Outcomes and Practices of Endotracheal Intubation Using the Glasgow Coma Scale in Acute Non-Traumatic Poisoning: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Proportions.

BACKGROUND: Acute poisoning often results in decreased consciousness, necessitating airway assessment and management. Existing literature in the trauma setting suggests the importance of airway protection in unconscious patients to prevent complications, including aspiration. Practices for endotracheal intubation in non-traumatic acute poisoning are poorly described and variable, particularly regarding the use of a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) ≤ 8 threshold for intubation. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis of proportions was conducted to evaluate intubation rates and outcomes in patients presenting for acute non-traumatic poisoning. Studies were excluded if the primary indication for intubation was not airway protection. We analyzed rates of intubation, mortality, and aspiration by subgrouping patients into GCS ≤ 8, GCS 9-15, or mixed GCS. Common and random-effects analysis were used, supplemented by subgroup analyses. RESULTS: 39 studies were included in the analysis, involving 15,959 patients. Random-effects pooled intubation rates varied significantly across GCS categories: GCS ≤ 8 (30.0%, I2 = 92%, p < 0.01), GCS 9-15 (1.0%, I2 = 0%, p = 0.91), and mixed GCS (11.0%, I2 = 94%, p < 0.01), p-value <0.01 for subgroup difference. Aspiration rates also varied: GCS ≤ 8 (19.0%, I2 = 84%, p < 0.01), GCS 9-15 (4.0%, I2 = 78%, p < 0.01), and mixed group (5.0%, I2 = 72%, p < 0.01), p-value <0.01 for subgroup difference. Mortality rates remained low across all groups: GCS ≤ 8 (1.0%, I2 = 0%, p = 0.62), GCS 9-15 (1.0%, I2 = 0%, p = 0.99), and mixed group (2.0%, I2 = 68%, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The conventional "less than 8, intubate" approach may not be directly applicable to acute poisoning patients due to heterogeneity in patient presentation, intubation practices, and low mortality. Therefore, a nuanced approach is warranted to optimize airway management strategies tailored to individual patient needs.

Performance of the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio as a predictor of severity and mortality in children and adolescents with traumatic brain injury.

PURPOSE: An inflammatory cascade associated with the systemic neutrophil response can be triggered after traumatic brain injury (TBI), causing neuronal dysfunction, which is considered to be related to the prognosis of the victims. The scope of this research is to identify the performance of the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as a predictor of prognosis considering TBI severity and death as outcomes in a group of pediatric patients. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated NLR through a consecutive review of the medical records (cross-sectional study) of children and adolescents aged < 17 years victims of TBI. To determine the highest NLR value identified as a predictor, different cutoff points were tested for each outcome. The cutoff points were defined based on the area under curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC). RESULTS: Among the 82 children with TBI included in the sample, the performance of AUC-ROC was 0.72 when evaluating NLR as a predictor of TBI severity, with NLR cutoff point of 3, and 0.76 when considering mortality as the outcome, with an increase in the cutoff point to 11. CONCLUSION: NLR can be considered a biomarker of brain injury in children and adolescent victims of TBI. Patients with NLR ≥ 3 had a fivefold higher probability of severe TBI and patients with NLR ≥ 11 experienced a ninefold higher risk of death.

A nomogram to predict intracranial hypertension in moderate traumatic brain injury patients.

OBJECTIVE: Patients with moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI) are under the threat of intracranial hypertension (IHT). However, it is unclear which moderate TBI patient will develop IHT and should receive intracranial pressure (ICP)-lowering treatment or invasive ICP monitoring after admission. The purpose of the present study was to develop and validate a prediction model that estimates the risk of IHT in moderate TBI patients. METHODS: Baseline data collected on admission of 296 moderate TBI patients with Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 9-11 was collected and analyzed. Multi-variable logistic regression modeling with backward stepwise elimination was used to develop a prediction model for IHT. The discrimination efficacy, calibration efficacy, and clinical utility of the prediction model were evaluated. Finally, the prediction model was validated in a separate cohort of 122 patients from 3 hospitals. RESULTS: Four independent prognostic factors for IHT were identified: GCS score, Marshall head computed tomography score, injury severity score and location of contusion. The C-statistic of the prediction model in internal validation was 84.30% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.794-0.892). The area under the curve for the prediction model in external validation was 82.80% (95% CI: 0.747∼0.909). CONCLUSIONS: A prediction model based on baseline parameters was found to be highly sensitive in distinguishing moderate TBI patients with GCS score of 9-11 who would suffer IHT. The high discriminative ability of the prediction model supports its use in identifying moderate TBI patients with GCS score of 9-11 who need ICP-lowering therapy or invasive ICP monitoring.

Delayed Burr Hole Evacuation Compared With Acute Craniotomy for Acute Subdural Hematoma in Older Patients With Low-Energy Trauma.

Background Acute subdural hematomas commonly require emergent surgical decompression by craniotomy. There is currently limited research on alternative surgical strategies in the elderly population. This study investigates delayed surgical intervention for stable patients with low-energy trauma presenting with acute subdural hematomas. Methodology In this retrospective chart review, 45 patients over the age of 55 presenting with acute subdural hematomas with a Glasgow Coma Scale score greater than or equal to 13 in the setting of low-energy trauma were selected. Additionally, included patients had a maximal hematoma thickness of >10 mm and/or a midline shift size of >5 mm per the current Brain Trauma Foundations guidelines for surgical intervention of subdural hematomas. The study was performed at a large tertiary care center, with records being examined from 1995 to 2020. Comparison groups were immediate craniotomy (within 24 hours) or delayed burr hole (minimum of 48 hours passing since the initial presentation). Primary outcomes included minor complications, major complications, any complications, and any complications with mortality excluded. There was no significant difference in mortality between the two cohorts. Results The immediate craniotomy group consisted of 16 patients, while the delayed burr hole group consisted of 29 patients. The results demonstrated a statistically significant increase in the incidence of any complication including mortality (relative risk (RR) = 3.17, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.71-5.88, p < 0.0001), major complications (RR = 2.33, 95% CI = 1.07-5.07, p = 0.031), and minor complications (RR = 2.42, 95% CI = 1.02-5.74, p = 0.041) in the immediate craniotomy group compared to the delayed burr hole group. Conclusions Our study demonstrates the decreased risk of major and minor complications for delayed burr hole evacuation in stable patients >55 years old presenting with low-energy trauma and subdural hematoma. The results suggest that for this population of patients, it appears to be beneficial to delay surgery if the patient's clinical situation allows.

Pediatric Early Warning Score (PEWS) in predicting prognosis of critical pediatric trauma patients: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare the predictive value of Pediatric Early Warning Score (PEWS) to Pediatric Risk of Mortality-3 (PRISM-3), Pediatric Trauma Score (PTS), and Pediatric Glasgow Coma Score (pGCS) in determining clinical severity and mortality among critical pediatric trauma patients. METHOD: A total of 122 patients monitored due to trauma in the pediatric intensive care unit between 2020 and 2023 were included in the study. Physical examination findings, vital parameters, laboratory values, and all scoring calculations for patients during emergency room admissions and on the first day of intensive care follow-up were recorded. Comparisons were made between two groups identified as survivors and non-survivors. RESULTS: The study included 85 (69.7%) male and 37 (30.3%) female patients, with an average age of 75 ± 59 months for all patients. Forty-one patients (33.6%) required Invasive Mechanical Ventilation (IMV) and 11 patients (9%) required inotropic therapy. Logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association between mortality and PEWS (p < 0.001), PRISM-3 (p < 0.001), PTS (p < 0.001), and pGCS (p < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristics curve analysis demonstrated that the PEWS score (cutoff > 6.5, AUC = 0.953, 95% CI 0.912-0.994) was highly predictive of mortality, showing similar performance to the PRISM-3 score (cutoff > 21, AUC = 0.999, 95% CI 0.995-1). Additionally, the PEWS score was found to be highly predictive in forecasting the need for IMV and inotropic therapy. CONCLUSION: The Pediatric Early Warning Score serves as a robust determinant of mortality in critical pediatric trauma patients. Simultaneously, it demonstrates strong predictability in anticipating the need for IMV and inotropic therapy.

A Study on the Correlation of Various Factors in Patients With Severe Traumatic Brain Injuries.

INTRODUCTION: Traumatic brain injury (TBI), ranging from minor impacts to severe cases, affects temporal and frontal brain areas, contributing to mortality and disability worldwide. The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) evaluates consciousness levels, aiding in prioritizing emergency care, while the Disability Rating Score (DRS) assesses overall function, particularly in severe cases, with greater sensitivity than GCS for clinical changes in TBI patients. OBJECTIVES: To correlate various factors with each other in patients presented with severe TBIs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The retrospective study analyzed data from patients with severe TBIs admitted to the hospital from February 2023 to April 2024. Patients' demographic and clinical data, including GCS and DRS scores, were collected. Statistical analysis, including logistic regression, assessed mortality predictors. RESULTS: The study revealed significant correlations (p<0.05) between age and marital status (p=0.002) and surgery (p=0.003). Surgery also correlated significantly with the mechanism of injury (p<0.001). Furthermore, a negative correlation was found between GCS after 24 hours and change in GCS (p<0.001), while a positive correlation existed between DRS after 24 hours and DRS on the 14th day (p<0.001). These findings highlight the complex interplay between demographic factors, medical interventions, and clinical outcomes in TBI patients. CONCLUSION: The study found that older individuals, particularly those involved in road traffic accidents, had poorer recovery outcomes and higher rates of surgery, with a strong correlation between changes in GCS and DRS scores.

Endoscopic Evacuation Versus Open Craniotomy and Evacuation of Non-traumatic Intracerebral Bleed: A Comparative Study.

Objective In patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), the usage of microsurgical instrumentation and techniques can reduce traction-related injuries and enhance postoperative outcomes compared with traditional hematoma evacuation. The purpose of this study was to compare the results of endoscopic evacuation of spontaneous non-traumatic ICH with conventional open craniotomies and evacuations of ICH in terms of safety, feasibility, and neurological outcomes. Methods This was a prospective study that included 21 patients with spontaneous intracerebral hematomas managed by surgical evacuation endoscopically and another 24 patients with spontaneous supratentorial ICH who underwent hematoma evacuation by open craniotomy. Primary outcomes included operation duration, operative blood loss, hematoma evacuation rate, re-bleeding rate, and postoperative Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score. Results The median operation durations were 110 (90-200) and 230 (120-460) minutes in the endoscopic and open procedure groups, respectively (p = 0.00001). The median operative blood loss was 160 (80-300) and 530 (100-2000) mL in the endoscopic and open procedure groups, respectively (p < 0.00001). The median hematoma removal rates were 90% (60%-99%) and 85% (60%-100%) in the endoscopic and open procedure groups, respectively (p = 0.0348). Re-bleeding rates were higher in the endoscopic group (p = 0.46). Postoperative Glasgow Outcome Scale scores at two-month and six-month intervals were similar between the groups (p = 0.87). Conclusion Endoscopic hematoma evacuation for spontaneous supratentorial hemorrhage is becoming a standard surgical procedure, and promising clinical results can be expected. In addition, an endoscope can enhance time efficiency, hematoma evacuation rates, and reduce bleeding. Although endoscopic surgeries have higher re-bleeding rates, the difference is not significant when compared to open craniotomies with similar postoperative GCS scores. It is therefore important to be familiar with the endoscope and its associated equipment in order to achieve better results and reduce complications.

The Australian Traumatic Brain Injury Initiative: Systematic Review of Clinical Factors Associated with Outcomes in People with Moderate-Severe Traumatic Brain Injury.

The aim of the Australian Traumatic Brain Injury Initiative (AUS-TBI) is to design a data dictionary to inform data collection and facilitate prediction of outcomes for moderate-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) across Australia. The process has engaged diverse stakeholders across six areas: social, health, clinical, biological, acute interventions, and long-term outcomes. Here, we report the results of the clinical review. Standardized searches were implemented across databases to April 2022. English-language reports of studies evaluating an association between a clinical factor and any clinical outcome in at least 100 patients with moderate-severe TBI were included. Abstracts, and full-text records, were independently screened by at least two reviewers in Covidence. The findings were assessed through a consensus process to determine inclusion in the AUS-TBI data resource. The searches retrieved 22,441 records, of which 1137 were screened at full text and 313 papers were included. The clinical outcomes identified were predominantly measures of survival and disability. The clinical predictors most frequently associated with these outcomes were the Glasgow Coma Scale, pupil reactivity, and blood pressure measures. Following discussion with an expert consensus group, 15 were recommended for inclusion in the data dictionary. This review identified numerous studies evaluating associations between clinical factors and outcomes in patients with moderate-severe TBI. A small number of factors were reported consistently, however, how and when these factors were assessed varied. The findings of this review and the subsequent consensus process have informed the development of an evidence-informed data dictionary for moderate-severe TBI in Australia.

Full Outline of Unresponsiveness Score versus Glasgow Coma Scale in Predicting Clinical Outcomes in Altered Mental Status.

Introduction: Full outline of unresponsiveness (FOUR) score has advantages over Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS); as it can be used in intubated patients and provides greater neurological details. It has been studied mainly in the trauma and neuroscience setting. Our primary objective was to compare the FOUR versus GCS score as predictors of mortality at 30 days and poor functional outcome at 3 months among nontrauma patients in the emergency department (ED). Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted on adult patients presenting with altered mental status (duration <7 days) in the ED (March 2019-November 2020). Data collection included demographic and clinical features, the GCS and FOUR scores, the feasibility of acquiring and interpreting FOUR on a Likert scale, duration of hospital stay, 30-day mortality, and functional outcome at 3 months on the modified Rankin Scale. Trained emergency medicine residents managing the patient collected the data. The area under receiver's operating characteristics curve (AUROC) was used to compare the accuracy of the GCS and FOUR scores in predicting outcomes. The FOUR score equivalent of GCS cutoffs for categorizing neurological impairment (mild, moderate, and severe) was also investigated. Results: Two hundred and ninety-one patients were included, with a mean age of 50.3 years and 67.4% males. Most patients (40.2%) had altered mental status for 1-3 days and hepatic encephalopathy was the most common ED diagnosis. The mortality at 30 days was 66.7% (194 of 291), and 88% (256 of 291) of patients had poor functional outcomes at 3 months. The AUROCs for predicting 30-day mortality were similar for both the scores (GCS: 0.70, FOUR: 0.71, and the P value for difference: 0.9). Similarly, the AUROCs for predicting 3-month poor functional outcome were 0.683 and 0.669 using GCS and FOUR, respectively, with a nonsignificant difference (P = 0.82). The FOUR score strata of 14-16, 11-13, and 0-10 were found to be equivalent to the GCS scores of 13-15 (mild), 9-12 (moderate), and 3-8 (severe). The feasibility of acquiring and interpreting GCS and FOUR scores on the Likert scale was found to be "easy." Conclusion: The FOUR score is similar to GCS in predicting mortality at 30 days and poor neurological outcomes at 3 months among nontrauma patients of ED. Moreover, it was found that the FOUR score is "easy" to assess and interpret by the emergency residents.

Assessing outcomes in traumatic brain injury: Helsinki score versus Glasgow coma scale.

BACKGROUND: The precision of assessment and prognosis in traumatic brain injury (TBI) is paramount for effective triage and informed therapeutic strategies. While the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) remains the cornerstone for TBI evaluation, it overlooks critical primary imaging findings. The Helsinki Score (HS), a novel tool designed to incorporate radiological data, offers a promising approach to predicting TBI outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the prognostic efficacy of HS in comparison to GCS across a substantial TBI patient cohort. METHODS: This retrospective study encompassed TBI patients treated at our institution between 2008 and 2019, specifically those with an admission GCS of 14 or lower. We assessed both the initial GCS and the HS derived from primary CT scans. Key outcome metrics included the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) and mortality rates at hospital discharge and at 6 and 12-month intervals post-discharge. Predictive performances of GCS and HS were analyzed through Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves and Kendall tau-b correlation coefficients against each outcome. RESULTS: The study included 544 patients, with an average age of 62.2 ± 21.5 years, median initial GCS of 14, and a median HS of 3. The mortality rate at discharge stood at 8.6%, with a median GOS of 4. Both GCS and HS demonstrated significant correlations with mortality and GOS outcomes (p < 0.05). Notably, HS showed a markedly superior correlation with mortality (τb = 0.36) compared to GCS (τb = -0.11) and with GOS outcomes (τb = -0.40 for HS vs. τb = 0.33 for GCS). ROC analyses affirmed HS's enhanced predictive accuracy over GCS for both mortality (AUC of 0.79 for HS vs. 0.62 for GCS) and overall outcomes (AUC of 0.77 for HS vs. 0.71 for GCS). CONCLUSION: The findings validate the HS in a large German cohort and suggest that radiological assessments alone, as exemplified by HS, can surpass the traditional GCS in predicting TBI outcomes. However, the HS, despite its efficacy, lacks the integration of clinical evaluation, a vital component in TBI management. This underscores the necessity for a holistic approach that amalgamates both radiological and clinical insights for a more comprehensive and accurate prognostication in TBI care.

Impact of English proficiency on use of Glasgow Coma Scale in geriatric patients with traumatic brain injury.

Background: The relationship between English proficiency (EP), Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) is not well characterized. We aimed to understand the impact of limited English proficiency (LEP) on the evaluation and outcomes of TBI. Methods: Retrospective comparative study in a single institution of patients aged ⪰65 who presented to the emergency department after a fall with head strike between January 2018 and December 2021. TBI was defined as documented loss of consciousness or intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). Relationships between EP, GCS, and TBI were analyzed with multivariable and propensity score-matched models. Results: Of the 2905 included, 1233 (42%) had LEP. Most LEP patients were Asian (60%) while the majority of EP patients were non-Hispanic Caucasians (72%). In a univariate analysis, LEP had higher incidence of decreased GCS and was strongly correlated with risk of TBI (OR 1.47, CI 1.26 to 1.71). After adjusting for multiple covariates including race, LEP did not have a significantly increased risk for GCS score <13 (OR 1.66, CI 0.99 to 2.76) or increased risk of TBI. In the matched analysis, LEP had a small but significantly higher risk of GCS score <13 (OR 1.03, CI 1.02 to 1.05) without an increased risk in TBI. Decreased GCS remained strongly correlated with presence of ICH in LEP patients in the adjusted model (OR 1.39, CI 1.30 to 1.50). Conclusions: LEP correlated with lower GCS in geriatric patients with TBI. This association weakened after adjusting for factors like race, suggesting racial disparities may have more influence than language differences. Moreover, GCS remained effective for predicting ICH in LEP individuals, highlighting its value with suitable translation resources. Level of evidence: This is a Level III evidence restrospective comparative study.

Efficacy of 10%,25% and 50% dextrose in the treatment of hypoglycemia in the emergency department - A randomized controlled study.

INTRODUCTION: Documented symptomatic hypoglycemia is defined as "event during which typical symptoms of hypoglycemia are accompanied by measured blood glucose of ≤70 mg/dL. Most of the studies and recommendations for the unconscious hypoglycemic adult advocate the use of 25 g of glucose as 50 mL of 50% dextrose solution intravenous or 1 mg of intramuscular glucagon. OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of 5 g boluses of 10%, 25% and 50% dextrose in the treatment of hypoglycemic patients presenting to our emergency department. METHODS: This was a randomized controlled single blinded study. Hypoglycemic patients in altered mental status were randomized into three treatment arms to be administered 10%, 25% or 50% dextrose. 5 g aliquots of intravenous 10%,25% or 50% dextrose were administered over 1 min. Time taken to achieve a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) of 15 and median total doses (g) were the primary outcomes. RESULTS: Data of 204 patients were analysed in the study. There was no difference in the median time to achieve a GCS of 15 in all three treatment arms (6 min). Total median dose administered in the 10% and 25% groups was lower than 50% (10 g vs 15 g). Proportion of patients who received the maximum dose of 25 g was higher in the 50% group as compared to 10% and 25% groups (12%, 3%, 4%). CONCLUSION: There was no difference in 10% dextrose and 25% dextrose as compared to 50% dextrose in achieving the baseline mental status (or GCS 15) in the treatment of hypoglycemia in the ED.

Association between sub-phenotypes identified using latent class analysis and neurological outcomes in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in Japan.

BACKGROUND: In patients who experience out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), it is important to assess the association of sub-phenotypes identified by latent class analysis (LCA) using pre-hospital prognostic factors and factors measurable immediately after hospital arrival with neurological outcomes at 30 days, which would aid in making treatment decisions. METHODS: This study retrospectively analyzed data obtained from the Japanese OHCA registry between June 2014 and December 2019. The registry included a complete set of data on adult patients with OHCA, which was used in the LCA. The association between the sub-phenotypes and 30-day survival with favorable neurological outcomes was investigated. Furthermore, adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated by multivariate logistic regression analysis using in-hospital data as covariates. RESULTS: A total of, 22,261 adult patients who experienced OHCA were classified into three sub-phenotypes. The factor with the highest discriminative power upon patient's arrival was Glasgow Coma Scale followed by partial pressure of oxygen. Thirty-day survival with favorable neurological outcome as the primary outcome was evident in 66.0% participants in Group 1, 5.2% in Group 2, and 0.5% in Group 3. The 30-day survival rates were 80.6%, 11.8%, and 1.3% in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the ORs (95% CI) for 30-day survival with favorable neurological outcomes were 137.1 (99.4-192.2) for Group 1 and 4.59 (3.46-6.23) for Group 2 in comparison to Group 3. For 30-day survival, the ORs (95%CI) were 161.7 (124.2-212.1) for Group 1 and 5.78 (4.78-7.04) for Group 2, compared to Group 3. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified three sub-phenotypes based on the prognostic factors available immediately after hospital arrival that could predict neurological outcomes and be useful in determining the treatment strategy of patients experiencing OHCA upon their arrival at the hospital.

Factors affecting severity and prognosis of traumatic brain injury among Bangladeshi patients: An institution based cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) proves to be an obstacle for Bangladeshi patients due to the lack of facilities and specialist doctors in regional sections of the country. This study aimed to record different attributes of Bangladeshi TBI patients over a year i.e., their injury characteristics, treatments received and understand their impacts on the severity of TBI. METHOD: This cross-sectional study was carried out among 280 TBI patients treated in a tertiary care hospital in Dhaka. The physicians determined TBI's severity and prognosis as per the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and Glasgow Outcome Score (GOS) respectively. RESULTS: Most TBI patients were male (76.1%) and aged between 18 and 50 years (52.2%), as in previous studies in South Asian countries. However, the prevalence of TBI due to road traffic accidents (RTAs) was much higher (67.9%) than in the earlier studies in South Asia. Additionally, more patients suffered from severe TBI (29.3%) and moderate TBI (35.7%), and a higher percentage of patients went through surgery (56.8%) compared to previous studies. A significant association of demographic (residence) and clinical characteristics (consciousness after injury, CT scan findings and treatment type) with the severity of TBI was found in bivariate analysis. It also revealed the significant dependence of clinical characteristics (TBI etiology, post-injury consciousness, treatment type and TBI severity) on TBI prognosis. Multivariate analysis showed that patients who were unconscious after TBI and with evident brain injury observed in CT scans have a substantially higher risk of having moderate or severe TBI than mild TBI. Moreover, patients with TBI due to RTAs or falls, evident brain injury in CT scans, post-surgical seizure, and moderate or severe TBI have a significantly higher risk of getting a more unfavorable TBI prognosis than moderate disability. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, RTAs were found to be the major cause of TBI. Additionally, some variables were identified as possible determinants of TBI severity and prognosis among Bangladeshi patients. The correlation of these variables with TBI should be further studied with the hopes that steps will be taken to reduce TBI incidents and improve its management to reduce the overall burden.

The rate-pressure product combined model within 24 h on admission predicts the 30-day mortality rate in conservatively treated patients with intracerebral hemorrhage.

Background and objectives: Recently, some literature has proposed new indicators such as rate-pressure product, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, etc. However, there has been no literature that has utilized these new indicators to establish a predictive model for assessing the risk of mortality in patients within 24 h on admission. Therefore, this study aims to build a predictive model that can rapidly assess the likelihood of mortality in patients within 24 h of admission. Methods: The datasets used in this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request. Patients were randomly assigned to the training or validation cohort based on a ratio of 7:3, which was implemented as internal validations for the final predictive models. In the training set, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was employed to select predictive factors, followed by both univariate and subsequent multivariate analysis. The predictive ability was assessed by the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results: A total of 428 patients were included in our research. The final model included 4 independent predictors (Glasgow Coma Scale, hematoma volume, rate-pressure product, c-reactive protein) and was developed as a simple-to-use nomogram. The training set and internal validation set model's C-index are 0.933 and 0.954, demonstrating moderate predictive ability with regard to risks of mortality. Compared to ICH score (AUC: 0.910 and 0.925), the net reclassification index (NRI) is 0.298 (CI = -0.105 to 0.701, p: 0.147) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) is 0.089 (CI = -0.049 to 0.228, p: 0.209). Our model is equally excellent as the classic ICH score model. Conclusion: We developed a model with four independent risk factors to predict the mortality of ICH patients. Our predictive model is effective in assessing the risk of mortality in patients within 24 h on admission, which might be worth considering in clinical settings after further external validation.

The Roles of NOTCH3 p.R544C and Thrombophilia Genes in Vietnamese Patients With Ischemic Stroke: Study Involving a Hierarchical Cluster Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The etiology of ischemic stroke is multifactorial. Several gene mutations have been identified as leading causes of cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL), a hereditary disease that causes stroke and other neurological symptoms. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to identify the variants of NOTCH3 and thrombophilia genes, and their complex interactions with other factors. METHODS: We conducted a hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) on the data of 100 patients diagnosed with ischemic stroke. The variants of NOTCH3 and thrombophilia genes were identified by polymerase chain reaction with confronting 2-pair primers and real-time polymerase chain reaction. The overall preclinical characteristics, cumulative cutpoint values, and factors associated with these somatic mutations were analyzed in unidimensional and multidimensional scaling models. RESULTS: We identified the following optimal cutpoints: creatinine, 83.67 (SD 9.19) µmol/L; age, 54 (SD 5) years; prothrombin (PT) time, 13.25 (SD 0.17) seconds; and international normalized ratio (INR), 1.02 (SD 0.03). Using the Nagelkerke method, cutpoint 50% values of the Glasgow Coma Scale score; modified Rankin scale score; and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores at admission, after 24 hours, and at discharge were 12.77, 2.86 (SD 1.21), 9.83 (SD 2.85), 7.29 (SD 2.04), and 6.85 (SD 2.90), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The variants of MTHFR (C677T and A1298C) and NOTCH3 p.R544C may influence the stroke severity under specific conditions of PT, creatinine, INR, and BMI, with risk ratios of 4.8 (95% CI 1.53-15.04) and 3.13 (95% CI 1.60-6.11), respectively (Pfisher<.05). It is interesting that although there are many genes linked to increased atrial fibrillation risk, not all of them are associated with ischemic stroke risk. With the detection of stroke risk loci, more information can be gained on their impacts and interconnections, especially in young patients.

Comparison of the Prognostic Accuracy of Full Outline of Unresponsiveness (FOUR) Score with Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) Score among Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury in a Tertiary Care Center.

Objectives The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is widely used and considered the gold standard in assessing the consciousness of patients with traumatic brain injury. However, some significant limitations, like the considerable variations in interobserver reliability and predictive validity, were the reason for developing the Full Outline of Unresponsiveness (FOUR) score. The current study aims to compare the prognostic accuracy of the FOUR score with the GCS score for in-hospital mortality and morbidity among patients with traumatic brain injury. Materials and Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted, where 237 participants were selected by consecutive sampling from a tertiary care center. These patients were assessed with the help of GCS and FOUR scores within 6 hours of admission, and other clinical parameters were also noted. The level of consciousness was checked every day with the help of GCS and FOUR scores until their last hospitalization day. Glasgow Outcome Scale was used to assess their outcome on the last day of hospitalization. The GCS and FOUR scores were compared, and data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics. The chi-square test, independent Student's t -test, and receiver operating characteristic analysis were used for inferential analysis. Results The area under the curve (AUC) for the GCS score at the 6th hour for predicting mortality was 0.865 with a cutoff value of 5.5, and it yields a sensitivity of 87% and a specificity of 64%. The AUC for FOUR scores at the 6th hour for predicting the mortality was 0.893, with a cutoff value of 5.5, and it yields a sensitivity of 87% and a specificity of 73%. Conclusion The current study shows that, as per the AUC of GCS and FOUR scores, their sensitivity was equal, but specificity was higher in the FOUR score. So, the FOUR score has higher accuracy than the GCS score in the prediction of mortality among traumatic brain injury patients.

Validation of motor component of Glasgow coma scale in lieu of total Glasgow coma scale as a pediatric trauma field triage tool.

INTRODUCTION: Prehospital trauma triage and disability assessment of pediatric patients can be challenging on the field, especially in the pre-verbal age group. It would be useful if the same triage tool and criteria can be used for both adults and children to risk-stratify the need of higher acuity of trauma care. STUDY OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate if using only the motor component of Glasgow Coma Scale (mGCS), as a quick field trauma triage tool, was non-inferior to total GCS (tGCS), and if mGCS <6 was non-inferior to tGCS <14, in predicting the need for intensive care or mortality in the pediatric population. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of patients <18-years-old, who presented to our emergency department (ED) with moderate (Injury Severity Score (ISS) 9-15) to severe (ISS > 15) traumatic injuries from January 2012 to December 2021. Using ED triage data, mortality and the need for intensive care unit (ICU) admission were used as surrogate outcomes to investigate if mGCS <6 was non-inferior to tGCS <14, and the area-under-the-receiver-operating-characteristic curve (AUROC) was used as a measure of comparability. RESULTS: Among 582 included for analysis, the median age was 7-years-old (2-12), and most were male (63.4%). 22.4% patients demised or required ICU care. mGCS <6 had an AUROC of 0.75 (95% CI 0.70 to 0.79), which was non-inferior to tGCS <14; AUROC 0.76, (95% CI 0.72 to 0.81), for identifying children requiring ICU management or demised. The results shown here were based on the AUROCs that were used to evaluate the discriminatory ability of tGCS <14 and mGCS <6 in prediction of mortality and the need for ICU care. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that mGCS was significantly associated with tGCS, and was non- inferior to the latter as a triage tool in pediatric trauma. It validated the use of mGCS <6 in lieu of tGCS <14 in the pre-hospital field triage of pediatric patients, in identification of children at risk of death or requiring ICU care. Larger prospective, observational studies using on-scene data would be required for more robust validation and determine optimal cut-offs.

Comparison of Glasgow Coma Scale and Full Outline of UnResponsiveness score to assess the level of consciousness in patients admitted to intensive care units and emergency departments: A quantitative systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate the reliability and validity of the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and the Full Outline of UnResponsiveness (FOUR) score used by nurses and physicians to assess the level of consciousness in patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) and emergency departments (EDs). REVIEW METHOD USED: This systematic review was guided by the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and followed the reporting standards of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Statement. DATA SOURCES: A systematic search was conducted using the following databases: CINAHL, MEDLINE, and EMBASE. REVIEW METHODS: All authors performed the study selection process, data collection, and assessment of quality. The following psychometric properties were addressed: inter-rater reliability, internal consistency, and construct validity. RESULTS: Six articles were included. The GCS and the FOUR scores demonstrated excellent reliability and very strong validity when used by nurses and physicians to assess the level of consciousness in patients admitted to the ICU and ED. The FOUR score demonstrated slightly higher overall reliability and validity than the GCS. CONCLUSION: This systematic review indicates that the FOUR score is especially suitable for assessing the level of consciousness in patients admitted to the ICU and ED. The FOUR score demonstrated higher reliability and validity than the GCS, making it a promising alternative assessment scale, despite the GCS's longstanding use in clinical practice.

Analysis on Short-Term Outcomes for Cerebral Protection Treatment in Post Severe Traumatic Brain Injury Patients: A Single Neurosurgical Centre Study.

Background: Severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of disability worldwide and cerebral protection (CP) management might determine the outcome of the patient. CP in severe TBI is to protect the brain from further insults, optimise cerebral metabolism and prevent secondary brain injury. This study aimed to analyse the short-term Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) at the intensive care unit (ICU) discharge and a month after ICU discharge of patients post CP and factors associated with the favourable outcome. Methods: This is a prospective cohort study from January 2021 to January 2022. The short-term outcomes of patients were evaluated upon ICU discharge and 1 month after ICU discharge using GOS. Favourable outcome was defined as GOS 4 and 5. Generalised Estimation Equation (GEE) was adopted to conduct bivariate GEE and subsequently multivariate GEE to evaluate the factors associated with favourable outcome at ICU discharge and 1 month after discharge. Results: A total of 92 patients with severe TBI with GOS of 8 and below admitted to ICU received CP management. Proportion of death is 17% at ICU discharge and 0% after 1 month of ICU discharge. Proportion of favourable outcome is 26.1% at ICU discharge and 61.1% after 1 month of ICU discharge. Among factors evaluated, age (odds ratio [OR] = 0.96; 95% CI: 0.94, 0.99; P = 0.004), duration of CP (OR = 0.41; 95% CI: 0.20, 0.84; P = 0.014) and hyperosmolar therapy (OR = 0.41; CI 95%: 0.21, 0.83; P = 0.013) had significant association. Conclusion: CP in younger age, longer duration of CP and patient not receiving hyperosmolar therapy are associated with favourable outcomes. We recommend further clinical trial to assess long term outcome of CP.