ABSTRACT
Objective:
In this study, we aimed to investigate the characteristics of trauma patients hospitalized in intensive care units of a hospital, the first 30-day mortality rates and the causes affecting mortality in this period.
Materials and Methods:
In this study, the data of 150 trauma patients hospitalized in Nevşehir State Hospital between January 2013-2016 were examined retrospectively. Patients were divided into two groups, the survivors and the patients who died within the first 30 days (non-survivors). Initial findings of admission to the hospital, characteristics of trauma, interventions in intensive care units’s, and the latest conditions on the 30th day (still in bed, exitus or discharge cases) were recorded. Mortality rates and factors affecting mortality were studied.
Results:
In the first 30 days of hospitalization to intensive care units due to trauma, 115 (%76.7) of the 150 patients survived and 35 (23,3%) died. The mean Glasgow Koma Skala (GCS) scores were lower and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II scores were higher in the non-survivors group than survivors (p<0.0001). Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was successfully performed in 9 patients (6%) in the emergency department or in the first 30 days of intensive care hospitalization. The number of patients receiving CPR was higher in the non-survivors group than the survivors (p<0,0001). The most common cause of trauma was traffic accidents (n=52, 34.7%). Head was the most frequent trauma location (n=30.20%) and 27 (% 90) of them were due to the traffic accidents. Twelve (70.6%) of 17 (11.3%) multi-trauma patients died within the first 30-days and multi-trauma was an independent risk factor for mortality (p<0.0001). Low GCS score, high APACHE II score, multi-trauma and advanced age were identified as independent risk factors.
Conclusion:
During the first 30 days after admission to intensive care units of trauma patients, mortality rates are affected by factors such as age, multi-trauma, CPR and head trauma. Invasive procedures may increase mortality rates. GCS and APACHE II scores can be used as predictors of 30-day mortality of patients.