gms | German Medical Science

58. Jahrestagung der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Neurochirurgie e. V. (DGNC)

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Neurochirurgie (DGNC) e. V.

26. bis 29.04.2007, Leipzig

Traumatic epidural haematomas in children – outcome analysis of 39 consecutive unselected cases

Traumatische Epiduralhämatome bei Kindern – Outcome Analyse einer Serie von 39 konsekutiven unselektierten Fällen

Meeting Abstract

  • corresponding author R. Gerlach - Klinik für Neurochirurgie, Johann-Wolfgang-Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt/Main
  • S. Dittrich - Klinik für Pädiatrie der Johann-Wolfgang-Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt/Main
  • E. Hermann - Klinik für Neurochirurgie, Johann-Wolfgang-Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt/Main
  • M. Kieslich - Klinik für Pädiatrie der Johann-Wolfgang-Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt/Main
  • W. Schneider - Klinik für Pädiatrie der Johann-Wolfgang-Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt/Main
  • V. Seifert - Klinik für Neurochirurgie, Johann-Wolfgang-Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt/Main

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Neurochirurgie. 58. Jahrestagung der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Neurochirurgie e.V. (DGNC). Leipzig, 26.-29.04.2007. Düsseldorf: German Medical Science GMS Publishing House; 2007. DocFR.08.08

The electronic version of this article is the complete one and can be found online at: http://www.egms.de/en/meetings/dgnc2007/07dgnc120.shtml

Published: April 11, 2007

© 2007 Gerlach et al.
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Outline

Text

Objective: To review cause and outcome of traumatic epidural haematomas (EDH) in children and define variables related to adverse outcome in a consecutive series.

Methods: 39 (12 female) children with EDH, with or without associated skull fracture(s), were referred to our Department between June 1997 and October 2006 and surgically treated. Patient's medical records, cCT scans and – if performed – MRI scans were retrospectively reviewed to define variables associated with adverse outcome. Variables included in the analysis were age, cause of injury, associated severe extracranial trauma, severity of head injury (GCS<8), unilateral dilated pupil, EDH location (side), parenchymal brain injury (ICB) and signs of diffuse axonal injury (DAI). Outcome was classified as favourable (mRS 0-2) and unfavourable (mRS>2).

Results: Mean age of the children was 82.8±59.6 months (Min 1, Max 191). With the exception of 3 children, all EDH were associated with a skull fracture. The cause of the EDH was related to traffic accidents in 14 (3 car, 4 bicycle, 6 others), home accidents in 16 and others in 9 children. Mean size of EDH was 16mm (Min 4, Max 35). 6 children had associated brain contusion and 1 had DAI. 3 children had a unilateral dilated pupil. Outcome was favorable in 38 and unfavorable in 1, which was not directly related to the EDH.

Conclusions: Regardless of the cause of injury, the size of the EDH and symptoms of transtentorial herniation, the outcome and prognosis of children with EDH is excellent.