Routine repeat head CT for minimal head injury is unnecessary. J Trauma 2006 Mar;60(3):494-9; discussion 499-501
Date
03/15/2006Pubmed ID
16531845DOI
10.1097/01.ta.0000203546.14824.0dScopus ID
2-s2.0-33645536700 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 92 CitationsAbstract
BACKGROUND: Patients with MHI and a positive head computed tomography (CT) scan frequently have a routine repeat head CT (RRHCT) to identify possible evolution of the head injury requiring intervention. RRHCT is ordered based on the premise that significant injury progression may take place in the absence of clinical deterioration.
METHODS: In a Level I urban trauma center with a policy of RRHCT, we reviewed the records of 692 consecutive trauma patients with Glasgow Coma Scale scores of 13-15 and a head CT (October 2004 through October 2005). The need for medical or surgical neurologic intervention after RRHCT was recorded. Patients with a worse and unchanged RRHCT were compared, and independent predictors of a worse RRHCT were identified by stepwise logistic regression.
RESULTS: There were 179 patients with MHI and RRHCT ordered. Of them, 37 (21%) showed signs of injury evolution on RRHCT and 7 (4%) required intervention. All 7 had clinical deterioration preceding RRHCT. In no patient without clinical deterioration did RRHCT prompt a change in management. A Glasgow Coma Scale score less than 15 (13 or 14), age higher than 65 years, multiple traumatic lesions found on first head CT, and interval shorter than 90 minutes from arrival to first head CT predicted independently a worse RRHCT.
CONCLUSIONS: RRHCT is unnecessary in patients with MHI. Clinical examination identifies accurately the few who will show significant evolution and require intervention.
Author List
Velmahos GC, Gervasini A, Petrovick L, Dorer DJ, Doran ME, Spaniolas K, Alam HB, De Moya M, Borges LF, Conn AKAuthor
Marc Anthony De Moya MD Chief, Professor in the Surgery department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AdultAged
Anticoagulants
Cerebral Hemorrhage, Traumatic
Female
Glasgow Coma Scale
Head Injuries, Closed
Humans
Intensive Care Units
Male
Middle Aged
Neurologic Examination
Prognosis
ROC Curve
Risk Factors
Sensitivity and Specificity
Tomography, X-Ray Computed
Treatment Outcome
Unnecessary Procedures