Isolated Severe Traumatic Brain Injuries: Association of Blood Alcohol Levels With the Severity of Injuries and Outcomes

• DOI: 10.1097/ta.0b013e3181bb80bf
• Publication Date: 2010-02-25T06:49:23Z
• Authors: Peep Talving; David Plurad; Galinos Barmparas; Joseph DuBose; Kenji Inaba; Lydia Lam; Linda Chan; Demetrios Demetri...
• Keywords: Abbreviated Injury Scale

Background: Traumatic brain injury is a common cause of death after traumatic insults. Alcohol intoxication recognized contributor to the occurrence these injuries. The specific effects alcohol exposure on severity and subsequent outcomes, however, remain controversial. aim this study was investigate relationship between blood levels (BAL) outcomes in patients with isolated severe injuries (sTBI). Methods: During calendar year 2003, as part pilot project, Los Angeles County Department Health Services obtained routine BAL all transported any its 13 trauma centers. This analyzes effect sTBI (head Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) score ≥3; extracranial AIS <3). Low/No ethanol (ETOH) group included negative or low (<0.08 mg/dL) BAL. Patients ≥0.08 mg/dL constituted high ETOH group. Logistic regression performed determine whether had an independent association outcomes. Results: There were 815 head Overall, 468 (57%) group, 347 (43%) not significantly associated injury, hypotension at admission, Glasgow Coma score, incidence major complications, intensive care unit hospital length stay. However, adjusted mortality lower when compared (8.9% vs. 17.1%; odds ratio: 0.60, 95% confidence interval: 0.37-0.96, p = 0.037). In subgroup Severity Score >15 relative risk for than ETOH. also increased survival >25, but statistically significant. Conclusions: Among sTBI, do seem be overall severity, morbidities. Similarly, lengths are affected by admission level. in-hospital mortality, presenting (≥0.08 g/dL) sTBI.