Introduction: To discuss the repeated CT scanning in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and to identify the conditions under which this approach is necessary.
Methods: One hundred and seventy-one patients who suffered TBI but were not surgically treated were divided into two groups: the routine-repeat CT group (n1/489) and the non-routine-repeat CT group (n1/482). The patients’ clinical characteristics were compared. T-tests and stepwise logistic regression were used for analysis. Patients in the routine-repeat CT group were divided into three groups according to GCS scores to determine the need for routinely repeated CT scans.
Results: The results revealed statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of neuro-ICU-LOS and LOS (p<0.01). No significant differences emerged with respect to hospital charges and GCS scores at discharge (p>0.05). AGE, international normalized ratio (INR), D-dimer concentration (DD), GCS scores and number of hours between the first CT scan and the injury (HCT1) were influential factors of developing progressive haemorrhage.
Conclusions: The routine-repeat CT group fared better than did the non-routine-repeat CT group. Routinely repeated CTs were minimally effective among those with mild TBI, whereas this procedure demonstrated a significant effect on patients with moderate and severe TBI.
Patient Care: It may decrease patient's mortality.
Learning Objectives: To treat TBI regulatory.