Citation

Peeters W, Majdan M, Brazinova A, Nieboer D, Maas AIR. Neuroepidemiology 2017; 48(1-2): 63-70.

Affiliation

University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Karger Publishers)

DOI

10.1159/000471877

PMID

28448968

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Various reports have suggested that epidemiological patterns of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) are changing in high-income countries, but the evidence to support this is often indirect and only a few longitudinal studies exist. We aimed to explore epidemiological patterns of TBI in Belgium over a 10-year period.

METHODS: A retrospective analysis of Minimum Hospital Data provided by Statistics Belgium was performed for the period 2003-2012. ICD-9 classification was used to identify TBI and to differentiate subtypes. The annual incidence of hospital admissions and in-hospital mortality rates were calculated and further differentiated for age, gender and cause of injury.

RESULTS: The age-adjusted incidence of hospital admissions decreased by 3.6% per year. An increase in the number of elderly patients with TBI and a decrease in the younger age groups were found. Falls now represent the main cause of TBI. A mortality rate of 6.5 per 100,000 population per year was found and did not change significantly over time.

CONCLUSIONS: This longitudinal study confirms that epidemiological patterns in TBI are changing: overall incidence is steadily decreasing, but in elderly patients, the incidence is increasing. Falls are the leading cause, occurring most frequently in elderly patients. These changes are relevant for prevention.

© 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Language: en

Keywords

Belgium; Epidemiology; Head injury; Incidence; Longitudinal study; Mortality; Traumatic brain injury