Characteristics of Adult Inpatient Traumatic Brain Injuries

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: The overall purpose of this study was to describe comorbidities, charges, and mortality associated with inpatient, adult traumatic brain injury (TBI) cases in the United States (US) for the year 2007. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort analysis of discharge records located in the National Emergency Department Sample (NEDS) of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP). Descriptive statistics are provided for comorbidities, charges, and mortality. Logistic regression was performed to find characteristics associated with mortality while multiple regression was used to assess charges. Independent variables included age, injury severity, procedures used, location of TBI, and primary payer. RESULTS: A total of 639,698 TBI cases were found which were associated with 267,061 hospital admissions, over $17 billion in hospital charges, and 20,620 deaths in the year 2007.Most common comorbidities were essential hypertension, sprains and strains of the back, tobacco use, fluid and electrolyte disorders, and alcohol-related disorders. Characteristics associated with increased mortality and charges included New Injury Severity Score (NISS) over 10, involvement of a firearm, falls, motor vehicle traffic, and intubation. CONCLUSION: The current study gives the most current picture of inpatient adult TBI cases throughout the US. Future research is warranted to ensure that optimal outcomes are being attained in this vulnerable patient population.