Risk Factors and Neurological Outcomes Associated With Circulatory Shock After Moderate-Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: A TRACK-TBI Study

Neurosurgery. 2022 Sep 1;91(3):427-436. doi: 10.1227/neu.0000000000002042. Epub 2022 May 24.

Abstract

Background: Extracranial multisystem organ failure is a common sequela of severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Risk factors for developing circulatory shock and long-term functional outcomes of this patient subset are poorly understood.

Objective: To identify emergency department predictors of circulatory shock after moderate-severe TBI and examine long-term functional outcomes in patients with moderate-severe TBI who developed circulatory shock.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the Transforming Clinical Research and Knowledge in TBI database for adult patients with moderate-severe TBI, defined as a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of <13 and stratified by the development of circulatory shock within 72 hours of hospital admission (Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score ≥2). Demographic and clinical data were assessed with descriptive statistics. A forward selection regression model examined risk factors for the development of circulatory shock. Functional outcomes were examined using multivariable regression models.

Results: Of our moderate-severe TBI population (n = 407), 168 (41.2%) developed circulatory shock. Our predictive model suggested that race, computed tomography Rotterdam scores <3, GCS in the emergency department, and development of hypotension in the emergency department were associated with developing circulatory shock. Those who developed shock had less favorable 6-month functional outcomes measured by the 6-month GCS-Extended (odds ratio 0.36, P = .002) and 6-month Disability Rating Scale score (Diff. in means 3.86, P = .002) and a longer length of hospital stay (Diff. in means 11.0 days, P < .001).

Conclusion: We report potential risk factors for circulatory shock after moderate-severe TBI. Our study suggests that developing circulatory shock after moderate-severe TBI is associated with poor long-term functional outcomes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brain Injuries*
  • Brain Injuries, Traumatic* / complications
  • Brain Injuries, Traumatic* / epidemiology
  • Glasgow Coma Scale
  • Humans
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk Factors