Clinical-epidemiological characterization of Severe Pediatric Brain injury at Hospital Nacional Mario Catarino Rivas 2016-2018

Abstract

Background: Cranioencephalic traumatism (CET) is defined as a sudden exchange of mechanical energy caused by an external force that results in an anatomical-functional alteration of the brain and its envelopes. Objective: To characterize clinically and epidemiologically the severe CET in the population 218 years attended in the HNMCR in the area of PICU during January 2016 to May 2018. Patients and methods: Observational cross-sectional descriptive study. Universe of 809 pediatric patients. A convenience sample size of 77 (9.5%, IC95%) was estimated. Patients aged 2-18 years were included, with a complete clinical record. Non-traumatic admissions, transfers to other hospitals and patients with mild-moderate CET were excluded. The variables included sociodemographic data, trauma characteristics, clinical manifestations, PICU treatment, associated complications and discharge condition. The information collected was entered into a database, designed with the statistical package Epiinfo version 7.2.2.6 (CDC Atlanta), a univariate analysis was performed. Information extracted from the files was handled confidentially. Results: The most affected age group were schoolchildren 40.2% (31), the most common injury mechanism was traffic accident 64.9% (50). 97.4% (75) presented loss of consciousness, the most affected anatomical region was temporary in 52.0% (40). 45.9% started enteral feeding before 12 o'clock, prevalence was 9.5% and mortality 10%. Conclusion: It is important to identify the mechanisms of trauma, to provide timely management and intervene effectively, in order to reduce the morbidity and mortality of these.