Abstract | BACKGROUND: OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the frequency of hemocoagulative abnormalities and their influence on outcome among children with head injury. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a prospective observational study among 60 children with head injury, immediately evaluating severity of head injury (Glasgow Coma Scale, GCS); cerebral axial tomography; prothrombin time; activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT); fibrinogen level; concentration of fibrin-fibrinogen degradation products ( FDP), and platelet count. Two months after injury, we applied the Glasgow Outcome Score (GOS). Associations with GOS were evaluated using univariate and multivariate logistic models. RESULTS: Among children with severe head injury, 22.2% (6/27) developed DIC, all of whom died and had shown severe brain edema. Among those with severe head injury yet without DIC, the mortality was only 14.2%. A low GOS was significantly and independently associated with a low GCS, multiple trauma, delayed aPTT, low fibrinogen level, elevated FDP and low platelet count. Brain edema was also associated with a low GOS, though not significantly. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to GCS, type of trauma, type of brain lesion and certain coagulation abnormalities are predictors of GOS.
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Authors | A Chiaretti, P Pezzotti, J Mestrovic, M Piastra, G Polidori, S Storti, F Velardi, C Di Rocco |
Journal | Pediatric neurosurgery
(Pediatr Neurosurg)
Vol. 34
Issue 3
Pg. 131-7
(Mar 2001)
ISSN: 1016-2291 [Print] Switzerland |
PMID | 11359101
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Copyright | Copyright 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel |
Topics |
- Blood Coagulation Disorders
(diagnosis, etiology)
- Brain Injuries
(blood, complications, diagnosis)
- Child
- Child, Preschool
- Female
- Glasgow Coma Scale
- Humans
- Male
- Observation
- Prospective Studies
- Treatment Outcome
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