Predictors of higher pain in possible open globe injury emergency medical services activations

Abstract

Purpose: To determine predictors of high pain in open globe injury (OGI) cases treated and transported by Emergency Medical Services. Methods: The National Emergency Medical Services Information System database was queried for activations of OGI between 2017 and 2021. Demographic, location, medication, and date and time information was collected. Cases were divided based on the intensity of maximum pain reported (low pain: below 5/10, high pain: above 5/10). Logistic regression was used to identify significant predictors of high maximum pain. Results: Of 53,589 cases of OGI, 20,766 reported high levels of pain. Females were more likely to report high pain than males (OR 1.24, CI 1.195–1.285). All age groups between 16 and 75 years old were more likely to report high pain than patients below 15, while all age groups above 75 were less likely. American Indians/Alaska Natives, Black, and Hispanic Americans were all more likely to report high pain than White Americans (American Indian, OR 1.249, CI 1.067–1.461; Black, OR 1.332, CI 1.277–1.390; Hispanic, OR 1.133, CI 1.064–1.207). OGI cases in the Midwest and South regions were less likely to report high pain than those in the West (Midwest, OR 0.868, CI 0.807–0.933; South, OR 0.800, CI 0.748–0.855). Compared to low pain patients, a greater percentage of high pain patients received opioid analgesia (10.04% vs. 0.44%). Conclusions: Demographic factors and location may contribute to higher pain in OGI patients. This information may prove useful in the management of OGI and may warrant further investigation into the nature of open globe trauma.Kindly check and confirm the inserted city is correct for affiliation 3.Correct