Trial of Dexamethasone for Traumatic Brain Injured Patients With Brain Contusions and Pericontusional Edema

Exclusion Criteria

• •Patients with TBI and brain contusions who have required surgery to evacuate the cerebral contusion before randomization.
• •Patients with TBI who have required a craniotomy before randomization for any other reason: evacuation of subdural, epidural hematoma or depressed skull fracture.
• •Patients with an extracranial Injury Severity Score greater than 18 points.
• •Patients in whom the use of corticosteroids is contraindicated.
• •Patients who take oral corticosteroids chronically.
• •Patients included in another clinical trial.
• •Known intolerance or hypersensitivity to dexamethasone.
• •Patients with allergy or intolerance to the following excipients contained in dexamethasone / placebo capsules: lactose, corn starch or microcrystalline cellulose.
• •Patients with a history of psychotic disorders.
• •Patients with inability to take medication orally due to swallowing problems in which it is not indicated to place a nasogastric tube.
• •Pregnant or breastfeeding patients.
• •Patients in a GCS 3 points situation with bilateral dilated pupils.
• •Patients with associated spinal cord injuries.
• •Patient with any systemic condition that contraindicates the use of corticosteroids.