Study of epidemiology and outcome of chest trauma at an apex tertiary care trauma centre

Abstract

Background: Trauma accounts for 12% of the world’s burden of disease. Chest trauma is present in about 50% of trauma victims and is the cause of death in about 25%. Present study focuses on the epidemiology and outcome associated with both, blunt and penetrating chest trauma, over a period of one year in our high-volume tertiary level trauma centre in Mumbai.Methods: A prospective study including all patients between the ages of 18-60 years who suffered from chest trauma and were admitted to trauma ICU over a period of one year. Master chart was maintained of all data collected and Revised trauma Score and Apache II Score was calculated.Results: Using Stepwise Logistic Regression Analysis it was found that factors significantly affecting mortality were Age, Revised Trauma Score <7, Apache II score >18 and infective complications.Conclusions: Mortality from chest trauma can be significantly reduced by development of better trauma care systems, prevention of shock and hypoxia and adherence to strict aseptic precautions to prevent infective complications.