Outcome following moderate XXXX .

@entity1 @entity131 @entity55 @entity73 @entity130
BACKGROUND: Little is known about the outcome following moderate @entity131 ( @entity131 ) (GCS 9-12). Most @entity1 regain consciousness; however, the full magnitude of long-term @entity73 is unknown. METHODS: We conducted a prospective observational study evaluating the outcome of @entity1 suffering moderate @entity131 between October 1995 and March 1998. Long-term outcome was assessed by telephone interviews. RESULTS: A total of 79 consecutive @entity1 were included. Average length of ICU and total hospital stay was 9.1 and 15.8 days respectively. The median GCS at 24 hours was 10 with 67% improving to GCS 15 by time of discharge. The presence of multisystem @entity130 did not affect outcome; however, age >/=45, initiation of enteral feeding after postinjury day 4 and the presence of @entity55 were all associated with longer lengths of stay and increased complication rates. Fifty-six (71%) @entity1 were contacted for follow-up at an average of 27.5 months. GOS scores were 5 in 44%, 4 in 41%, 3 in 9%, 1 in 6%. Seventy-four percent of @entity1 employed premorbidly returned to full-time work. Questions regarding cognitive and functional status revealed significant problems in the majority of @entity1 . CONCLUSIONS: @entity55 , age >/=45 years and a delay in initiation of enteral feeding all increased the duration of acute care hospital stay following moderate @entity131 . In addition, cognitive, emotional, and functional problems following such injuries are extensive and long lasting. Physicians must be knowledgeable of these long-term sequela so they can provide the appropriate support and treatment to these @entity1 .
