Causes of cranio-cerebral trauma in the Republic of Moldova

Abstract

Introduction: Cranial injuries are the main cause of the mortality and neurological dysfunctions globally. It is a social and financial burden for the patients, their families and the Public System of Health. Because of that, annually, in Europe are registered 57000 of deaths and 1,5 mln. of hospitalizations. Purpose: The goal of the current study was to examine the number and the causes of cranio-cerebral trauma in the population of the Republic of Moldova and their distribution in reference groups. Material and methods: This study has included the 3-months’ retrospective and 6- months’ prospective data in 2 tertiary level hospitals from Moldova. A questionnaire was applied to collect medical records’ data and they were analised with the help of Microsoft Excel app. Results: During these 9 months were registered 518 patients with traumatic craniocerebral injuries, with the age included between 0 and 79, 294 of them were adults and 224 children. The trauma circumstances have been documented in accordance with national and international guidelines. The main production mechanisms were: I place - falling from a height (277 cases), II place – traffic accidents (149 cases), III place - interpersonal violence (73 cases) and on the IVth place – harming yourself (73 cases). Addressability and need for specialized treatment in proportion of 377 on men and 141 women, the majority need the advanced medical care. Conclusions: Beside all the cranio-cerebral injuries presented and treated in neurosurgery services in the Republic of Moldova, the majority were part of the adult male population and the majority being caused by the falling from a height and traffic accidents.