Head trauma in children, part 2: course and discharge with outcome

J Child Neurol. 2010 Mar;25(3):274-83. doi: 10.1177/0883073809332699. Epub 2009 Jul 28.

Abstract

To minimize the secondary brain damage, we analyzed the effect of cerebral perfusion pressure-orientated management and tried to find factors of clinical management and biochemical findings that influence clinical, cognitive, and psychosocial outcome. Management at intensive care unit was standardized. A standardized (short form 36 health survey) and nonstandardized split questionnaire explored long-term outcome. Glutamic-oxaloacetic-transaminase, creatine kinase MB or glucose are markers for bad outcome (P < .05). Patients with cerebral perfusion pressure values below the recommended standard for just a single occurrence had significantly worse outcome (P = .0132). Mean arterial pressure, central venous pressure, and heart rate alone do not correlate with outcome. At least 1 occurrence of mean arterial pressure and central venous pressure below the lower limits resulted in a poor outcome (P = .035). Cerebral perfusion pressure-guided therapy seems to prevent further brain damage and results in outcome scores that are comparable to those children with head trauma exhibiting symptoms of mild brain edema.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Aspartate Aminotransferases / blood
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Blood Pressure
  • Brain Injuries / blood
  • Brain Injuries / prevention & control
  • Brain Injuries / surgery
  • Catheterization
  • Cerebrovascular Circulation
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Craniocerebral Trauma / blood
  • Craniocerebral Trauma / diagnosis*
  • Craniocerebral Trauma / therapy*
  • Creatine Kinase, MB Form / blood
  • Glucose / metabolism
  • Heart Rate
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Prognosis
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Aspartate Aminotransferases
  • Creatine Kinase, MB Form
  • Glucose