate the hazard of ischemic stroke as a function of head injury. Secondary analyses explored the number and severity of head injuries; the mechanism and severity of incident ischemic stroke; and heterogeneity within subgroups defined by race, sex, and age. RESULTS: Our analysis included 12 813 participants with no prior head injury or stroke. The median follow-up age was 27.1 years (25th-75th percentile=21.1-30.5). Participants were of median age 54 years (25th-75th percentile=49-59) at baseline; 57.7% were female and 27.8% were Black. There were 2158 (16.8%) participants with at least 1 head injury and 1141 (8.9%) participants with an incident ischemic stroke during follow-up. For those with head injuries, the median age to ischemic stroke was 7.5 years (25th-75th percentile=2.2-14.0). In adjusted models, head injury was associated with an increased hazard of incident ischemic stroke (hazard ratio [HR], 1.34 [95% CI, 1.12-1.60]). We observed evidence of dose-response for the number of head injuries (1: HR, 1.16 [95% CI, 0.97-1.40]; ≥2: HR, 1.94 [95% CI, 1.39-2.71]) but not for injury severity. We observed evidence of stronger associations between head injury and more severe stroke (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score ≤5: HR, 1.31 [95% CI, 1.04-1.64]; National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score 6-10: HR, 1.64 [95% CI, 1.06-2.52]; National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score ≥11: HR, 1.80 [95% CI, 1.18-2.76]). Results were similar across stroke mechanism and within strata of race, sex, and age. CONCLUSIONS: In this community-based cohort, head injury was associated with subsequent ischemic stroke. These results suggest the importance of public health interventions aimed at preventing head injuries and primary stroke prevention among individuals with prior traumatic brain injuries.

Diagnostic value of serum NLRP3, metalloproteinase-9 and interferon-γ for postoperative hydrocephalus and intracranial infection in patients with severe craniocerebral trauma.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally. We unveiled the diagnostic value of serum NLRP3, metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) levels in post-craniotomy intracranial infections and hydrocephalus in patients with severe craniocerebral trauma to investigate the high risk factors for these in patients with TBI, and the serological factors predicting prognosis, which had a certain clinical predictive value. Study subjects underwent bone flap resection surgery and were categorized into the intracranial infection/hydrocephalus/control (without postoperative hydrocephalus or intracranial infection) groups, with their clinical data documented. Serum levels of NLRP3, MMP-9 and IFN-γ were determined using ELISA kits, with their diagnostic efficacy on intracranial infections and hydrocephalus evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. The independent risk factors affecting postoperative intracranial infections and hydrocephalus were analysed by logistic multifactorial regression. The remission after postoperative symptomatic treatment was counted. The intracranial infection/control groups had significant differences in Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores, opened injury, surgical time and cerebrospinal fluid leakage, whereas the hydrocephalus and control groups had marked differences in GCS scores, cerebrospinal fluid leakage and subdural effusion. Serum NLRP3, MMP-9 and IFN-γ levels were elevated in patients with post-craniotomy intracranial infections/hydrocephalus. The area under the curve values of independent serum NLRP3, MMP-9, IFN-γ and their combination for diagnosing postoperative intracranial infection were 0.822, 0.722, 0.734 and 0.925, respectively, and for diagnosing hydrocephalus were 0.865, 0.828, 0.782 and 0.957, respectively. Serum NLRP3, MMP-9 and IFN-γ levels and serum NLRP3 and MMP-9 levels were independent risk factors influencing postoperative intracranial infection and postoperative hydrocephalus, respectively. Patients with hydrocephalus had a high remission rate after postoperative symptomatic treatment. Serum NLRP3, MMP-9 and IFN-γ levels had high diagnostic efficacy in patients with postoperative intracranial infection and hydrocephalus, among which serum NLRP3 level played a major role.

The prognostic importance of traumatic axonal injury on early MRI: the Trondheim TAI-MRI grading and quantitative models.

OBJECTIVES: We analysed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings after traumatic brain injury (TBI) aiming to improve the grading of traumatic axonal injury (TAI) to better reflect the outcome. METHODS: Four-hundred sixty-three patients (8-70 years) with mild (n = 158), moderate (n = 129), or severe (n = 176) TBI and early MRI were prospectively included. TAI presence, numbers, and volumes at predefined locations were registered on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) and diffusion-weighted imaging, and presence and numbers on T2*GRE/SWI. Presence and volumes of contusions were registered on FLAIR. We assessed the outcome with the Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended. Multivariable logistic and elastic-net regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: The presence of TAI differed between mild (6%), moderate (70%), and severe TBI (95%). In severe TBI, bilateral TAI in mesencephalon or thalami and bilateral TAI in pons predicted worse outcomes and were defined as the worst grades (4 and 5, respectively) in the Trondheim TAI-MRI grading. The Trondheim TAI-MRI grading performed better than the standard TAI grading in severe TBI (pseudo-R2 0.19 vs. 0.16). In moderate-severe TBI, quantitative models including both FLAIR volume of TAI and contusions performed best (pseudo-R2 0.19-0.21). In patients with mild TBI or Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score 13, models with the volume of contusions performed best (pseudo-R2 0.25-0.26). CONCLUSIONS: We propose the Trondheim TAI-MRI grading (grades 1-5) with bilateral TAI in mesencephalon or thalami, and bilateral TAI in pons as the worst grades. The predictive value was highest for the quantitative models including FLAIR volume of TAI and contusions (GCS score <13) or FLAIR volume of contusions (GCS score ≥ 13), which emphasise artificial intelligence as a potentially important future tool. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: The Trondheim TAI-MRI grading reflects patient outcomes better in severe TBI than today's standard TAI grading and can be implemented after external validation. The prognostic importance of volumetric models is promising for future use of artificial intelligence technologies. KEY POINTS: Traumatic axonal injury (TAI) is an important injury type in all TBI severities. Studies demonstrating which MRI findings that can serve as future biomarkers are highly warranted. This study proposes the most optimal MRI models for predicting patient outcome at 6 months after TBI; one updated pragmatic model and a volumetric model. The Trondheim TAI-MRI grading, in severe TBI, reflects patient outcome better than today's standard grading of TAI and the prognostic importance of volumetric models in all severities of TBI is promising for future use of AI.

Traumatic middle meningeal arteriovenous fistulas (MMAVFs): an exploratory systematic review.

This study aims to systematically review case reports and case series in order to compare the postoperative course of conservative, endovascular and surgical treatments for traumatic dural arteriovenous fistulas predominantly supplied by the middle meningeal artery (MMAVFs), which usually occur following head trauma or iatrogenic causes. We conducted a comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar until June 23rd, 2024. Three cohorts were defined based on the treatment modality employed. The primary outcomes were the rates of overall obliteration and postoperative complications, with all-cause mortlality considered as secondary outcome. A total of 61 studies encompassing 78 pooled MMAVFs were included in the qualitative analysis. The predominant demographic consisted of males (53.9%) with a median age of 50.5 (IQR: 33.5-67.5) years. The main etiologies for fistula formation were head trauma (75.6%), cranial neurosurgical procedures (11.5%) and endovascular embolization (8.97%). Venous drainage patterns were categorized as follows based on anatomical confluence: Class I (16.7%), II (14.1%), III (12.8%), IV (14.1%), V (7.7%), and VI (3.9%). Regarding treatment efficacy, the overall obliteration rate was 89.74%, achieved through endovascular (95.83%), surgical (64.29%) or conservative (93.75%) approaches. In terms of safety, the overall postoperative complication rate was 6.49% with an all-cause mortality rate of 8.97%, predominantly observed in the surgical group (35.71%). Our systematic review highlights the challenging management of traumatic MMAVFs, frequently associated with head injuries. Endovascular therapy has emerged as the predominant treatment modality, demonstrating markedly higher rates of fistula obliteration, reduced all-cause mortality, and fewer postoperative complications.

Four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate versus andexanet alfa for the reversal of traumatic brain injuries.

BACKGROUND: Andexanet alfa was approved in 2018 for reversal of direct oral anticoagulants but due to issues of cost and access, four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate (4F-PCC) continues to be used for this indication. The objective of this study is to evaluate outcomes of reversal with these agents in patients with isolated traumatic brain injuries (TBI). METHODS: This is a retrospective review of 35 trauma centres from 2014 to 2021. Patients were included with an Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS)>2 for head and having received andexanet alfa or 4F-PCC within 24 hours of admission. Patients were excluded if P2Y12 inhibitor use or AIS>2 outside of head. Primary outcome includes rate of mortality/hospice at hospital discharge. Secondary outcomes include a composite of serious hospital complications. A subgroup analysis of severe TBI patients (AIS head 4 or 5) was completed. Multivariable logistic regression was used to account for differences in comorbidities and TBI severity. RESULTS: 4F-PCC was given to 265 patients with another 59 receiving andexanet alfa. Patients in the andexanet alfa group were more likely to have an AIS head score of 5 (47.5% vs 26.1%; p<0.005). After adjusting for severity of TBI and comorbidities with regard to tomortality/hospice, there were 15 (25.4%) patients in the andexanet alfa group and 49 (18.5%) in the 4F-PCC group (OR 1.34; 95% CI 0.67 to 2.71). This remained consistent when looking at severe patients with TBI with 12 (28.6%) andexanet alfa patients and 37 (28.7%) 4F-PCC patients (OR 0.93 (95% CI 0.40 to 2.16)). Severe hospital complications were also similar between groups with 5 (8.5%) andexanet alfa patients as compared with 21 (7.9%) 4F-PCC patients (OR 1.01; 95% CI 0.36 to 2.88). CONCLUSION: There was no firm conclusion on the treatment effect in mortality/hospice or serious complications among isolated TBI patients reversed with 4F-PCC as compared with andexanet alfa.

[Trauma of the midface : Symptoms, diagnostics and treatment]. / Trauma des Mittelgesichts : Symptomatik, Diagnostik und Therapie.

Midface fractures present a clinical challenge in otorhinolaryngology due to their often complex injury pattern and nonspecific symptoms. Precise diagnostics, including differentiated imaging procedures, are required. Interdisciplinary consultation between otorhinolaryngology, maxillofacial surgery, neurosurgery, and ophthalmology is often necessary. When selecting radiographic modalities, radiation hygiene should be taken into account. Sonography provides a radiation-free imaging alternative for fractures of the nasal framework and anterior wall of the frontal sinus. The goal of treatment is to achieve stable and symmetrical reconstruction. Depending on the injury pattern, different osteosynthesis materials, individual access routes, and various surgical procedures can be used. In clinical practice, the management of midface fractures requires a multidisciplinary, flexible, and pragmatic approach based on the fracture pattern and clinical experience.

Effect of pain nursing intervention on patients with craniocerebral trauma combined with ocular trauma after decompressive craniectomy.

Objective: To determine the impacts of pain nursing intervention of patients with craniocerebral trauma combined with ocular trauma after decompressive craniotomy. Method: This was retrospective study. Eighty patients with craniocerebral trauma combined with ocular trauma who underwent unilateral decompressive craniectomy in Baoding No.1 Central Hospital from January 2023 to November 2023 were included and divided into the observation group(n=40) and the control group(n=40) according to different nursing methods. Patients in the control group received conventional nursing intervention, while those in the observation group received pain nursing intervention. The differences in sleep quality, self-care ability, quality of life, psychological state and nursing satisfaction were compared between the two groups. Results: After intervention, the pain degree of both groups was significantly reduced compared with that before intervention, and the reduction degree of the observation group was more than that of the control group, with a statistically significant difference (p<0.05). The SS-QOL scores of both groups were significantly improved compared with before intervention, and the improvement degree of the observation group was significantly better than that of the control group, with a statistically significant difference (p<0.05). The nursing satisfaction score of the observation group was (93.35±3.83) points, which was higher than (83.38±3.59) points of the control group, with a statistically significant difference (t=12.019, P=0.000). Conclusion: Pain nursing intervention shows a variety of benefits in the treatment of patients with craniocerebral trauma combined with ocular trauma after decompressive craniectomy, improving their quality of life, self-care ability and nursing satisfaction.

The Epidemiology of Moderate and Severe Traumatic Brain Injury in Central Norway.

INTRODUCTION: Few studies account for prehospital deaths when estimating incidence and mortality rates of moderate and severe traumatic brain injury (msTBI). In a population-based study, covering both urban and rural areas, including also prehospital deaths, the aim was to estimate incidence and mortality rates of msTBI. Further, we studied the 30-day and 6-month case-fatality proportion of severe TBI in relation to age. METHODS: All patients aged ≥17 years who sustained an msTBI in Central Norway were identified by three sources: (1) the regional trauma center, (2) the general hospitals, and (3) the Norwegian Cause of Death Registry. Incidence and mortality rates were standardized according to the World Health Organization's world standard population. Case-fatality proportions were calculated by the number of deaths from severe TBI at 30 days and 6 months, divided by all patients with severe TBI. RESULTS: The overall incidence rates of moderate and severe TBI were 4.9 and 6.7 per 100,000 person-years, respectively, increasing from age 70 years. The overall mortality rate was 3.4 per 100,000 person-years, also increasing from age 70 years. Incidence and mortality rates were highest in men. The case-fatality proportion in people with severe TBI was 49% in people aged 60-69 years and 81% in people aged 70-79 years. CONCLUSION: The overall incidence and mortality rates for msTBI in Central Norway were low but increased from age 70 years, and among those ≥80 years of age with severe TBI, nearly all died. Overall estimates are strongly influenced by high incidence and mortality rates in the elderly, and studies should therefore report age-specific estimates, for better comparison of incidence and mortality rates.

Epidemiological and clinical characteristics predictive of ICU mortality of patients with traumatic brain injury treated at a trauma referral hospital - a cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has substantial physical, psychological, social and economic impacts, with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Considering its high incidence, the aim of this study was to identify epidemiological and clinical characteristics that predict mortality in patients hospitalized for TBI in intensive care units (ICUs). METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was carried out with patients over 18 years old with TBI admitted to an ICU of a Brazilian trauma referral hospital between January 2012 and August 2019. TBI was compared with other traumas in terms of clinical characteristics of ICU admission and outcome. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to estimate the odds ratio for mortality. RESULTS: Of the 4816 patients included, 1114 had TBI, with a predominance of males (85.1%). Compared with patients with other traumas, patients with TBI had a lower mean age (45.3 ± 19.1 versus 57.1 ± 24.1 years, p < 0.001), higher median APACHE II (19 versus 15, p < 0.001) and SOFA (6 versus 3, p < 0.001) scores, lower median Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score (10 versus 15, p < 0.001), higher median length of stay (7 days versus 4 days, p < 0.001) and higher mortality (27.6% versus 13.3%, p < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, the predictors of mortality were older age (OR: 1.008 [1.002-1.015], p = 0.016), higher APACHE II score (OR: 1.180 [1.155-1.204], p < 0.001), lower GCS score for the first 24 h (OR: 0.730 [0.700-0.760], p < 0.001), greater number of brain injuries and presence of associated chest trauma (OR: 1.727 [1.192-2.501], p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Patients admitted to the ICU for TBI were younger and had worse prognostic scores, longer hospital stays and higher mortality than those admitted to the ICU for other traumas. The independent predictors of mortality were older age, high APACHE II score, low GCS score, number of brain injuries and association with chest trauma.

The American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine Diagnostic Criteria for Mild Traumatic Brain Injury.

OBJECTIVE: To develop new diagnostic criteria for mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) that are appropriate for use across the lifespan and in sports, civilian trauma, and military settings. DESIGN: Rapid evidence reviews on 12 clinical questions and Delphi method for expert consensus. PARTICIPANTS: The Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Task Force of the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine Brain Injury Special Interest Group convened a Working Group of 17 members and an external interdisciplinary expert panel of 32 clinician-scientists. Public stakeholder feedback was analyzed from 68 individuals and 23 organizations. RESULTS: The first 2 Delphi votes asked the expert panel to rate their agreement with both the diagnostic criteria for mild TBI and the supporting evidence statements. In the first round, 10 of 12 evidence statements reached consensus agreement. Revised evidence statements underwent a second round of expert panel voting, where consensus was achieved for all. For the diagnostic criteria, the final agreement rate, after the third vote, was 90.7%. Public stakeholder feedback was incorporated into the diagnostic criteria revision prior to the third expert panel vote. A terminology question was added to the third round of Delphi voting, where 30 of 32 (93.8%) expert panel members agreed that 'the diagnostic label 'concussion' may be used interchangeably with 'mild TBI' when neuroimaging is normal or not clinically indicated.' CONCLUSIONS: New diagnostic criteria for mild TBI were developed through an evidence review and expert consensus process. Having unified diagnostic criteria for mild TBI can improve the quality and consistency of mild TBI research and clinical care.

Pediatric craniocerebral firearm injuries: literature review, best practices in medical and surgical management, and case report.

INTRODUCTION: Civilian craniocerebral firearm injuries are extremely lethal. Management includes aggressive resuscitation, early surgical intervention when indicated, and management of intracranial pressure. Patient neurological status and imaging features should be used to guide management and the degree of intervention. Pediatric craniocerebral firearm injuries have a higher survival rate, but are much rarer, especially in children under 15 years old. This paucity of data underscores the importance of reviewing pediatric craniocerebral firearm injuries to determine best practices in surgical and medical management. CASE PRESENTATION: A 2-year-old female was admitted after suffering a gunshot wound to the left frontal lobe. Upon initial evaluation, the patient displayed agonal breathing and fixed pupils with a GCS score of 3. CT imaging showed a retained ballistic projectile in the right temporal-parietal region with bifrontal hemorrhages, subarachnoid blood, and a 5-mm midline shift. The injury was deemed nonsurvivable and non-operable; thus, treatment was primarily supportive. Upon removal of the endotracheal tube, the patient began breathing spontaneously and improved clinically to a GCS score of 10-12. On hospital day 8, she underwent cranial reconstruction with neurosurgery. Her neurological status continued to improve, and she was able to communicate and follow commands but retained notable left-sided hemiplegia with some left-sided movement. On hospital day 15, she was deemed safe for discharge to acute rehabilitation.

Repair of the superior sagittal sinus following penetrating intracranial injury caused by nail gun accident: case report and technical note.

We report a 45-year-old man who suffered a penetrating nail gun injury resulting in damage to the lateral edge of the superior sagittal sinus. The injury was successfully treated via a parasagittal craniotomy that enabled removal of the nail under direct vision, allowing for rapid suturing of the sagittal sinus. Two neurosurgeons worked together; one carefully withdrew the tip of the nail back into the sinus itself while the second rapidly sutured the hole in the inner superior sagittal sinus leaflet. Postoperatively, the patient made a rapid recovery without neurological deficit.

Fluid biomarkers and neuroimaging in mild traumatic brain injury: current uses and potential future directions for clinical use in emergency medicine.

Mild traumatic brain injury is a common presentation to the emergency department, with current management often focusing on determining whether a patient requires a CT head scan and/or neurosurgical intervention. There is a growing appreciation that approximately 20%-40% of patients, including those with a negative (normal) CT, will develop ongoing symptoms for months to years, often termed post-concussion syndrome. Owing to the requirement for improved diagnostic and prognostic mechanisms, there has been increasing evidence concerning the utility of both imaging and blood biomarkers.Blood biomarkers offer the potential to better risk stratify patients for requirement of neuroimaging than current clinical decisions rules. However, improved assessment of the clinical utility is required prior to wide adoption. MRI, using clinical sequences and advanced quantitative methods, can detect lesions not visible on CT in up to 30% of patients that may explain, at least in part, some of the ongoing problems. The ability of an acute biomarker (be it imaging, blood or other) to highlight those patients at greater risk of ongoing deficits would allow for greater personalisation of follow-up care and resource allocation.We discuss here both the current evidence and the future potential clinical usage of blood biomarkers and advanced MRI to improve diagnostic pathways and outcome prediction following mild traumatic brain injury.

Does pre-injury clopidogrel use increase the risk of intracranial haemorrhage post head injury in adult patients? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Several current guidelines do not include antiplatelet use as an explicit indication for CT scan of the head following head injury. The impact of individual antiplatelet agent use on rates of intracranial haemorrhage is unclear. The primary objective of this systematic review was to assess if clopidogrel monotherapy was associated with traumatic intracranial haemorrhage (tICH) on CT of the head within 24 hours of presentation following head trauma compared with no antithrombotic controls. METHODS: Eligible studies were non-randomised studies with participants aged ≥18 years old with head injury. Studies had to have conducted CT of the head within 24 hours of presentation and contain a no antithrombotic control group and a clopidogrel monotherapy group.Eight databases were searched from inception to December 2020. Assessment of identified studies against inclusion criteria and data extraction were carried out independently and in duplicate by two authors.Quality assessment and risk of bias (ROB) were assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment tool and Risk Of Bias In Non-randomised Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool. Meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects model and reported as an OR and 95% CI. RESULTS: Seven studies were eligible for inclusion with a total of 21 898 participants that were incorporated into the meta-analysis. Five studies were retrospective. Clopidogrel monotherapy was not significantly associated with an increase in risk of tICH compared with no antithrombotic controls (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.54 to 1.75). Heterogeneity was high with an I2 of 75%. Sensitivity analysis produced an I2 of 21% and did not show a significant association between clopidogrel monotherapy and risk of tICH (OR 1.16, 95% CI 0.87 to 1.55). All studies scored for moderate to serious ROB on categories in the ROBINS-I tool. CONCLUSION: Included studies were vulnerable to confounding and several were small-scale studies. The results should be interpreted with caution given the ROB identified. This study does not provide statistically significant evidence that clopidogrel monotherapy patients are at increased risk of tICH after head injury compared with no antithrombotic controls. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42020223541.

Diagnostic performance of S100B as a rule-out test for intracranial pathology in head-injured patients presenting to the emergency department who meet NICE Head Injury Guideline criteria for CT-head scan.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic brain injury is a common ED presentation. CT-head utilisation is escalating, exacerbating resource pressure in the ED. The biomarker S100B could assist clinicians with CT-head decisions by excluding intracranial pathology. Diagnostic performance of S100B was assessed in patients meeting National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence Head Injury Guideline (NICE HIG) criteria for CT-head within 6 and 24 hours of injury. METHODS: This multicentre prospective observational study included adult patients presenting to the ED with head injuries between May 2020 and June 2021. Informed consent was obtained from patients meeting NICE HIG CT-head criteria. A venous blood sample was collected and serum was tested for S100B using a Cobas Elecsys-S100 module; >0.1 µg/mL was the threshold used to indicate a positive test. Intracranial pathology reported on CT-head scan by the duty radiologist was used as the reference standard to review diagnostic performance. RESULTS: This study included 265 patients of whom 35 (13.2%) had positive CT-head findings. Within 6 hours of injury, sensitivity of S100B was 93.8% (95% CI 69.8% to 99.8%) and specificity was 30.8% (22.6% to 40.0%). Negative predictive value (NPV) was 97.3% (95% CI 84.2% to 99.6%) and area under the curve (AUC) was 0.73 (95% CI 0.61 to 0.85; p=0.003). Within 24 hours of injury, sensitivity was 82.9% (95% CI 66.4% to 93.44%) and specificity was 43.0% (95% CI 36.6% to 49.7%). NPV was 94.29% (95% CI 88.7% to 97.2%) and AUC was 0.65 (95% CI 0.56 to 0.74; p=0.046). Theoretically, use of S100B as a rule-out test would have reduced CT-head scans by 27.1% (95% CI 18.9% to 36.8%) within 6 hours and 37.4% (95% CI 32.0% to 47.2%) within 24 hours. The risk of missing a significant injury with this approach would have been 0.75% (95% CI 0.0% to 2.2%) within 6 hours and 2.3% (95% CI 0.5% to 4.1%) within 24 hours. CONCLUSION: Within 6 hours of injury, S100B performed well as a diagnostic test to exclude significant intracranial pathology in low-risk patients presenting with head injury. In theory, if used in addition to NICE HIGs, CT-head rates could reduce by one-quarter with a potential miss rate of <1%.

Prevalence of secondary insults and outcomes of patients with traumatic brain injury intubated in the prehospital setting: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Prehospital neuroprotective strategies aim to prevent secondary insults (SIs) in traumatic brain injury (TBI). This includes haemodynamic optimisation in addition to oxygenation and ventilation targets achieved through rapid sequence intubation (RSI).The primary aim was to report the incidence and prevalence of SIs (prolonged hypotension, prolonged hypoxia and hyperventilation) and outcomes of patients with TBI who were intubated in the prehospital setting. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of adult patients with TBI who underwent RSI by a metropolitan road-based service in South-East Queensland, Australia between 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2020. Patients were divided into two cohorts based on the presence or absence of any SI sustained. Prolonged SIs were defined as occurring for ≥5 min. The association between SIs and mortality was examined in multivariable logistic regression and reported with adjusted ORs (aORs) and 95% CIs. RESULTS: 277 patients were included for analysis. Median 'Head' Abbreviated Injury Scale and Injury Severity Score were 4 (IQR: 3-5) and 26 (IQR: 17-34), respectively. Most episodes of prolonged hypotension and prolonged hypoxia were detected with the first patient contact on scene. Overall, 28-day mortality was 26%. Patients who sustained any SI had a higher mortality than those sustaining no SI (34.9% vs 14.7%, p<0.001). Prolonged hypoxia was an independent predictor of mortality (aOR 4.86 (95% CI 1.65 to 15.61)) but not prolonged hypotension (aOR 1.45 (95% CI 0.5 to 4.25)) or an end-tidal carbon dioxide <30 mm Hg on hospital arrival (aOR 1.28 (95% CI 0.5 to 3.21)). CONCLUSION: SIs were common in the early phase of prehospital care. The association of prolonged hypoxia and mortality in TBI is potentially more significant than previously recognised, and if corrected early, may improve outcomes. There may be a greater role for bystander intervention in prevention of early hypoxic insult in TBI.

Blast-Induced Neurotrauma Results in Spatially Distinct Gray Matter Alteration Alongside Hormonal Alteration: A Preliminary Investigation.

Blast-induced neurotrauma (BINT) frequently occurs during military training and deployment and has been linked to long-term neuropsychological and neurocognitive changes, and changes in brain structure. As military personnel experience frequent exposures to stress, BINT may negatively influence stress coping abilities. This study aimed to determine the effects of BINT on gray matter volume and hormonal alteration. Participants were Canadian Armed Forces personnel and veterans with a history of BINT (n = 12), and first responder controls (n = 8), recruited due to their characteristic occupational stress professions. Whole saliva was collected via passive drool on the morning of testing and analyzed for testosterone (pg/mL), cortisol (µg/dL), and testosterone/cortisol (T/C) ratio. Voxel-based morphometry was performed to compare gray matter (GM) volume, alongside measurement of cortical thickness and subcortical volumes. Saliva analyses revealed distinct alterations following BINT, with significantly elevated testosterone and T/C ratio. Widespread and largely symmetric loci of reduced GM were found specific to BINT, particularly in the temporal gyrus, precuneus, and thalamus. These findings suggest that BINT affects hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal and -gonadal axis function, and causes anatomically-specific GM loss, which were not observed in a comparator group with similar occupational stressors. These findings support BINT as a unique injury with distinct structural and endocrine consequences.

Two case reports of fatal injuries sustained from tear gas guns loaded with pebbles as missiles.

These two case reports are of fatal injuries from less-lethal weapons (tear gas guns) using pebbles as an unconventional ammunition. Reported here are the fatal outcomes of two 19-year-old males, one with head trauma and the other with abdominal trauma. They were admitted to the ED and subjected to immediate exploratory operations, but they passed away. On autopsy, the first case demonstrated a right frontal bone fracture with subdural hemorrhage and a 3 × 2.5 cm pebble retained in the skull. The second case showed severe liver laceration in close vicinity to a cubical pebble (3.2 × 3 cm). The mechanical forces involved in skull fracture and autopsy are discussed. In the current cases, the relatively larger weight and size together with the surface configuration of the pebble projectile were the main influential factors that contributed to the severity of damage and fatality.These case reports are a working example of the effect of the mass of projectiles in increasing the power of penetration. The direct shooting to the head and the abdomen together with the misuse of these weapons are capable of inflicting fatal injuries.

[Neurobehavioral effects of explosion exposure on acute and chronic traumatic brain injury in rats].

Objective: To explore the effect of nerve injury in rats by neurobehavioral experiments, in order to provide a model and idea for further clarification of the traumatic brain injury mechanism under explosion exposure. Methods: From May 2021 to August 2022, 160 SPF male rats were randomly divided into four groups, including control group, 60 kPa group (low intensity group), 90 kPa group (medium intensity group) and 120 kPa group (high intensity group). The blast induced traumatic brain injury (bTBI) model of rats was established by using the shock tube platform to simulate the shock wave parameters of the explosion overpressure of 60 kPa, 90 kPa and 120 kPa. Acute observation was carried out after 24 h and 7 d of explosive exposure, and chronic recovery observation was carried out after 28 d and 90 d. The time effect of shock wave brain injury in different situations was discussed by open field, light dark test, active avoidance test. Finally, the results of brain injury in rats were detected by pathological tissue staining. Results: After 24 h explosion exposure, compared with the control group, the rest time of rats in low and high intensity groups increased, the total movement distance decreased, and the number of visits to the camera obscura decreased, with statistical significance (P<0.05). After 7 days of exposure, compared with the control group, the rest time of rats in high intensity group increased, and the number of visits to the obscura decreased, with statistical significance (P<0.05). After 28 and 90 days of exposure, compared with the control group, there were no significant differences in rest time, total exercise distance and times of visiting the camera obscura in all intensity groups (P>0.05). After 24 h of explosive exposure, compared with the control group, the cell morphology of rats in each intensity group was normal, and no inflammatory cell infiltration was observed. Conclusion: In the acute phase (24 h) of blast exposure, rats have no desire to explore the outside world, and shock wave exposure may damage the neurological function of rats.

Association Between Intoxication and Urgent Neurosurgical Procedures in Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: Results From the American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program.

BACKGROUND: The probability of undergoing surgery after severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) varies significantly across studies and centers. However, causes of this variability are poorly understood. We hypothesized that intoxication may impact the probability of receiving an urgent neurosurgical procedure among patients with severe TBI. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of adult patients admitted to a Level I or II trauma center in the United States or Canada with an isolated severe TBI (2012-2016). Data were derived from the Trauma Quality Improvement Program dataset. An urgent neurosurgical procedure was defined as a procedure that occurred within 24 hours of admission. Multivariable logistic regression was utilized to examine the independent effect of intoxication on a patient's likelihood of undergoing an urgent procedure, as well as the timing of the procedure. RESULTS: Of the 33,646 patients with an isolated severe TBI, 11,313 (33.6%) were intoxicated. An urgent neurosurgical procedure was performed in 8,255 (24.5%) cases. Overall, there was no difference in the probability of undergoing an urgent procedure between patients who were and were not intoxicated (OR 0.99; 95% CI 0.94-1.06). While intoxication status had no impact on the probability of surgery among patients with the most severe TBI (head AIS 5: OR 1.06 [95% CI 0.98-1.15]), intoxicated patients on the lower spectrum of injury had lower odds of undergoing an urgent procedure (AIS 3: OR 0.80 [95% CI 0.66-0.97]). Among patients who underwent an urgent procedure, intoxication had no impact on timing. CONCLUSION: Intoxication status was not associated with differences in the probability of undergoing an urgent neurosurgical procedure among all patients with a severe TBI. However, in patients with less severe TBI, intoxication status was associated with decreased likelihood of receiving an urgent intervention. This finding underscores the challenge in the management of intoxicated patients with TBI.