Rates of thoracic trauma and mortality due to accidents in Brazil

Abstract

AIM:To report on the causes of trauma, indexes of trauma, and mortality related to thoracic trauma in one region of Brazil.MATERIALS AND METHODS:This prospective study was performed at the Regional Trauma Center in São José do Rio Preto over a 1-year period, from 1st July 2004 to 30th June 2005. We included all patients attending the center's emergency room with thoracic trauma and an anatomic injury scale (AIS) ≥ 2. We collected data using a protocol completed on arrival in hospital utilizing the AIS. We studied the types of accidents as well as the mortality and the AIS scores. Prevalence rates were calculated and the paired t-test and logistic regression were employed for the statistical analysis.RESULTS:There were a total of 373 casualties with AIS ≥ 2 and there were 45 (12%) deaths. The causes of thoracic trauma among the 373 casualties were as follows: 91 (24.4%) car crashes, 75 (20.1%) falls, 46 (12.3%) motorbike accidents, 40 (10.7%) stabbings, 22 (5.9%) accidents involving pedestrians, 21 (5.6%) bicycle accidents, 17 (4.6%) shootings, and 54 (14.5%) other types of accident. The severity of the injuries was classified according to the AIS: 224 (60%) were grade 2, 101 (27%) were grade 3, 27 (7.2%) were grade 4, 18 (4.9%) were grade 5, and 3 were (0.8%) grade 6. With respect to thoracic trauma, pedestrians involved in accidents and victims of shootings had mortality rates that were significantly higher than that of those involved in other types of accidents.CONCLUSION:Road accidents are the main cause of thoracic injury, with accidents involving pedestrians and shootings being associated with a greater death rate.

Acute kidney injury after trauma: Prevalence, clinical characteristics and RIFLE classification

“…It is important to note that males and younger individuals are more often involved in accidents. [ 21 ] The mean age of our patients was around 30 years, which is lower than that reported in literature (which ranges from 51 to 68 years). [ 4 ]…”

“…Previous studies have shown similar findings but some have shown that the mortality is similar for men and women. [ 3 4 20 21 ] This study was conducted in a reference center in Brazil where accidents involving motorcycles, cars and falls are the most common causes of trauma. In larger cities, where traffic accidents and physical violence are more common, we can observe more serious injuries.…”

Mortality in patients with loss of consciousness at the scene of trauma

“…Thoracic injury is a significant cause of mortality, and identification of factors involved in the trauma are important [14]. In the current study, loss of consciousness was identified as yet another aggravating factor in thoracic injuries.…”