Early Pupillometry Assessment in Traumatic Brain Injury Patients: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the early assessment of neurological pupil index (NPi) values derived from automated pupillometry could predict neurological outcome after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Methods: Retrospective observational study including adult (>18 years) TBI patients admitted from January 2018 to December 2020, with available NPi on admission. Abnormal NPi was considered if p = 0.005–4.0 (2.6–4.5) vs. 4.5 (3.9–4.7); p = 0.002, respectively). The ROC curve for the worst and mean NPi showed a moderate accuracy to predict UO (AUC 0.66 (0.56–0.77); p = 0.005 and 0.68 (0.57–0.78); p = 0.002). However, in a generalized linear model, the prognostic role of NPi on admission was limited. Conclusions: Low NPi on admission has limited prognostic value in TBI.

Keywords

• pupillometry
• traumatic brain injury
• outcome
• prediction