Effect of secondary prehospital risk factors on outcome in severe traumatic brain injury in the context of fast access to trauma care.

J Trauma 71(4):826-32 (2011) PMID 21427618

Prevention of secondary prehospital risk factors such as hypoxia and hypotension is likely to improve patient prognosis in severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Because the Dutch trauma care organization is characterized by fast access to specialized trauma care due to the geographical situation, we investigated whether and to what extend secondary risk factors, such as hypoxia and hypotension, and measures, such as endotracheal intubation, affect outcome in severe TBI in the context of a region with fast access to trauma care.