Management of Pediatric Intracranial Gunshot Wounds-Video - Management of Pediatric Intracranial Gunshot Wounds

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In this webinar, Dr. Michael DeCypher discusses the management of pediatric intracranial gunshot wounds and factors associated with survival. He presents findings from a study conducted in Memphis, Tennessee, which included 71 patients with gunshot wounds to the head. The study found that the mortality rate in the series was approximately 48%, with surgical intervention performed in 55% of patients. Factors predictive of mortality included bilateral fixed and dilated pupils, deep nuclear injury on imaging, transventricular trajectory on imaging, bilateral or bi-hemispheric injury, and injury to three or more lobes. Overall, 52% of children with gunshot wounds to the head survived with aggressive surgical and medical care, and 81% of survivors had a favorable outcome. Dr. DeCypher also provides insights on the management and treatment approach for these cases, including the decision to perform surgery, the use of ICP monitoring, and post-operative care in the ICU. The webinar emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive approach to patient evaluation and treatment, taking into account multiple factors rather than relying solely on a single parameter like GCS.

Keywords

pediatric intracranial gunshot wounds

factors associated with survival

mortality rate

surgical intervention

predictive factors

aggressive care

favorable outcome

comprehensive approach