In France, there is a lack of recent data on Traumatic brain injury (TBI), remaining a major global health challenge in terms of morbidity and mortality. The present study reports the epidemiology and the factors associated with mortality of patients with TBI admitted to 9 French trauma centres.

Patients ≥ 15 years old admitted, between the 1^st of January and the 31^st of December 2017, following TBI (Abbreviated Injury Scale head ≥ 2) were included. Descriptive analyses were carried out and a logistic regression was used in order to identify in-hospital mortality predictors.

1,177 patients (889 males (76%), median age 42 [26−59]) were admitted following TBI. Road traffic accidents were the primary mechanism of TBI. Mechanisms leading to TBI were highly correlated with age. The in-hospital mortality was 23%. In-hospital mortality increased with age, from 15% in 15–24-year-olds to 71% among patients aged 85 years and older. Age, relevant past medical history, Glasgow coma scale motor score, subdural haematoma, systolic arterial blood pressure < 110 mmHg, pupillary abnormality and haemoglobin level were significantly associated with in-hospital mortality.

TBI is still a major public health concern affecting mostly young patients, victims of road traffic accidents and elderly patients, victims of falls. These findings could help clinicians adjusting medical approaches, targeting prevention measures and planning new research projects according to these French TBI population characteristics.