Trauma-related morbidity and mortality in elderly patients

The purpose of this multi-center study was to investigate the probable predictive factors of mortality and morbidity in elderlypopulation. Materials and Methods- The descriptive prospective study was conducted based on the data gathered from trauma cases older than 65 years admitted to Sina, Shohada and Fayaz-Bakhsh trauma centers during years 1997-98. A pre- prepared questionnaire including the demographic data of the cases and information on the mechanism and the severity of the injury was filled for all the patients upon their arrival in the emergency department; it was, thereafter, completed in terms of the therapeutic measures and procedures performed for the patients and the outcomes (discharge, death, …) following their admission. Thegathered data were then analyzed. A total of 296 patients with the mean age of 71.8 met inclusion criteria. Motor vehicle accident was the most frequent mechanism of injury. Overall 18 patients (6.1%) died, which mostlyhappened in the ICU. The type and severity of the injury assessment based on ISS and GCS scores were the most important factors to predict mortality. The statistics showed that there was not a significant correlation between general surgery and the rate of mortality, whilethe orthopedic operation had a significant role in decreasing mortality.