Dual diagnosis of TBI and SCI: an epidemiological study in the pediatric population

Frontiers in Neurology, 2023 · DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1241550 · Published: September 27, 2023

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the co-occurrence of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in children hospitalized with spinal cord injury (SCI). It aims to understand how often these two injuries happen together and what impact this 'dual diagnosis' (DD) has on their hospital stay. The study found that a significant percentage of children with SCI also had TBI. This dual diagnosis was linked to longer hospital stays and higher hospital costs compared to children who only had SCI. The research suggests that doctors should always check for TBI in children who have SCI. Further studies are needed to understand the long-term effects of having both injuries on a child's recovery and quality of life.

Study Duration

2016-2018

Participants

1,286 children aged 0-18 years hospitalized with SCI

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
38.8% of children hospitalized with SCI also had a co-occurring TBI, indicating a high prevalence of dual diagnosis in this population.
2
Children with both SCI and TBI had significantly longer hospital stays (6 days) compared to those with isolated SCI (4 days).
3
The average total hospital charges were higher for children with DD ($124,198) compared to those with SCI alone ($98,089).

Research Summary

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and characteristics of dual diagnosis (DD) involving traumatic brain injury (TBI) and spinal cord injury (SCI) in children hospitalized in the United States. The study found that a substantial proportion of children with SCI also had comorbid TBI, and this DD was associated with increased hospital length of stay and total hospital charges. The authors conclude that there is a need for increased awareness and screening for TBI in pediatric patients with SCI to ensure appropriate management and resource allocation. Future research should investigate the long-term impact of DD on functional outcomes and quality of life.

Practical Implications

Improved Screening

The high prevalence of comorbid TBI among children with SCI suggests a need for routine screening for TBI in this population.

Resource Allocation

The increased hospital length of stay and charges associated with DD highlight the need for appropriate resource allocation and potentially targeted interventions for these patients.

Further Research

Future studies should focus on the long-term functional outcomes, quality of life, and mortality risks associated with DD in children.

Study Limitations

1
Potential for information bias due to variability in documentation of TBI among physicians.
2
Reliance on administrative billing data, which may underestimate the true prevalence of dual diagnosis.
3
Lack of data on rehabilitation and outcomes after hospital discharge.

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