Related Experiment Videos
Coagulation disorders following acute head injury
Insights
This study found that disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is common after head injuries, significantly increasing mortality risk. Activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and fibrinogen levels are key indicators for patient prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Neurotrauma
- Hematology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Acute head injury can trigger complex coagulation disorders.
- Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a critical complication with high mortality.
- Understanding prognostic factors is vital for managing these patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate coagulation disorders in patients with acute head injury.
- To identify the incidence and types of coagulation abnormalities.
- To evaluate factors influencing patient survival and prognosis.
Main Methods:
- Prospective investigation of 100 patients with acute head injury.
- Analysis of coagulation parameters including activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and fibrinogen.
- Multivariate analysis to determine prognostic indicators.
Main Results:
- 24% of patients developed disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), most common in subdural hematomas.
- Mortality rate for patients with DIC was 58%.
- Serum fibrin-fibrinogen degradation product (FDP) levels correlated with tissue damage severity.
- APTT was the strongest predictor of survival in all patients; serum fibrinogen was critical for DIC patients.
Conclusions:
- Coagulation disorders, particularly DIC, are significant complications of acute head injury.
- Early identification of DIC and monitoring of APTT and fibrinogen are crucial for improving patient outcomes.
- Prognosis is strongly linked to specific coagulation markers, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
Abstract:
Coagulation disorders following acute head injury were investigated in 100 patients: 81 patients survived and 19 patients died. Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) was seen in 24%, and occurred most frequently in acute subdural haematoma, followed by contusional haematoma and contusion. Mortality rate of the patients with DIC was 58%. Level of serum fibrin-fibrinogen degradation product (FDP) was correlated with the amount of damaged tissue. The factors which influenced the prognosis for life were evaluated by multivariate analysis: in 100 patients, activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) was most closely correlated with the prognosis for life, but in 24 patients with DIC, level of serum fibrinogen was most closely correlated with it.