Cerebral Hypoxia in Severely Brain-Injured Patients Is Associated with Admission Glasgow Coma Scale Score, Computed Tomographic Severity, Cerebral Perfusion Pressure, and Survival

C. Michael Dunham, Kenneth J. Ransom, Laurie L. Flowers, Joel D. Siegal, Chander M. Kohli, Alex B. Valadka, Frederick A. Moore, Stephen M. Cohn

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

57 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship of cerebral hypoxia with admission Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, brain computed tomographic (CT) severity, cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP), and survival in patients with severe brain injury. Methods: CPP and noninvasive transcranial oximetry (Stco2) were recorded hourly for 6 days in patients with a GCS score ≤ 8 (3,722 observations). CT score was derived from midline shift (0/1) plus abnormal cisterns (0/1) plus subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) (0/1) (range, 0-3). Results: Brain CT results were as follows: shift, 10 (56%); abnormal cisterns, 14 (78%); SAH, 9 (50%); epidural hematoma, 2 (11%); subdural hematoma, 11 (61%); and contusion, 17 (94%). The incidences of Stco2 < 60 were: GCS score 3-4, 26.5%; GCS score 5-7, 12.4%; and GCS score 8, 2.8% (p < 0.0001); CT score 2/3, 26.4%; and CT score 0/1, 10.0% (p < 0.0001); nonsurvivors 36.1%; and survivors 16.3% (p < 0.0001). For incidence of CPP < 70, the results were as follows: Stco2 < 60%, 33% of observations; Stco2 ≥ 60%, 10% of observations (odds ratio, 4.3; p < 0.01). Despite CPP ≥ 70, Stco2 < 60 incidence was 16% of observations. Conclusion: Cerebral hypoxia is common, even with CPP ≥ 70, and is associated with GCS score, CT scan severity, and mortality. Cerebral hypoxia is related to cerebral hypoperfusion. Additional studies may prove that Stco2 monitoring will enhance the treatment of severe brain injury.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)482-491
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Trauma - Injury, Infection and Critical Care
Volume56
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2004
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Cerebral hypoxia
  • Cerebral perfusion pressure
  • Computed tomographic scan score
  • Glasgow Coma Scale score
  • Traumatic brain injury

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine

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