Role of antiplatelet therapy in the development of intracranial bleeding after mild traumatic brain injury.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE

The use of antiplatelet agents is increasing, mainly in elderly patients in whom cranial trauma is a frequent reason for consultation to the emergency department. In this context, discordances have been described regarding the increased risk of post-traumatic injury that involves taking antiplatelet drugs. Therefore, the objective of this present study was to analyse factors associated with intracranial bleeding after mild brain trauma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective study was designed that included all patients who had consulted the emergency department during 2016 because of mild brain trauma (Glasgow coma scale 14-15) and excluded patients under anticoagulant therapy. A logistic regression analysis was performed to analyse the variables associated with intracranial bleeding.

RESULTS

566 patients were included in the study. 18% of them were taking antiplatelet drugs. Tomography showed haemorrhagic intracranial damage in 16.1%. Factors associated with intracranial bleeding were: advanced age, Glasgow coma scale < 15, high-energy trauma and antiplatelet therapy.

DISCUSSION

Antiplatelet therapy emerges as a risk factor for intracranial bleeding after mild head trauma, in addition to other known factors.