Retrospective study of traumatic brain injuries as a result of road accidents

Abstract

Introduction. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a critical public health and socioeconomic problem throughout the world, making epidemiological monitoring of incidence, prevalence and outcome of TBI necessary. TBI are a major cause of mortality and morbidity in adolescents, young adults and the elderly, one of the leading causes being road traffic accidents. More than 1.3 million people die annually as a result of road accidents worldwide and are the main cause of mortality among young people aged 15- 29. Subsequent consequences require long-term treatment and rehabilitation. The aim of the study is to evaluate the burden of road accidents having as a consequence traumatic brain injury and provide appropriate suggestions for prevention. Material and methods. A retrospective study was conducted among patients with TBI within 2 medical institutions from Chisinau municipality: Emergency Medicine Institute and Children's hospital “Valentin Ignatenco”. It was applied a questionnaire, completed on the basis of medical records according to ICD10 codes for 150 patients (100 adults, 50 children). The collection period was August, 1 - October, 31, 2018. The data were uploading using the existing electronic data collection tool - Red Cap and analyzed trough Microsoft Excel. Data collection was performed by a resident neurosurgery and a scientific researcher. The ethics committee's approval has been obtained. Results. From the total number of the TBI patients , there have been identified 24% cases of TBI as a result of road traffic accidents, aged between 0-73 years old, ofwhich 58.3% were male adults and 41.7% -young minor until 18 years old (22.2% male, 19.4% female). Although TBI cases as a result of road accidents occurred proportionally in both rural and urban areas, withal, most cases occurred in the age group of 30-39 years old in rural areas (13.9%), being followed by the age group of 7- 14 years old and 15-17 years old in urban areas (11,1%). Most patients reached the hospital by ambulance and only 11.1% walk-in. All adult patients were diagnosed with intracranial injury, sequel (S06.xxxS) sequel, while minor patients and with other specified injuries of the head, sequel (S09.8xxS). Most of the patients are students aged 15-17 years and 25-29 years old (39.4%), followed by those employed 30 years> (27.3%), unemployed (21.2%), and agriculture (3%). All cases of road injury were unintentionally, in only 8,3% it was mentioned as a work related injury, in the group of age 40-49 years old and 60 years old>. In more than 83, 3% have taken place in transport area (public highway, street or road) and the most affected age group being the age group of 30-39 years old. Of the 3 months of study, most cases were recorded in August (52.8%), most cases of accidents being registered between 12.00-14.00 of the day (27.8%) and 16.00-18.00 (22.2%). Have been addressed for medical help in the first half of the day (08.00-12.00) in 33, 3%, peak hours being 14.00-16.00 in 36, 1%. Conclusion. The data obtained could be useful for the hospital administration in managing the necessary resources and for conducting information campaigns among the high risk groups.