The relationship between isolated head trauma during pregnancy and preterm birth

Aims: Traumatic brain injury is classified into three types. Blunt head trauma is the most common type. Studies found that after trauma high cortisol levels could cause preterm birth. In the literature, there was no study with isolated head trauma and preterm birth prediction. Our study aims to predict preterm birth in pregnancies with isolated head trauma. Methods: In this prospective study, pregnant patients who applied to the emergency department of Şanlıurfa Training and Research Hospital with isolated head trauma between January 2018 and January 2024 were included in the study and followed up until the time of pregnancy termination (birth). All of the pregnant women with isolated head trauma (closed blunt trauma) over 18 years of age, and whose birth records are available in our hospital were included in the study. Their medical records and prognosis after blunt head trauma were followed up until birth. Results: Out of a total of 2580 patients, 30 patients and 60 control group patients who experienced isolated head trauma during pregnancy were included. The initial mean gestational age of the patients included in the study was 26.43±6.53 in the trauma group and 24.32±6.09 gestational weeks in the control group. There was no statistical difference between groups according to the gestational age (p:0.13). Preterm birth was defined as birth before 37 gestational weeks. In the trauma group, 12 (40%) and 23 patients in the control group (38.3%) gave birth as preterm birth. No statistical difference was found (p:0.87) between the groups according to the preterm birth. Conclusion: In mild head trauma, as all of the patient’s Glasgow Coma Scale was 15, there was no risk increase in preterm birth. Studies with severe head trauma in pregnancy may be needed.