Aim
We investigated whether the level of consciousness can be predicted using pupillometer measurements in patients with severe disturbance of consciousness.
Methods
Patients with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) of 3–8, except for those after cardiac arrest, were included. Pupillary contraction rate and contraction velocity were each measured using a pupillometer.
Results
Thirty‐five patients were analyzed. At the time of discharge or changing hospitals, 16 patients had a GCS score of 3–13 and 19 patients had a GCS score of 14–15. In the non‐sedative group at about the time of arrival at our hospital, average pupillary contraction rates were 18.36% in the GCS 3–13 group and 19.67% in the GCS 14–15 group (
P
= 0.739), and average pupillary contraction velocities were 1.02 and 1.48, respectively (
P
= 0.182). Approximately 48 h after arrival, average pupillary contraction rates were 21.18% and 29.27%, respectively (
P
= 0.058), and average pupillary contraction velocities were 1.37 and 1.91, respectively (
P
= 0.172). Among the sedative group, at about the time of arrival, average pupillary contraction rates were 8.75% in the GCS 3–13 group and 19.75% in the GCS 14–15 group (
P
= 0.032). Average pupillary contraction velocities were 0.34 and 1.48, respectively (
P
= 0.001). Approximately 48 h after arrival, average pupillary contraction rates were 13.50% and 13.50%, respectively (
P
= 1.00), and average pupillary contraction velocities were 0.80 and 0.82, respectively (
P
= 0.93).
Conclusions
Pupillometer measurements could predict level of consciousness of patients with severe consciousness disorder.
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