Abstract Title:

Predictors of mortality in trauma patients with intracranial hemorrhage on preinjury aspirin or clopidogrel.

Abstract Source:

J Trauma. 2008 Oct;65(4):785-8. PMID: 18849791

Abstract Author(s):

Felicia A Ivascu, Greg A Howells, Fredrick S Junn, Holly A Bair, Phillip J Bendick, Randy J Janczyk

Article Affiliation:

William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, Michigan, USA. [email protected]

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: The mortality risk in elderly patients who sustained head trauma resulting in intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) while taking the antiplatelet agents aspirin (ASA) or clopidogrel or both (Plavix) was evaluated. METHODS: A retrospective review identified trauma patients, age 50 or greater, who had computed tomography (CT) evidence of ICH and were taking ASA, clopidogrel, or a combination of both. Patient demographics, type of medication, mechanism of injury, Glasgow Coma Score (GCS), grading of head CT scans, and outcomes were characterized. RESULTS: One hundred nine patients including 61 men and 48 women were identified; the mean age was 77 years +/- 10 years. Injury was due to level fall (73), fall from height (21), motor vehicle crash (11), and other (4). Twenty (18%) patients died; age, gender, type of medication, and mechanism of injury were not predictive of death. The initial GCS for survivors was 14.2 +/- 1.9 versus 11.3 +/- 4.9 for nonsurvivors (p<0.007). Deaths based on initial CT grade were: grade 1, 5 of 70; grade 2, 4 of 17; grade 3, 5 of 10; grade 4, 6 of 12 (p = 0.002). Follow-up CT scans were performed in 81 patients who were not taken to surgery and had grade 1 or 2 hemorrhage initially. Of 4 patients with hemorrhage progression, there was 1 death (25%) versus 6 deaths in 77 patients without progression (8%; p = 0.70). CONCLUSIONS: There is high mortality rate associated with ASA or clopidogrel or both in elderly patients who have head trauma resulting in ICH. The presenting GCS and initial grade of CT scan are most predictive of death. Progression of hemorrhage after admission is unusual. The risk of brain injury, particularly from falls, should be explained to elderly patients taking these medications.

Study Type : Human Study

Print Options


Key Research Topics

This website is for information purposes only. By providing the information contained herein we are not diagnosing, treating, curing, mitigating, or preventing any type of disease or medical condition. Before beginning any type of natural, integrative or conventional treatment regimen, it is advisable to seek the advice of a licensed healthcare professional.

© Copyright 2008-2024 GreenMedInfo.com, Journal Articles copyright of original owners, MeSH copyright NLM.