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DOI: 10.3233/JPN-140636
Predictors of non-traumatic coma in a pediatric cohort from a South Indian tertiary care center: Results of a multivariate analysis
Subject Editor:
Publication History
28 September 2013
19 November 2013
Publication Date:
30 July 2015 (online)
Abstract
Objective: To study the etiology and clinical profile of non-traumatic coma in children at tertiary care center and to determine the predictors of outcome. Methods: One hundred and four consecutive children between 2 mo-12 yr were studied. The clinical signs at admission; vital signs, Glasgow coma scale, respiratory pattern, papillary reflex, extra-ocular movements, fundus picture and motor deficits were recorded. Etiology of coma was determined by clinical history, examination and relevant investigations. Their progress was monitored clinically, biochemically and with multi-system monitors. Outcome was recorded as survived or died. Results: Etiology of coma in 65% cases was intracranial infections; other causes were metabolic (20%). Sixty-seven percent recovered completely, 16% had residual neurodeficits, 16% died. Survival was better in children with intracranial infections (13%) as compared to metabolic coma (33%). On multivariate logistic regression, bradycardia, hypotension, abnormal respiratory pattern (especially, ataxic type), duration of coma more than 48 h, Glasgow coma scale < 7 at admission, unequal and non-reactive pupils, papilledema, abnormal extra-ocular movements, motor deficits, signs of meningitis correlated with mortality. Requirement of ventilatory support and abnormal computerized tomography findings correlated with mortality. Conclusions: Intracranial infections were the most common cause of non-traumatic coma in children; the most common cause of death being metabolic coma. Simple clinical signs and relevant investigations served as prognostic indicators of outcome.