Advanced Neuro-monitoring for Paediatric Brain Injury
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A prospective study in to the use of advanced neuro-monitoring for paediatric patients with acute brain injury.
IRAS ID
114052
Contact name
Peter Hutchinson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Research summary
Children suffer proportionally more head injuries than any other age group and children with head injuries have the highest mortality of all children admitted with traumatic injuries. We aim to investigate the factors that contribute to poor outcomes after paediatric acute brain injury by collecting observational and outcome data. Much of the brain damage that results in poor outcomes actually happens in the hours and days after the injury. This is due to several factors such as brain swelling and poor oxygen delivery to the brain. Treatment is directed to try and protect the brain against these factors. Current management of the head-injured child focuses on monitoring pressure within the head. However, this does not detect all the factors that cause continuing brain damage. Special monitors that follow oxygen levels and chemical changes in the brain are used safely in adult patients but have not been widely employed in children despite their potential benefit. There is therefore the opportunity to evaluate extra monitoring of the child brain, and in doing so, help refine our management of these patients.
REC name
North West - Haydock Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/NW/1064
Date of REC Opinion
12 Aug 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion