Clinical analysis of lung infection in patients with traumatic brain injury

Abstract

Objective To determine the incidence of lung infection and associated factors in patients with traumatic brain injury for the sake of improving the clinical outcomes. Methods A retrospective analysis was made on records of 325 patients who hospitalized between January 2014 and June 2014. There were 198 male and 127 female patients, aged 11-78 years [(38.4±8.3) years]. A total of 172 patients were injured in traffic accidents, 80 in high falls, 56 in blow accidents, and 17 in others. Lung infection status was documented and related risk factors were analyzed. Results Thirty-two patients (9.8%) had lung infection. Pseudomonas aeruginosa amounting to 12 strains was the most common pathogenic bacteria. Univariate analysis showed mechanical ventilation, airway open, and aspiration were significantly related to lung infection. Logistic regression identified aspiration (OR=2.891, P<0.05) and mechanical ventilation (OR=1.323, P<0.05) as the independent risk factors for lung infection. Conclusions Lung infection is a serious complication of traumatic brain injury, affected largely by aspiration and mechanical ventilation. Active preventions, reductions of risk factors, and early treatments should be done to get the best efficacy. Key words: Craniocerebral trauma; Infection; Pneumonia; Risk factors