Citation

Kapapa T, König K, Pfister U, Sasse M, Woischneck D, Heissler H, Rickels E. J. Child Neurol. 2010; 25(2): 146-156.

Affiliation

Department of Neurosurgery, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0883073809332698

PMID

19671889

Abstract

The objective of this study is to describe and to determine the preclinical situation and early in-clinical situation, diagnostic findings, and factors influencing the outcome of severe head trauma in children. Records of 48 children (0-16 years) were analyzed during a 3-year interval. Correlations with the outcome (Glasgow Outcome Scale) were determined by focusing on different scales, clinical findings, biochemistry, and clinical course features. The initial shock index had a major relevance (P = .0089). Systolic blood pressure (P = .0002) and bradycardia (P = .035) were important factors. Assessing the severity of trauma according to the Glasgow Coma Score, the most accurate parameter for outcome is based on the detailed quality of "eye opening" (P = .0155). Pupillary motoricity at the accident site (P = .002) and emergency room (P = .0004) are strong predictors. Preclinical measurements of stabilization and oxygenation have the same impact as the in-clinical management.

Language: en