The Outcomes of Traumatic Acute Subdural Hematoma in a Tertiary Center in Abuja, Nigeria.

Abstract

BackgroundAcute traumatic subdural hematoma is life-threatening and is associated with high unfavorable outcomes in developing countries.ObjectiveWe aim to identify factors contributing to outcomes after severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) due to acute subdural hematoma (SDH) in patients admitted to National Hospital Abuja, Nigeria.MethodsThis was a retrospective review of 34 patients who consecutively underwent neurosurgery for acute SDH over five years (from January 2015 to December 2019). Demographic data, clinical characteristics, and the time intervals from injury to surgery were investigated to determine the interactions between all these factors and outcome. Outcome was graded according to the Glasgow outcome scale at the three-month follow-up.ResultsOut of 34 patients who had surgical evacuation for traumatic acute subdural hematoma, 15 patients died (44.1%). A significant correlation was identified between outcome and the Glasgow coma scale score at admission. No significant correlation was seen between the outcome and the age, gender and the time from injury to surgery (chi2 test, p>0.05).ConclusionThe rate of unfavorable outcomes in acute subdural hematoma is high. The Glasgow coma score at admission is an important predictor for outcome in traumatic acute subdural hematoma.