Characteristics of injuries resulting from falls from height in the construction industry

INTRODUCTION@#Falls from heights contribute to 34% of fatal accidents in Singapore. Of these, 51% of the accidents occur in the construction industry. This retrospective review, of all persons falling from heights in the construction industry from 2006 to 2012 and attending a major hospital, analysed injury patterns and related them to mechanisms and contributory factors.@*METHODS@#Information collected included injury and casualty characteristics, safety measures, pre-existing medical conditions and clinical outcomes.@*RESULTS@#Of 1,085 patients, 951 were male with a mean age of 39.8 years, mean height of 165.9 cm and mean weight of 69.7 kg. Most of the casualties fell between 0800 and 2000 hours. Among the severely injured patients, 2.4% had head injuries, 54.9% had chest injuries and 39.2% had abdominal and pelvic injuries. For these casualties, the mortality rate was 60.8%. For patients with less than major trauma, the commonest injuries were in the lower limbs (41.8%), upper limbs (40.8%) and spine (22.2%). All the casualties survived. Falls from scaffolding, formwork and platforms were the most common causes of severe injuries (41.1%). Safety helmets and harnesses were reported to be used in 1.8% and 4.1% of instances of falls, respectively.@*CONCLUSION@#Studying the patterns of injuries following falls at construction sites has the potential for injury prevention through safe practices, use of safety equipment and targeted training.

Morphological Patterns of Traumatic Head Injury in Medicolegal Autopsies at Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar ESSalaam Tanzania

Introduction: Head injury is predicted to surpass many diseases as a major cause of death and disability by the year 2020. There is a limited documentations on morphological patterns of traumatic Head Injury and its prevalence specifically in Medical legal Autopsy in Tanzania population. The aim of this study was to determine the morphological patterns of Traumatic Head Injury (TBI) in Medical legal autopsies seen at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH). Subjects and Methods : This was a hospital based cross -sectional study conducted at MNH mortuary. The postmortem examination was performed under Virchow method on 170 cases of TBI in which morphological patterns of TBI was recorded. Proportional of TBI frequencies on various morphological patterns in medical legal autopsies were recorded. Association between cause of death and etiology of TBI were established by Fisher - exact test.Results:The proportion of TBI among the medico - legal autopsy at MNH was 38.5%. All cases of TBI had scalp abrasion, and the majority had linear fra cture 67(39.3%) and the commonest the parietal bone was commonly affected 85(55.6%). In closed TBI, majority had subarachnoid hemorrhage130 (84.9%). All cases of T BI had brain edema, with one coincidental finding of metastatic adenocarcinoma. A total of 42 cases of TBI had brain herniation, 51 brain laceration and 52, had brain contusion. The association between etiology of injury, wearing helmets among motor cycle user and cause of death was statistically significance (p<0.05). Conclusion:The higher pro portion of TBI among medicolegal autopsies at MNH reflects the burden of head injury in our settings.

Correlation between neutrophil lymphocyte count ratio and outcomes of severe traumatic head injury

Background: Raised peripheral neutrophil lymphocyte ratio is associated with poorer outcomes in conditions such as severe brain injury, ICH, cardiovascular conditions, cancer.Methods:Retrospective analysis of 96 severe Traumatic Brain injury data treated at our institute over a period of 1 year. The patients were followed up for a period of at least 1 month. The primary outcome of the study was 1 month GOS and the various variables which may be associated with the poor GOS at 1 month follow up. Model based analysis was done for NLCR <24 hrs at 48 hrs and GCS at the time of presentation and discriminative ability of the models were studied by the Area under the curve.Results:Univariate analysis were done of 96 patients of severe traumatic brain injury for various variables such as age, sex, mode of head injury, type of head injury, presenting GCS and NLCR at 24 hrs and 48 hrs to that of GOS at 1 month follow up. Initial GCS <7(p=0.0138) with AUC=0.6689 and peak NLCR (<24 hr) of > 9.6 (AUC=0.931) with a p value of <0.001 with sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 79.27% and peak NLCR (48 hrs) of >12.4 (AUC= 0.973) with a p value of <0.001 with sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 89.02% were associated with unfavourable outcome.Conclusions:High NLCR and initial poor GCS are independent unfavourable prognostic factors in 1 month GOS following severe traumatic head injury.

Brain death communication with parents of children and adolescents: care strategies / Comunicación de la muerte cerebral a los padres de niños y adolescentes: estrategias de atención / Comunicação da morte encefálica junto aos pais de crianças e adolescentes: estratégias de cuidados

ABSTRACT Objectives: to identify care strategies developed by professionals from critically ill patients' units in communicating BD with parents of children and adolescents. Methods: an exploratory and descriptive research with a qualitative approach, carried out in two health institutions between October and December 2019, through semi-structured interviews. Data analysis took place through content analysis. Results: twenty-one professionals participated. Three care strategies were identified: actual clinical situation in suspected brain death; sensitizing families to the real clinical situation after brain death diagnosis; and time to assimilate the death information. Final Considerations: the care strategies for communicating brain death to families identified in this study present the possibility of subsidizing health managers in training and support promotion for professionals in care practice. Moreover, they can be incorporated and validated in the care practice of the studied context.

RESUMEN Objetivos: identificar las estrategias de atención desarrolladas por profesionales de pacientes críticos en la comunicación de la muerte encefálica con los padres de niños y adolescentes. Métodos: investigación exploratoria y descriptiva con enfoque cualitativo, realizada en dos instituciones de salud entre octubre y diciembre de 2019, a través de entrevistas semiestructuradas. El análisis de los datos se llevó a cabo a través del análisis de contenido. Resultados: participaron 21 profesionales. Se identificaron tres estrategias de atención: situación clínica real ante la sospecha de muerte encefálica; sensibilizar a la familia sobre la situación clínica real tras el diagnóstico de muerte encefálica; y tiempo para asimilar la información de la muerte. Consideraciones Finales: las estrategias de cuidado para comunicar la muerte encefálica a las familias identificadas en este estudio presentan la posibilidad de subsidiar a los gestores de salud en la promoción de la formación y apoyo a los profesionales en la práctica del cuidado. Además, pueden ser incorporados y validados en la práctica asistencial del contexto estudiado.

RESUMO Objetivos: identificar estratégias de cuidados desenvolvidas pelos profissionais das unidades de pacientes críticos na comunicação da morte encefálica junto aos pais de crianças e adolescentes. Métodos: pesquisa exploratória e descritiva com abordagem qualitativa, realizada em duas instituições de saúde entre outubro e dezembro de 2019, por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas. A análise dos dados ocorreu através da análise de conteúdo. Resultados: participaram 21 profissionais. Foram três estratégias de cuidados identificadas: real situação clínica na suspeita de morte encefálica; sensibilizando a família da real situação clínica após o diagnóstico de morte encefálica; e tempo para assimilar a informação da morte. Considerações Finais: as estratégias de cuidados para comunicação de morte encefálica às famílias identificadas neste estudo apresentam a possibilidade de subsidiar gestores de saúde na promoção de capacitações e apoio aos profissionais na prática assistencial. Além disso, podem ser incorporadas e validadas na prática assistencial do contexto estudado.

Clinical efficacy of gradual decompression in the treatment of severe traumatic brain injury and its effects on the improvement of intracranial pressure / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of gradual decompression in the treatment of severe traumatic brain injury and its effects on the improvement of intracranial pressure.Methods:The clinical data of 120 patients with severe traumatic brain injury who received treatment in the General Hospital of Taiyuan Iron and Steel (Group) Co., Ltd. from January 2015 to January 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The included patients were divided into decompressive craniectomy group (control group, n = 64) and gradual decompression group ( n = 56). Intracranial pressure was compared between the two groups at different time points (before surgery, during the surgery, immediately after surgery, 3 and 6 months after surgery). The patient's self-care ability, coma degree, and neurological deficits pre-surgery and 6 months after surgery were evaluated in each group. The incidence of complications throughout the surgery and within 6 months after surgery was calculated to evaluate the quality of life. Results:There was no significant difference in intracranial pressure pre-surgery between the two groups ( P > 0.05). Intracranial pressure in the gradual decompression group was (30.74 ± 2.51) mmHg, (25.11 ± 2.06) mmHg, (21.34 ± 2.01) mmHg, and (16.74 ± 1.54) mmHg respectively during the surgery, immediately after surgery, and 3 and 6 months after surgery, which was significantly lower than that in the control group [(34.31 ± 3.06) mmHg, (30.64 ± 2.57) mmHg, (26.33 ± 2.35) mmHg, (22.64 ± 1.95) mmHg, t = 12.88, 19.03, 12.40, 18.20, all P < 0.001]. There were no significant differences in scores of the Modified Barthel Index (MBI), the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) pre-surgery between the two groups (all P > 0.05). At 6 months after surgery, the MBI and GCS scores increased and the NIHSS score decreased in each group. There were significant differences in the NIHSS, MBI, and GCS scores between the two groups ( t = 7.61, 6.26, 13.07, all P < 0.001). During the surgery and 6 months after surgery, the incidences of cerebral infarction, delayed cerebral hematoma, and acute encephalocele were significantly lower in the gradual decompression group than in the control group ( χ2 = 4.23, 4.35, 4.83, all P < 0.05). The Generic Quality of Life Inventory-74 Questionnaire scores in environment, psychological health, social relationship, and psychological health domains were significantly higher in the gradual decompression group than in the control group ( t = 8.16, 9.80, 8.68, 7.76, all P < 0.001) Conclusion:This study is the first to analyze the feasibility of gradual decompression for the treatment of severe traumatic brain injury in terms of intracranial pressure, quality of life, and short- and medium-term complications. Findings from this study confirm that gradual decompression can effectively lower intracranial pressure of patients with severe traumatic brain injury, improve neurological function, reduce complications, and improve patients' self-care ability and quality of life.

Medición de la vaina del nervio óptico mediante tomografía computarizada como predictor de mortalidad en pacientes con traumatismo craneoencefálico grave al ingreso a la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos / Optic nerve sheath measurement through computerized scan as death predictor in patients with serious cranioencephalic trauma on entry to the Intensive Care Unit / Medição da bainha do nervo óptico por tomografia computadorizada como preditor de mortalidade em pacientes com trauma cranioencefálico grave internados na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva

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Abstract: Introduction: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a medical-surgical condition characterized by brain involvement secondary to a traumatic lesion. Patients with severe TBI are at high risk of mortality and this will depend on different factors such as the presence of intracranial hypertension, age, origin of the injury and score on the Glasgow coma scale. Measurement of the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) appears to be a good indirect indicator of intercranial hypertension and therefore, a good predictor of mortality. Objective: To determine the most appropriate cut-off point, as well as the measurement of the ONSD usefulness as a prognostic indicator of mortality in patients with severe TBI in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Material and methods: This is an analytical, descriptive, and retrospective study. The universe of study consists of all the case/files with TBI. For the sample selection, all available records of patients with severe TBI sent to the ICU during the period from March 1 to August 31, 2021, will be included. Within the inclusion criteria patients with a Glasgow scale score of < 8 points on entry and with a computerized scan done. The dependent variables to considerer are the outcome understood as death or survival of the patient, the days hospitalized in the ICU, the presence of complications; among the dependent variables is the diameter of the optic nerve sheath measured by computerized tomography. Intervening variables were also considered such as the presence of comorbidities and overweight/obesity, the age and sex of the patient. The project consisted of four phases: 1) request for authorization and access to files, 2) application of selection criteria, 3) performance of ONSD measurements and 4) creation of the database. Finally, once the database is formed, the statistical analysis will proceed; for the descriptive part, prevalence's, means (standard deviation) and medians (percentiles) will be calculated for the variables by sex and by outcome, subsequently the diagnostic capacity of the ONSD will be analyzed through the area under the ROC curve (receiving operating characteristics) for the outcome. Afterwards the performance of this and other cut-off points are compared using the Youden index. Results: Sixty records of TBI patients admitted to the ICU were studied, 51 were men (85%), 45 patients survived (75%) and 15 patients died (25%). The average age was of 50.5 ± 10.6 years, the average Glasgow score on admission was 6.6 ± 1.6 points, the average BMI was 26.42 ± 4.10 kg/m2, and the average number of days spent in the ICU was 9.03 ± 6.4. The diameter of the optic nerve was not a predictor of mortality, but if the Glasgow coma scale was, with an AUC of 0.775 (95% CI: 0.648-0.901, p = 0.002), the best cut-off point was 7 with a sensitivity of 93% and specificity of 54%. The bivariate linear regression model points to low Glasgow coma score and long hospital stay as predictors of mortality. Conclusions: The results of this study infer that, consistent with current scientific evidence, the sociodemographic characteristics of our population are similar to those reported by other authors, with men over 50 years of age being the most affected by this entity. On the other hand, the measurement of the diameter of the optic nerve sheath has been considered a good prognostic indicator of intracranial hypertension, which in turn is associated with increased mortality. However, in the present study there is no association between the diameter of the optic nerve sheath and the prognosis of mortality.

Resumo: Introdução: O traumatismo cranioencefálico (TCE) é uma condição médico-cirúrgica caracterizada por lesão cerebral secundária a uma lesão traumática. Pacientes com TCE grave apresentam alto risco de mortalidade e isso dependerá de diversos fatores, como presença de hipertensão intracraniana, idade, origem da lesão e pontuação na Escala de Coma de Glasgow. A medida do diâmetro da bainha do nervo óptico (DBNO) parece ser um bom indicador indireto de hipertensão intracraniana e, portanto, um bom preditor de mortalidade. Objetivo: Determinar o ponto de corte mais adequado, bem como a utilidade da medida do DBNO como indicador prognóstico de mortalidade em pacientes com TCE grave na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva. Material e métodos: Trata-se de um estudo analítico, descritivo e retrospectivo. O universo de estudo é composto por todos os prontuários de casos/pacientes com TCE grave. Para a seleção da amostra foram incluídos todos os prontuários disponíveis de pacientes com TCE grave encaminhados à Unidade de Terapia Intensiva no período de 1o de março a 31 de agosto de 2021, dentro dos critérios de inclusão foram considerados pacientes com escala de Glasgow < 8 pontos na admissão e com uma tomografia computadorizada realizada. As variáveis ​​dependentes consideradas são o desfecho entendido como óbito ou sobrevida do paciente, os dias de internação na UTI, a presença de complicações; dentro das variáveis ​​independentes está o diâmetro da bainha do nervo óptico medido por tomografia computadorizada. Também foram consideradas variáveis ​​intervenientes, como presença de comorbidades e sobrepeso/obesidade, idade e sexo do paciente. O projeto consistiu em três fases: a) Pedido de autorização e acesso aos prontuários, b) Aplicação dos critérios de seleção, c) Desenvolvimento da base de dados. Por fim, uma vez formada a base de dados, procedeu-se à análise estatística. Para a parte descritiva, foram calculadas as prevalências, médias (desvio padrão) e medianas (percentis) das variáveis ​​por sexo e por desfecho. Posteriormente, a capacidade diagnóstica do DBNO foi analisada pela área sob a curva ROC (Receiving Operating Characteristics) para o resultado. Posteriormente, o desempenho deste e de outros pontos de corte foi comparado pelo índice de Youden. Resultados: Foram estudados 60 prontuários de pacientes com TCE que deram entrada na UTI, 51 eram homens (85%), 45 pacientes sobreviveram (75%) e 15 pacientes morreram (25%). A média de idade foi de 50.5 ± 10.6 anos, a média de Glasgow na admissão foi de 6.6 ± 1.6 pontos, a média de IMC foi de 26.42 ± 4.10 kg/m2 e a média de dias de internação na UTI foi de 9.03 ± 6.4. O diâmetro do nervo óptico não foi preditor de mortalidade, mas a Escala de Coma de Glasgow sim, com AUC de 0.775 (IC 95%: 0.648-0.901, p = 0.002), o melhor ponto de corte foi 7 com sensibilidade de 93% e especificidade de 54%. O modelo de regressão linear bivariada aponta para baixo escore de coma de Glasgow e longa permanência hospitalar como preditores de mortalidade. Conclusões: Os resultados deste estudo inferem que, de acordo com as evidências científicas atuais, as características sociodemográficas de nossa população são semelhantes às relatadas por outros autores, sendo os homens com aproximadamente 50 anos de idade os mais acometidos por essa entidade. Por outro lado, a medida do diâmetro da bainha do nervo óptico tem sido considerada um bom indicador prognóstico de hipertensão intracraniana, que por sua vez está associada ao aumento da mortalidade. No entanto, no presente estudo não há associação entre o diâmetro da bainha do nervo óptico e o prognóstico de mortalidade.

Presión de perfusión cerebral en pacientes pediátricos con traumatismo craneoencefálico grave

RESUMEN Introducción: La mortalidad por traumatismo craneoencefálico grave (TCE g) en el paciente pediátrico, crece de forma directamente proporcional con la severidad de la injuria inicial. Se estima entre el 1 y 7 % de menores de 18 años afectados por dicha enfermedad en el mundo. La incidencia de muerte por esta causa oscila entre 2,8 y 3,75 por cada 100 000 niños anualmente. Metodología: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de tipo correlacional en el servicio de cuidados intensivos pediátricos del Hospital General Docente "Roberto Rodríguez" de Morón, Ciego de Ávila, Cuba, en el período entre enero de 2003 y diciembre de 2017. Se incluyeron pacientes menores de 18 años. Las intervenciones fueron monitorización continua de la presión intracraneal, a través de una ventriculostomía al exterior y de la presión de perfusión cerebral y las variables presión intracraneal y presión de perfusión cerebral. Resultados: Se estudiaron 41 niños. Predominaron aquellos entre 5 y 17 años con 35 casos (85,3 %). La presión de perfusión cerebral en menores de 1 año fue >47mmhg en los dos casos estudiados, de 1-4 años >47mmhg en 2 casos y de 50mmhg en 23 casos (65,7 %) y 50mmhg se asoció con el grado V de la escala de resultados de Glasgow. Discusión: El control de la presión de perfusión cerebral con valores diferentes ajustados a los diferentes grupos de edades, a través de la manipulación de la presión intracraneal y la presión arterial media en el niño, mostró una adecuada relación con los resultados favorables.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Mortality from severe head injury (TBI g) in pediatric patients increases in direct proportion to the severity of the initial injury. It is estimated between 1 and 7% of children under 18 years of age affected by this disease in the world. The incidence of death from this cause ranges from 2.8 to 3.75 per 100,000 children annually. Methodology: A correlational descriptive study was carried out in the pediatric intensive care service of the General Teaching Hospital "Roberto Rodríguez" in Morón, Ciego de Ávila, Cuba, in the period between January 2003 and December 2017. Minor patients were included of 18 years. The interventions were continuous monitoring of intracranial pressure, through an external ventriculostomy and cerebral perfusion pressure and the variable intracranial pressure and cerebral perfusion pressure. Results: 41 children were studied. Those between 5 and 17 years old predominated with 35 cases (85.3%). Cerebral perfusion pressure in children under 1 year of age was> 47mmhg in the two cases studied, from 1-4 years> 47mmhg in 2 cases and 50mmhg in 23 cases (65.7%) and 50mmhg was associated with grade V on the Glasgow Outcome Scale. Discussion: The control of cerebral perfusion pressure with different values adjusted to the different age groups, through the manipulation of intracranial pressure and mean arterial pressure in the child, showed an adequate relationship with the favorable results.

Caso raro: trauma penetrante craneoencefálico por un cuchillo. Actualización del diagnóstico y tratamiento / Rare case: penetrating head trauma by a knife. Diagnosis and treatment update

El trauma penetrante craneoencefálico representa alrededor del 0.4% de los casos, pocos son los descritos en la literatura, por lo cual, no existe un manejo protocolizado del mismo.Describimos un caso de un paciente masculino de 24 años que sufre un trauma penetrante a nivel de región parietal izquierda con arma blanca "cuchillo", dejando incrustada la hoja del mismo. La Tomografía computarizada simple de cráneo con reconstrucción en 3 dimensiones más angiografía, confirma el diagnóstico y descarta el compromiso vascular. Se realiza la extirpación completa del cuerpo extraño, sin complicaciones. Evolución favorable con mejoría de la sintomatología neurológica al alta.Este tipo de trauma es una emergencia que puede poner en riesgo la vida del paciente dependiendo del área afectada. La extirpación del cuerpo extraño debe realizarse en un medio hospitalario por la afectación de grandes vasos. Se debe tener una alta sospecha diagnóstica asociada al antecedente.

Craneoencephalic penetrating trauma represents about 0.4% of cases, few are described in the literature, therefore, there is no protocolized management of them.We describe a case of a 24-year-old male patient who suffers penetrating trauma at left parietal region with a "knife", leaving the blade embedded. Simple Computed Tomography of the Skull with Reconstruction in 3 dimensions plus angiography, confirms the diagnosis without vascular compromise. The complete removal of the foreign body was performed, without complications. Evolution is favorable and was discharged with improvement neurological symptoms.This type of trauma is an emergency that can put the life at risk depending on the affected area. The removal of the foreign body must be performed in a hospital environment due to the involvement of large vessels. There must be a high diagnostic suspicion associated with the antecedent.

Effects of Impact Angle on Head Injury in Six-Year-Old Child Pedestrian-Car Collision / 医用生物力学

Objective To explore the influence of child head injury under different impact angles by applying the finite element model of six-year-old child pedestrian as specified in the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP). Methods Based on the finite element model of 6-year-old pedestrian with detailed anatomical structure as specified by the Euro NCAP (TB024), four groups of simulation experiments were set up to explore the mechanism of head injury in children under different impact angles. The initial position for head mass center was on the longitudinal center line of the car. The initial speed of the car was 40 km/h. The car contacted with the model from the direction of the right (0°), the front (90°), the left (180°) and the back (270°). The kinematics differences and head impact responses were compared, and injuries of the facial bone and skull were analyzed. Results Through the analysis of head contact force, acceleration of head mass center, resultant velocity of head mass center with the vehicle, head injury criterion (HIC15), facial bone fracture and skull stress distribution, it was found that the risk of head fracture and brain contusion under back impact and front impact was higher than that under side impact. The risk of head fracture and brain contusion was highest under back impact, while the lowest under side impact. Conclusions Child pedestrian head injury was the largest under back impact. The results have important application values for the assessment and development of car-pedestrian collision protection device.

The actual conditions of rugby-related head injuries in Japanese high school players: The analysis of injuries reports between April 2009 and March 2016 of Kansai rugby football association / 体力科学

The present study was performed to ascertain the annual changes in the number and nature of traumatic head injuries that occur in high-school rugby matches, and as an exploratory investigation of approaches to improve safety in the future. It was based on injury reports submitted at the time of injury to the Kansai Rugby Football Union between Apr. 2009 and Mar. 2016. The finding was that the mean number of reported cases of traumatic head injury per year during the three pre-amendment years from Apr. 2009 to Mar. 2011 was 18.0, whereas that during the five post-amendment years from Apr. 2012 to Mar. 2016 was 36.2. Of all the traumatic head injuries, those with the highest numbers and proportions of cases for each of the four factors were as follows: (i) occasion of injury: during a match, 115 (48.9%); (ii) condition of the pitch: grass, 105 (44.7%); (iii) school grade: 2, 104 (44.3%); and (iv) cause of injury: tackling, 115 (48.9%). In addition, the odds ratios (ORs) for brain concussion at post-amendment as compared with pre-amendment and for occurrence on grass as compared with on soil were significant 2.83. An exploratory investigation was conducted to clarify whether different factors are associated with the severity of pre- and post-amendment injuries, but no significant ORs were found. In conclusion, the establishment of guidelines related to brain concussion in 2012 increased the number of reports of injuries due to high-school rugby and had a definite effect on prompt treatment of brain concussions.

The Influence of Skull Thickness on Intracranial Biomechanical Response / 医用生物力学

Objective To study the influence of skull thickness on intracranial biomechanical parameters by finite element method. Methods The female head at 5th percentile was selected for CT scanning to construct finite element model of the head with high biofidelity,and the model was verified by reconstructed cadaver test. The finite element model of the head with different skull thickness was established, and multiple groups of tests were carried out to compare the intracranial mechanical parameters. Results The negative value of intracranial pressure was significantly affected by the decrease in skull thickness under the same head size, while the negative value of intracranial pressure was slightly affected, with an increasing trend. The shear stress and von Mises stress of brain tissues were significantly increased with skull thickness increasing. Conclusions Under the same head size, the skull thickness will affect head injury to a certain extent, and people with small skull thickness are more likely to be injured than those with large skull thickness.

Tracheostomy Timing in Adult Patients with Head Injury at King Abdulaziz Medical City Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (Cross Sectional- Retrospective Study)

Introduction: Tracheostomy is one of the most common procedures that done to critical patients such as head injury ones to improve their situation. It is done by creating an anterior stoma in the neck and inserting a short tube to maintain stoma open. Objective:The objective of this study was to determine if there were benefits of early tracheostomy and the following components: ICU stay, hospital stay, ventilation-associated-pneumonia, weaning from Mechanical Ventilator, Glasgow Coma Scale, and decannulation.Methods:This study was done retrospectively, and non-random sampling involved 56 head injury patients with a tracheostomy who were admitted to ICU in King Abdulaziz medical city (KAMC). Out of 56 head injury patients who underwent an early tracheostomy (≤12 days) were 25 patients and late tracheotomy (>12 days) were 31 patients. Using data collection form which contains demographic data, intubation duration, tracheostomy, decannulation, MV, Glasgow coma scale, VAP, ICU, and hospital stay.Results: Total of 56 head injury patients with tracheostomy; their age ranges from 18-80 years with the mean 41.77years, height 168.95cm, and weighs 69.07kg. Head injury patient in this paper was classified according to the day that was done the procedure on after the injury occurred. Which result in 25 patients had early tracheostomy ≤12 days with a mean of (9.8 days) and median (10), whereas 31 patients had late tracheostomy >12 with mean of (17.677 days) and median (16).Patients with early tracheostomy showed significant (P-value <0.05) less length stay in ICU (22.68 days), MV duration (15.16 days), decannulation (27.80 days) compared with late trach ICU stay (33.10 days), MV duration (28.10 days), decannulation (47.03 days). VAP incidence among patients with a late trach was12.90% and there were no VAP with an early trach. The median in early tracheostomy patients did not show any improvement in GCS (6 before trach,7 after trach) while in the late trach (7 before thrach,8 after trach). The hospital stays showed an insignificant p-value which means there were no differences between the early and late tracheostomy.Conclusion:Early tracheostomy for head injury patients associated with less MV time, less VAP, shorter ICU stay, and faster decannulation. However, there was no significant effect on hospital stays period and no improvements on GCS

Risk factor assessment and outcome analysis in elderly (≥60 years) patients of severe head injury

Background: Incidence of head injuries is rising all over the world. Only few studies have been performed regarding severe head injury in elderly people. We aimed to study the epidemiology, mode of injury, management, co-morbidity, associated injuries which affects the outcomes. Severe head injury is unconsciousness >6 hours and GCS 3-8. In India 6.63% of the total population above 60 years is considered elderly. Falls are the major contributor to TBI in elderly but in India RTA is still the main contributor. Outcomes of TBI, both in terms of mortality and function, are significantly worse in the elderly.Methods: Objective of this study was to find the risk factors affecting the outcome in severe head injury. This was a prospective study and carried on 56 patient in Department of surgery of M. L. N. Medical College, Prayagraj from September 2018 to September 2019.Results: Male were most commonly affected but the gender had no significant prognostic effect on outcome. RTA were the most common cause of head injury. GCS at admission was directly related to outcome. Bilateral non-reactive pupils had poor outcome. Type of hematoma and midline shift had also affected the outcome. Operated cases had better outcome than non-operated cases. Any associated injury with TBI had worsened the outcome in patient. Any co-morbid condition associated with brain injury had slower recovery and worsen the outcome. Overall mortality in this series was 64.28% and unfavourable outcome was 76.79%.Conclusions: Severe head injury in elderly people had worst outcome.

A study of pattern of maxillofacial fractures and its complications

Background: Incidence of maxillofacial fractures is quite high worldwide. A very important aesthetic function is served by maxillofacial skeleton moreover the prominent position of maxillofacial skeleton makes it more susceptible to fracture.Methods: A prospective study was done to assess the main etiology and pattern of maxillofacial fractures of 60 patients who came to the emergency department of Sri Guru Ram Das Institute of Medical sciences and Research between January 2018 and June 2019.Results: Total number of patients taken for this study were 60. The number of male patients were 56 (93.33%) and number of female patients were 4 (6.66%) and male to female ratio was (14:1). The age range spanned from 11 years to 70 years with (mean age=37.30 years, SD=14.27). Primary etiologic factor for maxillofacial fractures was road traffic accidents (49, 81.66%), followed by fall (8, 13.33%), and assault accounted for (3, 5%). Total 229 fractures were present in 60 patients. Concerning the anatomical site of fractures, it was explored that most common site of fractures is orbit (59, 25.72%) followed by fractures of maxilla (55, 24%) and zygomatic complex (35, 15.28%). Infection was most common complication and was present in 2 (3.33%) of the patients during hospital stay. 21 (35%) of the patients had associated head injury and maximum patients 49 (81.66%) were treated by open reduction and internal fixation.Conclusions: It is concluded, that main etiology of maxillofacial trauma is road side accidents. Therefore, strict compliance of traffic rules can avoid such injuries.

Prognostication in Traumatic Brain Injury- A Prospective Study of 100 Patients in Tertiary Care Hospital in Rural Area.

Traumatic brain injury is a major health issue responsible for considerable mortality and morbidity worldwide especially in subjects under the age of 40 yrs. It is important to assess and grade the TBI as soon as possible to guide management and decrease the comorbidities. Various guidelines have been issued by the neurosurgical societies to immediately assess and intervene when ever required. In this study, we have tried to assess the role of basal cisternal effacement in the management and prognosis of RTA patients, and hence tried to simplify the prognostication process and improve the patient management.METHODS100 subjects were studied who were having history of traumatic head injury. NCCT was done for all the patients using 128 slice Multidetector CT- Ingenuity (Philips Medical Systems, USA). Other parameters like pupillary reaction, GCS at the time of presentation, midline shift and associated fractures and bleed were assessed. All the patients were followed up till the time of discharge. The data so obtained was analysed.RESULTSParameters like age, pupillary reflex, GCS at presentation, associated intracranial bleed, associated cranial vault fractures and presence or absence of midline shift correlated well with the final outcome with p value consistently <0.05. We analysed that the degree of obliteration of perimesencephalic cistern was a good prognostic marker in traumatic head injury patients. 36% of patients had favourable outcome out of which none of the patients had obliterated perimesencephalic cistern or interpeduncular cisterns. 64% patients had unfavourable outcome out of which 60% and 48% had obliterated or partially obliterated perimesencephalic cisterns and interpeduncular cisterns respectively, and only 4% and 16% had normal perimesencephalic cisterns and interpeduncular cisterns respectively.CONCLUSIONSIt is important to investigate, grade and prognosticate traumatic head injury patients at the earliest. Our study and various other studies prove that various clinical predictors including age, Glasgow coma scale, and pupil reactivity correlate with outcome of patient. Presence of midline shift, intraventricular haemorrhage, and obliteration of cisterns in patients of traumatic brain injury also correlate with the outcome and can be used; thus, making the prognostication process much easier. These findings can be used on the first day of admission itself.

Characteristics of geriatric neurology patients treated at the central hospital of Sanglah Denpasar in 2019

Background: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an elderly person is someone who has entered the age of 60 years and above whose percentage tends to increase along with decreasing morbidity of the elderly. Geriatric Neurology itself is the study of a group of neurological diseases in the elderly. Based on 2012 data, the proportion of elderly population in Indonesia is 7.59%. This is accompanied by an increase in the dependency ratio of the productive age population to the non-productive age population. The results of the 2013 Basic Health Research showed an increase in the prevalence of neurological disease in the elderly which was the main cause of death in 15 regencies in 2011. It is to find out the 5 most neurological diseases in the elderly, clinical characteristics and outcomes of geriatric neurology patients treated at the Central Hospital of Sanglah.Methods: It is a retrospective study using no control by looking at medical records in geriatric neurology patients aged 60 years and over who visited the Central Hospital of Sanglah in the March to May 2019 period.Results: A total of 200 patients consisted of 111 men (55.5%) and 89 women (44.5%) who were divided into 5 most geriatric neurology diseases which included 1. ischemic stroke, 2. bleeding stroke, 3. brain tumor, 4. injury head, and 5. epilepsy. The number of deaths was 16, of which 7 cases were caused by sepsis and pneumonia.Conclusions: Stroke, tumors, head injuries and epilepsy are the dominant neurological diseases found. The focus of care and supervision of elderly neurology patients is expected to be further enhanced to prevent side effects that will extend the patient抯 treatment period in the hospital which will automatically increase the burden on the hospital itself.

Conveyor Belt Entrapment Trauma in Children: An Unreported Menace

A retrospective study was conducted including all the childrenwho sustained motorized machine belt entrapment injuries. Sixchildren included in study had mean (SD) Glosgow coma scaleand pediatric trauma score of 5.7 (3.54) and 3.2 (1.21),respectively. Overall mortality and paraplegia rate were 33.3%each. Awareness and legislation both are important to curb thismenace

Traumatic Globe Displacement Into Anterior Cranial Fossa

@#A 64-year-old Malay gentleman alleged occupational injury when a malfunctioned metal hydraulic door hit on his face while unloading sand from his tipper-truck. Post-trauma, he complained of right eye (RE) pain and total loss of vision. On examination, noted RE visual acuity was unable to be assessed and left eye (LE) was 6/24 with pinhole 6/9. No eyeball could be seen in the right socket with superior orbital rim step deformity and left periorbital haematoma. Computed tomography scan of the brain and orbit confirmed displaced right eye globe into the right anterior cranial fossa with right and left multiple orbital wall fractures. He then underwent successful right eye globe repositioning. Traumatic orbital roof fracture is a rare condition. Repositioning of the eye globe was done to salvage the eye globe for a cosmetic reason and to avoid localised inflammatory reaction at the anterior cranial fossa.

Trastornos prolongados de conciencia postinjuria cerebral aguda / Prolonged disorders of consciousness after an acute brain injury

Only a fraction of patients in coma secondary to a primary acute brain injury develop a vegetative state (VS). At least 20% of patients show late transitions to a minimally conscious states (MCS). They are particularly common in young adults with traumatic brain injury. The main problems faced by clinicians are the diagnostic accuracy of VS and MCS as well as the usefulness of sophisticated paraclinical investigations. Specific therapies are of limited effectiveness. This population is vulnerable to misdiagnosis and limited access to medical care and rehabilitation, thus generating ethical problems.

Causes of head injury in Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital Bandung in 2015

Background: The study aimed to describe the causes of head injury (HI) in Rumah Sakit Hasan Sadikin Bandung with the considerations of gender, age and the severity of HI.Methods: This was a descriptive retrospective study. The study subjects were HI patients in Department of Neurosurgery of Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital Bandung in 2015. Consecutive sampling was used with minimum sample size of 97 patients. The variables of the study were patients’ characteristics, causes of head injury, and types of road traffic accidents in HI patients. The data were collected from medical records.Results: Road traffic accidents (RTAs) contributed to 70.3% mild HI, 77.2% moderate HI, and 100% severe HI and it was the highest cause of HI (73%). Two-wheelers motor vehicle contributed to 62.5% mild HI, 75% moderate HI, and 66.7 severe HI and it was the highest cause of RTAs (68%). Majority of the HI patients were male (57%). The highest number of HI was 18-45 years old.Conclusions: RTAs is the main mechanism of HI, while two-wheelers motor vehicle is the main cause of RTAs.