Etiology and outcome of come - a hospital based study

ABSTRACT

To identify various etiologies of nontraumatic coma and its outcome. Design: This was a hospital-based prospective study. Place and Duration of Study It was conducted from June, 1996 to December 1997 at Civil Hospital, Karachi. Subjects and A 100 consecutive patients hospitalized with nontraumatic coma were included in the study. They were thoroughly examined and investigated to reach at a diagnosis. They were closely followed for outcome till their discharge or expiry. The highest number of patients i.e., 23% was in the 41-50 years age group and worst prognosis in 52% i.e. mortality. The causes were grouped into twelve categories, out of which leading cause for coma was found to be cerebrovascular diseases followed by metabolic and infectious diseases. Worst prognosis was seen in undiagnosed patients, patients with viral encephalitis and poisoning. Favourable outcome was seen in patients with electrolyte disturbance and diabetic ketoacidosis. Recovery was 100% with Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS] level > 11 while it was 34.5% in those having GCS < 5. Etiology and GCS level have a significant effect on the outcome of patients with nontraumatic coma