A retrospective study on the profile and outcome of polytrauma in the emergency department

Abstract

Background: Polytrauma is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in developed and developing countries. This study aims to assess the prevalence and outcome of polytrauma patients, in a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: This retrospective observational study was conducted in a large emergency department (ED) between January 2016 and December 2016. All patients >15 years presenting to the ED with polytrauma were included in the analysis. Results: Among 98 polytrauma patients, majority (86%) were male. The mean (standard deviation) age was 41.6 (±14.85) years. Less than one-third of the patients presented to the ED within 3 h of the time of injury. A quarter of the patients have severe traumatic brain injury. Plasma alcohol levels were sent in 22 patients and were found to be elevated in 12 (15%) patients. Majority (78%) of the patients required orthopedic evaluation and intervention. Forty-four patients required 1 unit packed cell blood, whereas 11 patients received two units packed cell blood and 4 patients needed three units packed cell for resuscitation in the ED. Focused assessment with sonography for trauma was done in 66 (85%) patients and was positive in 32 (41%) patients. The ED outcome is shown in [Figure 1]. The ED mortality rate was 15%. Conclusion: Less than one-third of the patients presented to the ED within 3 h of the time of injury which stresses the need to improve prehospital care and transport in our country. Aggressive resuscitation with crystalloids and blood products is of paramount importance in treating polytrauma victims.