Age-related injury patterns in Spanish trauma ICU patients. Results from the RETRAUCI

ABSTRACT Background Injury patterns may differ in trauma patients when age is considered. This information is relevant in the management of trauma patients and for planning preventive measures. Methods We included in the study all patients admitted for traumatic disease in the participating ICUs from November 23 rd , 2012 to July 31 st , 2015 with complete records. Data on epidemiology, injury patterns, severity scores, acute management, resources utilisation and outcome were recorded and compared in the following groups of age: ≤ 55 years (young adults), 56–65 years (adults), 66–75 years (elderly), > 75 years (very elderly). Quantitative data were reported as median (Interquartile Range (IQR) 25–75) and categorical data as number and percentage. Comparison between groups of age with quantitative variables was performed using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) test. Differences between groups with categorical variables were compared using the chi-square test. A value of p Results We included 2700 patients (78.9% male). Median age was 46 (31–62) years. Blunt trauma was present in 93.7% of the patients. Median RTS was 7.55 (5.97–7.84). Median ISS was 20 (13–26). High-energy trauma secondary to motor-vehicle accident with rhabdomyolysis and drugs abuse showed an inverse linear association with ageing, whilst pedestrian falls with isolated brain injury, being run-over and pre-injury antiplatelets or anticoagulant treatment increased with age (in all cases p p p p Conclusions Different injury patterns exist in relation with ageing in trauma ICU patients. Adult patients were more likely to present high-energy trauma with significant injuries in different areas whilst elderly patients were prone to low-energy falls, complicated by antiplatelets or anticoagulants use, resulting in severe brain injury and increased mortality.