[Prognostic factors and profile in traumatic brain injury in the paediatric age].

Introduction. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common cause of death and disability in the paediatric population, although the literature on the Spanish population is scarce. From the perspective of early vulnerability, recent research findings suggest that early brain injury has worse sequelae and a higher risk of impact. Aims. To analyse the intelligence profile, executive functions and behaviour, and examine the association between age at the time of the injury, severity of the TBI and environmental factors for cognitive and behavioural outcomes. Patients and methods. Seventy-one participants with moderate to severe TBI, from 6 to 16 years of age, were assessed with measures of intelligence (intelligence quotient), executive functions and behaviour. Results. Children with TBI are at increased risk of disability in all aspects of intelligence, executive functions and behaviour. Children who suffered a traumatic brain injury in infancy and the preschool period had more overall effects on intelligence quotient and some aspects of the executive functions. Conclusions. Socioeconomic and cultural factors are the best predictors for intelligence quotient and behaviour. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the sequelae of TBI in children, which will help in rehabilitation planning and re-adaptation to functional life.