1
|
Bhogadi SK, Stewart C, Hosseinpour H, Nelson A, Ditillo M, Matthews MR, Magnotti LJ, Joseph B. Outcomes of Patients With Traumatic Brain Injury Transferred to Trauma Centers. JAMA Surg 2024:2822878. [PMID: 39196585 PMCID: PMC11359096 DOI: 10.1001/jamasurg.2024.3254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
Importance Wide variations exist in traumatic brain injury (TBI) management strategies and transfer guidelines across the country. Objective To assess the outcomes of patients with TBI transferred to the American College of Surgeons (ACS) level I (LI) or level II (LII) trauma centers (TCs) on a nationwide scale. Design, Setting, and Participants In this secondary analysis of the ACS Trauma Quality Improvement Program database (2017 to 2020), adult patients with isolated TBI (nonhead abbreviated injury scale = 0) with intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) who were transferred to LI/LII TCs we re included. Data were analyzed from January 1, 2017, through December 31, 2020. Main Outcomes and Measures Outcomes were rates of head computed tomography scans, neurosurgical interventions (cerebral monitors, craniotomy/craniectomy), hospital length of stay, and mortality. Descriptive statistics and hierarchical mixed-model regression analyses were performed. Results Of 117 651 patients with TBI with ICH managed at LI/LII TCs 53 108; (45.1%; 95% CI, 44.8%-45.4%) transferred from other centers were identified. The mean (SD) age was 61 (22) years and 30 692 were male (58%). The median (IQR) Glasgow Coma Scale score on arrival was 15 (14-15); 5272 patients had a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 8 or less on arrival at the receiving trauma center (10%). A total of 30 973 patients underwent head CT scans (58%) and 2144 underwent repeat head CT scans at the receiving TC (4%). There were 2124 patients who received cerebral monitors (4%), 6862 underwent craniotomy/craniectomy (13%), and 7487 received mechanical ventilation (14%). The median (IQR) hospital length of stay was 2 (1-5) days and the mortality rate was 6.5%. There were 9005 patients (17%) who were discharged within 24 hours and 19 421 (37%) who were discharged within 48 hours of admission without undergoing any neurosurgical intervention. Wide variations between and within trauma centers in terms of outcomes were observed in mixed-model analysis. Conclusions In this study, nearly half of the patients with TBI managed at LI/LII TCs were transferred from lower-level hospitals. Over one-third of these transferred patients were discharged within 48 hours without any interventions. These findings indicate the need for systemwide guidelines to improve health care resource use and guide triage of patients with TBI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sai Krishna Bhogadi
- Division of Trauma, Critical Care, Burns, and Emergency Surgery, Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Collin Stewart
- Division of Trauma, Critical Care, Burns, and Emergency Surgery, Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Hamidreza Hosseinpour
- Division of Trauma, Critical Care, Burns, and Emergency Surgery, Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Adam Nelson
- Division of Trauma, Critical Care, Burns, and Emergency Surgery, Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Michael Ditillo
- Division of Trauma, Critical Care, Burns, and Emergency Surgery, Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Marc R. Matthews
- Division of Trauma, Critical Care, Burns, and Emergency Surgery, Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Louis J. Magnotti
- Division of Trauma, Critical Care, Burns, and Emergency Surgery, Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Bellal Joseph
- Division of Trauma, Critical Care, Burns, and Emergency Surgery, Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hibberd O, Price J, Laurent A, Agrawal S, Barnard E. Paediatric Major Trauma: A Retrospective Observational Comparison of Mortality in Prehospital Bypass and Secondary Transfer in the East of England. Cureus 2023; 15:e36808. [PMID: 37123802 PMCID: PMC10146472 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.36808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background More than half of seriously injured children are not initially treated at a major trauma centre (MTC). Children may be transported by private vehicle to a trauma unit (TU). Children may also be transported by emergency medical services (EMS) to the nearest TU with approximately one in five of these undergoing secondary transfer to an MTC. Most trauma networks permit TU bypass to an MTC. However, the evidence on outcomes between transfer and bypass is limited. This study aimed to evaluate the use of the trauma network by comparing outcomes between paediatric major trauma patients by the method of presentation. Methods In this retrospective observational study, a consecutive sample of paediatric (<16 years old) major trauma patients transported to the regional MTC (Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CUH)) between 1st January 2015 and 31st December 2020 was included. Patients were excluded if they arrived at the MTC >24 hours post-injury or were transported to the MTC as the nearest hospital. Patients were divided into four groups: self-presented to MTC, MTC as nearest hospital, bypass and secondary transfer. Results A total of 315 patients (28 'self-presented', 55 'nearest', 58 'bypass' and 174 'secondary transfers') were included. The median age was 9.4 [3.7-13.6] years, and n=209 (66.3%) were male. The median Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 16.0 [9.0-25.0] and n=190 (60.3%) had an ISS >15. There was no difference in 30-day mortality between the 'bypass' and 'secondary transfer' groups. There was a significantly longer hospital and intensive care unit length of stay (LOS) in the bypass group compared to other groups, both p<0.001. The median time to definitive care was five hours greater in the secondary transfer group compared to 'bypass' (bypass 117.6 minutes [100.8-136.6], secondary transfer 418.8 minutes [315.6-529.8]). Conclusion There was no significant difference in 30-day mortality of paediatric major trauma patients who underwent secondary transfer compared to those transported directly from the scene to the MTC, despite significant time delays in reaching definitive care.
Collapse
|
3
|
Iacob S, Wang Y, Peterson SC, Ivankovic S, Bhole S, Tracy PT, Elwood PW. Evaluation of factors associated with interhospital transfers to pediatric and adult tertiary level of care: A study of acute neurological disease cases. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0279031. [PMID: 36516150 PMCID: PMC9749979 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0279031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Patient referrals to tertiary level of care neurological services are often potentially avoidable and result in inferior clinical outcomes. To decrease transfer burden, stakeholders should acquire a comprehensive perception of specialty referral process dynamics. We identified associations between patient sociodemographic data, disease category and hospital characteristics and avoidable transfers, and differentiated factors underscoring informed decision making as essential care management aspects. MATERIALS AND METHODS We completed a retrospective observational study. The inclusion criteria were pediatric and adult patients with neurological diagnosis referred to our tertiary care hospital. The primary outcome was potentially avoidable transfers, which included patients discharged after 24 hours from admission without requiring neurosurgery, neuro-intervention, or specialized diagnostic methodologies and consult in non-neurologic specialties during their hospital stay. Variables included demographics, disease category, health insurance and referring hospital characteristics. RESULTS Patient referrals resulted in 1615 potentially avoidable transfers. A direct correlation between increasing referral trends and unwarranted transfers was observed for dementia, spondylosis and trauma conversely, migraine, neuro-ophthalmic disease and seizure disorders showed an increase in unwarranted transfers with decreasing referral trends. The age group over 90 years (OR, 3.71), seizure disorders (OR, 4.16), migraine (OR, 12.50) and neuro-ophthalmic disease (OR, 25.31) significantly associated with higher probability of avoidable transfers. Disparities between pediatric and adult transfer cases were identified for discrete diagnoses. Hospital teaching status but not hospital size showed significant associations with potentially avoidable transfers. CONCLUSIONS Neurological dysfunctions with overlapping clinical symptomatology in ageing patients have higher probability of unwarranted transfers. In pediatric patients, disease categories with complex symptomatology requiring sophisticated workup show greater likelihood of unwarranted transfers. Future transfer avoidance recommendations include implementation of measures that assist astute disorder assessment at the referring hospital such as specialized diagnostic modalities and teleconsultation. Additional moderators include after-hours specialty expertise provision and advanced directives education.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stanca Iacob
- Department of Neurology, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, Peoria, Illinois, United States of America
- Illinois Neurological Institute, OSF HealthCare System, Peoria, Illinois, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Yanzhi Wang
- Research Services, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, Peoria, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Susan C. Peterson
- Healthcare Analytics, OSF HealthCare System, Peoria, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Sven Ivankovic
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, Peoria, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Salil Bhole
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, Peoria, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Patrick T. Tracy
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, Peoria, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Patrick W. Elwood
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, Peoria, Illinois, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Reynolds RA, Kelly KA, Ahluwalia R, Zhao S, Vance EH, Lovvorn HN, Hanson H, Shannon CN, Bonfield CM. Protocolized management of isolated linear skull fractures at a level 1 pediatric trauma center. J Neurosurg Pediatr 2022; 30:255-262. [PMID: 35901741 DOI: 10.3171/2022.6.peds227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Isolated linear skull fractures without intracranial findings rarely require urgent neurosurgical intervention. A multidisciplinary fracture management protocol based on antiemetic usage was implemented at our American College of Surgeons-verified level 1 pediatric trauma center on July 1, 2019. This study evaluated protocol safety and efficacy. METHODS Children younger than 18 years with an ICD-10 code for linear skull fracture without acute intracranial abnormality on head CT were compared before and after protocol implementation. The preprotocol cohort was defined as children who presented between July 1, 2015, and December 31, 2017; the postprotocol cohort was defined as those who presented between July 1, 2019, and July 1, 2020. RESULTS The preprotocol and postprotocol cohorts included 162 and 82 children, respectively. Overall, 57% were male, and the median (interquartile range) age was 9.1 (4.8-25.0) months. The cohorts did not differ significantly in terms of sex (p = 0.1) or age (p = 0.8). Falls were the most common mechanism of injury (193 patients [79%]). After protocol implementation, there was a relative increase in patients who fell from a height > 3 feet (10% to 29%, p < 0.001) and those with no reported injury mechanism (12% to 16%, p < 0.001). The neurosurgery department was consulted for 86% and 44% of preprotocol and postprotocol cases, respectively (p < 0.001). Trauma consultations and consultations for abusive head trauma did not significantly change (p = 0.2 and p = 0.1, respectively). Admission rate significantly decreased (52% to 38%, p = 0.04), and the 72-hour emergency department revisit rate trended down but was not statistically significant (2.8/year to 1/year, p = 0.2). No deaths occurred, and no inpatient neurosurgical procedures were performed. CONCLUSIONS Protocolization of isolated linear skull fracture management is safe and feasible at a high-volume level 1 pediatric trauma center. Neurosurgical consultation can be prioritized for select patients. Further investigation into criteria for admission, need for interfacility transfers, and healthcare costs is warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca A Reynolds
- 1Department of Neurological Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville
- 2Surgical Outcomes Center for Kids, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Katherine A Kelly
- 3Department of Neurosurgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Ranbir Ahluwalia
- 1Department of Neurological Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville
- 2Surgical Outcomes Center for Kids, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Shilin Zhao
- 4Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville
| | - E Haley Vance
- 1Department of Neurological Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville
- 2Surgical Outcomes Center for Kids, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Harold N Lovvorn
- 5Department of Pediatric Surgery, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville; and
| | - Holly Hanson
- 6Department of Pediatrics, Division of Emergency Medicine, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Chevis N Shannon
- 2Surgical Outcomes Center for Kids, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Christopher M Bonfield
- 1Department of Neurological Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville
- 2Surgical Outcomes Center for Kids, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville, Tennessee
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Daulay ER. Unusual Case of Low-Velocity Large Object Penetrating the Frontal Bone with Favorable Outcome: A Case Report in Pediatric Patient. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2021.6805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Penetrating head injury is one of the deadliest forms of head trauma; the outcome is usually low, and patients who survive long enough require complex medical treatment. Immediate imaging assessment with appropriate management can improve patient recovery.
CASE REPORT: We reported a case of head penetration trauma on a 12-year-old child with embedded cylindrical iron that enters the skull without any signs of neurological deficit.
CONCLUSIONS: This case shows that aggressive diagnostic imaging and emergency care followed by proper immediate head surgery management and postoperative intensive care to monitor and intervene in possible surgical and medical complications could significantly improve patient outcomes.
Collapse
|
6
|
The "non-preventable" preventable transfer? An analysis of the care from support services that injured children transferred to a level 1 pediatric trauma center receive. J Pediatr Surg 2021; 56:1638-1642. [PMID: 33234289 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2020.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Almost 30% of pediatric trauma transfers to our facility have previously been shown to be potentially preventable transfers (PT). However, we sought to evaluate what care from support services these PT received during admission. METHODS Traumatically injured children transferred between January 2014 and June 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. A PT was defined as a child who was discharged within 36 h of arrival without surgical intervention or advanced imaging studies. PT that received support services were compared to those that did not to determine which patients may benefit from these services were their transfers prevented. RESULTS There were 3212 transfers, and 927 (29%) were PT. When compared to non-PT, PT were younger, closer to our hospital, and had a lower ISS, extremity or C-spine injury, or assault/non-accidental trauma mechanism. PT were less likely to have a chest injury or a CT at the referring hospital. Of the PT, 30% had a support service consulted. PT with higher ISS or a head injury was more likely to receive a consultation with a support service. CONCLUSIONS A significant proportion of these "preventable" transfers still receive important care from support services during their admission. TYPE OF STUDY Retrospective study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III.
Collapse
|
7
|
Tang AR, Reynolds RA, Dallas J, Chen H, Vance EH, Bonfield CM, Shannon CN. Admission trends in pediatric isolated linear skull fracture across the United States. J Neurosurg Pediatr 2021; 28:183-195. [PMID: 34087799 DOI: 10.3171/2020.12.peds20659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Pediatric isolated linear skull fractures commonly result from head trauma and rarely require surgery, yet patients are often admitted to the hospital-a costly care plan. In this study, the authors utilized a national database to investigate trends in admission for skull fractures across the United States. METHODS Children younger than 18 years with isolated linear skull fracture, according to ICD-9 diagnosis codes in the Kids' Inpatient Database of the Healthcare and Utilization Project (HCUP), who presented between 2003 and 2016 were included. HCUP collected data in 2003, 2006, 2009, 2012, and 2016. Children with a depressed skull fracture, multiple traumatic injuries, and acute intracranial findings were excluded. Sample-level data were translated into population-level data by using an HCUP-specific discharge weight. RESULTS Overall, 11,355 patients (64% males) were admitted to 1605 hospitals. National admissions decreased from 3053 patients in 2003 to 1203 in 2016. The mean ± SD age at admission also decreased from 6.3 ± 5.9 years to 1.2 ± 3.0 years (p < 0.001). The proportion of patients in the lowest quartile of median household income increased by 9%, while that in the highest income quartile decreased by 7% (p < 0.001). Admission was generally more common in the summer months (June, July, and August) and on weekdays (68%). The mean ± SD hospital length of stay decreased from 2.0 ± 3.1 days to 1.4 ± 1.4 days between 2003 and 2012, and then increased to 2.1 ± 6.8 days in 2016 (p < 0.001). When adjusted for inflation, the mean total hospital charges increased from $13,099 to $21,204 (p < 0.001). The greatest proportion of admissions was in the South (35%), and the lowest was in the Northeast (17%). The proportion of patients admitted to large hospitals increased (59% to 72%, p < 0.001), which corresponded to a decrease in patients admitted to small hospitals (16% to 9%, p < 0.001). Overall, the total proportion of admissions to rural hospitals decreased by 6%, and that to urban teaching centers increased by 15% (p < 0.001). Since 2003, no child has undergone a neurosurgical procedure or died as an inpatient. CONCLUSIONS This study identified a general nationwide decrease in admissions for pediatric linear isolated skull fracture, but associated costs increased. Admissions became less common at smaller rural hospitals and more common at larger urban teaching hospitals. This patient population required no inpatient neurosurgical intervention after 2003.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alan R Tang
- 1Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville
- 2Surgical Outcomes Center for Kids, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville
| | - Rebecca A Reynolds
- 2Surgical Outcomes Center for Kids, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville
- 3Department of Neurological Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Jonathan Dallas
- 2Surgical Outcomes Center for Kids, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville
- 4Department of Neurological Surgery, Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California; and
| | - Heidi Chen
- 2Surgical Outcomes Center for Kids, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville
- 5Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - E Haley Vance
- 2Surgical Outcomes Center for Kids, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville
- 3Department of Neurological Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Christopher M Bonfield
- 2Surgical Outcomes Center for Kids, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville
- 3Department of Neurological Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Chevis N Shannon
- 2Surgical Outcomes Center for Kids, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville
- 3Department of Neurological Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| |
Collapse
|