Abstract

Objectives. To establish whether survivors of penetrating trunk trauma recover adequately and spontaneously following critical illness. Material and methods. A prospective observational study was conducted. Intubated and ventilated males and females with penetrating trunk trauma (SV group (mechanical ventilation (MV) <5 days, N =13), LV group (MV ≥5 days, N =29)) were recruited from four intensive care units. Dynamometry, lung function tests, 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), oxygen uptake and quality of life (QOL), assessed with the short form-36 English UK version (SF-36) questionnaire, were recorded over a 6-month period following discharge. Results were compared with a healthy control group ( N =40). Results. In the LV group, 6MWD was reduced in comparison wit h controls at 1 ( p =0.00) and 3 months ( p =0.00) after discharge. Morbidity correlated with 6MWD at 3 ( p =0.03) and 6 months ( p =0.02), and there was a reduction in strength at 1, 3 and 6 months relative to the SV group and controls ( p =0.00 - 0.04). In addition, intensive care unit and hospital length of stay correlated with muscle strength at 1 and 3 months for these subjects. SF-36 physical health domains were significantly reduced for LV group subjects up to 6 months compared with the SV group and controls ( p =0.00 - 0.02). Conclusion. SV group subjects recovered adequately and spontaneously within 3 months of discharge. LV group subjects, however, had significant limitations in exercise capacity, muscle strength and physical components of QOL up to 6 months after discharge. Persistent impairment of function is related to duration of illness and immobility.

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