Acute subdural hematoma in the emergency department of the Hospital Universitario “General Calixto García”, Cuba

Abstract

Introduction: it is estimated that the population exposed to head trauma has a 12% - 29% chance of developing an acute subdural hematoma. Mortality varies from 50% to 90%, depending on the series.

Objective: to describe the characteristics of patients treated surgically for acute subdural hematoma at the Hospital Universitario “General Calixto García” in Havana, Cuba, during 2023.

Method: an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out in a universe of 49 patients (N = 49) diagnosed with acute subdural hematoma. The sample consisted of 44 patients (n = 44) who underwent surgical procedures. The variables studied were: sex, age, causes of the injury, Glasgow coma scale value, presence of imaging signs of poor prognosis, and procedure performed. A statistical analysis was performed using the Chi-square test.

Results: the predominant sex was male (81.8%), with an average age of 60.2 years. The main cause of hematoma was falls (38.6%). The Glasgow Coma Scale values were between 3 - 8 points (61.3%). The absence of imaging signs of poor prognosis predominated (56.8%). The most commonly used surgical procedure was craniectomy (59.0%).

Conclusions: the diagnosis is predominantly male, generally older adults with injuries caused by falls. Statistically significant relationships are demonstrated between the Glasgow Coma Scale, the presence of imaging signs of poor prognosis and the choice of surgical procedure, related to high values of the scale with the absence of signs and with the choice of craniotomy as the surgical method.