Prediction of neurobehavioral outcome 1-5 years post pediatric traumatic head injury

Objective: To examine the neurobehavioral status of children with traumatic head injury (THI) and to identify variables that predict outcome. Design: Retrospective chart review, with follow-up 1-5 years after injury. Outcome predictor variables were identified through stepwise regression analysis. Setting: Level one trauma center and pediatric rehabilitation program. Patients: 71 Children with THI, selected from a four-year series of consecutive admissions. Measure: Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales-Survey Edition. Results: Significant predictors of better neurobehavioral status at follow-up included absence of a premorbid learning problem (p < .01), older age at injury (P < .01), and normal pupillary response (P < .001) and higher cerebral perfusion pressure (P < .0001) during critical care management. Conclusions: Neurobehavioral outcome after THI is influenced by premorbid psychosocial variables as well as by critical care management.