Author/Editor     Gostiša-Kornhauser, Andreja
Title     Novosti pri zdravljenju otrok po poškodbi glave
Translated title     Innovations in treating children after an injury to the head
Type     članek
Source     In: Balažic J, Štefanič B, editors. Travmatizem v cestnem prometu. 10. spominsko srečanje akademika Janeza Milčinskega. Medicinsko izvednestvo 2000; 2000 dec 5-6; Ljubljana. Ljubljana: Medicinska fakulteta, Inštitut za sodno medicino,
Publication year     2000
Volume     str. 179-86
Language     slo
Abstract     Injury to the head is the main cause of death with injured children - according to our statistics this is as many as 64 %. Brain injury to a child Is serious not only because of the possibility that it leads to death but also due to disability which may occur as a result: neurological injury and disturbance of the psychosocial activities of the child after the injury. The main purpose of the treatment is to prevent socalled secondary brain injuries developing after a blow to the head which causes an increased intracranial pressure. There are a number of causes; the most important are hypoxia, arterial hypotension, hypercapnia, anemia, changes in visual and electrolytic balance. fie most important innovations in prevention of secondary brain injury are: - prevention of hypocapnia (<3.5 kPa) and hypercapnia (>4.5 kPa) in the first 24 hours after the injury - use of normo-osmolar or hyperosmolar solutions for the corn:ction of hypovolemia - immediate support of blood pressure by means of catecholamines - selection of sedatives, analgesics and antispasmodics with regard to a potential or already existing increased intracranial pressure According to our experience, rapid and adequate measures td provide for sufficient blood circulation in the brain and start preventing hypoxia on acceptance in the intensive care unit, can contribute to the survival and quality of life of severely injured children. Our experience shows that primary medical help at the scene of an accident has reduced the number of severely injured children.
Descriptors     HEAD INJURIES
BRAIN INJURIES
RESUSCITATION
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
CHILD
GLASGOW COMA SCALE
INTENSIVE CARE UNITS, PEDIATRIC