Long-Term Results of Patients with Head Injuries Treated in Different Hospitals After the Wenchuan, China, Earthquake

ObjectiveTo present an overview of mortality, disability, and depression among patients with head injuries admitted to multiple center hospitals after the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake in China.MethodsA retrospective analysis was done of the medical records of earthquake victims with head traumas admitted to three different area hospitals; analysis included 18 months of follow-up. Demographic data, causes of injury, diagnosis, clinical classification, treatment, and prognosis were reviewed.ResultsThis analysis included 1299 victims with craniocerebral injuries admitted to eight hospitals in or near the disaster zone. The victims were divided into three main groups. Group A comprised 68 victims treated in the local hospital; all 68 (100%) were hospitalized during the 24 hours after the earthquake, and 38 (55.88%) victims died 18 months later. Group B comprised 600 victims treated in regional hospitals; 264 (44%) were admitted within 72 hours after the earthquake, and 109 (18.17%) died. Group C comprised 631 victims transported to territory hospitals; 39 (6.18%) were dead at 18 months. Among survivors, 409 (31.48%) victims sustained a disability, and 879 (80.35%) have depression.ConclusionsIn the first 72 hours after this major earthquake, the local and regional hospital neurosurgery departments were flooded with numerous victims with craniocerebral injuries. Most of these patients died or were disabled. The territory hospitals with expert neurosurgeons and advanced equipment did not effectively contribute to successful treatment of victims. The mobile hospital played an important role in initial triage and treatment.Peer-Review Article