Sabrina Bindrich, Thomas Mittlmeier, Steffi S I Falk
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Purpose: One of the key challenges trauma centres are currently facing is the management of polytraumata in an ageing population. The aim of this study is to assess the extent to which demographic changes are reflected in the trauma bay population and the impact on geriatric polytrauma patient outcomes.
Methods: This is a retrospective single-centre cohort study of a level one trauma centre in Germany. The data were collected from the DGU TraumaRegister. All patients exhibiting vital signs who were primarily admitted to the trauma bay were included in the study. Patient characteristics were compared for years 2011 and 2021. Polytrauma was defined as ISS > 15, and patients aged 65 and over were assigned to the geriatric group.
Results: The study included 214 patients. During the study period, there was a significant increase in the mean age of patients (from 47.7 to 55.9 years) and in the proportion of geriatric patients (from 30.37 to 40.51%). Injury severity, as measured by the Injury Severity Score (ISS), also increased significantly. In the entire patient population, the proportion of patients discharged to their place of residence decreased, while the hospital mortality (2011: 9.63%; 2021: 21.52%) increased.
Conclusions: The ageing trauma bay population presents new challenges for medical staff, because polypharmacy, multiple comorbidities and frailty become more significant in an ageing population. Enhanced interdisciplinary management, particularly between trauma and geriatric specialists, may mitigate rising mortality rates. Geriatric trauma centres or at least more geriatric expertise might be required to improve the treatment and outcome in this changing population.
期刊介绍:
The European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery aims to open an interdisciplinary forum that allows for the scientific exchange between basic and clinical science related to pathophysiology, diagnostics and treatment of traumatized patients. The journal covers all aspects of clinical management, operative treatment and related research of traumatic injuries.
Clinical and experimental papers on issues relevant for the improvement of trauma care are published. Reviews, original articles, short communications and letters allow the appropriate presentation of major and minor topics.