The Outcomes of Traumatic Acute Subdural Hematoma in a Tertiary Center in Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

Background Acute traumatic subdural hematoma is life-threatening and is associated with high unfavorable outcomes in developing countries. Objective We aim to identify factors contributing to outcomes after severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) due to acute subdural hematoma (SDH) in patients admitted to National Hospital Abuja, Nigeria. Methods This was a retrospective review of 34 patients who consecutively underwent neurosurgery for acute SDH over five years (from January 2015 to December 2019). Demographic data, clinical characteristics, and the time intervals from injury to surgery were investigated to determine the interactions between all these factors and outcome. Outcome was graded according to the Glasgow outcome scale at the three-month follow-up. Results Out of 34 patients who had surgical evacuation for traumatic acute subdural hematoma, 15 patients died (44.1%). A significant correlation was identified between outcome and the Glasgow coma scale score at admission. No significant correlation was seen between the outcome and the age, gender and the time from injury to surgery (chi² test, p>0.05). Conclusion The rate of unfavorable outcomes in acute subdural hematoma is high. The Glasgow coma score at admission is an important predictor for outcome in traumatic acute subdural hematoma.

Keywords: acute subdural hematoma; brain trauma injury; functional outcome; glasgow coma scale; surgical outcome; time from injury to surgery.

Figure 1. Duration from time of injury to surgery