Outcome and prognostic factors of traumatic brain injury: a prospective evaluation in a Jakarta University hospital

The aim of the study was to report management and outcome of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in a Jakarta University hospital, and to determine prognostic factors. All consecutive patients with an Abbreviated Injury Score (AIS) head of ⩾ 4 or an AIS head score of ⩾ 3 combined with an AIS score of ⩾ 2 in any other body region were analyzed on patient characteristics and outcome. Prognostic factors evaluated were Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, pupil reactions and probability of survival based on the Trauma and Injury Severity Score (TRISS) method. A total of 49 patients were included; overall mortality was 37%. The GCS and abnormal pupil reactions were associated with mortality with an odds ratio of 0.78 and 6.90, respectively. Thus, TBI has a poor prognosis in the population under study. The TRISS has limitations in evaluating trauma care for this selected group of patients. GCS and pupil reactions are valuable and simple for usage as prognostic factors.