Epidemiology of liver injuries

Abstract

Background and Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiology of liver injuries and to grade injuries according to the Organ Injury Scale in a population-based study in Stockholm County comprising 1.75 million inhabitants. Material and Methods: Cases were retrieved from the National Board of Forensic Medicine and Public Health and Medical Services Committee Register. Autopsy reports and patients files were studied for liver injuries, associated injuries, age, sex, trauma mechanism, location of the injury, description of the injury, diagnostic and treatment modalities when available. Results: The incidence of traumatic liver injury in 1996 and 1997 was 2.95/100 000 annually. Seventy seven autopsies with liver injuries revealed injury pattern of grade I in 6 cases (8 %), grade II in 10 cases (13 %), grade III in 21 cases (27 %), grade IV in 15 cases (19 %), grade V in 16 cases (21 %) and grade VI in 9 cases (12 %). Twenty four patients revealed injury pattern of grade II in 13 cases (46 %), grade III in 4 cases (14 %), grade IV in 5 cases (18 %) and grade V in 2 cases (7 %). Conclusions: The results demonstrate a low incidence of liver injuries in the studied population. Grade II and III injuries prevail. Surgical management of liver injuries is an infrequent treatment option in Stockholm County and simple operative measures were applied. No complex hepatic injuries were operated upon.