Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale Research Articles

An international, prospective observational study on traumatic brain injury epidemiology study protocol: GEO-TBI: Incidence

Background The epidemiology of traumatic brain injury (TBI) is unclear – it is estimated to affect 27–69 million individuals yearly with the bulk of the TBI burden in low-to-middle income countries (LMICs). Research has highlighted significant between-hospital variability in TBI outcomes following emergency surgery, but the overall incidence and epidemiology of TBI remains unclear. To address this need, we established the Global Epidemiology and Outcomes following Traumatic Brain Injury (GEO-TBI) registry, enabling recording of all TBI cases requiring admission irrespective of surgical treatment. Objective The GEO-TBI: Incidence study aims to describe TBI epidemiology and outcomes according to development indices, and to highlight best practices to facilitate further comparative research. Design Multi-centre, international, registry-based, prospective cohort study. Subjects Any unit managing TBI and participating in the GEO-TBI registry will be eligible to join the study. Each unit will select a 90-day study period. All TBI patients meeting the registry inclusion criteria (neurosurgical/ICU admission or neurosurgical operation) during the selected study period will be included in the GEO-TBI: Incidence. Methods All units will form a study team, that will gain local approval, identify eligible patients and input data. Data will be collected via the secure registry platform and validated after collection. Identifiers may be collected if required for local utility in accordance with the GEO-TBI protocol. Data Data related to initial presentation, interventions and short-term outcomes will be collected in line with the GEO-TBI core dataset, developed following consensus from an iterative survey and feedback process. Patient demographics, injury details, timing and nature of interventions and post-injury care will be collected alongside associated complications. The primary outcome measures for the study will be the Glasgow Outcome at Discharge Scale (GODS) and 14-day mortality. Secondary outcome measures will be mortality and extended Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOSE) at the most recent follow-up timepoint.

Good Health-Related Quality of Life in Older Patients One Year after mTBI despite Incomplete Recovery: An Indication of the Disability Paradox?

Good Health-Related Quality of Life in Older Patients One Year after mTBI despite Incomplete Recovery: An Indication of the Disability Paradox?

The effects of prehospital TXA on mortality and neurologic outcomes in patients with traumatic intracranial hemorrhage: a subgroup analysis from the prehospital TXA for TBI trial.

In the Prehospital Tranexamic Acid (TXA) for TBI Trial, TXA administered within two hours of injury in the out-of-hospital setting did not reduce mortality in all patients with moderate/severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). We examined the association between TXA dosing arms, neurologic outcome, and mortality in patients with intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) on computed tomography (CT). This was a secondary analysis of the Prehospital Tranexamic Acid for TBI Trial (ClinicalTrials.gov [NCT01990768]) that randomized adults with moderate/severe TBI (Glasgow Coma Scale<13) and systolic blood pressure > =90 mmHg within two hours of injury to a 2-gram out-of-hospital TXA bolus followed by an in-hospital saline infusion, a 1-gram out-of-hospital TXA bolus/1-gram in-hospital TXA infusion, or an out-of-hospital saline bolus/in-hospital saline infusion (placebo). This analysis included the subgroup with ICH on initial CT. Primary outcomes included 28-day mortality, 6-month Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (GOSE) < = 4, and 6-month Disability Rating Scale (DRS). Outcomes were modeled using linear regression with robust standard errors. The primary trial included 966 patients. Among 541 participants with ICH, 28-day mortality was lower in the 2-gram TXA bolus group (17%) compared to the other two groups (1-gram bolus/1-gram infusion 26%, placebo 27%). The estimated adjusted difference between the 2-gram bolus and placebo groups was -8·5 percentage points (95% CI, -15.9 to -1.0) and between the 2-gram bolus and 1-gram bolus/1-gram infusion groups was -10.2 percentage points (95% CI, -17.6 to -2.9). DRS at 6 months was lower in the 2-gram TXA bolus group than the 1-gram bolus/1-gram infusion (estimated difference -2.1 [95% CI, -4.2 to -0.02]) and placebo groups (-2.2 [95% CI, -4.3, -0.2]). Six-month GOSE did not differ among groups. A 2-gram out-of-hospital TXA bolus in patients with moderate/severe TBI and ICH resulted in lower 28-day mortality and lower 6-month DRS than placebo and standard TXA dosing. Therapeutic/Care Management, Level II.

Long term pituitary function, functional- and patient reported outcomes in severe acquired brain injury.

Assessment of post-traumatic hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunctions is expected to be most relevant to offer patients with severe intracranial affection. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of hypopituitarism in patients with severe acquired traumatic (TBI) compared with non-traumatic (NTBI) brain injury, and to relate pituitary insufficiency to functional and patient-reported outcomes. Prospective. We included patients admitted for inpatient neurorehabilitation after severe TBI (N=48) and NTBI (N=18). The patients underwent pituitary function assessment at mean 2.4 years after the injury. Functional outcome was assessed by Functional Independence Measure and Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (both one year after discharge from neurorehabilitation) and patient-reported outcome by Multiple Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20) and EQ-5D-3L. Hypopituitarism was seen in 10/42 (24%) TBI patients, and 7/18 (39%) NTBI patients, P= 0.23. Insufficiencies affected 1 axis in 14/17 (82%) patients (13 hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, 1 GH deficiency), at 2 axes in 3/17 (18%) patients (1 hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and GH deficiency, 2 hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and ADH deficiency). None had central hypoadrenalism or central hypothyroidism. In both TBI and NTBI patients, pituitary status was unrelated to functioning and ability scores at one year, and to patient-reported outcome scores mean 2.4 years after the injury. Patients with severe acquired brain injury may develop long-term hypothalamus-pituitary insufficiency, with an equal occurrence in TBI and NTBI patients. In both cases, mainly isolated deficiencies, most commonly affecting the gonadal axis were seen. Insufficiencies were unrelated to functional outcomes and patient-reported outcomes probably reflecting the complexity and heterogeneous manifestations in both patient groups.

Trends in incidence and treatments of spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage- a 10 year hospital based study

BackgroundImproved endovascular methods make it possible to treat complex ruptured aneurysms, but surgery is still needed in certain cases. We evaluated the effects on the clinical results of the changes in aneurysm treatment.MethodsThe study cohort was 837 patients with spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and one or multiple aneurysms, admitted to Dept of Neurosurgery, Uppsala University Hospital from 2012 to 2021. Demography, location and treatment of aneurysms, neurologic condition at admission and discharge, mortality and last tier treatment of high intracranial pressure (ICP) was evaluated. Functional outcome was measured using the Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOSE) Data concerning national incidences of stroke diseases was collected from open Swedish databases.ResultsEndovascular methods were used in 666 cases (79.6%). In 111 (13.3%) with stents. Surgery was performed in 115 cases (13.7%) and 56 patients (6.7%) had no aneurysm treatment. The indications for surgery were a hematoma (51 cases, 44.3%), endovascular treatment not considered safe (47 cases, 40.9%), or had been attempted without success (13 cases, 11.3%). Treatment with stent devices increased, and with surgery decreased over time. There was a trend in decrease in hemicraniectomias over time. Both the patient group admitted awake (n = 681) and unconscious (n = 156) improved significantly in consciousness between admission and discharge. Favorable outcome (GOSE 5–8) was seen in 69% for patients admitted in Hunt & Hess I-II and 25% for Hunt & Hess III-V. Mortality at one year was 10.9% and 42.7% for those admitted awake and unconscious, respectively.The number of cases decreased during the study period, which was in line with Swedish national data.ConclusionsThe incidence of patients with SAH gradually decreased in our material, in line with national data. The treatment policy in our unit has been shifting to more use of endovascular methods. During the study period the use of hemicraniectomies decreased.

Optimal range of systolic blood pressure in the emergent phase that reduces the negative outcomes of traumatic brain injury surgery

BackgroundBlood pressure management is critical for the treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI). The purpose of this study was to determine the safe systolic blood pressure (SBP) range during the emergent phase that reduces negative outcomes after TBI surgery. MethodsPatients with isolated TBI who received surgical treatment were enrolled. We retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of the TBI patients with different admission SBP (mmHg) ranges. In addition, the safe SBP ranges for patients in different age groups (<50 or ≥50 years old) were identified. ResultsAmong the TBI patients, those with an admission SBP ranging from 100 to 140 mmHg had the lowest mortality rate: 18.97% for the 100–120-mmHg group and 19.52% for the 120–140-mmHg group. Among the patients with an admission SBP of ≥140 mmHg, the mortality rate decreased dramatically when the SBP was controlled to 100–140 mmHg during the emergent phase (22.22% vs. 37.542%, p = 0.022). However, this control had no effect on the extended Glasgow outcome scale (GOSE) score of the survivals (p = 0.920). Multivariate regression analysis further revealed that an admission SBP of 100–140 mmHg is an independent factor for favorable outcomes, but only in patients who are ≥50 years old (p = 0.017). ConclusionsThis study identified the optimal range of SBP during the emergent phase for isolated TBI patients. We emphasize the beneficial effects of reducing blood pressure before surgery in TBI, especially for patients who are ≥50 years old. The study provides new evidence for a blood pressure management target in TBI.

A Model Predicting the 6-Month Disability of Patients With Traumatic Brain Injury to Assess the Quality of Care in Intensive Care Units: Results from the CREACTIVE Study.

Assessing quality of care is essential for improving the management of patients experiencing traumatic brain injury (TBI). This study aimed at devising a rigorous framework to evaluate the quality of TBI care provided by intensive care units (ICUs) and applying it to the Collaborative Research on Acute Traumatic Brain Injury in Intensive Care Medicine in Europe (CREACTIVE) consortium, which involved 83 ICUs from seven countries. The performance of the centers was assessed in terms of patients' outcomes, as measured by the 6-month Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (GOS-E). To account for the between-center differences in the characteristics of the admitted patients, we developed a multinomial logistic regression model estimating the probability of a four-level categorization of the GOS-E: good recovery (GR), moderate disability (MD), severe disability (SD), and death or vegetative state (D/VS). A total of 5928 patients admitted to the participating ICUs between March 2014 and March 2019 were analyzed. The model included 11 predictors and demonstrated good discrimination (area under the receiver operating characteristic [ROC] curve in the validation set for GR: 0.836, MD: 0.802, SD: 0.706, D/VS: 0.890) and calibration, both overall (Hosmer-Lemeshow test p value: 0.87) and in several subgroups, defined by prognostically relevant variables. The model was used as a benchmark for assessing quality of care by comparing the observed number of patients experiencing GR, MD, SD, and D/VS to the corresponding numbers expected in each category by the model, computing observed/expected (O/E) ratios. The four center-specific ratios were assembled with polar representations and used to provide a multidimensional assessment of the ICUs, overcoming the loss of information consequent to the traditional dichotomizations of the outcome in TBI research. The proposed framework can help in identifying strengths and weaknesses of current TBI care, triggering the changes that are necessary to improve patient outcomes.

Parallel CSF and serum temporal profile assessment of axonal injury biomarkers NF-L and pNF-H: Associations with patient outcome in moderate-severe traumatic brain injury.

Neurofilament-light chain (NF-L) and phosphorylated neurofilament-heavy chain (pNF-H) are axonal proteins that have been reported as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, detailed temporal profiles for these proteins in blood, and interrelationships in the acute and chronic time periods post-TBI have not been established. Our objectives were 1) to characterize acute-to-chronic serum NF-L and pNF-H profiles after moderate-severe TBI, as well as acute cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels, 2) to evaluate CSF and serum NF-L and pNF-H associations with each other, and 3) to assess biomarker associations with global patient outcome using both the Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (GOS-E) and Disability Rating Scale (DRS). In this multi-cohort study, we measured serum and CSF NF-L and pNF-H levels in samples collected from two clinical cohorts (University of Pittsburgh [UPITT] and Baylor College of Medicine [BCM]) of individuals with moderate-to-severe TBI. The UPITT cohort includes 279 subjects from an observational cohort study; we obtained serum (n=277 unique subjects) and CSF (n=95 unique subjects) daily for one week, and serum every two weeks for six months. The BCM cohort included 103 subjects from a previous randomized clinical trial of erythropoietin and blood transfusion threshold after severe TBI, which showed no effect on neurological outcome between treatment arms; serum (n=99 unique subjects) and CSF (n=54 unique subjects) NF-L and pNF-H levels were measured at least daily during days (D) 0-10 post-injury. GOS-E and DRS were assessed at 6 months (both cohorts) and 12 months (UPITT cohort only). Results show serum NF-L and pNF-H gradually rise during the first 10 days and peak at D20-30 post-injury. In the UPITT cohort, acute (D0-6) NF-L and pNF-H levels correlate within CSF and serum (Spearman r=0.44-0.48; p<0.05). In the UPITT cohort, acute NF-L CSF and serum levels, as well as chronic (M2-6) serum NF-L levels, were higher among individuals with unfavorable GOS-E and worse DRS at 12 months (p<0.05, all comparisons). In the BCM cohort, higher acute serum NF-L levels were also associated with unfavorable GOS-E. Higher pNF-H serum concentrations (D0-6 and M2-6), but not CSF pNF-H, were associated with unfavorable GOS-E and worse DRS (p<0.05, all comparisons) in the UPITT cohort. Relationships between biomarker levels and favorable outcome persisted after controlling for age, sex, and GCS. This study shows for the first time that serum levels of NF-L and pNF-H peak at D20-30 post-TBI. Serum NF-L levels, and to a lesser extent pNF-H levels, are robustly associated with global patient outcomes and disability after moderate-to-severe TBI. Further studies on clinical utility as prognosis and treatment-response indicators are needed.

Lesion Frequency Distribution Maps of Traumatic Axonal Injury on Early Magnetic Resonance Imaging after Moderate and Severe Traumatic Brain Injury and Associations to 12 Months Outcome.

Traumatic axonal injury (TAI) is a common finding on MRI in patients with moderate - severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), and the burden of TAI is associated with outcome in this patient group. Lesion mapping offers a way to combine imaging findings from numerous individual patients into common lesion maps where the findings from a whole patient cohort can be assessed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the spatial distribution of traumatic axonal injury (TAI) lesions on different MRI sequences and its associations to outcome with use of lesion mapping. 269 patients (8-70 years) with moderate or severe TBI traumatic brain injury and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) within six weeks after injury were prospectively included. TAI lesions were evaluated and manually segmented on fluid-attenuated inversed recovery (FLAIR), diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) and either T2* gradient echo (T2*GRE) or susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI). The segmentations were registered to the Montreal Neurological Institute space and combined to lesion frequency distribution maps. Outcome was assessed with Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended (GOSE) score at 12 months. The frequency and distribution of TAI was assessed qualitatively by evaluated visually reading. Univariable associations to outcome was assessed qualitatively by visual reading evaluated visually and also quantitatively with use of voxel-based lesion-symptom mapping (VLSM). The highest frequency of TAI was found in the posterior half of corpus callosum. The frequency of TAI was higher in the frontal- and temporal lobes than in the parietal- and occipital lobes, and in the upper parts of the brainstem than in the lower. On At the group level, all the voxels in mesencephalon had TAI on FLAIR. The patients with poorest outcome (GOSE scores ≤ 4) had higher frequencies of TAI. On VLSM, poor outcome was associated with TAI lesions univariable associations to outcome was found bilaterally in the splenium, and in the right side of tectum, tegmental mesencephalon and pons. With this study, we present lesion frequency distribution maps of TAI in a large cohort of patients with moderate and severe TBI. In conclusion, we found the highest higher frequency of TAI in posterior corpus callosum, and TAI in splenium, mesencephalon and pons were associated to with poor outcome. In the future, integration into picture archiving systems would enable comparison of individual patient maps with If lesion frequency distribution maps containing outcome information based on imaging findings from numerous patients in the future can be compared to the imaging findings from individual patients, it would offer a new tool in the clinical work-up and outcome prediction of TBI patient. Key Words: Brain injuries, traumatic; Diffuse axonal injury; Neuroimaging; Brain mapping; Artificial intelligence.

Psychometric properties and factor structure of the traditional Chinese version of the Community Integration Questionnaire-Revised in traumatic brain injury survivors.

This study aimed to translate and validate the traditional Chinese version of the Community Integration Questionnaire-Revised (TC-CIQ-R) in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). We included participants aged ≥20 years and diagnosed as having TBI for ≥6 months from neurosurgical clinics. The 18-item TC-CIQ-R, Participation Measure - 3 Domains, 4 Dimensions (PM-3D4D), Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOSE), and Taiwanese Quality of Life After Brain Injury (TQOLIBRI) were completed. The sample included 180 TBI survivors (54% male, mean age 47 years) of whom 87% sustained a mild TBI. Exploratory factor analysis extracted four factors - home integration, social integration, productivity, and electronic social networking - which explained 63.03% of the variation, after discarding the tenth item with a factor loading of 0.25. For criterion-related validity, the TC-CIQ-R was significantly correlated with the PM-3D4D; convergent validity was exhibited by demonstrating the associations between the TC-CIQ-R and TQOLIBRI. Known-group validity testing revealed significant differences in the subdomain and total scores of the TC-CIQ-R between participants with a mean GOSE score of ≤6 and >7 (all P < 0.001). The TC-CIQ-R exhibited acceptable Cronbach's α values (0.68-0.88). We suggest the 17-item TC-CIQ-R as a valid tool for rehabilitation professionals, useful for both clinical practice and research in assessing community integration levels following TBI.

Refining outcome prediction after traumatic brain injury with machine learning algorithms.

Outcome after traumatic brain injury (TBI) is typically assessed using the Glasgow outcome scale extended (GOSE) with levels from 1 (death) to 8 (upper good recovery). Outcome prediction has classically been dichotomized into either dead/alive or favorable/unfavorable outcome. Binary outcome prediction models limit the possibility of detecting subtle yet significant improvements. We set out to explore different machine learning methods with the purpose of mapping their predictions to the full 8 grade scale GOSE following TBI. The models were set up using the variables: age, GCS-motor score, pupillary reaction, and Marshall CT score. For model setup and internal validation, a total of 866 patients could be included. For external validation, a cohort of 369 patients were included from Leuven, Belgium, and a cohort of 573 patients from the US multi-center ProTECT III study. Our findings indicate that proportional odds logistic regression (POLR), random forest regression, and a neural network model achieved accuracy values of 0.3-0.35 when applied to internal data, compared to the random baseline which is 0.125 for eight categories. The models demonstrated satisfactory performance during external validation in the data from Leuven, however, their performance were not satisfactory when applied to the ProTECT III dataset.

Outcome of patients with traumatic cranial nerve palsy admitted to a university hospital in Nepal

BackgroundCranial nerve palsy (CNP) is a common complication of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Despite a high incidence of TBI in Nepal (382 per 100,000), literature on the specific management and outcome of CNP is lacking. This study aimed to examine the outcomes of TBI patients involving single versus multiple CNP.MethodsA retrospective chart review of 170 consecutive TBI patients admitted to the tertiary neurosurgical center in Nepal between April 2020 and April 2022 was conducted. Demographic, clinical, and etiological characteristics; imaging findings; and management strategies were recorded, compared, and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended (GOSE) was used to measure the outcomes in two groups of patients (single and multiple CNP) at 3 months.ResultsOut of 250 eligible patients, 80 were excluded and CNP was noted in 29 (17.1%) of the remaining 170. The median age was 34.9 years, and falls (60.6%) were the most common cause of trauma. TBI severity was categorized based on GCS: mild (82.4%), moderate (15.9%), and severe (1.8%). Cranial nerve involvement was seen in 29 (17.05%) patients: single cranial nerve involvement in 26 (89.65%) and multiple nerve involvement in 3 (10.34%). The most common isolated cranial nerve involved was the oculomotor nerve (37.9%). CT findings revealed a maximum of skull fractures with no significant association between CNP and CT findings.ConclusionsCNP is a common consequence of TBI with the most common etiology being falls followed by RTA. Single CNP was more common than multiple CNP with no significant difference in the outcome in the 3-month GOSE score. Further research is needed to determine the burden of traumatic CNP and establish specific management guidelines for different types of CNP.

240 Impact of a Large Geographical Area on Outcomes in Acute Traumatic Intracranial Extra-axial Haemorrhage Requiring Urgent Surgical Evacuatio

INTRODUCTION: The Princess Alexandra Hospital (PAH) Department of Neurosurgery services a population of 1.85 million people over a 420,000 km2 area in Queensland, Australia. Increased distance from a neurosurgical centre has previously been correlated with poorer outcomes in traumatic brain injury. METHODS: This single-centre retrospective study identified patients aged 16-85 who underwent evacuation of an acute traumatic subdural (ASDH) or extradural haemorrhage (EDH) between 2016 and 2022. Initial Glasgow Coma Score (GCS), pupillary abnormalities, time to intervention, distance from PAH and the Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS-E) at 6 months were recorded. RESULTS: 106 and 50 patients underwent evacuation of ASDH and EDH respectively. In the ASDH group, age was inversely correlated (p = 0.03, r2 = 0.04) and the motor component of the initial GCS was directly correlated (p = 0.002, r2 = 0.09) with GOS-E at 6 months. Distance from PAH directly correlated with an increased time to intervention (p&lt;0.0001, r2 = 0.23) but did not correlate with GOS-E at 6 months (p = 0.09). There was no difference between survivors and non-survivors regarding distance from PAH (43.43 ± 75.05 km vs. 25.56 ± 41.32 km, p = 0.15) or time to operation (276.14 ± 192.77 mins vs. 217.40 ± 147.27 mins, p = 0.08). This was also found for survivors with poor (GOS-E &lt;6) and fair (GOS-E = 6) recovery at 6 months. In the EDH group there was no correlation between distance, time to operative intervention, age or initial motor score with outcomes at 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Whilst increased distance from treatment centre correlated with increased time to surgical intervention for ASDH, it did not impact on survival or functional outcomes at 6 months. For ASDH requiring urgent evacuation, increasing age and severity of primary brain injury are predictors of poorer long-term outcomes.

The Australian Traumatic Brain Injury Initiative: Review and Recommendations for Outcome Measures for Use With Adults and Children After Moderate-to-Severe Traumatic Brain Injury.

The Australian Traumatic Brain Injury Initiative (AUS-TBI) aims to select a set of measures to comprehensively predict and assess outcomes following moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) across Australia. The aim of this article was to report on the implementation and findings of an evidence-based consensus approach to develop AUS-TBI recommendations for outcome measures following adult and pediatric moderate-to-severe TBI. Following consultation with a panel of expert clinicians, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representatives and a Living Experience group, and preliminary literature searches with a broader focus, a decision was made to focus on measures of mortality, everyday functional outcomes, and quality of life. Standardized searches of bibliographic databases were conducted through March 2022. Characteristics of 75 outcome measures were extracted from 1485 primary studies. Consensus meetings among the AUS-TBI Steering Committee, an expert panel of clinicians and researchers and a group of individuals with lived experience of TBI resulted in the production of a final list of 11 core outcome measures: the Functional Independence Measure (FIM); Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (GOS-E); Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) (adult); mortality; EuroQol-5 Dimensions (EQ5D); Mayo-Portland Adaptability Inventory (MPAI); Return to Work /Study (adult and pediatric); Functional Independence Measure for Children (WEEFIM); Glasgow Outcome Scale Modified for Children (GOS-E PEDS); Paediatric Quality of Life Scale (PEDS-QL); and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (pediatric). These 11 outcome measures will be included as common data elements in the AUS-TBI data dictionary. Review Registration PROSPERO (CRD42022290954).

Early versus delayed cranioplasty after decompressive craniectomy in traumatic brain injury: a multicenter observational study within CENTER-TBI and Net-QuRe.

The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of early (≤ 90 days) and delayed (> 90 days) cranioplasty following decompressive craniectomy (DC) in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). The authors analyzed participants enrolled in the Collaborative European NeuroTrauma Effectiveness Research in Traumatic Brain Injury (CENTER-TBI) and the Neurotraumatology Quality Registry (Net-QuRe) studies who were diagnosed with TBI and underwent DC and subsequent cranioplasty. These prospective, multicenter, observational cohort studies included 5091 patients enrolled from 2014 to 2020. The effect of cranioplasty timing on functional outcome was evaluated with multivariable ordinal regression and with propensity score matching (PSM) in a sensitivity analysis of functional outcome (Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended [GOSE] score) and quality of life (Quality of Life After Brain Injury [QOLIBRI] instrument) at 12 months following DC. Among 173 eligible patients, 73 (42%) underwent early cranioplasty and 100 (58%) underwent delayed cranioplasty. In the ordinal logistic regression and PSM, similar 12-month GOSE scores were found between the two groups (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.87, 95% CI 0.61-1.21 and 0.88, 95% CI 0.48-1.65, respectively). In the ordinal logistic regression, early cranioplasty was associated with a higher risk for hydrocephalus than that with delayed cranioplasty (aOR 4.0, 95% CI 1.2-16). Postdischarge seizure rates (early cranioplasty: aOR 1.73, 95% CI 0.7-4.7) and QOLIBRI scores (β -1.9, 95% CI -9.1 to 9.6) were similar between the two groups. Functional outcome and quality of life were similar between early and delayed cranioplasty in patients who had undergone DC for TBI. Neurosurgeons may consider performing cranioplasty during the index admission (early) to simplify the patient's chain of care and prevent readmission for cranioplasty but should be vigilant for an increased possibility of hydrocephalus. Clinical trial registration nos.: CENTER-TBI, NCT02210221 (clinicaltrials.gov); Net-QuRe, NTR6003 (trialsearch.who.int) and NL5761 (onderzoekmetmensen.nl).

445 Performance of the IMPACT and CRASH Prognostic Models for Traumatic Brain Injury in a Contemporary Multicenter Cohort: A TRACK-TBI Study

INTRODUCTION: The International Mission on Prognosis and Analysis of Clinical Trials in Traumatic Brain Injury (IMPACT) and Corticosteroid Randomisation After Significant Head Injury (CRASH) prognostic models for mortality and functional outcome in traumatic brain injury (TBI) were developed using historical data from 1984-2004. METHODS: The prospective, 18-center Transforming Research and Clinical Knowledge in Traumatic Brain Injury study enrolled participants aged = 17-years who presented to Level 1 trauma center and received head computed tomography (CT) scan &lt;24-hours of TBI. Data was extracted from participants meeting IMPACT (Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) 3-12; completed 6-month Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (GOSE); N = 441) and CRASH criteria (GCS 3-14; completed 2-week and 6-month GOSE; N = 831). Original model coefficients were applied, and performances were assessed using discrimination (area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC)) and calibration (intercept; slope; [95% confidence interval]). RESULTS: IMPACT and CRASH models discriminated mortality (AUC = 0.77-0.81, 0.90-0.91, respectively) and unfavorable outcome (0.77-0.81; 0.83, respectively). The IMPACT Lab model overestimated mortality (intercept = -0.79 [-1.05, -0.53]; slope = 1.37 [1.05-1.69]) and acceptably estimated unfavorable outcome (intercept = 0.07 [-0.14, 0.29]; slope = 1.19 [0.96-1.42]). The CRASH CT model overestimated mortality (intercept = -1.06 [-1.36, -0.75]; slope = 0.96 [0.79-1.14]) and unfavorable outcome (intercept = -0.60 [-0.78, -0.41]; slope = 1.20 [1.03-1.37]). Calibration performance differences were observed across the 5 leading enrollment centers (IMPACT Lab model: intercept -1.66 to -0.35, slope 1.07-1.86; CRASH CT model: intercept -1.81 to -0.67, slope 0.67-1.56) and unfavorable outcome (IMPACT Lab model: intercept -0.57 to 0.34, slope 1.28-2.89; CRASH CT model: intercept -1.15 to -0.10, slope 1.02-1.44). CONCLUSIONS: IMPACT and CRASH models discriminated mortality and unfavorable outcome. Observed overestimations of mortality and unfavorable outcome underscore the need to develop prognostic models that incorporate contemporary changes in TBI casemix. Investigations to elucidate the relationships between increased survival, functional outcome, treatment intensity, and center-specific practices will be highly relevant.

Importance of AIM2 as a serum marker for reflecting severity and predicting a poor outcome of human severe traumatic brain injury: A prospective longitudinal cohort study

BackgroundAbsent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) participates in neuroinflammation. Here, the prognostic significance of serum AIM2 was explored in severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI). MethodsA total of 135 sTBI patients and 80 healthy controls were recruited in this prospective cohort study. Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and AIM2 levels were measured. Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and Rotterdam computed tomography (CT) classification were recorded as the severity indicators. Prognostic parameters were posttraumatic six-month extended Glasgow outcome scale (GOSE) scores and poor outcome (GOSE scores of 1–4). ResultsAs opposed to controls, there were significantly elevated serum AIM2 levels after sTBI. Serum AIM2 levels were independently correlated with serum CRP levels, GCS scores, Rotterdam CT scores, GOSE scores and poor outcome. Also, serum AIM2 levels were efficiently predictive of poor outcome under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Under the restricted cubic spline, serum AIM2 levels were linearly correlated with risk of poor outcome. Using subgroup analysis, serum AIM2 levels did not significantly interact with other indices, such as age, gender, alcohol drinking, cigarette smoking, etc. Also, combination model, in which serum AIM2, GCS scores and Rotterdam CT scores were merged, was outlined using nomogram and performed well under calibration curve, ROC curve and decision curve. ConclusionsRaised serum AIM2 levels after sTBI, in intimate correlation with systemic inflammation and trauma severity, are independently discriminative of posttraumatic six-month neurological outcome, substantializing serum AIM2 as an inflammatory prognostic biomarker of sTBI.

Feasibility of using an automated call service to collect quality of life and functional outcome data in trauma patients

ObjectivesFollowing up trauma patients after discharge, to evaluate their subsequent quality of life and functional outcomes, is notoriously difficult, time consuming, and expensive. Automated systems are a conceptually attractive solution....

Should Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury with Significant Contusions be Treated with Different Neurointensive Care Targets?

Patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) with large contusions make up a specific TBI subtype. Because of the risk of brain edema worsening, elevated cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) may be particularly dangerous. The pressure reactivity index (PRx) and optimal cerebral perfusion pressure (CPPopt) are new promising perfusion targets based on cerebral autoregulation, but they reflect the global brain state and may be less valid in patients with predominant focal lesions. In this study, we aimed to investigate if patients with TBI with significant contusions exhibited a different association between PRx, CPP, and CPPopt in relation to functional outcome compared to those with small/no contusions. This observational study included 385 patients with moderate to severe TBI treated at a neurointensive care unit in Uppsala, Sweden. The patients were classified into two groups: (1) significant contusions (> 10mL) and (2) small/no contusions (but with extra-axial or diffuse injuries). The percentage of good monitoring time (%GMT) with intracranial pressure > 20mm Hg; PRx > 0.30; CPP < 60mm Hg, within 60-70mm Hg, or > 70mm Hg; and ΔCPPopt less than - 5mm Hg, ± 5mm Hg, or > 5mm Hg was calculated. Outcome (Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended) was assessed after 6months. Among the 120 (31%) patients with significant contusions, a lower %GMT with CPP between 60 and 70mm Hg was independently associated with unfavorable outcome. The %GMTs with PRx and ΔCPPopt ± 5mm Hg were not independently associated with outcome. Among the 265 (69%) patients with small/no contusions, a higher %GMT of PRx > 0.30 and a lower %GMT of ΔCPPopt ± 5mm Hg were independently associated with unfavorable outcome. In patients with TBI with significant contusions, CPP within 60-70mm Hg may improve outcome. PRx and CPPopt, which reflect global cerebral pressure autoregulation, may be useful in patients with TBI without significant focal brain lesions but seem less valid for those with large contusions. However, this was an observational, hypothesis-generating study; our findings need to be validated in prospective studies before translating them into clinical practice.

Would You Rather: Quantifying TBI Survivor Perceptions of Functional Status via Their Surrogates.

To quantify health utilities of the Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (GOSE) states after actual Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Recovery after TBI is measured using the GOSE, a validated clinical trial endpoint. A recent public survey quantified the health utilities of some GOSE states after hypothetical TBI as worse than death. However, no health utilities exist for disability after actual TBI. This national computer-adaptive survey followed EQUATOR-CHERRIES guidelines and recruited adult TBI survivors (injury>1y prior) via their available surrogates. Using a standard gamble approach in randomized order, participants gave preferences for post-TBI categorical health states ranging from GOSE 2-8. We calculated median [interquartile range, IQR] health utilities for each GOSE state, from -1 (worse than death) to 1 (full health), with 0 as reference (death, GOSE 1). Of 515 eligible, 298 surrogates (58%) consented and completed the scenarios on TBI survivors' behalf. TBI survivors had a current median GOSE 5 [3-7]. GOSE 2, GOSE 3, and GOSE 4 were rated worse than death by 89%, 64%, and 38%, respectively. The relationship was nonlinear, and intervals were unequal between states, with a bimodal distribution for GOSE 4. In this index study of actual post-TBI disability, poor neurologic outcomes represented by GOSE 2-4 were perceived as worse than death by at least one in three survivors. Similar to previously reported public perceptions after a hypothetical TBI, these long-term perceptions may inform earlier post-TBI shared decision making, as well as help shape value-based research and quality of care. II, Economic & Value-based Evaluations.