Intermediate and long-term outcome in traumatic brain injury is not influenced by additional multiple organ injury.
BACKGROUND
This investigation aims at evaluating the influence of additional multiple organ injury in traumatic brain injury on the outcome in terms of the ability to perform the activities of daily life, of the need of care, and of job ability.


METHODS
62 victims (male to female ratio 4 : 1; age range 15-68 years) of traumatic brain injury were studied. Group 1 (n = 24) consisted of patients who suffered from traumatic brain injury with additional multiple organ injury, group 2 (n = 38) comprised patients with isolated brain injury. Outcome was assessed at 6 and 12 months after trauma by means of different rehabilitation scores.


RESULTS
After 6 as well as after 12 months, the majority of both groups were independent in the activities of daily living. Furthermore, no differences were observed concerning the need of care. Job ability was almost equal for both groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Additional multiple organ injury does not pertain to prognosis of traumatic brain injury.
Lippert-Grüner
M
M
Department of Neurosurgery, University of Cologne, Germany.
Wedekind
C
C
Wenzel
S C
SC
Lefering
R
R
Klug
N
N
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000150:complications* / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000628:therapy*; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D015600:Glasgow Coma Scale; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009104:Multiple Trauma / Q000150:complications* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D011379:Prognosis; D016896:Treatment Outcome