Systemic complications of traumatic brain injury.
OBJECTIVE
Increased understanding of the pathophysiology in traumatic brain injury (TBI) has resulted in the development of core physiological targets and therapies to preserve cerebral oxygenation, and in doing so prevent secondary insult. This review addresses the many systemic complications of TBI that make achieving these targets challenging and can influence outcome.


RESULTS
There are a wide range of systemic complications following TBI. Complications involve the cardiovascular, respiratory, immunological, haematological and endocrinological systems amongst others, and can influence early management and long-term outcomes.


CONCLUSIONS
Effective management of TBI should go beyond formulaic-based pursuit of physiological targets and requires a detailed understanding of the multisystem response of the body.
aConsultant Intensivist, Department of Neuro Intensive Care, Queens Hospital, BHR NHS Trust, Romford bHonorary Senior Clinical Lecturer, Queen Mary's University of London cSpecialist Registrar Intensive Care Medicine, Royal London Hospital dSpecialist Registrar Anesthesiology, Queens Hospital, UK.
Dhuleep S
DS
Wijayatilake
Peter B
PB
Sherren
Suyogi V
SV
Jigajinni
D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D003422:Critical Care / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007427:Intracranial Pressure