Lower Injury Severity Score Research Articles

Comparing trauma mortality of injured patients in India and the USA: a risk-adjusted analysis

ObjectivesComparisons of risk-adjusted trauma mortality between high-income countries and low and middle-income countries (LMICs) can be used to identify specific patient populations and injury patterns for targeted interventions. Due to...

1213 Cycling-related Trauma Admissions to the Major Trauma Centre in the Cycling Capital of the United Kingdom

Abstract Aim The number of cyclists travelling on roads in the United Kingdom (UK) is increasing. The government has recently introduced initiatives to promote cycling uptake and so these numbers are likely to increase. This study aims to characterise cycling related injuries presenting to a major trauma centre located within a region with the highest rates of cycling in the UK. Method A retrospective review of cycling related trauma admissions occurring between January 2012 and June 2020 was performed. All patients were split into three groups based on the mechanism of injury. Our institution’s electronic patient record system was used to collect data including age, gender, mechanism of injury, Glasgow coma scale score on arrival, incident date and time, injured body regions, 30-day mortality, helmet use, and length of stay. Results A total of 606 cycling related trauma cases were identified, with 52 being excluded due to incomplete data. The ‘cyclist v vehicle’ group was associated with a significantly higher Injury Severity score (ISS), lower GCS and longer hospital stay than the other two groups. Helmet wearers were significantly older than non-wearers and helmet use was associated with a significantly reduced risk of head injury, lower ISS and higher GCS. Conclusions With a likely increase in future cycling uptake, it is crucial that effective interventions are put in place to improve the safety of cyclists. A multi-faceted strategy involving driver and cyclist education, road infrastructure changes and helmet promotion campaigns targeting the younger generation could be employed.

The Value of Abdominal and Pelvic CT Scan in Trauma Patients With Low Injury Severity Score and High Glasgow Coma Scale.

Computed tomography scans became the mainstay of emergency department (ED) evaluation of trauma patients including those with a high Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and a low Injury Severity Score (ISS). We elected to find the value of abdominal and pelvic CT in patients with negative physical examination and Focused Assessment of Sonography for Trauma (FAST) on arrival to the ED. This study is a retrospective analysis of 901 consecutive patients from 2017 to 2019 who presented to the ED with level 2 and 3 activation criteria. Each patient received a physical examination, CT abdomen and pelvis, and FAST exam. Data were collected on external factor including GCS, ISS, age, sex, comorbidities, anticoagulation use, and surgical intervention. The patients were divided into 2 groups, Group A and B. Group A consisted of patients with a negative physical exam, FAST, and CT result. Group B included patients with a negative physical exam and FAST exam with positive CT findings. Statistical analysis was done using a Student's t-test and chi-square test for significance value of P < .05. Institutional Review Board approval was obtained for this study. A total of 901 patients were analyzed which included 489 (54.3%) male and 412 (45.7%) female with a mean age of 56.2 (SD = 22.62) years. Out of the 901 patients, 461 patients received a physical, FAST, and CT exam. Group A consisted of 442 (95.9%) patients and Group B had 19 (4.1%) patients. Both groups were similar in GCS and ISS scoring with no significance difference in age, sex, comorbidities, and anticoagulation use. There was a significant difference in the ICU and hospital mean length of stay when CT scan was positive [2 (SD = 4.23) days vs. .6 (SD = 1.33) days with P < .0001 and 4.57 (SD ± 4.17) days vs. 2.5 (SD = 2.00) days with P < .0001, respectively]. The CT findings of the 19 patients in group B consisted of 6 incidentalomas, 5 vertebral compression fractures, 4 pelvic bone fractures, 1 minor liver contusion, 1 non-specific bowel thickening, 1 non-displaced rib fracture, and 1 case of small amount of free fluid in the pelvis. None of the CT findings required surgical intervention. Computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis in trauma patients with high GCS and low ISS with initial negative physical and FAST examination did not provide additional critical information.

Increased Mortality in Underinsured Penetrating Trauma Patients.

It remains unclear whether an increased mortality risk in uninsured patients exists across Injury Severity Score (ISS) classifications. We hypothesized that penetrating trauma self-pay patients would have a similarly increased mortality risk across all ISS categories. The National Trauma Data Bank (2013-2015) was queried for patients presenting with penetrating firearm, explosive, or stab wound injuries. 115651 patients were identified and a stratified multivariable logistic regression model was used. In the >15 ISS group, self-pay patients had a lower median total hospital Length of Stay (LOS) (3 vs 8, P < .001), lower median Intensive Care Unit LOS (1 vs 3, P < .001), and lower median ventilator days (0 vs 1, P < .001). Self-pay patients had an increased risk for mortality compared to patients with private insurance in both the ≤15 ISS group (OR 2.68, P < .001) and >15 ISS group (OR 1.56, P < .001). Uninsured patients have an increased mortality risk in both low and high ISS groups. A higher mortality risk among uninsured patients in the high ISS group can be explained by decreased resource availability and lower ICU days and ventilator time. However, more studies are needed to determine why there is an even greater mortality risk among uninsured patients with mild ISS.

Trends in utilization of whole-body computed tomography in blunt trauma after MVC: Analysis of the Trauma Quality Improvement Program database.

The use of whole-body computed tomography (WBCT) in awake, clinically stable injured patients is controversial. It is associated with unnecessary radiation exposure and increased cost. We evaluate use of computed tomography (CT) imaging during the initial evaluation of injured patients at American College of Surgeons Levels I and II trauma centers (TCs) after blunt trauma. We identified adult blunt trauma patients after motor vehicle crash (MVC) from the American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program (TQIP) database between 2007 and 2016 at Level I or II TCs. We defined awake clinically stable patients as those with systolic blood pressure of 100 mm Hg or higher with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 15. Computed tomography imaging had to have been performed within 2 hours of arrival. Whole-body computed tomography was defined as simultaneous CT of the head, chest and abdomen, and selective CT if only one to two aforementioned regions were imaged. Patients were stratified by Injury Severity Score (ISS). There were 217,870 records for analysis; 131,434 (60.3%) had selective CT, and 86,436 (39.7%) had WBCT. Overall, there was an increasing trend in WBCT utilization over the study period (p < 0.001). In patients with ISS less than 10, WBCT was utilized more commonly at Level II versus Level I TCs in patients discharged from the emergency department (26.9% vs. 18.3%, p < 0.001), which had no surgical procedure(s) (81.4% vs. 80.3%, p < 0.001) and no injury of the head (53.7% vs. 52.4%, p = 0.008) or abdomen (83.8% vs. 82.1%, p = 0.001). The risk-adjusted odds of WBCT was two times higher at Level II TC vs. Level I (odds ratio, 1.88; 95% confidence interval 1.82-1.94; p < 0.001). Whole-body computed tomography utilization is increasing relative to selective CT. This increasing utilization is highest at Level II TCs in patients with low ISSs, and in patients without associated head or abdominal injury. The findings have implications for quality improvement and cost reduction. Care management, Level IV.

The Effects of Body Mass Index and Seatbelt Use on Pediatric Chest and Abdominal Injuries after Motor Vehicle Collisions.

Motor vehicle collisions (MVCs) are a major cause of pediatric morbidity and mortality. However, the effect of body mass index (BMI) and seatbelt use on thoracic injuries and outcomes in pediatric patients with rib fractures remains unexplored. We aim to assess how seatbelt use and BMI affect thoracic injuries and outcomes in pediatric patients who sustained ≥3 rib fractures following an MVC. The Trauma Quality Improvement Program (TQIP) database (2013-2017) was queried for pediatric patients (8-17years and >4feet 9inches tall) admitted secondary to MVCs, with ≥3 rib fractures and all non-thoracic Abbreviated Injury Scale ≤2. Patients were then divided by Injury Severity Score (ISS) into low (<15) and intermediate-severe (≥15) groups, which were further subdivided according to seatbelt use and BMI. Logistic and linear regression was performed to assess the effects of seatbelt use and BMI on outcomes. Seatbelt compliance varied from 39.6 to 50.7%. Belted patients (intermediate-severe ISS) had a reduced hospital length of stay (HLOS), intensive care unit length of stay(ICU-LOS), and mechanical ventilation time but had increased odds of splenic laceration vs. unbelted patients (aOR = 2.46, 95% CI: 1.03-5.93, P = .044). Obese patients (low ISS) had lower incidences of hemothorax, pneumothorax, pulmonary contusion, splenic laceration, and liver injury compared to normal-weight patients. Overweight patients (intermediate-severe ISS) had a significantly reduced ICU-LOS vs. normal-weight patients (β = -.17, 95% CI: -.33,-.01, = .041). Seatbelt use may improve outcomes for pediatric MVC patients with ≥3 rib fractures. Higher BMI may be associated with reduced thoracic injury and decreased ICU-LOS. Effective educational initiatives are needed to increase pediatric seatbelt compliance.

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Utilization in Blunt and Penetrating Traumatic Injuries: A Systematic Review.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has become an increasingly used treatment modality for severe respiratory insufficiency in trauma patients. Examining ECMO use specifically in blunt and penetrating traumas can aid in directing future protocols. We aim to evaluate the outcomes of ECMO use in both blunt and penetrating trauma patients through a systematic review of current literature. An online search of 2 databases (PubMed and Google Scholar) was performed to analyze studies, which evaluated the use of ECMO in blunt and penetrating traumas. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation guidelines were followed. Data extracted included mechanism of injury, injury severity scores (ISSs), complications, and mortality rates. The search demonstrated 9 studies that met our review inclusion criteria. A total of 207 patients were included, of which 64 (30.9%) were non-survivors and 143 (69.1%) were survivors. There was a total of 201 blunt traumas with 61 (30.3%) deaths, whereas penetrating traumas had 2 deaths (33.3%) out of 6 total patients. Complications reported included acute renal failure, hemorrhage at the cannula site, and transient neurological deficits. Most studies found better survival rates and less complications in younger patients and those with lower ISS. Expanding the use of ECMO to include blunt and penetrating trauma patients provides the trauma surgeons with another crucial potentially lifesaving tool with an overall survival rate of 70%. Anticipating increased future use of ECMO in blunt and penetrating trauma patients, distinct protocols ought to be instilled to better address the care needed for these critically ill trauma patients.

Factors affecting discharge of patients with sternal fractures

Aim: Sternal fractures, especially those due to motor vehicle accidents, are encountered in emergency department. There are no clear recommendations on discharge of patients with isolated sternal fractures from the emergency department. In this study, we aimed to examine the relationship between fracture type and severity of injury as well as factors affecting the decision of early discharge in case of sternal fractures detected in the emergency department. Materials and Methods: Patients who presented to the emergency department with trauma between 2014 and 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic characteristics, trauma mechanisms, additional injuries, injury severity scores, location of sternal fracture and displacement status, echocardiography findings, troponin I values, electrocardiography findings, duration of emergency department and hospital stay, and 30- day mortality of trauma patients aged above over 18 years with sternal fractures on thorax computed tomography included in the study were evaluated. Results: The mean age of 184 patients who were diagnosed with sternal fractures during the 5-year period was 49.9 ± 16.6 years, and 75.5% (n=139) of them were males. On examining the mechanisms of trauma, we found that the most common cause (63.5%; n=117) was motor vehicle accidents. The most common concomitant injuries were rib fractures (56.5%; n=104) and spinal fractures (44%; n=81). It was found that 73.9% (n=136) of sternal fractures were localized in the corpus and 63% (n=116) were non-displaced. It was determined that 33% (n = 61) of the patients were discharged from the emergency department, the mean duration of emergency department stay was 28.3 ± 24.3 hours, and the mean total hospitalization time was 9.8 ± 20.1 days. There was a significant relationship between the time to discharge with injury severity scores (ISS) and troponin I values of the patients. Conclusion: It should be noted that additional life-threatening injuries may be encountered more often in patients presenting with a high injury severity score (&amp;gt;15) and with a manubrium sterni fracture. In sternal fractures, early discharge from the emergency department can be considered in patients with a low injury severity scores (≤15) in whom no abnormal findings are detected in a follow-up performed with echocardiography, troponin I, electrocardiography, and constant monitoring.

Motor vehicle crashes in pregnancy: Maternal and fetal outcomes.

Motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) are a leading cause of death in pregnant women. Even after minor trauma, there is risk of fetal complications. The purpose of this study was to compare injuries and outcomes in pregnant with matched nonpregnant women after MVC and evaluate the incidence and type of pregnancy-related complications. Retrospective study at a Level I trauma center included pregnant MVC patients, admitted 2009 to 2019. Pregnant patients were matched for age, seatbelt use, and airbag deployment with nonpregnant women (1:3). Gestation-related complications included uterine contractions, vaginal bleeding, emergency delivery, and fetal loss. During the study period, there were 6,930 MVC female admissions. One hundred forty-five (2%) were pregnant, matched with 387 nonpregnant. The seat belt use (71% in nonpregnant vs. 73% in pregnant, p = 0.495) and airbag deployment (10% vs. 6%, p = 0.098) were similar in both groups. Nonpregnant women had higher Injury Severity Score (4 vs. 1, p < 0.0001) and abdominal Abbreviated Injury Scale (2 vs. 1, p < 0.001), but a smaller proportion sustained abdominal injury (18% vs. 53%, p < 0.0001). Mortality (1% vs. 0.7%, p = 0.722), need for emergency operation (6% vs. 3%, p = 0.295) or angiointervention (0.3% vs. 0%, p = 0.540), ventilator days (3 vs. 8, p = 0.907), and intensive care unit (4 vs. 4, p = 0.502) and hospital length of stay (2 vs. 2, p = 0.122) were all similar. Overall, 13 (11.1%) patients developed gestation-related complications, most commonly uterine contractions (6.3%), need for emergency delivery (3.5%), and vaginal bleeding (1.4%). Most pregnant patients hospitalized for MVC suffered minor injuries. Pregnant women had lower Injury Severity Score and abdominal Abbreviated Injury Scale than matched nonpregnant women. However, there was still a considerable incidence of gestation-related complications. It is imperative that pregnant patients be closely monitored even after minor trauma. Prognostic and epidemiological, level III.

Association of Police Transport With Survival Among Patients With Penetrating Trauma in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Police in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, routinely transport patients with penetrating trauma to nearby trauma centers. During the past decade, this practice has gained increased acceptance, but outcomes resulting from police transport of these patients have not been recently evaluated. To assess mortality among patients with penetrating trauma who are transported to trauma centers by police vs by emergency medical services (EMS). This cohort study used the Pennsylvania Trauma Outcomes Study registry and included 3313 adult patients with penetrating trauma from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2018. Outcomes were compared between patients transported by police (n = 1970) and patients transported by EMS (n = 1343) to adult level I and II trauma centers in Philadelphia. Police vs EMS transport. The primary end point was 24-hour mortality. Secondary end points included death at multiple other time points. After whole-cohort regression analysis, coarsened exact matching was used to control for confounding differences between groups. Matching criteria included patient age, injury mechanism and location, Injury Severity Score (ISS), presenting systolic blood pressure, and Glasgow Coma Scale score. Subgroup analysis was performed among patients with low, moderate, or high ISS. Of the 3313 patients (median age, 29 years [interquartile range, 23-40 years]) in the study, 3013 (90.9%) were men. During the course of the study, the number of police transports increased significantly (from 328 patients in 2014 to 489 patients in 2018; P = .04), while EMS transport remained unchanged (from 246 patients in 2014 to 281 patients in 2018; P = .44). On unadjusted analysis, compared with patients transported by EMS, patients transported by police were younger (median age, 27 years [interquartile range, 22-36 years] vs 32 years [interquartile range, 24-46 years]), more often injured by a firearm (1741 of 1970 [88.4%] vs 681 of 1343 [50.7%]), and had a higher median ISS (14 [interquartile range, 9-26] vs 10 [interquartile range, 5-17]). Patients transported by police had higher mortality at 24 hours than those transported by EMS (560 of 1970 [28.4%] vs 246 of 1343 [18.3%]; odds ratio, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.57-2.21; P < .001) and at all other time points. After coarsened exact matching (870 patients in each transport cohort), there was no difference in mortality at 24 hours (210 [24.1%] vs 212 [24.4%]; odds ratio, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.59-1.52; P = .91) or at any other time point. On subgroup analysis, patients with severe injuries transported by police were less likely to be dead on arrival compared with matched patients transported by EMS (64 of 194 [33.0%] vs 79 of 194 [40.7%]; odds ratio, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.24-0.94; P = .03). For patients with penetrating trauma in an urban setting, 24-hour mortality was not different for those transported by police vs EMS to a trauma center. Timely transport to definitive trauma care should be emphasized over medical capability in the prehospital management of patients with penetrating trauma.

Surviving traumatic cardiac arrest: Identification of factors associated with survival.

The endpoint of resuscitative interventions after traumatic injury resulting in cardiopulmonary arrest varies across institutions and even among providers. The purpose of this study was to examine survival characteristics in patients suffering torso trauma with no recorded vital signs (VS) in the emergency department (ED). The National Trauma Data Bank was analyzed from 2007 to 2015. Inclusion criteria were patients with blunt and penetrating torso trauma without VS in the ED. Patients with head injuries, transfers from other hospitals, or those with missing values were excluded. The characteristics of survivors were evaluated, and statistical analyses performed. A total of 24,191 torso trauma patients without VS were evaluated in the ED and 96.6% were declared dead upon arrival. There were 246 survivors (1%), and 73 (0.3%) were eventually discharged home. Of patients who responded to resuscitation (812), the survival rate was 30.3%. Injury severity score (ISS), penetrating mechanism (odds ratio [OR] 1.99), definitive chest (OR 1.59) and abdominal surgery (OR 1.49) were associated with improved survival. Discharge to home (or police custody) was associated with lower ISS (OR 0.975) and shorter ED time (OR 0.99). Over a recent nine-year period in the United States, nearly 25,000 trauma patients were treated at trauma centers despite lack of VS. Of these patients, only 73 were discharged home. A trauma center would have to attempt over one hundred resuscitations of traumatic arrests to save one patient, confirming previous reports that highlight a grave prognosis. This creates a dilemma in treatment for front line workers and physicians with resource utilization and consideration of safety of exposure, particularly in the face of COVID-19.

Yaşlı Politravma Hastalarında Mortaliteyi Etkileyen Faktörler Genç Hastalardan Farklı mıdır?

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the differences in mortality between young and elderly polytrauma patients. Materials and Methods: In the present study, all consecutive polytrauma patients treated at our hospital between January 2014 and December 2018 were reviewed retrospectively. Patients younger than 65 years old were classified as Group I (n = 60), and patients aged 65 years and older were classified as Group II (n = 60). Age, gender, mechanism of injury, time of injury, injury severity score (ISS), preclinical hemodynamics, hospitalization, operative treatment, intubation rate, intensive care unit (ICU) treatment, and 1-year mortality were analyzed. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), and systemic inflammation response index (SIRI) were calculated. Results: The mean age was 36.6 ± 13.0 (18–64) years in Group I and 73.5 ± 7.4 (56–91) years in Group II. There was no difference in mortality rates between groups. Elderly polytrauma patients tend to be female, and lower ISS and higher blood pressure, as well as low-energy injury types, typically in the summer. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between mortality and ISS scores in both Group I and Group II. There was no statistically significant difference was found between elderly and younger polytrauma patients in terms of NLR, MLR, and SIRI scores. Conclusion: Elderly polytrauma patients are not just older adults, and there are several differences between them and their younger counterparts. The existing differences in the treatment of elderly polytrauma patients need to be considered during decision making.

Postmortem injury quantification for the fatally injured cyclists in the Osijek–Baranja county over a 21-year period

Objective The objective of this study was to quantify injuries in fatal cyclists’ traffic crashes by performing injury analysis and determine injury trends as well as main epidemiological data of the cyclists’ fatalities. Methods The study was organized as a cross-sectional retrospective study, which included 125 cyclists’ fatalities autopsied at the Clinical Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine, Clinical Hospital Center Osijek from 1998 to 2018. We applied The Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS©) classification for all fatally injured cyclists in traffic crashes and determined the severity of injuries by body region from the description of injuries reported in the autopsy report. Results The majority of victims in our study (80%) were male and older than 45 (80.8%). A significant majority of cyclists (78.4%) were not wearing a helmet at the time of the fatal crash. For the rest of the cyclists (21.6%) we were not able to establish if they were wearing a helmet at the time of the crash based on the traffic police reports. Most of those who died on the spot or during transport had severe injuries to three or more ISS body regions (26/46 = 54%) and the majority of deceased cyclist had severe injuries to the head and brain, regardless of the time of death. Older cyclists died on the spot with lower injury severity scores (ISS). Conclusions Measures against dangerous cycling behavior such as driving under the influence of alcohol and driving without the helmet could lead to reduction of fatal, and probably, non-fatal bicycle crashes. We believe that policy change regarding mandatory helmet usage is of upmost importance. Injury analysis can provide us with valuable information regarding where the focus of treatment should be among severely injured cyclists as well as where the prevention should be targeted. Further injury analysis studies are needed, with studies including both fatal and non-fatal crashes. The Abbreviated Injury Scale represents a valuable system for describing (coding) and quantifying the severity of injuries during autopsies.

A Systems-based Approach to Reduce Deep Venous Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism in Trauma Patients.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) in trauma patients carries significant morbidity and mortality. We previously described how titrating enoxaparin dosing by anti-Xa trough levels was associated with a lower VTE rate. We combined this strategy with a higher initial enoxaparin dose for a majority of patients and modified the electronic medical record (EMR) to encourage immediate dosing. We sought to determine if this systems-based approach was associated with a decrease in VTE rate. A retrospective review was conducted of all trauma patients on prophylactic enoxaparin at an academic, Level I Trauma Center from 01/2013 to 05/2014 (PRE) and 06/2015 to 02/2018 (POST). The patients in PRE were prescribed enoxaparin 30mg twice daily without dose adjustments. The patients in POST received 40mg twice daily unless exclusion criteria applied, with doses titrated to maintain anti-Xa trough levels between 0.1 and 0.2IU/mL. There were 478 patients in the PRE and 1306 in the POST. Compared to PRE, POST patients were of similar age and were as likely to present after blunt trauma, although POST patients had lower injury severity scores (10 vs. 9, p < 0.01). The overall VTE rate was lower in POST (6.9% vs. 3.6%, p < 0.01). The adjusted risk of VTE (AOR 0.61, adjusted p = 0.04) was lower in POST and POST was independently protective for VTE (AOR 0.54; p = 0.01). By implementing system changes to improve enoxaparin dosing after trauma, a significant reduction in VTE rate was observed. Wider application of this strategy should be considered.

Motor Vehicle Crashes in Pregnancy: Maternal and Fetal Outcomes

BACKGROUND Motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) are a leading cause of death in pregnant women. Even after minor trauma, there is risk of fetal complications. The purpose of this study was to compare injuries and outcomes in pregnant with matched nonpregnant women after MVC and evaluate the incidence and type of pregnancy-related complications. METHODS Retrospective study at a Level I trauma center included pregnant MVC patients, admitted 2009 to 2019. Pregnant patients were matched for age, seatbelt use, and airbag deployment with nonpregnant women (1:3). Gestation-related complications included uterine contractions, vaginal bleeding, emergency delivery, and fetal loss. RESULTS During the study period, there were 6,930 MVC female admissions. One hundred forty-five (2%) were pregnant, matched with 387 nonpregnant. The seat belt use (71% in nonpregnant vs. 73% in pregnant, p = 0.495) and airbag deployment (10% vs. 6%, p = 0.098) were similar in both groups. Nonpregnant women had higher Injury Severity Score (4 vs. 1, p < 0.0001) and abdominal Abbreviated Injury Scale (2 vs. 1, p < 0.001), but a smaller proportion sustained abdominal injury (18% vs. 53%, p < 0.0001). Mortality (1% vs. 0.7%, p = 0.722), need for emergency operation (6% vs. 3%, p = 0.295) or angiointervention (0.3% vs. 0%, p = 0.540), ventilator days (3 vs. 8, p = 0.907), and intensive care unit (4 vs. 4, p = 0.502) and hospital length of stay (2 vs. 2, p = 0.122) were all similar. Overall, 13 (11.1%) patients developed gestation-related complications, most commonly uterine contractions (6.3%), need for emergency delivery (3.5%), and vaginal bleeding (1.4%). CONCLUSION Most pregnant patients hospitalized for MVC suffered minor injuries. Pregnant women had lower Injury Severity Score and abdominal Abbreviated Injury Scale than matched nonpregnant women. However, there was still a considerable incidence of gestation-related complications. It is imperative that pregnant patients be closely monitored even after minor trauma. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Prognostic and epidemiological, level III.

The Clinical Frailty Scale predicts adverse outcome in older people admitted to a UK major trauma centre.

Frailty assessment using the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) has been mandated for older people admitted to English major trauma centres (MTC) since April 2019. Little evidence is available as to CFS-associated outcomes in the trauma population. To investigate post-injury outcomes stratified by the CFS. A single centre prospective observational cohort study was undertaken. CFS was prospectively assigned to patients ≥ 65years old admitted to the MTC over a 5-month period. Primary outcome was 30-day post-injury mortality. Secondary outcomes were length of hospital stay, complications and discharge level of care. In 300 patients median age was 82; 146 (47%) were frail (CFS 5-9) and 28 (9.3%) severely frail (CFS 7-9). Frail patients had lower injury severity scores (median 9 vs 16) but greater 30-day mortality (CFS 5-6 odds ratio (OR) 5.68; P< 0.01; CFS 7-9 OR 10.38; P< 0.01). Frailty was associated with delirium (29.5% vs 17.5%; P= 0.02), but not complication rate (50.7% vs 41.6%; P= 0.20) or length of hospital stay (13 vs 11days; P= 0.35). Mild to moderate frailty was associated with increased care level at discharge (OR 2.31; P< 0.01). Frailty is an independent predictor of 30-day mortality, inpatient delirium and increased care level at discharge in older people experiencing trauma. CFS can therefore be used to identify those at risk of poor outcome who may benefit from comprehensive geriatric review, validating its inclusion in the 2019 best practice tariff for major trauma.

History of anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy as a predictive factor for transfusion requirement in elderly trauma patients in intensive care: A retrospective registry–based cohort analysis

Introduction: With increased life expectancy, the proportion of elderly trauma admissions has increased. Elderly patients frequently have underlying diseases necessitating anticoagulant/antiplatelet medication, which worsens coagulopathy. We ascertained the relationship between preinjury anticoagulants/antiplatelet medication use and transfusion requirements in patients older than 65 years. Methods: This retrospective study enrolled patients admitted to the trauma intensive care unit of Chungbuk National University Hospital during January 2016 to June 2019. Data on medication history, clinical features, and component transfusions were analyzed with the chi-square test, independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance, and analysis of covariance. Results: Overall, 142 and 324 (overall 466) patients did and did not receive anticoagulant/antiplatelet medication, respectively. Falls were more frequent ( p &lt; 0.001) in the medicated group ( n = 36; 25.4% vs n = 25; 7.7%). Head and neck injuries were more frequent among patients in the medicated group (58.5% vs 46.6%, p = 0.02), and they had a lower Injury Severity Score (ISS; 18.2 vs 20.2, p = 0.03), with no difference in serum hemoglobin level and coagulation function. The non-medicated group received more red blood cell transfusions within 4 h of arrival (2.24 vs 1.42 units, p = 0.03). Post hoc analysis revealed differences in red blood cell transfusions within 4 h of arrival between the non-medicated and warfarin groups (2.24 vs 0.33 units). Patients with head and neck injuries received less red blood cells than patients with other injuries (head and neck 1.07; chest and abdomen 2.73; pelvic and extremity 3.34 units, p &lt; 0.001). On linear regression analysis, the Injury Severity Score and Glasgow Coma Scale score influenced the transfusion volume. Multivariate analysis controlled for Injury Severity Score, Glasgow Coma Scale score, and main injury site showed no intergroup differences in transfusion requirements. Conclusion: Preinjury anticoagulant/antiplatelet medication use was not significantly associated with transfusion amounts in patients older than 65 years.

Reduced Recovery Capacity After Major Trauma in the Elderly: Results of a Prospective Multicenter Registry-Based Cohort Study

Aims: Considering the worldwide trend of an increased lifetime, geriatric trauma is moving into focus. Trauma is a leading cause of hospitalization, leading to disability and mortality. The purpose of this study was to compare the global health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of geriatric patients with adult patients after major trauma. Methods: This multicenter prospective registry-based observational study compares HRQoL of patients aged ≥65 years who sustained major trauma (Injury Severity Score (ISS) ≥ 16) with patients <65 years of age within the trauma registry of the German Trauma Society (DGU). The global HRQoL was measured at 6, 12, and 24 months post trauma using the EQ-5D-3L score. Results: We identified 405 patients meeting the inclusion criteria with a mean ISS of 25.6. Even though the geriatric patients group (≥65 years, n = 77) had a lower ISS (m = 24, SD = 8) than patients aged <65 years (n = 328), they reported more difficulties in each EQ dimension compared to patients <65 years. Contrary to patients < 65, the EQ-5D Index of the geriatric patients did not improve at 12 and 24 months after trauma. Conclusions: We found a limited HRQoL in both groups after major trauma. The group of patients ≥65 showed no improvement in HRQoL from 6 to 24 months after trauma.

Prognostic factors and quality of life after pelvic fractures. The Brabant Injury Outcome Surveillance (BIOS) study.

Pelvic fractures can have long-term consequences for health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The main purpose of this study is to provide insight into short-term HRQoL in the first year after pelvic injury and to identify short-term prognostic factors of decreased outcome. This is a prospective, observational, multicenter, follow-up cohort study in which HRQoL and functional outcomes were assessed during 12-month follow-up of injured adult patients admitted to 1 of 10 hospitals in the county of Noord-Brabant, the Netherlands. The data were collected by self-reported questionnaires at 1 week (including preinjury assessment) and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after injury. The EuroQoL-5D (EQ-5D), visual analog scale (VAS), Merle d'Aubigné Hip Score (MAHS) and Majeed Pelvic Score (MPS) were used. Multivariable mixed models were used to examine the course of the HRQoL and the prognostic factors for decreased HRQoL and functional outcomes over time. A total of 184 patients with pelvic fractures were identified between September 2015-September 2016; the fractures included 71 Tile A, 44 Tile B and 10 Tile C fractures and 59 acetabular fractures. At the pre-injury, 1 week, and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after injury time points, the mean EQ-5D Index values were 0.90, 0.26, 0.45, 0.66, 0.77 and 0.80, respectively, and the mean EQ-VAS values were 83, 45, 57, 69, 75 and 75, respectively. At 6 and 12 months after injury, 22 and 25% of the MPS < 65 year group, 38 and 47% of the MPS ≥ 65 year group and 34 and 51% of the MAHS group, respectively, reached the maximum score. Pre-injury score, female gender and high Injury Severity Score (ISS) were important prognostic factors for a decreased HRQoL, and the EQ-5D VAS β = 0.43 (95% CI: 0.31 - 0.57), -6.66 (95% CI: -10.90 - -0.43) and -7.09 (95% CI: -6.11 - -5.67), respectively. Patients with pelvic fractures experience a reduction in their HRQoL. Most patients do not achieve the HRQoL of their pre-injury state within 1 year after trauma. Prognostic factors for decreased HRQoL are a low pre-injury score, high ISS and female gender. We do not recommend using the MAHS and MPS in mid- or long-term follow-up of pelvic fractures because of ceiling effects. Trial registration number NCT02508675.

Secondary Overtriage in Patients with Complicated Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: An Observational Study and Socioeconomic Analysis of 1447 Hospitalizations.

Secondary overtriage is a problematic phenomenon because it creates unnecessary expense and potentially results in the mismanagement of healthcare resources. The rates of secondary overtriage among patients with complicated mild traumatic brain injury (cmTBI) are unknown. To determine the rate of secondary overtriage among patients with cmTBI using the institutional trauma registry. An observational study using retrospective analysis of 1447 hospitalizations including all consecutive patients with cmTBI between 2004 and 2013. Data on age, sex, race/ethnicity, insurance status, GCS, Injury Severity Score (ISS), Trauma Injury Severity Score, transfer mode, overall length of stay (LOS), LOS within intensive care unit, and total charges were collected and analyzed. Overall, the rate of secondary overtriage among patients with cmTBI was 17.2%. These patients tended to be younger (median: 41 vs 60.5 yr; P<.001), have a lower ISS (9 vs 16; P<.001), and were more likely to be discharged home or leave against medical advice. Our findings provide evidence to the growing body of literature suggesting that not all patients with cmTBI need to be transferred to a tertiary care center. In our study, these transfers ultimately incurred a total cost of $13 294 ($1337 transfer cost) per patient.