J Korean Neurotraumatol Soc.  2010 Dec;6(2):110-115. 10.13004/jknts.2010.6.2.110.

A Method for Estimation of the Life Expectancy for the Persistent Vegetative State and Minimally Conscious State after Craniocerebral Trauma in Korea

• Shim JH
• Lee KS
• Kim RS
• Doh JW
• Yun IG
• Bae HG

• KMID: 2106795
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.13004/jknts.2010.6.2.110

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
Estimation of the life expectancy (LE) for patients in a persistent vegetative state (PVS) or minimally conscious state (MCS) depends on the statistical probability. Since the statistics of LE increases year by year, we should update the ratio of expected life spans based on the recent data.
METHODS
We searched recent (after January 2000 to June 2010) articles on the LE and PVS using PubMed. We excluded letters or comments. Using data from the literature review and the life table of Korean National Statistical Office, we proposed a scheme estimating the LE for PVS and MCS patients after head injuries.
RESULTS
There were three papers on the mortality or LE of PVS or MCS patients. To diagnose PVS and MCS correctly, we should use the revised coma recovery scale. The reported LE of PVS and MCS patients was longer than when the Lee's scheme was applied. The ratio of LE would be 10-25% for PVS, 20-40% for MCS fed by others, and 40-70% for MCS self fed.
CONCLUSION
We reviewed diagnostic criteria for the PVS and MCS. For updated estimation of the individual LE for PVS or MCS, we proposed a method based on the recent data from the literature review.

Keyword

Life expectancy; Mortality; Persistent vegetative state; Craniocerebral trauma

MeSH Terms

Coma
Craniocerebral Trauma
Head
Humans
Korea
Life Expectancy
Life Tables
Persistent Vegetative State

Figure

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  FIGURE 1 Life expectancy of the PVS. PVS: persistent vegetative state, CLE: calculated life expectancy, mCLE: mean calculated life expectancy, M: male, F: female.

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  FIGURE 2 Life expectancy of the MCS, fed by others. MCS: mi-nimally conscious state, CLE: calculated life expectancy, m-CLE: mean calculated life expectancy, M: male, F: female.

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  FIGURE 3 Life expectancy of the MCS, self fed. MCS: minimally conscious state, CLE: calculated life expectancy, mCLE: mean calculated life expectancy, M: male, F: female.

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