Abstract

GARCIA GOMEZ, Alberto et al. Characterization of severe cranioencehaplic trauma. Rev Cub Med Mil [online]. 2009, vol.38, n.3-4. ISSN 0138-6557.

OBJECTIVE. To characterize the cranioencephalic trauma course seen in Intensive Care Unit from «Dr. Carlos J. Finlay» Central Military Hospital from January, 2005 to December, 2007. METHODS. A cross-sectional, retrospective and descriptive study was conducted. Medical records of Intensive Care registers, Pathological Anatomy, and of Forensic Medicine were reviewed. Study variable were: age, sex, type and causal agent of trauma, status at discharge, presence of associated lesions, and the direct cause of death. We used the t test, Chi², and odds ratio with a significance level of 5 % and a reliability level of 95 %. RESULTS. The 88 % of male patients had cranioencephalic trauma and the female sex mortality was of 66.7 %. The 42.9 % corresponded to those aged 16-34 and mortality was of 76.2 % in those over 55 years. The 58.6 % had lesions associated and its mortality was of 63.4 %. Road accidents accounted for 61.5 % of causes, and that of firearms shoed a mortality of 100 %. CONCLUSIONS. There was predominance of male sex in cranioencephalic traumata and mortality was higher in female sex. The higher ratio by age groups corresponded to young patients aged 16-34 and mortality was higher in persons aged over 55 and its mortality in this group was high. The leading causal agent was the road accidents, and the three more significant death causes were the direct lesion of superior nerve centers, bronchopneumonia and endocranial hypertension.

Keywords : Cranioencephalic trauma; causal agent; mortality; lethality.

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