Risk factors of progressive epidural hematoma in patients with head trauma

Early identification and successful management of PEDH complication require a high index of clinical suspicion. The present study demonstrated that low systolic BP, the presence of coagulopathy, decompressive craniectomy, clot density, location and volume were the risk factors for the development of PEDH. Patients with PEDH have a greater degree of ICP elevations, and almost 80% of those patients require craniectomy for hematoma removal. Based on these findings, we recommend routine follow-up CT scans be done immediately for all patients who deteriorate between 12 to 24 hours after admission. (author)