The Richmond Acute Subdural Hematoma Score: A Validated Grading Scale to Predict Postoperative Mortality

Prediction of Mortality and Morbidity After Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: A Comparison Between Rotterdam and Richmond Computed Tomography Scan Scoring System

OBJECTIVE

Accurate prediction of the morbidity and mortality outcomes of traumatic brain injury patients is still challenging. In the present study, we aimed to compare the predictive value of the Richmond and Rotterdam scoring systems as two novel computed tomography-based predictive models.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 1400 subjects who suffered from severe traumatic brain injury and were admitted to Emtiaz Hospital, a tertiary referral trauma center in Shiraz, south of Iran, from January 2018 to December 2019. We evaluated the 1-month results; considering two primary factors: mortality and morbidity. The patients' condition was the basis for this assessment. We conducted a logistic regression analysis to determine the association between scoring systems and outcomes. To determine the optimal threshold value, we utilized the receiver operating characteristic curve model.

RESULTS

The mean age of participants was 36.61 ± 17.58 years, respectively. Concerning predicting the mortality rate, the area under the curve (AUC) for the Rotterdam score was relatively low 0.64 (95% confidence interval: 0.60, 0.67), while the Richmond score had a higher AUC 0.74 (0.71-0.77), which demonstrated the superiority of this scoring system. Moreover, the Richmond score was more accurate for predicting 1-month morbidity with AUC: 0.71 (0.69, 0.74) versus 0.62 (0.59, 0.65).

CONCLUSIONS

The Richmond scoring system demonstrated more accurate predictions for the present outcomes. The simplicity and predictive value of the Richmond score make this system an ideal option for use in emergency settings and centers with high patient loads.

Prognostic Factors of Mortality and Functional Outcome for Acute Subdural Hematoma: A Review Article

Acute subdural hematoma (ASDH) is the most frequent intracranial traumatic lesion requiring surgery in high-income countries. To date, uncertainty remains regarding the odds of mortality or functional outcome of patients with ASDH, regardless of whether they are operated on. This review aims to shed light on the clinical and radiologic factors associated with ASDH outcome. A scoping review was conducted on Medline database from inception to 2023. This review yielded 41 patient series. In the general population, specific clinical (admission Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS], abnormal pupil exam, time to surgery, decompressive craniectomy, raised postoperative intracranial pressure) and radiologic (ASDH thickness, midline shift, thickness/midline shift ratio, uncal herniation, and brain density difference) factors were associated with mortality (grade III). Other clinical (admission GCS, decompressive craniectomy) and radiologic (ASDH volume, thickness/midline shift ratio, uncal herniation, loss of basal cisterns, petechiae, and brain density difference) factors were associated with functional outcome (grade III). In the elderly, only postoperative GCS and midline shift on brain computed tomography were associated with mortality (grade III). Comorbidities, abnormal pupil examination, postoperative GCS, intensive care unit hospitalization, and midline shift were associated with functional outcome (grade III). Based on these factors, the SHE (Subdural Hematoma in the Elderly) and the RASH (Richmond Acute Subdural Hematoma) scores could be used in daily clinical practice. This review has underlined a few supplementary factors of prognostic interest in patients with ASDH, and highlighted two predictive scores that could be used in clinical practice to guide and assist clinicians in surgical indication.