A prospective clinical study of routine repeat computed tomography (CT) after traumatic brain injury (TBI)

Brain Inj. 2012;26(10):1211-6. doi: 10.3109/02699052.2012.667591. Epub 2012 May 9.

Abstract

Purpose: To discuss the repeated CT scanning in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and to identify the conditions under which this approach is necessary.

Methods: One hundred and seventy-one patients who suffered TBI but were not surgically treated were divided into two groups: the routine-repeat CT group (n = 89) and the non-routine-repeat CT group (n = 82). The patients' clinical characteristics were compared. T-tests and stepwise logistic regression were used for analysis. Patients in the routine-repeat CT group were divided into three groups according to GCS scores to determine the need for routinely repeated CT scans.

Results: The results revealed statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of neuro-ICU-LOS and LOS (p < 0.01). No significant differences emerged with respect to hospital charges and GCS scores at discharge (p > 0.05). AGE, international normalized ratio (INR), D-dimer concentration (DD), GCS scores and number of hours between the first CT scan and the injury (HCT1) were influential factors of developing progressive haemorrhage.

Conclusion: The routine-repeat CT group fared better than did the non-routine-repeat CT group. Routinely repeated CTs were minimally effective among those with mild TBI, whereas this procedure demonstrated a significant effect on patients with moderate and severe TBI.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Brain Injuries / diagnostic imaging*
  • Brain Injuries / physiopathology
  • China
  • Diagnostic Tests, Routine
  • Female
  • Hematoma, Epidural, Cranial / diagnostic imaging*
  • Hematoma, Subdural, Acute / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prospective Studies
  • Risk Assessment
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*