title: Predicting progressive hemorrhagic injury from isolated traumatic brain injury and coagulation.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Progressive hemorrhagic injury (PHI) in traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients is associated with poor outcomes. Early prediction of PHI is difficult yet vital. We hypothesize that TBI subtype and coagulation would be predictors of PHI.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a retrospective analysis of highest level activation adult trauma patients with evidence of TBI (head Abbreviated Injury Scale ≥3). Coagulopathy was determined using rapid thrombelastography (r-TEG), complete blood counts, and conventional coagulation tests obtained on arrival. Patients were dichotomized into PHI and stable groups based on head computerized CT. Subtypes of TBI included subdural hematoma, intraparenchymal contusions (IPC), subarachnoid hemorrhage, epidural hematoma, and combined. Data are reported as median values with interquartile range (IQR). Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the effect of subtype and coagulation on PHI.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We included 279 isolated TBI patients who met study criteria. There were 157 patients (56%) who experienced PHI; 122 (44%) were stable on repeat CT. Patients with PHI were older, had fewer hospital-free days, and higher mortality (all P < .001). No differences were noted in r-TEG parameters between groups; however, coagulopathy and age were independent predictors of progression in all subtypes (odds ratio [OR], 1.81; 95% CI, 1.09-3.01 [P = .021]; OR, 1.02, 95% CI, 1.01-1.04 [P = .006]). Controlling for age, Glasgow Coma Scale score, and coagulopathy, patients with IPC were more likely to experience PHI (OR, 4.49; 95% CI, 2.24-8.98; P < .0001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study demonstrates that older patients with coagulation abnormalities and IPC on admission are more likely to experience PHI, identifying a target population for earlier therapies.
authors.affiliation: Center for Translational Injury Research, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX; Department of Surgery, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX. Electronic address: Lindley.E.Folkerson@uth.tmc.edu.
authors.forename: Lindley E
authors.initials: LE
authors.lastname: Folkerson
authors.affiliation: Center for Translational Injury Research, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX; Department of Surgery, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX.
authors.forename: Duncan
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Sloan
authors.affiliation: Center for Translational Injury Research, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX; Department of Surgery, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX.
authors.forename: Bryan A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Cotton
authors.affiliation: Center for Translational Injury Research, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX; Department of Surgery, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX.
authors.forename: John B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Holcomb
authors.affiliation: Center for Translational Injury Research, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX; Department of Surgery, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX.
authors.forename: Jeffrey S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Tomasek
authors.affiliation: Center for Translational Injury Research, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX; Department of Surgery, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX.
authors.forename: Charles E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Wade
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001778:Blood Coagulation Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020198:Intracranial Hemorrhage, Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D013916:Thrombelastography; D055815:Young Adult