The impact of coagulation profile derangements and their effect on the outcome of head injury patients

Abstract

Background: In traumatic brain injury patients, coagulation disorder causes secondary brain injury, thereby increasing mortality and morbidity. Aim: This study aims to know the impact of coagulation profile derangements and their effect on the outcome of head injury patients. Materials and methods: A total of 100 patients admitted with traumatic brain injury were included in the study. Samples of complete haemogram (CBC), prothrombin time (PT), partial thromboplastin time (PTTK), D-Dimers and fibrinogen were obtained. Coagulopathy was defined as platelet counts < 100,000 cells/mm2 and PTI >15 seconds or a DIC(Disseminated intravascular coagulation) score of more than 4. The outcome in each group was measured according to the Glasgow outcome score. The data were analysed with the Chi-square test and independent t-test. Results: In patients with severe and moderate traumatic brain injury, there was no significant difference in the Haemoglobin, Fibrinogen and D-Dimer between the patients with and without coagulopathy. But, the platelet count was significantly lower in the patients with coagulopathy and the PT and PTTK were significantly higher in the patients with coagulopathy in comparison to the patients without coagulopathy (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in the Fibrinogen and D-Dimer between the expired and discharged patients. But, the platelet count was significantly higher in the discharged patients and the DIC score, PT and PTTK were significantly lower in the discharged patients (p<0.05). Conclusion: Coagulation profile derangements are seen in patients with traumatic brain injury. Early diagnosis and prompt management can make remarkable improvements in the mortality of these patients.