Table 3 Narrative description of typical physiological and clinical features of the clusters identified
Cluster | Cluster description | Other typical characteristics | Mortality % |
|---|---|---|---|
A | Mild TBI. No metabolic derangements | Older patients with anticoagulation. Falls/RTIs. No midline shift | 7 |
B | Moderate TBI. No metabolic derangements | Older females with anticoagulation. Fall injuries. Midline shift requiring DC commonly present | 29 |
C | Moderate TBI. High glucose, high lactate, acidotic, hypothermic | Older males with anticoagulation. Fall injuries. Most midline shift but mostly not requiring DC | 40 |
D | Severe TBI. No metabolic derangements | Younger patients. RTIs. Good pupil reactivity, severe TBI. No secondary insults | 18 |
E | Severe TBI. Very low GCS at arrival. Slightly acidotic, hypothermic | Younger patients. RTIs. High Rotterdam CT score, midline shift leading to DC in 20% of patients. Extracranial injuries. Secondary insults | 38 |
F | Severe TBI. High lactate, hypoxic, acidotic, hypoventilation. Metabolic and respiratory acidosis. Hypothermic | Younger patients in shock with extracranial injuries and secondary insults. TAI. No midline shift | 28 |