The Relation Between Glagow Coma Scale Scores And Methabolic Parameters In Patients With Methabolic Coma In The Emergency Department

Abstract

Study Objectives: In patients without neurological signs and symptoms, coma usually results from metabolic reasons. Altered mental status may range from mild confusion to deep coma. The degree and seriousness of altered mental status can be evaluated by using Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score. We investigated the relationship between the biochemical parameters and GCS score of the patients who were known to be having no previous cerebrovascular disease history and normal cerebral CT scans that admitted to Emergency Department (ED) with altered mental status.
Methods: Patients who presented to our ED with loss of consciousness, whom had normal cerebral CT scans and without known neurological diseases were included in to the study. The level of consciousness of the patients was evaluated by using GCS. Their ages, serum Na, K, creatinine levels, BUN and Hb were recorded. Correlation test and regression analyses were used for the statistical analyses.
Results: A total of 129 patients presented during the study period that were 74 males and 55 females (16-90 years old; mean age 55.8±16.6/years). There was a statistically significant relation between serum Na levels and GCS scores of the patients. And GCS scores of the patients were lower as the patients got older. Age and hyponatremia were found to be independent risk factors.
Conclusion: We conclude that in patients who presented to Emergency Department with metabolically based coma and without any central nervous system pathology, lower serum Na levels and older patient ages have negative effects on Glasgow Coma Scale score assessment.