Exploring the feasibility of pupillometry training and perceptions of potential use for intracranial pressure monitoring in Uganda: A mixed methods study

Introduction: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) accounts for the majority of Uganda’s neurosurgical disease burden; however, invasive intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring is infrequently used. Noninvasive monitoring could change the care of patients in such a setting through quick detection of elevated ICP. Purpose: Given the novelty of pupillometry in Uganda, this mixed methods study assessed the feasibility of pupillometry for noninvasive ICP monitoring for patients with TBI. Methods: Twenty-two healthcare workers in Kampala, Uganda received education on pupillometry, practiced using the device on healthy volunteers, and completed interviews discussing pupillometry and its implementation. Interviews were assessed with qualitative analysis, while quantitative analysis evaluated learning time, measurement time, and accuracy of measurements by participants compared to a trainer’s measurements. Results: Most participants (79%) reported a positive perception of pupillometry. Participants described the value of pupillometry in the care of patients during examination, monitoring, and intervention delivery. Commonly discussed concerns included pupillometry’s cost, understanding, and maintenance needs. Perceived implementation challenges included device availability and contraindications for use. Participants suggested offering continued education and engaging hospital leadership as implementation strategies. During training, the average learning time was 13.5 minutes (IQR 3.5), and the measurement time was 50.6 seconds (IQR 11.8). Paired t-tests to evaluate accuracy showed no statistically significant difference in comparison measurements. Conclusion: Pupillometry was considered acceptable for noninvasive ICP monitoring of patients with TBI, and pupillometer use was shown to be feasible during training. However, key concerns would need to be addressed during implementation to aid device utilization.</p

Burden, risk factors, neurosurgical evacuation outcomes, and predictors of mortality among traumatic brain injury patients with expansive intracranial hematomas in Uganda: a mixed methods study design

Abstract Background Expansive intracranial hematomas (EIH) following traumatic brain injury (TBI) continue to be a public health problem in Uganda. Data is limited regarding the neurosurgical outcomes of TBI patients. This study investigated the neurosurgical outcomes and associated risk factors of EIH among TBI patients at Mulago National Referral Hospital (MNRH). Methods A total of 324 subjects were enrolled using a prospective cohort study. Socio-demographic, risk factors and complications were collected using a study questionnaire. Study participants were followed up for 180 days. Univariate, multivariable, Cox regression analyses, Kaplan Meir survival curves, and log rank tests were sequentially conducted. P-values of &lt; 0.05 at 95% Confidence interval (CI) were considered to be statistically significant. Results Of the 324 patients with intracranial hematomas, 80.6% were male. The mean age of the study participants was 37.5 ± 17.4 years. Prevalence of EIH was 59.3% (0.59 (95% CI: 0.54 to 0.65)). Participants who were aged 39 years and above; PR = 1.54 (95% CI: 1.20 to 1.97; P = 0.001), and those who smoke PR = 1.21 (95% CI: 1.00 to 1.47; P = 0.048), and presence of swirl sign PR = 2.26 (95% CI: 1.29 to 3.95; P = 0.004) were found to be at higher risk for EIH. Kaplan Meier survival curve indicated that mortality at the 16-month follow-up was 53.4% (95% CI: 28.1 to 85.0). Multivariate Cox regression indicated that the predictors of mortality were old age, MAP above 95 mmHg, low GCS, complications such as infection, spasticity, wound dehiscence, CSF leaks, having GOS &lt; 3, QoLIBRI &lt; 50, SDH, contusion, and EIH. Conclusion EIH is common in Uganda following RTA with an occurrence of 59.3% and a 16-month higher mortality rate. An increased age above 39 years, smoking, having severe systemic disease, and the presence of swirl sign are independent risk factors. Old age, MAP above 95 mmHg, low GCS, complications such as infection, spasticity, wound dehiscence, CSF leaks, having a GOS &lt; 3, QoLIBRI &lt; 50, ASDH, and contusion are predictors of mortality. These findings imply that all patients with intracranial hematomas (IH) need to be monitored closely and a repeat CT scan to be done within a specific period following their initial CT scan. We recommend the development of a protocol for specific surgical and medical interventions that can be implemented for patients at moderate and severe risk for EIH. </jats:sec

A systematic review and quality analysis of pediatric traumatic brain injury clinical practice guidelines

<div><p>Background</p><p>Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are a significant cause of mortality and morbidity for children globally. Adherence to evidence-based treatment guidelines have been shown to improve TBI outcomes. To inform the creation of a pediatric TBI management guideline for a low and middle income country context, we assessed the quality of available clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for the acute management pediatric TBI.</p><p>Methods</p><p>Articles were identified and retrieved from MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, LILACS, Africa-Wide Information and Global Index Medicus. These articles were screened by four reviewers independently. Based on the eligibility criteria, with the exception of literature reviews, opinion papers and editor’s letters, articles published from 1995 to November 11, 2016 which covered clinical recommendations, clinical practice or treatment guidelines for the acute management of pediatric TBI (within 24 hours) were included for review. A reference and citation analysis was performed. Seven independent reviewers from low, middle and high income clinical settings with knowledge of pediatric TBI management appraised the guidelines using the AGREE II instrument. Scores for the CPGs were aggregated by domain and overall assessment was determined.</p><p>Results</p><p>We screened 2372 articles of which 17 were retained for data extraction and guideline appraisal. Except for one CPG from a middle income country, the majority (16/17) of the guidelines were developed in high income countries. Seven guidelines were developed specifically for the pediatric population, while the remaining CPGs addressed the acute management of TBI in both adult and pediatric populations. The New Zealand Guideline Group (NZGG, 2006) received the highest overall assessment score of 46/49 (93.88%) followed by the Scandinavian Neurotrauma Committee (SNC, 2016) with a score of 45/49 (91.84%) followed by the Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network (SIGN, 2009) and Brain Trauma Foundation (BTF 2012) both with scores of 44/49 (89.80%). CPGs from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital (CCH 2006) and Sao Paulo Medical School Hospital/Brazilian Society of Neurosurgery (USP/BSN, 2001) received the lowest score of 27/49 (55.10%) subsequently followed by the Appropriateness Criteria (ACR, 2015) with 29/49 (59.18%). The domains for scope and purpose and clarity of presentation received the highest scores across the CPGs, while applicability and editorial independence domains had the lowest scores with a wider variability in score range for rigor of development and stakeholder involvement.</p><p>Conclusions</p><p>To our knowledge, this is the first systematic review and guideline appraisal for pediatric CPGs concerning the acute management of TBI. Targeted guideline creation specific to the pediatric population has the potential to improve the quality of acute TBI CPGs. Furthermore, it is crucial to address the applicability of a guideline to translate the CPG from a published manuscript into clinically relevant local practice tools and for resource limited practice settings.</p></div

AGREE II overall guideline assessment.

<p>AGREE II overall guideline assessment.</p

Inter-rater reliability for the AGREE II domains.

<p>Inter-rater reliability for the AGREE II domains.</p

Characteristics of clinical practice guidelines.

<p>Characteristics of clinical practice guidelines.</p

Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Flow Diagram.

<p>Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Flow Diagram.</p

AGREE II aggregated scores by domain.

<p>AGREE II aggregated scores by domain.</p