Epidemiology of Traumatic Brain Injury in Georgia: A Prospective Hospital-Based Study

Abstract

Purpose: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, disproportionally affecting low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). Epidemiological characteristics of TBI at a national level are absent for most LMICs including Georgia. This study aimed to establish the registries and assess causes and outcomes in TBI patients presenting to two major trauma hospitals in the capital city-Tbilisi. Patients and Methods: The prospective observational study was conducted at Acad. O. Gudushauri National Medical Center and M. Iashvili Children's Central Hospital from March, 1 through August, 31, 2019. Patients of all age groups admitted to one of the study hospitals with a TBI diagnosis were eligible for participation. Collected data were uploaded using the electronic data collection tool-REDCap, analyzed through SPSS software and evaluated to provide detailed information on TBI-related variables and outcomes using descriptive statistics. Results: Overall, 542 hospitalized patients were enrolled during the study period, about 63% were male and the average age was 17.7. The main causes of TBI were falls (58%) and struck by or against an object (22%). The 97% suffered from mild TBI (GCS 13-15). Over 23% of patients arrived at the hospital more than 1 hour after injury and 25% after more than 4-hours post-injury. Moderate and severe TBI were associated with an increased hospital length of stay. Mortality rate of severe TBI was 54%. Conclusion: This study provides important information on the major epidemiological characteristics of TBI in Georgia, which should be considered for setting priorities for injury management.

Road Traffic Injuries among Women Brought to the Largest Tertiary Hospital in the Philippines

“…High fatalities among road crash patients with head injury was observed in the study of Kourouma et al (2019) as head injuries were also accompanied with lower GCS levels. 50 In contrast, another study by Burkadze et al (2021) observed longer hospital stays the more severe the injury to the brain but, they also observed that fatal brain injuries occurred the most among road crash victims. 51 It is interesting to note that a review conducted by Gupte et al (2019) found that there were sex differences regarding traumatic brain injuries, such that women were more likely to have worse prognosis from traumatic brain injuries.…”

“…50 In contrast, another study by Burkadze et al (2021) observed longer hospital stays the more severe the injury to the brain but, they also observed that fatal brain injuries occurred the most among road crash victims. 51 It is interesting to note that a review conducted by Gupte et al (2019) found that there were sex differences regarding traumatic brain injuries, such that women were more likely to have worse prognosis from traumatic brain injuries. 52 Women were also more likely to report worse traumatic brain injury symptoms than men.…”

Epidemiological features of traumatic brain injuries from a first level trauma care na-tional medical center in Georgia

“…Georgia, by virtue of its GNI per capita of US $ 4046,8, is categorized as a middle-income country that is still in the 'Centre of Development' (18). In Georgia, just like other developing countries, TBI remains one of the leading causes of mortality and disability, especially among young Georgians (19). TBI affects families, communities and societies in Georgia and have far-reaching human, social and economic costs manifested in increased emergency department visits, hospitalizations, disability and deaths.…”