Multivariate Analysis of Prognostic Factors in Children with Severe Cranioencephalic Trauma Requiring Decompressive Craniotomy

Abstract

Introduction: Cranioencephalic trauma in pediatric ages is a relevant health problem worldwide and in Cuba.

Objective: To determine the prognostic factors of severe cranioencephalic trauma in children who required decompressive craniotomy.

Methods: A cross-sectional and correlational study of case series type was carried out at the neurosurgery service of Hospital Pediátrico de Camagüey during the period from January 2019 to December 2021. A total of 27 children with severe cranioencephalic trauma who met the research selection criteria were studied. The analyzed variables included age group, sex, injury intensity, surgical technique, cerebral perfusion and obtained surgical outcomes.

Results: The age group 11-18 years (45.5 %) and male sex (72.7 %) predominated. The highest score in the variable injury intensity corresponded to the realization of bilateral craniotomies (mean = 78.63). A significant decrease (p = 0.024) in cerebral perfusion was found in patients aged 8 years or under (mean = 61.6387) and it was found to be more diminished in patients who required bilateral craniotomy (p = 0.001). The worst obtained outcomes corresponded to patients with a biological age of 8 years or under, who required bilateral craniotomy.

Conclusions: Age under 8 years was associated with greater cerebral perfusion impairment and worse outcomes. The need for bilateral craniotomies was associated with greater intensity of the encephalic injury, higher preoperative intracranial pressure and cerebral perfusion impairment.