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Intrathecal and systemic concentration of NT-proBNP in patients with severe traumatic brain injury.

Outcome of patients suffering from traumatic brain injury (TBI) depends on the development of secondary brain damage. In this context, recent studies underlined the role of the natriuretic peptides- atrial natriuretic peptide and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP)-in aneurysmatic subarachnoidal hemorrhage (SAH). Especially BNP correlates with intracranial pressure and clinical outcome after SAH. Since its role in TBI remains unclear, the intracranial and systemic concentrations of N-terminal (NT)-proBNP were analyzed in patients suffering from severe TBI. We measured NT-proBNP levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum of 14 patients suffering from severe TBI (GCS 15 mm Hg (n=6), the serum (800+/-150 pg/mL) and CSF levels (55+/-9 pg/mL) of NT-proBNP were significantly increased after 24 h, as compared to patients with ICP 15 mm Hg. Further studies are currently performed to elucidate the physiologic role of NT-proBNP in TBI.

Adult↗

Incidence of traumatic brain injury in the United States, 2003.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an important public health problem in the United States. In 2003, there were an estimated 1,565,000 TBIs in the United States: 1,224,000 emergency department visits, 290,000 hospitalizations, and 51,000 deaths. Findings were similar to those from previous years in which rates of TBI were highest for young children (aged 0-4) and men, and the leading causes of TBI were falls and motor vehicle traffic.

Accidental Falls↗

Cognitive function outcomes after traumatic brain injury.

Investigations of cognitive recovery from traumatic brain injury have utilized experimental cognitive tasks, including measures of executive function and discourse processing, to elucidate specific sequelae. The scope of research, which includes brain imaging and pharmacologic intervention, could potentially enhance rehabilitation of patients with brain injury.

Brain Damage, Chronic↗

Functional status after childhood traumatic brain injury.

BACKGROUND: Identification of children after traumatic brain injury (TBI) likely to have functional deficits at trauma center discharge will facilitate care. METHODS: Two logistic regression models were derived from data on 4,439 children after TBI 7 to 14 years old enrolled in the National Pediatric Trauma Registry between 1994 and 2001 to predict physical and cognitive disabilities. RESULTS: Children with open or multiple fractures or closed fractures or injured by motor vehicles were 8.2, 3.5, or 2.5 times more likely, respectively, than those without those circumstances to have discharge physical disabilities. Likelihood of cognitive impairment was increased by factors of 3.2 and 5.8 in children obtunded or comatose on arrival. Preexisting cognitive deficits, injury severity, and intubation predicted physical and cognitive disabilities. The C statistic was 0.862 for the motor model and 0.860 for the cognitive model. CONCLUSION: Predicting the likelihood of morbidity after acute management of childhood TBI can provide information pertinent to providing effective care.

Adolescent↗

Management of traumatic brain injury: some current evidence and applications.

Traumatic brain injury remains a worldwide problem. Newer modalities in the management of such injuries include both drugs and therapeutic strategies. Continuing research in animal models has provided a better understanding of the pathophysiological processes that follow head injury, and this in turn has enabled workers to work on improved treatment targets. Although there are exciting and novel approaches emerging, there is no substitute for meticulous initial resuscitation. Additionally, some of the more well known management options are now better understood. These concepts are discussed in the article.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

Childhood traumatic brain injury: initial impact on the family.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant source of morbidity and mortality in children, resulting in a wide range of cognitive and behavioral sequelae. However, little is known about the effects of pediatric TBI and its aftermath on families. The current investigation examined the impact of TBI on families during the first month following injury. Children with orthopedic injuries requiring hospitalization served as a control group. The sample consisted of 44 families of children of severe TBI, 52 families of children with moderate TBI, and 69 families of children with orthopedic injuries not involving the central nervous system (CNS). Families of children with severe TBI experienced significantly more injury-related stress than the other two groups of families. Parents of children with TBI also reported higher levels of psychological symptoms than parents of children with orthopedic injuries. Findings from regression analyses suggested that families facing multiple stressors in addition to the injury and those who cope poorly may be at greatest risk for adverse consequences. Future interventions could provide anticipatory guidance and support to at-risk families.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

Advanced neuromonitoring including cerebral tissue oxygenation and outcome after traumatic brain injury.

For 51 patients suffering from traumatic brain injury (GCS < 9), we compared the prognostic value of critical parameters derived from neuromonitoring of intracranial pressure (ICP), cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) and brain tissue oxygenation (PiO2) during different time periods after trauma (< or = 12, < or = 24, < or = 48, < or = 72 and < or = 96 h). For patients with good outcome (GOS = 4-5, n = 30) the proportion of critical ICP values (> 40 mmHg) was about 0.2% during all time periods. The corresponding proportions for patients with bad outcome (GOS = 1-3, n = 21) rose from 0.2% to 4.7% during increasing time periods. The frequency of critical ICP values was significantly related to outcome (p < 0.001) for time periods > 48 h after trauma. Differences of critical CPP (< or = 50 mmHg) and hypoxic PiO2 (< or = 5 mmHg) between both outcome groups were less pronounced and for both parameters significant relations to outcome were only obtained for the longest time period (< or = 96 h, p < or = 0.05). Higher thresholds for CPP (< or = 60 mmHg, < or = 70 mmHg) did not reveal any relation to outcome. For all neuromonitoring parameters significant relations between the frequency of critical values and outcome could be determined. Critical ICP values provide the earliest and highest prognostic power, while critical CPP and hypoxic PiO2 only showed prognostic power in later time periods.

Adolescent↗

Neuroprotective agents in traumatic brain injury.

The role of neuroprotection in traumatic brain injury (TBI) is reviewed. Basic research and experimental investigations have identified many different compounds with potential neuroprotective effect. However, none of the Phase III trials performed in TBI have been successful in convincingly demonstrating efficacy in the overall population. A common misconception is that consequently these agents are ineffective. The negative results as reported in the overall population may in part be caused by specific aspects of the head injury population as well as by aspects of clinical trial design and analysis. The heterogeneity of the TBI population causes specific problems, such as a risk of imbalances between placebo and treated groups but also causes problems when a possible treatment effect is evaluated in relation to the prognostic effect present. Trials of neuroprotective agents should be targeted first of all to a population in which the mechanism at which the agent is directed is likely to be present and secondly to a population in which the chances of demonstrating efficacy are realistic, e.g., to patients with an intermediate prognosis. The possibilities for concomitant or sequential administration of different neuroprotective agents at different times deserve consideration. The potential for neuroprotection in TBI remains high and we should not be discouraged by recent failures obtained up until now. Rather, prior to initiating new trials, careful consideration of experimental evidence is required in order to optimise chances for mechanistic targeting and lessons learned from previous experience need to be taken to heart in the design of future studies.

Animals↗

Neuron-specific enolase and S100B in cerebrospinal fluid after severe traumatic brain injury in infants and children.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability in children. Considerable insight into the mechanisms involved in secondary injury after TBI has resulted from analysis of ventricular cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) obtained in children with severe noninflicted and inflicted TBI (nTBI and iTBI, respectively). Neuron-specific enolase (NSE) is a glycolytic enzyme that is localized primarily to the neuronal cytoplasm. S100B is a calcium-binding protein localized to astroglial cells. In adults, CSF and serum concentrations of NSE and S100B have served as markers of neuronal damage after TBI. Neither NSE nor S100B has previously been studied in CSF after TBI in infants or children. OBJECTIVE: To compare the time course and magnitude of neuronal and astroglial death after nTBI and iTBI by measuring CSF concentrations of NSE and S100B using a rapid enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. METHODS: Severe nTBI and iTBI were defined by strict clinical criteria. Serial ventricular CSF samples (n = 35) were obtained from children 1.5 to 9 years with severe nTBI (n = 5) and children 0.2 to 1.5 years (n = 5) with severe iTBI. Lumbar CSF samples from 5 children 0.1 to 2.3 years evaluated for meningitis were used as a comparison group. CSF NSE and S100B concentrations were quantified by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (SynX Pharma Inc, Ontario, Canada). RESULTS: There was no difference in age between patients with iTBI (median [range]: 0.2 years [0.2-1.8]), nTBI (2.0 years [1.5-9]), and the comparison group (0.2 years [0.2-1.8]). The initial Glasgow Coma Scale score was higher in the iTBI group (9 [4-14]) versus the nTBI group (3 [3-7]). NSE was increased in TBI versus the comparison group in 34 of 35 samples. Mean NSE was markedly increased (mean +/- SEM, 117.1 +/- 12.0 ng/mL vs 3.5 +/- 1.4 ng/mL). After nTBI, a transient peak in NSE was seen at a median of 11 hours after injury (range: 5-20 hours). After iTBI, an increase in admission NSE was followed by a sustained and delayed peak at a median of 63 hours after injury (range: 7-94). The magnitude of peak NSE was similar in nTBI and iTBI. S100B was increased versus the comparison group in 35 of 35 samples. Mean S100B was markedly increased in TBI versus the comparison group (1.67 +/- 0.2 ng/mL vs 0.02 +/- 0.0 ng/mL). S100B showed a single peak at 27 hours (range: 5-63 hours) after both nTBI and iTBI. The mean S100B concentration, peak S100B concentration, and the time to peak were not associated with mechanism of injury. CONCLUSIONS: Markers of neuronal and astroglial death are markedly increased in CSF after severe nTBI and iTBI. ITBI produces a unique time course of NSE, characterized by both an early and late peak, presumably representing 2 waves of neuronal death, the second of which may represent apoptosis. Delayed neuronal death may represent an important therapeutic target in iTBI. NSE and S100B may also be useful as markers to identify occult iTBI, help differentiate nTBI and iTBI, and assist in determining the time of injury in cases of iTBI.

Adult↗

Follow-up studies of somatosensory evoked potentials and auditory brainstem evoked potentials in patients with post-coma unawareness (PCU) of traumatic brain injury.

Some patients who suffer severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) fail to recover higher brain functions in spite of giving the appearance of sleep-wake cycles. Such a state is called post-coma unawareness (PCU) and varies in type and degree. Patients may remain in this state for months or even years. This study focused on the follow-up of upper-limb somatosensory evoked potential (USEP) measurements and auditory brainstem responses (ABR), with an emphasis on dynamic changes, in 10 patients with PCU resulting from TBI. The prognostic value of USEP and ABR was evaluated. Results showed that the presence of ABR in PCU patients had no prognostic value, because ABRs were found both in patients who recovered and those who did not, even a year after the trauma. The presence of normal ABR in PCU patients may suggest that the brainstem has been spared in the pathoanatomy of the PCU condition, with the significant damage occurring above this level, in cortical and subcortical (that is, hemispheral) areas. USEP was graded using the new system of Houlden [1] for 'acute' comatose patients. It was found that USEP measurements had some prognostic value in PCU patients. Most of the patients who remained in the PCU state had grade 2 or less initially, whereas most of the patients who later recovered or achieved at least a 'reduced life' state were grade 4 or more. On initial testing (when all patients were still in the PCU state), defined cortical potential (mainly in the slope of the building NI potential) was seen in only some of the patients who later recovered.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗

The challenge of unintelligible speech following traumatic brain injury.

Management of unintelligible speech following traumatic brain injury is complex. In addition to multiple physiological system deficits, individuals typically present with complicating non-speech factors that impede their progress. The present case study illustrates the influence on outcome of impaired speech physiology, reduced cognitive abilities, pre-morbid personality characteristics, and psychosocial variables such as post-injury psychosis. Highlighted intervention strategies include optimizing the physiological system with a palatal lift prosthesis, reducing speaking rate by pacing, phonetically transcribing words to minimize apraxia of speech, adapting stimuli to optimize auditory comprehension, and providing therapy within functional contexts.

Brain Damage, Chronic↗

Towards a more integrated approach to job placement and retention for persons with traumatic brain injury and premorbid disadvantages.

Persons with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and premorbid socioeconomic disadvantages are more likely to be unemployed before and after injury. They have less access to private pay community re-entry (CR) programmes that could help them with post-TBI life adjustment, including work. They often enter publicly funded vocational rehabilitation (VR) programmes with unresolved adjustment issues that directly affect their capacity to work. Disadvantaged persons who enter VR programming without prior benefit of CR programming may still be able to work if the following methods are combined within the framework of interdependence: VR advocacy services for getting a job and related supports; CR treatment services for accepting and keeping a job. Current post-acute rehabilitation programmes that address work outcomes after TBI can be characterized as either VR programmes or CR programmes. Doing so may increase understanding of how all persons with TBI are helped to find and keep jobs.

Brain Damage, Chronic↗

Self-reported social networks and interpersonal support 2 years after severe traumatic brain injury.

Fifty-four patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) consecutively admitted to a rehabilitation hospital were examined 2 years post-injury. Social interaction and support, subjective complaints, and functional status were assessed. A large variability in social interaction and support patterns was found. Most patients had more interaction and received more support from family members than from friends and neighbours. Thirty-one patients (57.4%) reported that their social networks had markedly declined subsequent to injury. Relatively short duration of coma (< 1 week) and severe sequelae in terms of low functional status and poor emotional adjustment at follow-up, especially in terms of deficits in initiating behaviour, were found to be related to little interaction and support. The importance of both provider and patient initiative in order to establish and preserve a social support network is suggested, and clinical implications briefly discussed.

Activities of Daily Living↗

The Adolescent with Traumatic Brain Injury: Cognitive, Psychological, and Educational Issues.

Traumatic brain injury kills and disables more adolescents than AIDS or cancer. Far from being an isolated event, these injuries shape the evolution of the adolescent's self-knowledge and social-emotional interactions. The authors focus on the cognitive, psychological, and educational issues facing professionals who care for adolescent survivors of brain injuries.

Journal Article↗

Intracranial pressure monitoring and outcomes after traumatic brain injury.

OBJECTIVE: Uncontrolled intracranial hypertension after traumatic brain injury (TBI) contributes significantly to the death rate and to poor functional outcome. There is no evidence that intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring alters the outcome of TBI. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that insertion of ICP monitors in patients who have TBI is not associated with a decrease in the death rate. DESIGN: Study of case records. METHODS: The data files from the Ontario Trauma Registry from 1989 to 1995 were examined. Included were all cases with an Injury Severity Score (ISS) greater than 12 from the 14 trauma centres in Ontario. Cases identifying a Maximum Abbreviated Injury Scale score in the head region (MAIS head) greater than 3 were selected for further analysis. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to investigate the relationship between ICP and death. RESULTS: Of 9001 registered cases of TBI, an MAIS head greater than 3 was recorded in 5507. Of these patients, 541 (66.8% male, mean age 34.1 years) had an ICP monitor inserted. Their average ISS was 33.4 and 71.7% survived. There was wide variation among the institutions in the rate of insertion of ICP monitors in these patients (ranging from 0.4% to over 20%). Univariate logistic regression indicated that increased MAIS head, ISS, penetrating trauma and the insertion of an ICP monitor were each associated with an increased death rate. However, multivariate analyses controlling for MAIS head, ISS and injury mechanism indicated that ICP monitoring was associated with significantly improved survival (p < 0.015). CONCLUSIONS: ICP monitor insertion rates vary widely in Ontario's trauma hospitals. The insertion of an ICP monitor is associated with a statistically significant decrease in death rate among patients with severe TBI. This finding strongly supports the need for a prospective randomized trial of management protocols, including ICP monitoring, in patients with severe TBI.

Abbreviated Injury Scale↗

Hypothermia improves outcome from traumatic brain injury.

Hypothermia for patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains controversial despite a strong biological rationale and reasonable evidence from the literature. The "negative" Clifton study seems to have reduced enthusiasm for hypothermia, however the aim of this review is to analyse the evidence from all randomised controlled trials (RCT) and meta-analyses on this topic to determine whether there is adequate support for the view that hypothermia does improve outcome from TBI. The biological rationale for hypothermia is supported by animal and human mechanistic studies of TBI and human clinical studies of brain injury caused by out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Several small single-centre RCT's have demonstrated that hypothermia leads to both improved survival and improved favourable neurological outcome in TBI. The Clifton study, which was larger and multi-centre, found hypothermia had no major benefits in TBI, although this study can be criticised for several issues of trial methodology (trial design and application of the intervention) and group comparison. Several meta-analyses have given slightly discordant results, but the two most recent meta-analyses agree that hypothermia improves favourable neurological outcome and probably survival. Subsequent to these meta-analyses, a RCT was published which has confirmed that hypothermia is beneficial in a large group of TBI patients. When the published evidence is considered in total, even if hypothermia can't be justified in all TBI patients, if it is applied optimally in the most appropriate patients, hypothermia certainly improves outcome from TBI. If hypothermia is correctly applied (early, long and cool enough) in the optimal group of TBI patients (young with elevated ICP), there seems to be no doubt that hypothermia is effective in improving both survival and favourable neurological outcome from TBI.

Journal Article↗

Horseback-riding-associated traumatic brain injuries--Oklahoma, 1992-1994.

Each year, traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with 52,000 deaths and accounts for one third of all injury deaths in the United States; in addition approximately 80,000 persons who survive TBI incur some loss of function, residual disability, and increased medical-care needs because of these injuries. Major causes of TBI are motor-vehicle crashes, falls, assaults, and sports and recreational activities. During 1992-1993 in Oklahoma, horseback riding was the leading cause of sports-related TBI. To further characterize horseback-riding-associated TBIs, the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) and CDC analyzed these injuries for 1992-1994. This report summarizes the findings of this analysis.

Accidental Falls↗

Excision for the treatment of periarticular ossification of the knee in patients who have a traumatic brain injury.

BACKGROUND: Patients who are comatose after a traumatic brain injury often have heterotopic periarticular ossification that can be treated with excision to improve the range of motion of the joint. METHODS: Areas of periarticular ossification were resected at an average of twenty-three months after recovery from a coma in seven knees of five patients who had a traumatic brain injury. Before the procedure, all of the knees were fixed in a flexed position that ranged from 10 to 40 degrees and they had a painful arc of motion that ranged from 20 to 70 degrees of flexion. None of the patients could walk, and some of them could barely sit in a wheelchair. At the end of the operation, the arc of motion was markedly improved in all of the knees (0 to 130 degrees in three knees, 0 to 120 degrees in three, and 10 to 120 degrees in one). In an attempt to prevent postoperative loss of motion and recurrence of the ossification, continuous passive motion was applied to the involved knee for six weeks before a full rehabilitation program was started. The latest follow-up evaluation was at an average of thirty-four months (range, twenty-five to sixty months). RESULTS: At the time of follow-up, all of the patients could walk and all of the knees were pain-free. One knee had an arc of flexion of 0 to 90 degrees; two, an arc of 10 to 100 degrees; one, an arc of 5 to 110 degrees; two, an arc of 0 to 120 degrees; and one, an arc of 0 to 130 degrees. Ossification did not recur in any of the knees. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with good neuromuscular control had the best general functional result. The routine use of a continuous-passive-motion machine was associated with no recurrence of ossification, and there was some late loss of motion after its use was discontinued.

Adolescent↗