A retrospective cross-sectional study of profile severity and outcome of pedestrian road traffic trauma patients presenting to the emergency department in South India − during 2019

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Pedestrian injuries are a common mode of trauma presenting to the emergency department (ED). This study analyzes the profile, severity, and hospital outcome of these victims. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of pedestrian trauma victims who presented to our ED from January 2017 to December 2018. Results: During the 2-year study period, our ED received 463 patients with pedestrian trauma. The mean age was 39 (standard deviation: 22.72) years, with a male (309/463: 66.6%) predominance. Based on their hemodynamic stability, majority were triaged as Priority 2 (279/463: 60.2%). Injuries included fractures (49.5%; n = 229), lacerations (46.4%; n = 215), abrasions: (38.9%; n = 179) and brain contusions (23.1%; n = 107). Extremities were the most injured (66.6%), followed by the scalp/head (39.9%) and face/neck injuries (20.3%) patients. A New Injury Severity Score of more than or equal to 14 was noted in 64 (13.9%) patients. Most of the victims required surgical (major/minor) intervention as part of their treatment which accounted for 63.9% (n = 296) patients. The ED mortality rate was 0.4% (n = 2), whereas the in-hospital mortality rate was 2.2% (n = 8). Conclusions: Middle-aged males were the leading demographic affected by most events taking place in the evening. Extremities were the most injured body part with fractures being the principal type of injury. A significant number of victims had injuries that were grievous and required hospital admission.