Risk of Hydrocephalus after Head Trauma: A nationwide cohort study in South Korea.

BACKGROUND

This study assessed the long-term risk of acquired hydrocephalus in individuals with head trauma to identify time-specific risk patterns and to evaluate high-risk subgroups using a nationwide cohort in South Korea.

METHODS

Data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service cohort (2005-2013) were analyzed. The study included 53,567 patients with head trauma and 535,668 matched controls. This study analyzed the incidence of hydrocephalus in patients with head trauma, and time-stratified Cox proportional hazards models were employed to calculate the adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) for hydrocephalus across 9 years, adjusting for demographic and clinical covariates.

RESULTS

The incidence of hydrocephalus was significantly higher in the head trauma group than in the control group (incidence rate ratio, 3.92). Male patients and those aged ≥60 years exhibited the highest risk. The risk of hydrocephalus was highest within the first 3 years after trauma and decreased gradually thereafter. Furthermore, smokers and ex-smokers were at a higher risk than nonsmokers.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with head trauma are at a significantly higher risk of posttraumatic hydrocephalus, particularly within the first 3 years. These findings highlight the need for early monitoring and intervention. Further research is required to improve our understanding of hydrocephalus risk.