ABSTRACT
Objective To analyze the risk factors for the external hydrocephalus (EH) after traumatic brain injury in the infants. Methods The clinical data of 178 cases of infants and young children with traumatic brain injury from March 2004 to April 2009 were retrospectively analyzed. Univariate and logistic regression analysis were performed to identify the clinical risk factors for EH after traumatic brain injury. Results By univariate regression analysis, age, GCS score after trauma, coma duration, brain contusion, subarachnoid hemorrhage and epilepsy were risk factors for external hydrocephalus in the infants and young children (Ps 0. 05). The incidence of EH after traumatic brain injury in the infants and young children was 14% (25/178 ). Age ( OR = 0.5743 ) , coma duration after trauma (OR =3.0628) ,subarachnoid hemorrhage (OR =3.7093),brain contusion(OR = 4.7892) and post-trauma epilepsy (OR =2. 9976) were risk factors for EH (Ps < 0. 05). Conclusion Younger than 2 years old, low GCS score, long coma duration, brain contusion, subarachnoid hemorrhage and epilepsy would increase the risk of EH after traumatic brain injury in the infants and young children. This study provides information for the prevention of EH after traumatic brain injury in the infants and young children.