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Open Access Highly Access Research article

Using Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) codes to classify Computed Tomography (CT) features in the Marshall System

Mehdi M Lesko1*, Maralyn Woodford1†, Laura White1†, Sarah J O'Brien2†, Charmaine Childs3,4† and Fiona E Lecky1†

Author Affiliations

1 University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, the Trauma Audit and Research Network (TARN), Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Salford, UK

2 University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Occupational and Environmental Health Research Group, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Salford, UK

3 National University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Singapore

4 University of Manchester, Brain Injury Research Group, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Salford, UK

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BMC Medical Research Methodology 2010, 10:72 doi:10.1186/1471-2288-10-72

Published: 6 August 2010

Abstract

Background

The purpose of Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) is to code various types of Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) based on their anatomical location and severity. The Marshall CT Classification is used to identify those subgroups of brain injured patients at higher risk of deterioration or mortality. The purpose of this study is to determine whether and how AIS coding can be translated to the Marshall Classification

Methods

Initially, a Marshall Class was allocated to each AIS code through cross-tabulation. This was agreed upon through several discussion meetings with experts from both fields (clinicians and AIS coders). Furthermore, in order to make this translation possible, some necessary assumptions with regards to coding and classification of mass lesions and brain swelling were essential which were all approved and made explicit.

Results

The proposed method involves two stages: firstly to determine all possible Marshall Classes which a given patient can attract based on allocated AIS codes; via cross-tabulation and secondly to assign one Marshall Class to each patient through an algorithm.

Conclusion

This method can be easily programmed in computer softwares and it would enable future important TBI research programs using trauma registry data.