Management of Patients with Severe Head Injuries in Low-Income Country

Abstract

Background: Head injuries constitute a real public health problem in Low Income Countries. The aim of this study is to evaluate the management of severe head trauma. Patients and methods: A prospective study was conducted for a period of six months, from 1st February to 31th July 2018 at Niamey National Hospital. Were been Included all patients victims of head injury with Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) less than 8. The following variables were studied: age, sex, cause of trauma, deadline admission, means of transport used, Glasgow Coma Scale, CT Scan results, management and evolution. Results: Out of 1,918 patients admitted; 243 were head trauma, of which 76 patients had a GCS less than 8 (3.96%). Male predominance was found with a sex ratio of 24.33, young people was the most concerned (mean age:29.88 ± 16.37 years). Predominant age group was 16 to 30 years old, with 43.42% of patients. The circumstances of the trauma were road traffic accidents (86.84%). Transportation was medicalized in 15%. GCS was between 6 to 8 in 74.02% and the admission deadline was less than 6 hours in 77.63%. Respiratory distress was found in 28.95% and circulatory distress in 14.47%. Cranio-cerebral CT scan was performed in 82.89%. Seven patients (9.21%) were intubated and ventilated. Death rate was 53.94%. Conclusion: Head injury concerns a young male patient, the cause was a road traffic accident, this situation could be improved by raising the population's awareness of road safety and greater efficiency in taking in medical charge.