PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Johna Register-Mihalik
AU  - Mackenzie Herzog
AU  - O Josh Bloom
AU  - Janna Fonseca
AU  - Kristen Phillips
AU  - Valerie De Maio
TI  - Association between initial post-concussion presentation and persistent symptoms at 1–month post-concussion
AID  - 10.1136/bjsports-2016-097270.85
DP  - 2017 Jun 01
TA  - British Journal of Sports Medicine
PG  - A33--A34
VI  - 51
IP  - 11
4099  - http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/51/11/A33.2.short
4100  - http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/51/11/A33.2.full
SO  - Br J Sports Med2017 Jun 01; 51
AB  - Objective To examine associations between acute post-concussion measures and 1-month persistent symptom presence among paediatric concussion patients.Design Prospective cohort.Setting Three family medicine clinics, from the same practice, in an urban/suburban area of the USA.Subjects Paediatric concussion patients (n=179); ages 8-18 years (median age=15; IQR: 13-16) presenting within three days of injury.Intervention Participants completed a systematic evaluation during their initial visit and a 4-6 week follow-up survey (80% follow-up; n=144). The initial visit variables included age, gender, previous head injury, total symptom severity, Immediate Postconcussion Assessment and Cognitive Test (ImPACTTM) composite scores, and near point convergence (NPC).Outcome measures The primary outcome was 1-month follow-up persistent symptom presence, determined using the Rivermead Postconcussion Symptoms Questionnaire. We assessed univariate relationships for each variable with persistent symptoms. Variables significant in univariable analyses (p<0.10) were included in a multivariable logistic regression model.Results Persistent symptoms were reported for 27.1% (n=39) of participants. Females were more likely to have persistent symptoms (OR=1.9; 95% CI: 0.9, 4.0; p=0.086). Initial visit total symptom severity (Z=4.2; p<0.001) was higher in those with persistent symptoms. Initial visit verbal memory (Z=−1.7; p=0.083), processing speed (Z=−1.7; p=0.093), and reaction time (Z=2.8; p=0.001) were worse in those with persistent symptoms. Total symptom severity was the only factor significant in the multivariable model (OR=1.04; 95% CI=1.02–1.07).Conclusions Gender, acute symptom burden and post-concussion neurocognitive deficits have significant relationships with persistent symptom presence. Clinicians should be mindful of these factors when considering treatment.Competing interests The current study was funded in part by the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment.Dr. Bloom is employed at the study setting.Ms. Fonseca is employed at the study setting.Ms. Phillips is employed at the study setting.