The influence of hemocoagulative disorders on the outcome of children with head injury

Abstract

Background: Although disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and other hemocoagulative abnormalities are severe complications of head injury, their effect on clinical outcome remains unclear, particularly among children.

Objectives: To evaluate the frequency of hemocoagulative abnormalities and their influence on outcome among children with head injury.

Study design: We conducted a prospective observational study among 60 children with head injury, immediately evaluating severity of head injury (Glasgow Coma Scale, GCS); cerebral axial tomography; prothrombin time; activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT); fibrinogen level; concentration of fibrin-fibrinogen degradation products (FDP), and platelet count. Two months after injury, we applied the Glasgow Outcome Score (GOS). Associations with GOS were evaluated using univariate and multivariate logistic models.

Results: Among children with severe head injury, 22.2% (6/27) developed DIC, all of whom died and had shown severe brain edema. Among those with severe head injury yet without DIC, the mortality was only 14.2%. A low GOS was significantly and independently associated with a low GCS, multiple trauma, delayed aPTT, low fibrinogen level, elevated FDP and low platelet count. Brain edema was also associated with a low GOS, though not significantly.

Conclusions: In addition to GCS, type of trauma, type of brain lesion and certain coagulation abnormalities are predictors of GOS.