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GCS Scores (gc + score)
Selected AbstractsHematology and coagulation parameters predict outcome in Taiwanese patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhageEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY, Issue 3 2005H.-Y. Fang Volume of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, peripheral edema around the hematoma, and hydrocephalus are good predictors of mortality in patients with spontaneous ICH from western countries. However, the significance of hematologic and biochemical parameters associated with spontaneous ICH has not been extensively studied. This study was designed to determine prognostic factors for spontaneous ICH in Taiwanese patients. We prospectively studied 109 consecutive patients with spontaneous ICH admitted to Changhua Christian Medical Center. Clinical and laboratory data were collected and analyzed. Mean age was 62.3 years. There were 63 men (58%) and 46 women (42%). Differences in GCS score, ICH score, and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score between the survival and non-survival groups were statistically significant. Laboratory data were statistically different using multivariate analysis for platelet count, prothrombin time, and white cell count. This is the first study providing information on predictors of spontaneous ICH mortality in Taiwanese patients. The prothrombin time and platelet count on the first day were good early predictors of mortality. This finding in ethnically Chinese patients appears to be different from the profile for patients from western countries. [source] The Efficacy of Factor VIIa in Emergency Department Patients With Warfarin Use and Traumatic Intracranial HemorrhageACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 3 2010Daniel K. Nishijima MD Abstract Objectives:, The objective was to compare outcomes in emergency department (ED) patients with preinjury warfarin use and traumatic intracranial hemorrhage (tICH) who did and did not receive recombinant activated factor VIIa (rFVIIa) for international normalized ratio (INR) reversal. Methods:, This was a retrospective before-and-after study conducted at a Level 1 trauma center, with data from 1999 to 2009. Eligible patients had preinjury warfarin use and tICH on cranial computed tomography (CT) scan. Patients before (standard cohort) and after (rFVIIa cohort) implementation of a protocol for administering 1.2 mg of rFVIIa in the ED were reviewed. Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, Revised Trauma Score (RTS), Injury Severity Score (ISS), INR, and Marshall score were collected. Outcome measures included mortality, thromboembolic complications, and INR normalization. Results:, Forty patients (median age = 80.5 years, interquartile range [IQR] = 63.5,85) were included (20 in each cohort). Age, GCS score, ISS, RTS, initial INR, and Marshall score were similar (p > 0.05) between the two cohorts. Survival was identical between cohorts (13 of 20, or 65.0%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 40.8% to 84.6%). There were no differences in rate of thromboembolic complications in the standard cohort (1 of 20, 5.0%, 95% CI = 0.1% to 24.9%) than the rFVIIa cohort (4 of 20, 20.0%, 95% CI = 5.7% to 43.7%; p = 0.34). Time to normal INR was earlier in the rFVIIa cohort (mean = 4.8 hours, 95% CI = 3.0 to 6.7 hours) than in the standard cohort (mean = 17.5 hours, 95% CI = 12.5 to 22.6; p < 0.001). Conclusions:, In patients with preinjury warfarin and tICH, use of rFVIIa was associated with a decreased time to normal INR. However, no difference in mortality was identified. Use of rFVIIa in patients on warfarin and tICH requires further study to demonstrate important patient-oriented outcomes. ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2010; 17:244,251 © 2010 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine [source] Peripheral blood picture following mild head trauma in childrenPEDIATRICS INTERNATIONAL, Issue 3 2008Bulent Alioglu Abstract Background: The aim of the present study was to investigate changes in peripheral white blood cell, and differential counts following mild head trauma in a pediatric population. Methods: Fifty-one patients (mean age, 79 ± 62 months) with mild head trauma (Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS] score 15) who were admitted to the emergency department, were studied. Two blood specimens were collected from each patient, one on arrival and one after 24 h at the emergency department. Complete blood count was performed using a hemocytometer and the absolute cell counts for each sample were calculated after examination of peripheral smear. Results: No patient developed any complication during the hospital stay or after discharge. Significant differences were found for white blood cell, neutrophil, and immature cell counts just after and 24 h after trauma (P = 0.047, 0.039 and 0.009, respectively). Conclusions: Mild head trauma may cause an increase in white blood cell, neutrophil and band counts in children just after trauma. In a child with a mild head trauma, who is asymptomatic, with GCS score of 15 and absence of risk factors, and without clinical deterioration, complete blood cell count may be omitted from laboratory workup. But a prospective randomized study comparing mild head trauma patients with good and bad clinical outcome is needed to draw a definite conclusion. [source] Brain herniations in patients with intracerebral hemorrhageACTA NEUROLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 4 2009J. Kalita Objectives,,, To study the types, frequency and clinical correlates of brain herniations in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Methods,,, In 24 patients with ICH (putaminal 22 and thalamic 2) features of raised intracranial pressure (ICP), such as hyperventilation, extensor rigidity, pupillary asymmetry and pyramidal signs on the non-hemiplegic side, were recorded. Depth of coma was assessed by using the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and severity of stroke by using the Canadian Neurological Scale (CNS). On MRI, evidence of herniation, horizontal and vertical shifts and the edema,hematoma complex were measured and compared with that of 15 matched controls. The clinical signs of herniation correlated with radiological parameters. Results,,, The mean age of the patients was 57.7 years, six of them were women. Cerebral herniations were present in 11 (46%) patients. Subfalcian herniation (in six) was the commonest followed by uncal (in three). Combination of subfalcian and uncal herniations was present in one and subfalcian, uncal and tonsillar herniations in another. Herniations had significant correlation with the GCS, pupillary abnormalities, cortical atrophy, hematoma size and the edema,hematoma complex. One-month mortality was related to the GCS score, pupillary abnormalities and the edema,hematoma complex. Horizontal shift was related to the GCS score. Conclusion,,, In patients with ganglionic ICH, subfalcian herniation was the commonest. Herniation was associated with increased mortality. Horizontal shift correlated with clinical features of raised ICP and outcome. [source] A Prospective Study of the Impact of Multiple Patient Transports on Care Provided during Aeromedical TransportACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 3 2008Edmond A. Hooker MD Abstract Objectives:, The purpose of the current study was to determine reasons for multiple-patient transports using a helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) and to observe for any negative impact on patient care caused by the presence of the second patient. Methods:, The study was a prospective observational study of all two-patient trauma transports (doubles) over a 12-month period, from January 2004 through December 2004. The authors selected a sample of 20% of single-patient transports (singles) from the same time period for comparison. Flight crews completed a study form after the flight. Information requested included Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, Revised Trauma Score (RTS), and negative impact on care of the primary patient caused by transporting the secondary patient. Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney rank test and descriptive statistics. Results:, There were a total of 59 double-trauma transports. A total of 269 single-trauma transports were identified for comparison. Although there was no statistically significant difference in GCS score or RTS (single vs. primary double), doubles never included the most severely injured trauma patients. The secondary patients from the doubles were the least severely injured. There were nine patients in whom the crew felt there was a negative impact from the second patient. Need for trauma center evaluation of the second patient and distance of transport were common reasons for double transports. Conclusions:, Patients transported as doubles do not include the most severely injured trauma patients. In only a small percentage of doubles did the second patient have a perceived impact on care of the primary patient. [source] Variability in agreement between physicians and nurses when measuring the Glasgow Coma Scale in the emergency department limits its clinical usefulnessEMERGENCY MEDICINE AUSTRALASIA, Issue 4 2006Anna Holdgate Abstract Objective:, To assess the interrater reliability of the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) between nurses and senior doctors in the ED. Methods:, This was a prospective observational study with a convenience sample of patients aged 18 or above who presented with a decreased level of consciousness to a tertiary hospital ED. A senior ED doctor (emergency physicians and trainees) and registered nurse each independently scored the patient's GCS in blinded fashion within 15 min of each other. The data were then analysed to determine interrater reliability using the weighted kappa statistic and the size and directions of differences between paired scores were examined. Results:, A total of 108 eligible patients were enrolled, with GCS scores ranging from 3 to 14. Interrater agreement was excellent (weighted kappa > 0.75) for verbal scores and total GCS scores, and intermediate (weighted kappa 0.4,0.75) for motor and eye scores. Total GCS scores differed by more than two points in 10 of the 108 patients. Interrater agreement did not vary substantially across the range of actual numeric GCS scores. Conclusions:, Although the level of agreement for GCS scores was generally high, a significant proportion of patients had GCS scores which differed by two or more points. This degree of disagreement indicates that clinical decisions should not be based solely on single GCS scores. [source] Classification of a traumatic brain injury: the Glasgow Coma scale is not enoughACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 6 2010A. CHIEREGATO Background: Classifying the severity of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) solely by means of the Glasgow Coma scale (GCS) is under scrutiny, because it overlooks other important clinical signs. Clinicians treating patients with acute TBI are well placed to suggest which variables, in addition to the GCS, should concur in a new classification of TBI. Methods: In Italy, acute TBI patients are treated by anaesthetists, and so we asked them, in a questionnaire survey, to rate the weight they give to the GCS and to other clinical variables in their approach to TBI. Because sedation may underestimate GCS scores, we also inquired whether anaesthetists select sedatives that allow drug-free GCS scores. The questionnaire was distributed to 1334 anaesthetists attending courses on neurotrauma; the response rate was 63%. Results: Two thirds of the respondents believe that the definition of severe TBI should include, in addition to GCS scores, pupil reactivity to light and computer tomogram (CT) findings, the variables that guide Italian anaesthetists in TBI management. Most respondents (68.2%) administer sedation which allows prompt neurological evaluation and reliable GCS scoring. A minority of respondents (9.3%) withhold or antagonize sedation, delay tracheal intubation or allow patient,ventilator asynchrony. Conclusions: Italian anaesthetists would welcome a definition of TBI severity that includes CT findings and pupil reactivity in addition to the GCS. [source] Simple bedside assessment of level of consciousness: comparison of two simple assessment scales with the Glasgow Coma scale,ANAESTHESIA, Issue 1 2004A. F. McNarry Summary Neurological assessment is an essential component of early warning scores used to identify seriously ill ward patients. We investigated how two simple scales (ACDU , Alert, Confused, Drowsy, Unresponsive; and AVPU , Alert, responds to Voice, responds to Pain, Unresponsive) compared to each other and also to the more complicated Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). Neurosurgical nurses recorded patients' conscious level with each of the three scales. Over 7 months, 1020 analysable measurements were collected. Both simple scales identified distinct GCS ranges, although some overlap occurred (p < 0.001). Median GCS scores associated with AVPU were 15, 13, 8 and 6 and for ACDU were 15, 13, 10 and 6. The median values of ACDU were more evenly distributed than AVPU and may therefore be better at identifying early deteriorations in conscious level when they occur in critically ill ward patients. [source] MANAGEMENT AND HOSPITAL OUTCOME OF THE SEVERELY HEAD INJURED ELDERLY PATIENTANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 7 2008Biswadev Mitra Introduction: Severe traumatic head injury in the elderly has been associated with poor outcomes. However, there is currently no consensus to direct management in these patients. This study outlines the demographics, injury characteristics, management and outcome of the elderly trauma patients with severe head injury across a defined population. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of all elderly patients (age >64 years) with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 8 or less, and confirmed intracranial pathology or fractured skull, was undertaken over a period of 40 months from July 2001 to September 2005. Data on patient demographics, injury cause, presenting clinical features and interventions were collected. In-hospital mortality was used as the primary outcome. Results: There were 96 patients who met the inclusion criteria. One-third of the patients were managed palliatively, one-third supportively without surgery and another third underwent surgery. Overall mortality was 70.8% (n = 68). Older age and brainstem injuries were identified as independent predictors of mortality. Mortality was reported in all patients aged 85 years or older. Conclusions: Although overall outcomes were poor, careful consideration should be given to active treatment as favourable outcomes were possible even in the presence of extremely low GCS scores. Prediction of outcome on the basis of age and anatomical diagnoses may help in this decision-making. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||