Head Injury Mortality in the Nordic Countries

Abstract

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Western countries. Effective management planning for these patients requires knowledge of TBI epidemiology. The purpose of this study was to describe and analyze the development of TBI mortality in the Nordic countries during the period 1987-2001. Data on TBI deaths were retrieved from the national official statistical agencies according to specified diagnostic codes. We also collected data on the number of operations for acute TBI in the year 2000 from all Nordic hospitals admitting trauma patients. Finland had about twice as high a TBI mortality rate as the other countries. Similarly, the Finnish incidence of acute TBI operations was nearly twice that of the other countries. The median TBI death rate for Finland was 21.2 per 100,000 per year, and for Denmark, Norway, and Sweden 11.5, 10.4, and 9.5, respectively. There were more male than female deaths in all countries. The mortality rate from extracranial injuries was relatively equal between the countries. We observed a sizeable reduction in TBI mortality rates for all countries, except in Finland. Younger age groups had the most pronounced decrease in TBI mortality rates. The oldest age group had the least favorable development of TBI mortality rates, and the mean age of TBI casualties increased substantially during the study period. This study demonstrates considerable differences in and between the Nordic countries regarding TBI mortality. Preventive measures and implementation of regional guidelines are needed to assure a positive development in the future.

Incidence and Outcome of Traumatic Brain Injury in an Urban Area in Western Europe over 10 Years

“…Considering the distribution of age within our study population, a second peak was noted for the group between 50 and 59 years of age, but far less pronounced as compared to the younger age groups. In most other epidemiological studies on TBI, a second peak in the elderly, mostly due to falls, is observed [42] . As our approach within the given study was to analyze relevant TBI based upon prehospital emergency system documentation, minor to moderate falls in the elderly may have been missed.…”

Incidence of Hospital-Admitted Severe Traumatic Brain Injury and In-Hospital Fatality in Norway: A National Cohort Study

“…A major drop in the mortality rate in the USA in trauma patients with severe TBI occurred between 1986 and 1995 [6]. The mortality rates from head injuries in Nordic countries (Denmark, Sweden and Norway) also declined from 1987 to 2000 [7], which is consistent with the trends in the USA [6]. However, a recent review by Stein et al [8] argued that TBI-related mortality has been stable over the last decade.…”

Clinical Factors Associated with Intracranial Complications after Pediatric Traumatic Head Injury: An Observational Study of Children Submitted to a Neurosurgical Referral Unit

“…Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in western countries with a mortality rate of 9.5–11.5/100,000 per year in Sweden, Norway and Denmark [1]. Each year, about 17,000 patients seek emergency care due to head injury in Sweden [2,3].…”