Epidemiology and Implications of Traumatic Brain Injury in Patients Admitted to Intensive Care Units: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Objective: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major worldwide burden and can cause lifelong disabilities. Understanding its vulnerable population in unstable places would be useful in preparedness to reduce the mortality rate and morbidity. This study aimed to determine patients’ patterns with TBI and estimate its contribution to injury-related mortality and population-wide mortality.

Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study included all patients presenting with TBI and admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) at Al-Sader Medical City/ Al-Najaf and Baghdad Teaching Hospital/ Baghdad from 1^st January 2012 to 31 December 2014. All patients' records were reviewed, and the data were extracted and analysed.

Results: A total of 238 individuals with TBI were admitted to the ICU throughout the specified timeframe. Males constituted 89.08% of the cases, and approximately 63% of the patients were aged between 21 and 40 years. The mortality rate was around 20.17%, and the main significant risk factors for increased mortality rate were, respiratory distress (odd ratio OR= 17.53), the conservative treatment (OR= 20.03), a skull fracture (OR= 2.76), hypotension (OR= 10.43), Severe Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) (OR)= 19.54) with (p-value 0.001), and cerebrospinal fluid leak (OR= 7.19), and (P- value < 0.05).

Conclusion: Males in their 20s and 30s represent the most vulnerable group for TBI, probably due to cultural and religious factors, as women generally have lower participation in military activities and tend to stay home more often in unstable situations. This underscores the need for enhanced preventive policies, improved trauma centres, and better safety measures.