Infantile traumatic subdural hematomas: outcome after five years.
OBJECTIVE
Although subdural hematomas (SDH) are common in infants, their long-term outcome is poorly documented in the literature.


METHODS
Infants operated for SDH were followed prospectively and evaluated during their sixth year with systematic neurological evaluation and standard neuropsychological testing.


RESULTS
We studied 48 infants operated for SDH. At the last checkup, 39 were normal, 5 had mild deficits, 3 had severe deficits and 1 was in a vegetative state. IQ measurements did not differ significantly from normal values, but did not accurately reflect the outcome. The only independent factor significantly affecting the final outcome was initial clinical severity. Age at surgery, surgical complications and the nature of the trauma (inflicted or accidental) did not independently influence the outcome.


CONCLUSIONS
Long-term follow-up is required after treatment of SDH, to evaluate the child's changing needs in terms of medical and educational care.
Vinchon
Matthieu
M
Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Hôpital Roger Salengro, Lille, France. m-vinchon@chru-lille.fr
Defoort-Dhellemmes
Sabine
S
Nzeyimana
Claudine
C
Vallée
Louis
L
Dhellemmes
Patrick
P
D000367:Age Factors; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D006259:Craniocerebral Trauma / Q000150:complications* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000209:etiology; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D023261:Glasgow Outcome Scale; D006408:Hematoma, Subdural / Q000209:etiology* / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014888:Wechsler Scales