Prevalence, management and outcomes of traumatic brain injury patients admitted to an Irish intensive care unit

Abstract

Background: Traumatic brain injury is one of the leading causes of death and disability among young people. However outcomes from traumatic brain injury can be improved by use of parameters such as intracranial pressure monitoring (ICP) to guide treatment, early surgical intervention and management of these patients in a neurosurgical centre. Aims: To examine the incidence of traumatic brain injury, compliance with best practice guidelines and outcomes in patients admitted to an intensive care unit in a major teaching hospital in Ireland. Methods: Retrospective chart review. Results: Forty-six patients were admitted over a 3-year period, half of whom had GCS <8. Medical management was appropriate but only two patients were transferred to a neurosurgical centre and none received ICP monitoring. Overall mortality of 37% was higher than international norms. Conclusions: Irish patients with severe head injury do not currently receive care in accordance with international evidence-based guidelines. © Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland 2011.