A retrospective analysis of paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity following severe pediatric brain injury.

BACKGROUND: There are several gaps in the literature related to the prognosis and care of children who have experienced a brain injury then develop paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity (PSH).

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to explore the characteristics and prognosis of children who have experienced severe brain injury and developed PSH.

METHODOLOGY: A secondary analysis was conducted using an established clinical dataset of children who had experienced severe brain injury and were admitted to an academic children's rehabilitation center (n= 83).

RESULTS: Those children with PSH had a significantly longer acute care length of stay (p= 0.024) and total length of stay (p= 0.034) compared with those without PSH. There was no significant difference in cognitive and motor function or transition to rehabilitation between those with and those without PSH after controlling for age and etiology of injury.

IMPLICATIONS: The findings from the present study reveal factors regarding the elusive phenomenon of PSH among children.