Abstract

MATOS, Andrés Andrés et al. Complications of severe cranioencephalic trauma in the pediatric intensive care unit. Rev Cubana Pediatr [online]. 2011, vol.83, n.3, pp.236-247. ISSN 0034-7531.

Introduction: the severe cranioencephalic trauma re responsible of serious medical exacerbating the secondary cerebral lesion and frequently are the cause of death. Objective: to know the particularities of the medical complications in patients presenting with severe cranioencephalic trauma seen in the "Octavio de la Concepción y de la Pedraja" Children Hospital from 2007 to 2009. Methods: a descriptive study was conducted in patients presenting with cranioencephalic trauma from 2007 to 2009 to analyze the complication influencing in its clinical course. Results: the age with a greater predominance was that between 11-15 years (56,90 %); the patients included in the 1-5 years group were more vulnerable to medical complications. The unstable fractures (62,96 %), break of solid viscera (51,85 %) and the respiratory failure (44,44 %) were the more obvious clinical manifestations at admission. In the Intensive Care Unit the more frequent clinical complications were: hydroelectric disorders (94,28 %) and malnutrition (77,14 %). Hyperglycemia and respiratory distress were significantly related to mortality. The 92,59 % of deceased added 3 points in the Glasgow's scale. Mechanical ventilation was independent of medical complications. Conclusions: the severe cranial traumata are the basis for the development of some and severe complications present as a problem in the medical practice.

Keywords : severe cranioencephalic trauma; complications; mechanical ventilation; Glasgow's scale.

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