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Murine Model of Controlled Cortical Impact for the Induction of Traumatic Brain Injury
Published on: August 16, 2019
Traumatic brain injury in children: 18 years of management
Romuald Kouitcheu1, Moussa Diallo1,2, Alban Mbende1,3
1Neurosurgery Department, University Hospital Center of Yopougon, Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
Insights
Pediatric traumatic brain injuries are common, with road accidents being the leading cause. High mortality rates underscore the need for specialized pediatric neurosurgical care centers.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurosurgery
- Trauma Care
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant cause of pediatric emergency department admissions.
- This study summarizes the management of pediatric head injuries at a single center.
- A retrospective descriptive study was conducted from January 2000 to December 2017.
Observation:
- 292 pediatric patients (<16 years) with TBI were analyzed.
- Road accidents (78.7%) were the primary cause, followed by falls.
- Mild TBI occurred in 53.8% of cases, moderate in 36.8%, and severe in 9.4%.
Findings:
- Oedemato-haemorrhagic contusion was the most frequent lesion (33.9%).
- Surgery was performed in 36.9% of cases.
- The overall mortality rate was high at 13.18%.
Implications:
- Pediatric TBI management requires specialized care.
- Developing specialized centers can optimize outcomes for children with TBI.
- High mortality highlights the critical need for improved pediatric trauma care systems.
Abstract:
Traumatic brain injury in children is a common cause of emergency department admission to our institution. The aim was to summarize the management of all head injuries in children. This was a retrospective, descriptive single center study performed in the Neurosurgery Department, University Hospital Center, Yopougon-Abidjan, Ivory Coast from January 2000 to December 2017. We included all patients less than 16-years-old admitted to the emergency department and all admitted in neurosurgery department for a traumatic brain injury with a cerebral tomodensitometry and/or a magnetic resonance imaging. 292 patients were admitted in neurosurgery department during the study period. The average age of our patients was 7.8 ± 0.80 years with a male predominance (64%). Road accidents were the main causes (78.7%) followed by falls. Brain trauma was mild in 53.8% of cases, moderate in 36.8% and severe in 9.4% of cases. Initial loss of consciousness and headache were the main reasons for admission to the emergency room after the injury with a proportion of 87.6%. The oedemato-haemorrhagic contusion was the most frequent lesion found in our patients with a frequency of 33.9%. The surgery was performed in 36.9% of cases. The overall mortality of patients in the study remains high with a proportion of 13.18%. Traumatic brain injuries in children had a high mortality rate in our practice. Specialized centers should be developed to optimize their care.
