Severe Traumatic Brain Injury Induced Coagulopathy in Pediatric: An Important Lesson with Literature Review

Abstract

Children with coagulopathy had a greater mortality rate after moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). The purpose of the current study was to examine the most recent relevant literature in relation to the therapy of TIC in pediatric isolated severe TBI patients. A 5 years old boy presented to emergency department with decrease of consciousness after hit by a motorcycle. He was referred from the district hospital without proper stabilization within 3 hours after the injury. From the blood examination, hemoglobin level was 8.1 g/dl, base deficit -9.9mEq/L with PTT and aPTT no coagulation suggesting coagulopathy. Emergency non-contrast head computed tomography was performed and showed anterior skull base fracture with discontinuity in left squamous suture suggesting a diastases fracture with an air hypodensity lesion in left frontal area suggesting a pneumocephalus. There was also a hyperdense lesion with crescent shape in frontal and interhemispheric region suggesting subdural hematoma. Delayed operation for almost 6 hours was advocated due to transfusion of whole blood and fresh frozen plasma to correct coagulopathy. The operation was successful, the patient was survived but upon 2 years follow up, the patient still wasn’t able to perform normal daily activity. Localized injury at the brain manifesting in systemic coagulopathy requires special care. Several steps need to be evaluated before surgery but it should not delay the attempt of controlling the source of coagulopathy by it means lesion in the brain. Our case demonstrates the important of recognizing and managing coagulopathy in severe traumatic brain injury.