Prognostic Impact of Intracranial Pressure Monitoring in Patients with Severe Traumatic Brain Injury

Objectives The aim of the present study was to analyze the prognostic impact of intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring in patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Methods An observational, retrospective and quantitative study was performed. The sample consisted of 246 patients diagnosed with severe TBI, from January 2009 to August 2017. Results Out of the total sample, 43.56% of the patients were submitted to ICP monitoring. The mean time of use of the catheter was 1.7 days. In both groups, males were the most affected, and the majority of the patients were < 50 years old. Automobile accident was the main etiology of TBI. In the initial clinical evaluation, mydriatic pupils were related to death and normal pupil reaction at hospital discharge. Themonitored group performed a larger number of computed tomography (CT) scans, with amean of 2.6 examinations,with cerebral edema being the most common finding. Regarding the prognosis, those who used a catheter for ICP monitoring had a 47% reduction in the chance of death when compared with those who did not use the catheter. The stay duration both in the hospital and in the intensive care units was higher in patients who underwent ICP monitoring; periods > 30 days were related to meningitis, especially in those who used the catheter. Conclusion Patients who used a catheter for ICP monitoring had a significant improvement in survival.

Polymethylmethacrylate imbedded with antibiotics cranioplasty: An infection solution for moderate and large defects reconstruction?

BACKGROUND: In cases where autologous bone graft reconstruction is not possible (such as comminuted fractures, bone graft reabsorption, or infection) and the use of synthetic material is required, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) use is a safe and efficient solution. Studies comparing the incidence of postoperative complications between autologous and synthetic cranioplasty are heterogeneous, not allowing a conclusion of which is the best material for skull defects reconstruction. Current medical literature lacks prospective well-delineated studies with long-term follow-up that analyze the impact of antibiotic use in PMMA cranial reconstruction of moderate and large defects. METHODS: A prospective series of patients, who underwent cranioplasty reconstruction with PMMA impregnated with antibiotic, were followed for 2 years. Authors collected data regarding demographic status, clinical conditions, surgical information, and its complications. RESULTS: A total of 58 patients completed full follow-up with a mean group age of 40 years and a male predominance (77%). Major complications that required surgical management were identified in 5 patients, and 10 patients evolved with minor complications. Postoperative surgical site infection incidence was 3.2%. CONCLUSION: The infection rate in patients submitted to PMMA flap cranioplasty impregnated with antibiotic is significantly inferior comparing to the data described in medical literature. A lower infection incidence impacts secondary endpoints such as minimizing surgical morbidity, mortality, hospitalization period, and, consequently, costs.