Analysis on the risk factors of intracranial infection secondary to traumatic brain injury

Objective: To discuss the characteristics and risk factors for intracranial infection post traumatic brain injury to prevent and better the clinical care. Methods: Retrospective study of 520 patients with traumatic brain injury were included, 308 male and 212 female. The risky factors of intracranial infection were identified. Results: Thirty two cases (6.54%, 32/520) of intracranial infection were diagnosed. Intracranial infection most likely happened 4-10 days after injury. Cerebrospinal fluid leakage, drainage, multiple craniotomies were significant related to intracranial infection. Logistic regression predicted cerebrospinal fluid leakage and drainage as independent factors. Conclusion: Intracranial infection is a serious complication after traumatic brain injury. Patients with drainage or cerebrospinal fluid leakage are more risky for intracranial infection. Aggressive precaution should be taken to better outcome. (C) 2015 The Authors. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Daping Hospital and the Research Institute of Surgery of the Third Military Medical University.