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Evaluating polytrauma patient outcomes and their correlation with trauma severity

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Published: Apr 10, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12681/healthresj.40184
Keywords:
Multiple trauma outcome trauma rating scales
Georgios Velonas
RN, MSc, PhD (c), General Health Clinic Melathron TYPET, Greece
https://orcid.org/0009-0005-7899-1515
Vasiliki Linardatou
RN, MSc, MSHCM, PhD, Emergency & Critical care Nursing Specialty, 1st Health Region of Attica, Nursing Education Office–Nursing Specialties, General Hospital of Athens 'G. Gennimatas' , Greece
Dimitra Koutete
MD Pathologist- Intensivist, 3rd Department of Internal Medicine, General Hospital of Athens, Greece "G. Gennimatas", Greece
Nektarios Alevizopoulos
MSc, PhD, Pathologist - Oncologist, Consultant A’, Evaggelismos General Hospital, Athens, Greece
Despoina Paraskevi
RN, MSc, General Hospital of Athens ‘Laiko’, Greece
Spyridon Dritsas
7. MD, MSc, PhD, Colorectal Surgeon, 1st Surgical Department and Transplant Unit, GHA “Evaggelismos”, Greece
Athanasios Papadopoulos
MD, MSc, General Practitioner
Georgios Magkoutas
Medical Student, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
Antonia Kalogianni
Associate Professor, Nursing Department, University of West Attica, Greece
Christina Marvaki
Emeritus Professor, Nursing Department, University of West Attica, Greece
Abstract

Background: Worldwide, injuries are the cause of death for 4.4 million people per year. Identifying clinical indicators that reliably correlate with the severity and outcomes of polytrauma patients can play a crucial role in improving their care. The present study aimed to assess the outcome of polytrauma patients and relate it to the severity of the trauma.


Method and Material: This is a prospective observational study of 65 polytrauma patients (45♂) who came to the ER, aged over 16, with multiple injuries, and were admitted to the hospital. Data were collected through a structured recording form, including patient clinical data and outcome scales for life expectancy and outcome assessment (TRISS, APACHE II, Marshall CT Scan Grade, GOS-E).


Results: The average age of those with multiple injuries was 48.95 years (SD 19.91). The main mechanism of injury was blunt trauma (98.5%). The most common cause of treatment was traffic accidents (58.5%). The shortest median length of stay in the emergency room was 200'. The most common complications were transfusions (18.1%), sepsis (16.9%) and pneumonia (12.8%). The median length of hospital stay was 30 days, with 46.1% of patients recovered and 41.6% disabled. Trauma scores were analysed for the relationship between length of stay and outcome. The hazard function was statistically significant (χ²(3) = 24.784, p < 0.001), with the TRISS scale identified as a significant predictor (p = 0.002, OR = 0.96). Each increase in the TRISS scale reduces the risk of death by 4%. The model, including the TRISS scale, patient waiting time in the emergency department (ED), and oxygen saturation in the ED, was also statistically significant (χ²(3) = 20.029, p < 0.001), confirming the TRISS scale confirmed as a significant predictor (p = 0.002, OR = 0.96).


Conclusions: In patients with polytrauma, the TRISS scale was shown to be a valid predictor of results. Its use in clinical practice can enhance patient care and direct early action.

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