Publication:

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

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 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.