Clinical-Epidemiological Characterization of Patients with Severe Traumatic Brain Injury in Matanzas: Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study

Abstract

Introduction: Severe traumatic brain injury is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, with a significant burden on healthcare systems.

Objective: To characterize patients with severe traumatic brain injuries admitted to the Critical Care Service, according to sociodemographic, clinical and radiological aspects.

Methods: An observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out in 86 patients. Data were collected from medical records; sociodemographic variables, types of primary injuries, indicators of complication and status at discharge were analyzed. Statistical analysis used absolute and relative frequencies.

Results: The 25-59 age group (60.5%), the male sex (79.1%) and the urban origin (73.3%) predominated. All patients experienced loss of consciousness. 55.8% had an optic nerve sheath diameter >5 mm. The primary focal lesion was the most frequent (84.9%). The most common complications were the combination of hypertension, pneumonia, and thermoregulation disorders. Overall mortality was 72.1%, higher in patients with mixed focal lesions, diffuse lesions with endocranial hypertension and depressed fractures.

Conclusions: The patient with severe traumatic brain injury in Matanzas is typically a young or middle-aged male adult. Loss of consciousness was general and optic nerve measurement was a key indicator of endocranial hypertension. Complex focal and diffuse lesions were associated with high mortality. The need for intensive neurocritical management is highlighted.