[Outcome factors in severe skull-brain trauma. A retrospective analysis of 228 (161) patients]

To study outcome from severe head injury (SHI: GCS < or = 8) and to investigate impact of prehospital factors and clinical intensive care parameters on outcome. To compare with former study results (1980-88) of our clinical setting.

Retrospectively, the history of 228 patients with SHI treated between 1988 and 1995 was looked into. The outcome was measured with the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) post intensive care (median 9, min-max 2-77 days) and 6 months after trauma by a questionnaire. The GOS was related to age, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS on the scene), prehospital hypotension and hypoxia (HH), intracranial pressure (ICP), cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP), intensive therapy including Tromethamine and/or Thiopentone. The rate of infections was determined.

Increasing age influences outcome negatively. Prehospital GCS and HH were significantly correlated with outcome. GOS of 30 patients with HH: GOS 1: 53%, GOS 2 + 3: 27%, GOS 4 + 5: 20%. GOS of 40 patients without HH: GOS 1: 25%, GOS 2 + 3: 10%, GOS 4 + 5: 65%. During intensive care the level of CPP (not ICP) as well as tromethamine and/or thiopentone treatment for control of elevated ICP were significantly correlated with outcome. Mortality rate in 32 patients with CPP < 50 mmHq was 69%, in 29 patients with CPP > 50 mmHg only 20%. Patients treated additionally with Tromethamine and Thiopentone because of uncontrollable intracranial hypertension showed a significantly worse outcome: GOS 1: 66%, GOS 2 + 3: 6%, GOS 4 + 5: 28%, compared to those who needed neither Tromethamine nor Thiopentone: GOS 1: 27%, GOS 2 + 3: 18%, GOS 4 + 5: 55%. Thiopentone treatment was not associated with an increased rate of pulmonary and other infections. In comparison to our former outcome study, covering the years 1980-88, we have not seen any improvements in outcome, despite modifications in intensive care protocols.

Prehospital hypotension and hypoxia have a significant negative impact on outcome by causing secondary brain damage. Despite various modifications in intensive care therapy an unchanged portion of secondary brain damage will not prove treatable. Therefore, prevention or early aggressive treatment of hypotension and hypoxia is the most promising way of improving outcome after severe head injury at the moment.