Predicting outcome in severe traumatic brain injury using a simple prognostic model
Date
2014-07
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Health & Medical Publishing Group
Abstract
Background. Several studies have made it possible to predict outcome in severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) making it beneficial as an aid for clinical decision-making in the emergency setting. However, reliable predictive models are lacking for resource-limited prehospital settings such as those in developing countries like South Africa.
Objective. To develop a simple predictive model for severe TBI using clinical variables in a South African prehospital setting.
Methods. All consecutive patients admitted at two level-one centres in Cape Town, South Africa, for severe TBI were included. A binary logistic regression model was used, which included three predictor variables: oxygen saturation (SpO2), Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and pupil reactivity. The Glasgow Outcome Scale was used to assess outcome on hospital discharge.
Results. A total of 74.4% of the outcomes were correctly predicted by the logistic regression model. The model demonstrated SpO2 (p=0.019), GCS (p=0.001) and pupil reactivity (p=0.002) as independently significant predictors of outcome in severe TBI. Odds ratios of a good outcome were 3.148 (SpO2 ≥90%), 5.108 (GCS 6 - 8) and 4.405 (pupils bilaterally reactive).
Conclusion. This model is potentially useful for effective predictions of outcome in severe TBI.
Description
CITATION: Sobuwa, S., Hartzenberg, H. B., Geduld, H. & Uys, C. 2014. Predicting outcome in severe traumatic brain injury using a simple prognostic model. South African Medical Journal, 104(7):492-494, doi:10.7196/SAMJ.7720.
The original publication is available at http://samj.org.za
The original publication is available at http://samj.org.za
Keywords
Brain -- Wounds and injuries, Predictive control
Citation
Sobuwa, S., Hartzenberg, H. B., Geduld, H. & Uys, C. 2014. Predicting outcome in severe traumatic brain injury using a simple prognostic model. South African Medical Journal, 104(7):492-494, doi:10.7196/SAMJ.7720.