scholarly journals Intracranial pressure monitoring following traumatic brain injury: evaluation of indications, complications, and significance of follow-up imaging—an exploratory, retrospective study of consecutive patients at a level I trauma center

Author(s):  
Alexander Bumberger ◽  
Tomas Braunsteiner ◽  
Johannes Leitgeb ◽  
Thomas Haider

Abstract Background Measurement of intracranial pressure (ICP) is an essential part of clinical management of severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, clinical utility and impact on clinical outcome of ICP monitoring remain controversial. Follow-up imaging using cranial computed tomography (CCT) is commonly performed in these patients. This retrospective cohort study reports on complication rates of ICP measurement in severe TBI patients, as well as on findings and clinical consequences of follow-up CCT. Methods We performed a retrospective clinical chart review of severe TBI patients with invasive ICP measurement treated at an urban level I trauma center between January 2007 and September 2017. Results Clinical records of 213 patients were analyzed. The mean Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) on admission was 6 with an intra-hospital mortality of 20.7%. Overall, complications in 12 patients (5.6%) related to the invasive ICP-measurement were recorded of which 5 necessitated surgical intervention. Follow-up CCT scans were performed in 192 patients (89.7%). Indications for follow-up CCTs included routine imaging without clinical deterioration (n = 137, 64.3%), and increased ICP values and/or clinical deterioration (n = 55, 25.8%). Follow-up imaging based on clinical deterioration and increased ICP values were associated with significantly increased likelihoods of worsening of CCT findings compared to routinely performed CCT scans with an odds ratio of 5.524 (95% CI 1.625–18.773) and 6.977 (95% CI 3.262–14.926), respectively. Readings of follow-up CCT imaging resulted in subsequent surgical intervention in six patients (3.1%). Conclusions Invasive ICP-monitoring in severe TBI patients was safe in our study population with an acceptable complication rate. We found a high number of follow-up CCT. Our results indicate that CCT imaging in patients with invasive ICP monitoring should only be considered in patients with elevated ICP values and/or clinical deterioration.

2011 ◽  
Vol 39 (6) ◽  
pp. 1043-1050 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Haddad ◽  
A. S. Aldawood ◽  
A. Alferayan ◽  
N. A. Russell ◽  
H. M. Tamim ◽  
...  

Intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring is recommended in patients with a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) and an abnormal computed tomography (CT) scan. However, there is contradicting evidence about whether ICP monitoring improves outcome. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between ICP monitoring and outcomes in patients with severe TBI. From February 2001 to December 2008, a total of 477 consecutive adult (>18 years) patients with severe TBI were included retrospectively in the study. Patients who underwent ICP monitoring (n=52) were compared with those who did not (n=425). The primary outcome was hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes were ICU mortality, mechanical ventilation duration, the need for tracheostomy, and ICU and hospital length of stay (LOS). After adjustment for multiple potential confounding factors, ICP monitoring was not associated with significant difference in hospital or ICU mortality (odds ratio [OR]=1.71, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.79 to 3.70, P=0.17; OR=1.01, 95% CI=0.41 to 2.45, P=0.99, respectively). ICP monitoring was associated with a significant increase in mechanical ventilation duration (coefficient=5.66, 95% CI=3.45 to 7.88, P <0.0001), need for tracheostomy (OR=2.02, 95% CI=1.02 to 4.03, P=0.04), and ICU LOS (coefficient=5.62, 95% CI=3.27 to 7.98, P <0.0001), with no significant difference in hospital LOS (coefficient=8.32, 95% CI=-82.6 to 99.25, P=0.86). Stratified by the Glasgow Coma Scale score, ICP monitoring was associated with a significant increase in hospital mortality in the group of patients with Glasgow Coma Scale 7 to 8 (adjusted OR=12.89, 95% CI=3.14 to 52.95, P=0.0004). In patients with severe TBI, ICP monitoring was not associated with reduced hospital mortality, however, with a significant increase in mechanical ventilation duration, need for tracheostomy, and ICU LOS.


2012 ◽  
Vol 117 (4) ◽  
pp. 729-734 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arash Farahvar ◽  
Linda M. Gerber ◽  
Ya-Lin Chiu ◽  
Nancy Carney ◽  
Roger Härtl ◽  
...  

Object Evidence-based guidelines recommend intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring for patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), but there is limited evidence that monitoring and treating intracranial hypertension reduces mortality. This study uses a large, prospectively collected database to examine the effect on 2-week mortality of ICP reduction therapies administered to patients with severe TBI treated either with or without an ICP monitor. Methods From a population of 2134 patients with severe TBI (Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS] Score <9), 1446 patients were treated with ICP-lowering therapies. Of those, 1202 had an ICP monitor inserted and 244 were treated without monitoring. Patients were admitted to one of 20 Level I and two Level II trauma centers, part of a New York State quality improvement program administered by the Brain Trauma Foundation between 2000 and 2009. This database also contains information on known independent early prognostic indicators of mortality, including age, admission GCS score, pupillary status, CT scanning findings, and hypotension. Results Age, initial GCS score, hypotension, and CT scan findings were associated with 2-week mortality. In addition, patients of all ages treated with an ICP monitor in place had lower mortality at 2 weeks (p = 0.02) than those treated without an ICP monitor, after adjusting for parameters that independently affect mortality. Conclusions In patients with severe TBI treated for intracranial hypertension, the use of an ICP monitor is associated with significantly lower mortality when compared with patients treated without an ICP monitor. Based on these findings, the authors conclude that ICP-directed therapy in patients with severe TBI should be guided by ICP monitoring.


Neurosurgery ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 85 (2) ◽  
pp. 231-239 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abhijit Lele ◽  
Nithya Kannan ◽  
Monica S Vavilala ◽  
Deepak Sharma ◽  
Mahmud Mossa-Basha ◽  
...  

AbstractBACKGROUNDIndia has a high traumatic brain injury (TBI) burden and intracranial pressure monitoring (ICP) remains controversial but some patients may benefit.OBJECTIVETo examine the association between ICP monitor placement and outcomes, and identify Indian patients with severe TBI who benefit from ICP monitoringMETHODSWe conducted a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study at a level 1 Indian trauma center. Patients over 18 yr with severe TBI (admission Glasgow coma scale score < 8) who received tracheal intubation for at-least 48 h were examined. Propensity-based analysis using inverse probability weighting approach was used to examine ICP monitor placement within 72 h of admission and outcomes. Outcomes were in-hospital mortality and Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) score at discharge, 3, 6, and 12 mo. Death, vegetative, or major impairment defined unfavorable outcome.RESULTSThe 200 patients averaged 36 [18 to 85] yr of age and average injury severity score of 31.4 [2 to 73]. ICP monitors were placed in 126 (63%) patients. Patients with ICP monitor placement experienced lower in-hospital mortality (adjusted relative risk [aRR]; 0.50 [0.29, 0.87]) than patients without ICP monitoring. However, there was no benefit at 3, 6, and 12 mo. With ICP monitor placement, absence of cerebral edema (aRR 0.54, 95% confidence interval 0.35-0.84), and absence of intraventricular hemorrhage (aRR 0.52, 95% confidence interval 0.33-0.82) were associated with reduced unfavorable outcomes.CONCLUSIONICP monitor placement without cerebrospinal fluid drainage within 72 h of admission was associated with reduced in-patient mortality. Patients with severe TBI but without cerebral edema and without intraventricular hemorrhage may benefit from ICP monitoring.


Author(s):  
Ramesh Sahjpaul ◽  
Murray Girotti

ABSTRACT:Objective:The purpose of this study was to obtain information from Canadian neurosurgeons regarding their opinions on, and utilization of, intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring for severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).Methods:A brief survey was sent to practicing Canadian neurosurgeons questioning them about their utilization of, and confidence in, intracranial pressure monitoring in the management of patients with severe TBI.Results:One hundred and ninety-six surveys were mailed. There were 103 responses for a response rate of 52.6%. The vast majority of responding neurosurgeons (98.1%) utilized ICP monitoring in the management of patients with severe TBI, with most (63.4%) using it in more than 75% of their patients, 14.9% using it in 50-75% of patients, 14.9% in 25-50% of patients, and 6.9% using it in less than 25% of patients. The level of confidence that routine monitoring improves outcome from severe TBI ranged from 23.3% having a low level of confidence, 56.3% having an intermediate level of confidence, to 20.4% having a high level of confidence. Most respondents (78.6%) felt that some form of prospective trial evaluating the role of ICP monitoring in improving outcome from severe TBI was warranted; 17.4% felt such a trial was not warranted and 3.9% were uncertain.Conclusions:While ICP monitoring has gained almost universal acceptance among responding Canadian neurosurgeons, their level of confidence that routine monitoring improves outcome from severe TBI was quite variable, with only 20.4% of respondents having a high level of confidence. Over 75% of respondents felt that some form of prospective trial evaluating the utility of ICP monitoring is warranted. This information is being used in consideration of a prospective trial addressing this issue.


Author(s):  
Asher A. Mendelson ◽  
Chris Gillis ◽  
William R. Henderson ◽  
Juan J. Ronco ◽  
Vinay Dhingra ◽  
...  

We conducted a systematic review to examine the relationship between intracranial pressure monitors (ICP) monitors and mortality in traumatic brain injury (TBI). We systematically searched for articles that met the following criteria: (1) adults patients, (2) TBI, (3) use of an ICP monitor, (4) point estimate for mortality with ICP monitoring (5) adjustment for potential confounders. Six observational studies were identified with 11,371 patients. There was marked between-study heterogeneity that precluded a pooled analysis. Patients with ICP monitors had different clinical characteristics and received more ICP targeted therapy in the ICU. Four studies found no significant relationship between ICP monitoring and survival, while the other two studies demonstrated conflicting results. Significant confounding by indication in observational studies limits the examination of isolated TBI interventions. More research should focus on interventions that affect TBI careplan systems. Further research is needed to identify which subset of severe TBI patients may benefit from ICP monitoring.


Author(s):  
V. Weihs ◽  
V. Heel ◽  
M. Dedeyan ◽  
N. W. Lang ◽  
S. Frenzel ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The rationale of this study was to identify independent prognostic factors influencing the late-phase survival of polytraumatized patients defined according to the New Berlin Definition. Methods Retrospective data analysis on 173 consecutively polytraumatized patients treated at a level I trauma center between January 2012 and December 2015. Patients were classified into two groups: severely injured patients (ISS > 16) and polytraumatized patients (patients who met the diagnostic criteria for the New Berlin Definition). Results Polytraumatized patients showed significantly lower late-phase and overall survival rates. The presence of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and age > 55 years had a significant influence on the late-phase survival in polytraumatized patients but not in severely injured patients. Despite the percentage of severe TBI being nearly identical in both groups, severe TBI was identified as main cause of death in polytraumatized patients. Furthermore, severe TBI remains the main cause of death in polytraumatized patients > 55 years of age, whereas younger polytraumatized patients (< 55 years of age) tend to die more often due to the acute trauma. Conclusion Our results suggest that age beyond 55 years and concomitant (severe) TBI remain as most important influencing risk factor for the late-phase survival of polytraumatized patients but not in severely injured patients. Level of evidence Prognostic study, level III.


2018 ◽  
Vol 37 (04) ◽  
pp. 291-296
Author(s):  
Bárbara Borchardt ◽  
Luanna Freitas ◽  
Ademar Filho ◽  
Áurea da Rosa ◽  
Milena Gabe ◽  
...  

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. The monitored group performed a larger number of computed tomography (CT) scans, with a mean 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.


2015 ◽  
Vol 122 (1) ◽  
pp. 202-210 ◽  
Author(s):  
Halinder S. Mangat ◽  
Ya-Lin Chiu ◽  
Linda M. Gerber ◽  
Marjan Alimi ◽  
Jamshid Ghajar ◽  
...  

OBJECT Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with a higher mortality rate and poor outcome. Mannitol and hypertonic saline (HTS) have both been used to treat high ICP, but it is unclear which one is more effective. Here, the authors compare the effect of mannitol versus HTS on lowering the cumulative and daily ICP burdens after severe TBI. METHODS The Brain Trauma Foundation TBI-trac New York State database was used for this retrospective study. Patients with severe TBI and intracranial hypertension who received only 1 type of hyperosmotic agent, mannitol or HTS, were included. Patients in the 2 groups were individually matched for Glasgow Coma Scale score (GCS), pupillary reactivity, craniotomy, occurrence of hypotension on Day 1, and the day of ICP monitor insertion. Patients with missing or erroneous data were excluded. Cumulative and daily ICP burdens were used as primary outcome measures. The cumulative ICP burden was defined as the total number of days with an ICP of > 25 mm Hg, expressed as a percentage of the total number of days of ICP monitoring. The daily ICP burden was calculated as the mean daily duration of an ICP of > 25 mm Hg, expressed as the number of hours per day. The numbers of intensive care unit (ICU) days, numbers of days with ICP monitoring, and 2-week mortality rates were also compared between the groups. A 2-sample t-test or chi-square test was used to compare independent samples. The Wilcoxon signed-rank or Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test was used for comparing matched samples. RESULTS A total of 35 patients who received only HTS and 477 who received only mannitol after severe TBI were identified. Eight patients in the HTS group were excluded because of erroneous or missing data, and 2 other patients did not have matches in the mannitol group. The remaining 25 patients were matched 1:1. Twenty-four patients received 3% HTS, and 1 received 23.4% HTS as bolus therapy. All 25 patients in the mannitol group received 20% mannitol. The mean cumulative ICP burden (15.52% [HTS] vs 36.5% [mannitol]; p = 0.003) and the mean (± SD) daily ICP burden (0.3 ± 0.6 hours/day [HTS] vs 1.3 ± 1.3 hours/day [mannitol]; p = 0.001) were significantly lower in the HTS group. The mean (± SD) number of ICU days was significantly lower in the HTS group than in the mannitol group (8.5 ± 2.1 vs 9.8 ± 0.6, respectively; p = 0.004), whereas there was no difference in the numbers of days of ICP monitoring (p = 0.09). There were no significant differences between the cumulative median doses of HTS and mannitol (p = 0.19). The 2-week mortality rate was lower in the HTS group, but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.56). CONCLUSIONS HTS given as bolus therapy was more effective than mannitol in lowering the cumulative and daily ICP burdens after severe TBI. Patients in the HTS group had significantly lower number of ICU days. The 2-week mortality rates were not statistically different between the 2 groups.


2015 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. 523-532 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aziz S. Alali ◽  
David Gomez ◽  
Chethan Sathya ◽  
Randall S. Burd ◽  
Todd G. Mainprize ◽  
...  

OBJECT Well-designed studies linking intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring with improved outcomes among children with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) are lacking. The main objective of this study was to examine the relationship between ICP monitoring in children and in-hospital mortality following severe TBI. METHODS An observational study was conducted using data derived from 153 adult or mixed (adult and pediatric) trauma centers participating in the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Trauma Quality Improvement Program (TQIP) and 29 pediatric trauma centers participating in the pediatric pilot TQIP between 2010 and 2012. Random-intercept multilevel modeling was used to examine the association between ICP monitoring and in-hospital mortality among children with severe TBI ≤16 years of age after adjusting for important confounders. This association was evaluated at the patient level and at the hospital level. In a sensitivity analysis, this association was reexamined in a propensity-matched cohort. RESULTS A total of 1705 children with severe TBI were included in the study cohort. The overall in-hospital mortality was 14.3% of patients (n = 243), whereas the mortality of the 273 patients (16%) who underwent invasive ICP monitoring was 11% (n = 30). After adjusting for patient- and hospital-level characteristics, ICP monitoring was associated with lower in-hospital mortality (adjusted OR 0.50; 95% CI 0.30–0.85; p = 0.01). It is possible that patients who were managed with ICP monitoring were selected because of an anticipated favorable or unfavorable outcome. To further address this potential selection bias, the analysis was repeated with the hospital-specific rate of ICP monitoring use as the exposure. The adjusted OR for death of children treated at high ICP–use hospitals was 0.49 compared with those treated at low ICP-use hospitals (95% CI 0.31–0.78; p = 0.003). Variations in ICP monitoring use accounted for 15.9% of the interhospital variation in mortality among children with severe TBI. Similar results were obtained after analyzing the data using propensity score-matching methods. CONCLUSIONS In this observational study, ICP monitoring use was associated with lower hospital mortality at both the patient and hospital levels. However, the contribution of variable ICP monitoring rates to interhospital variation in pediatric TBI mortality was modest.


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