Assessment of quality of life and functional outcome in patients sustaining moderate and major trauma: A multicentre,prospective cohort study

Background

Trauma care systems aim to reduce both death and disability, yet there is little data on post-trauma health status and functional outcome.

Objectives

To evaluate baseline, discharge, six month and 12 month post-trauma quality of life, functional outcome and predictors of quality of life in Hong Kong.

Methods

Multicentre, prospective cohort study using data from the trauma registries of three regional trauma centres in Hong Kong. Trauma patients with an ISS ≥ 9 and aged ≥ 18 years were included. The main outcome measures were the physical component summary (PCS) score and mental component summary (MCS) scores of the Short-Form 36 (SF36) for health status, and the extended Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOSE) for functional outcome.

Results

Between 1 January 2010 and 31 September 2010, 400 patients (mean age 53.3 years; range 18–106; 69.5% male) were recruited to the study. There were no statistically significant differences in baseline characteristics between responders (N = 177) and surviving non-responders (N = 163). However, there were significant differences between these groups and the group of patients who died (N = 60). Only 16/400 (4%) cases reported a GOSE ≥ 7. 62/400 (15.5%) responders reached the HK population norm for PCS. 125/400 (31%) responders reached the HK population norm for MCS. If non-responders had similar outcomes to responders, then the percentages for GOSE ≥ 7 would rise from 4% to 8%, for PCS from 15.5% to 30%, and for MCS from 31% to 60%. Univariate analysis showed that 12-month poor quality of life was significantly associated with age > 65 years (OR 4.77), male gender (OR 0.44), pre-injury health problems (OR 2.30), admission to ICU (OR 2.15), ISS score 26–40 (OR 3.72), baseline PCS (OR 0.89), one-month PCS (OR 0.89), one-month MCS (OR 0.97), 6-month PCS (OR 0.76) and 6-month MCS (OR 0.97).

Conclusion

For patients sustaining moderate or major trauma in Hong Kong at 12 months after injury < 1 in 10 patients had an excellent recovery, ≤3 in 10 reached a physical health status score ≥ Hong Kong norm, although as many as 6 in 10 patients had a mental health status score which is ≥ Hong Kong norm.     

Functional outcome and general health status after treatment of AO type 43 distal tibial fractures

IntroductionDistal tibial fractures are uncommon, but they result in poor overall outcome. The objective of this study was to assess functional outcome and general health status after the treatment of distal tibial fractures and identify factors that affect these outcome measures.Patients and methodsA retrospective cohort study including 118 AO type 43 distal tibial fractures in 116 patients was conducted. With regard to articular involvement, fractures were classified as either simple (A1–B2, n = 70) or complex (B3–C3, n = 48). Twenty relevant demographic and operative variables were studied. Functional outcome, quality of life and pain were assessed using the Foot Function Index (FFI) and AOFAS ankle score, physical and mental SF-36, and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) questionnaires, respectively.ResultsOver 75% of patients experienced noteworthy loss of ankle function. The general health status assessment showed markedly affected quality of life with more than two-third of all responding patients suffering from pain every day. In fact, complex fractures and increased complication rate were associated with worse functional outcome, whereas prolonged time to definite surgery affected both functional outcome and general health status significantly.ConclusionsComplex distal tibial fractures were associated with poor functional outcome scores and delayed (-staged) surgery has been shown to prevent postoperative soft tissue problems. However, soft tissue injury associated with distal tibial fractures itself affected both the postoperative functional outcome and general health status as well. This should contribute to the understanding of treatment and outcome of distal tibial fractures.Level of evidence3.     

The effect of socio-economic status on non-fatal outcome after injury: A systematic review

BackgroundOver the past decades, the number of survivors of injuries has rapidly grown. It has become important to focus more on the determinants of non-fatal outcome. Although socio-economic status (SES) is considered to be a fundamental determinant of health in general, the role of SES as a determinant of non-fatal outcome after injury is largely unknown.MethodsAn online search was conducted in November 2015 using Embase, Medline, Web of Science, Cinahl, Cochrane, Google scholar and PubMed. Studies examining the relation between SES and a physical or psychological outcome measure, or using SES as a confounder in a general trauma population were included. There were no restrictions regarding study design. The ‘Quality in Prognostic Studies tool’ was used to assess the methodological quality of the included studies.ResultsThe 24 included studies showed large variations in methodological quality. The number of participants ranged from 56 to 4639, and assessments of the measures ranged from immediately to 6 year post-injury. Studies used a large number of variables as indicators of SES. Participant’s educational level was used most frequently. The majority of the studies used a multivariable technique to analyse the relation between SES and non-fatal outcome after injury. All studies found a positive association (80% of studies significant, n = 19) between increased SES and better non-fatal outcome after injury.ConclusionAlthough an adequate and valid measure of SES is lacking, the results of this review showed that SES is an important determinant of non-fatal outcome after injury. Future research should focus on the definition and measurement of SES and should further underpin the effect of SES on non-fatal outcome after injury.     

Patterns of injury and functional outcome after hanging: analysis of the National Trauma Data Bank

PURPOSE: Hanging has become the second most common method of attempted suicide among adolescents, but there is little relevant epidemiologic or outcome data in the trauma literature. Additionally, there are no studies examining the degree of functional disability among survivors of hanging injury. METHODS: The National Trauma Data Bank was queried for all patients with an E-code diagnosis of hanging injury. Demographic and injury pattern data were analyzed. Disability at discharge was assessed using the functional independence measure (FIM) scores for feeding, locomotion, and expression (range 1 = full disability to 4 = no disability). Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of mortality and degree of functional disability at discharge. RESULTS: There were 655 patients identified (84% male) with a mean age of 30.3 years and mean injury severity score (ISS) of 9. There were 92 (14%) deaths in the emergency department (ED) and 119 (18%) deaths after admission, for an overall mortality rate of 33%. Excluding ED deaths, survivors had significantly higher Glasgow coma scores (GCS) at the scene (8 vs. 4) and in the ED (9 vs. 3), a lower ED base deficit (4 vs. 9), and lower ISS (6 vs. 15, all P < .01) compared with nonsurvivors. The strongest independent predictor of hospital mortality was ED GCS <15 (odds ratio 16.1, P < .01); the mortality rate was 1.5% for patients with an ED GCS of 15 versus 29% for any GCS <15. Of patients who survived to discharge (n = 277), 84% were functionally independent (total FIM = 12), and 10% had severe functional disabilities in feeding, expression, or locomotion (FIM <3). Patients with severe disability had a higher incidence of intracranial (38% vs. 19%) and chest injury (19% vs. 5%) but surprisingly demonstrated equivalent rates of vascular (0% vs. 2.6%) and spinal injury (11% vs. 12%) compared with those without severe disability. Independent predictors of functional outcome were ISS and ED GCS (both P < .01). There was no severe functional disability at discharge among patients with an ED GCS of 15 compared with a 15% severe disability rate if the ED GCS was <15. CONCLUSIONS: Hanging injuries are associated with a high overall mortality rate, with the admission GCS being the best independent predictor of outcome. However, the majority of survivors have little to no functional disability. The presence of severe disability at discharge is mainly attributed to intracranial and thoracic injury.     

Management of splenic pseudocysts following trauma: a retrospective case series

BACKGROUND: Post-traumatic splenic pseudocysts are uncommon. The optimal treatment is not well defined. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted at the three adult hospitals in the Calgary Health Region. RESULTS: Six cases of splenic pseudocysts were found over a 6-year period. One splenic pseudocyst spontaneously resolved. A second splenic cyst was removed by open splenectomy. The remaining 4 patients were all first treated with percutaneous drainage. However, 3 of the 4 cysts recurred. Two of these 3 recurrent cysts were treated with laparoscopic fenestration, and all subsequently recurred; 1 of these patients later developed a splenic abscess. The third patient had a repeat percutaneous drain with subsequent recurrence. The last patient died of sepsis secondary to an iatrogenic punctured colon. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous drainage and laparoscopic fenestration have an unacceptably high rate of failure. Partial or complete splenectomy should be considered for young and otherwise healthy patients who have large symptomatic splenic pseudocysts.     

Survival and functional outcome according to hip fracture type: a one-year prospective cohort study in elderly women with an intertrochanteric or femoral neck fracture

We conducted a prospective study among elderly women with a first hip fracture to document survival and functional outcome and to determine whether outcomes differ by fracture type.

The design was a one-year prospective cohort study in the context of standard day-to-day clinical practice. The main outcome measures were survival and functional outcome, both at hospital discharge and 1 year later. Functional outcome was assessed using the Rapid Disability Rating Scale version-2.

Of the 170 women originally enrolled, 86 (51%) had an intertrochanteric and 84 (49%) a femoral neck fracture. There were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to median age (80 and 78 years, respectively), type and number of comorbidities and prefracture residence at the time of injury. At hospital discharge, intertrochanteric hip fracture patients had a higher mortality (p = 0.006) and were functionally more impaired (p = 0.005). One year later, mortality was still significantly higher after intertrochanteric fracture (relative risk 2.5; 95% confidence interval: 1.3 to 5.1; p = 0.008), but functional outcome among surviving patients was similar in both groups.

We conclude that intertrochanteric fractures are associated with increased mortality compared to femoral neck fractures. Functional outcome differs according to fracture type at hospital discharge, but these differences do not persist over time. These differences cannot be explained by differences in age or comorbidity. To address the mechanism(s) by which intertrochanteric fractures carry excess mortality compared to femoral neck fractures, future studies in hip fracture patients should include a comprehensive assessment of the degree of frailty, vitamin D status, and fall dynamics.     

创伤严重度改良评分法对2260例创伤患者的前瞻性研究

目的探讨创伤严重度改良评分法（RISS）的临床实用价值，根据RISS值界定损伤严重程度。方法运用RISS法对1997年1月～2002年12月收治的2260例创伤患者进行前瞻性评估分析。结果RISS值随损伤部位数量增加而增高，并与损伤程度、伤残及死亡率呈正相关（P〈0．01）。生存者RISS值平均为（12．82±8．51）分，死亡者RISS值平均为（34．47±14．88）分（P〈0．01）。单处伤RISS值最低[（11．12±8．20）分]，多处伤次之[（13．81±4．67）分]，多发伤RISS值最高[（18．23±11、75）分]（P〈0．01）。结论RISS法能客观准确地反映各类损伤的创伤严重度，RISS〈9分为轻伤，RISS 9—15分为中度伤，RISS 16—25分为重伤，RISS 26～35分为严重伤，RISS〉35分为危重伤。     

Comparing the outcomes of isolated,serious traumatic brain injury in older adults managed at major trauma centres and neurosurgical services: A registry-based cohort study

BackgroundThe incidence of older adult traumatic brain injury (TBI) is increasing in both high and middle to low-income countries. It is unknown whether older adults with isolated, serious TBI can be safely managed outside of major trauma centres. This registry based cohort study aimed to compare mortality and functional outcomes of older adults with isolated, serious TBI who were managed at specialised Major Trauma Services (MTS) and Metropolitan Neurosurgical Services (MNS).MethodOlder adults (65 years and over) who sustained an isolated, serious TBI following a low fall (from standing or ≤ 1 m) were extracted from the Victorian State Trauma Registry from 2007 to 2016. Multivariable models were fitted to assess the association between hospital designation (MTS vs. MNS) and the two outcomes of interest: in-hospital mortality and functional outcome, adjusting for potential confounders. Functional outcomes were measured using the Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended at six months post-injury.ResultsFrom 2007–2016, there were 1904 older adults who sustained an isolated, serious TBI from a low fall who received definitive care at an MTS (n = 1124) or an MNS (n = 780). After adjusting for confounders, there was no mortality benefit for patients managed at an MTS over an MNS (OR = 0.84; 95% CI: 0.65, 1.08; P = 0.17) or improvement in functional outcome six months post-injury (OR = 1.13; 95% CI: 0.94, 1.36; P = 0.21).ConclusionFor older adults with isolated, serious TBI following a low fall, there was no difference in mortality or functional outcome based on definitive management at an MTS or an MNS. This confirms that MNS without the added designation of a major trauma centre are a suitable destination for the management of isolated, serious TBI in older adults.     

Functional outcome after surgical treatment of perilunate injuries: A series of 12 cases

PurposePerilunate injuries (PLIS) are complex injuries, which are frequently missed in the initial setting, and delayed presentation leads to poor functional outcomes. In this study, we are presenting our experience of treating these injuries by surgical treatment and the effect of neglect on their outcome.Materials and methodsIn this retrospective study, 11 patients with 12 PLIS, which presented to our center from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2012 were included. They were managed surgically as open reduction and internal fixation. Function was documented by using Mayo score. To ascertain the effect of the delay/neglect on the outcome, the patients were divided into two groups according to time between day of injury and final surgery (group I – operated within 6 weeks of injury and group II – treated after 6 weeks of injury).ResultsAverage postoperative Mayo score was 76.4. Average Mayo score in group I was 93.7 (90–95). Average Mayo score in group II was 67.1 (60–75). Although functional result as Mayo score was significantly better in group I (p value <0.5) even chronic or delayed group patients also had good to fair results.ConclusionEarly diagnosis and treatment of such injuries should be emphasized as delay in treatment leads to progressive poor results. Well-planned surgical management gives good functional results even in delayed cases.     

5岁儿童创伤性寰枕关节脱位1例

<正>患儿,女,5岁。因"车祸致神志不清30min"入院。患儿于30min前坐在副驾驶室母亲的腿上(行驶的轿车上),被另一辆汽车侧方撞击,头部被打开的安全气囊撞击,伤后立即呼之     

Geographic mapping as a tool for identifying communities at high risk of fire and burn injuries in children

Burns are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in children. Although industrialized countries have achieved significant declines in deaths and hospitalizations for these injuries in recent decades, the benefits have not been shared equally by children across all socioeconomic groups. We used Bayesian methods to map posterior expected relative risks, as an estimate of smoothed hospital separation ratios for fire and burns in children, across local government areas in New South Wales, Australia. The geographic pattern of relative risk varied by age group; higher than average risks were observed for children residing in rural and remote areas, as well as in scattered local government areas closer to the coast and in some metropolitan regions. Mapping the occurrence of injury gives injury practitioners the opportunity to identify high risk communities for further investigation of risk factors and implementation of targeted interventions within a defined area.     

Functional outcome and survival after hip fracture in elderly: a prospective study of 106 consecutive patients

Abstract Hip fracture is one of the most common, costly, and devastating injuries suffered by elderly. We prospectively analysed the recovery of hip fracture patients in an area of 92 500 inhabitants comprising six municipalities (A-F). Ambulation, functional capacity and survival of 106 consecutive hip fracture patients whose mean age was 79 years (SD=10) were followed for one year. Functional capacity was measured at two weeks, four months and twelve months postoperatively. Locomotor ability was evaluated pre- and postoperatively. Life table method was used in survival analysis. There was a significant decrease in the mean functional capacity of the patients at twelve months compared to the situation prior to the fracture (p=0.001). Prior to the fracture, 59% of the patients were moving without any assistive devices, but one year after fracture only 19% were able to do this. Similarly, not one of the patients was confined to bed before the fracture, but 11% of those who were alive after one year had become bed-ridden (p<0.001). Overall mortality rate was 32%. Age <80 years (OR=7.3; 95% CI, 2.3–23.1), residence in municipalities A and B (OR=4.2; 95% CI, 1.4–12.4 ) and ASA classes 1–3 (OR=5.2; 95% CI, 1.8–15.4) were positive factors for one-year survival. Patients from municipalities A and B (49% of all patients) whose post-acute care was given in the same rehabilitation department of one hospital recovered best. The locomotor ability of the patients decreased significantly in the first postoperative year. It seems that the centralisation of post-acute rehabilitation improves the functional outcome of these patients.     

High-field intraoperative MRI in glioma surgery: A prospective study with volumetric analysis of extent of resection and functional outcome

Background

High-field intraoperative MRI (IoMRI) is a useful tool to improve the extent of glioma resection (EOR).

Factors predicting health status and recovery of hand function after hand burns in the second year after hospital discharge

Introduction

Hands are the most commonly burnt body part given humans’ innate response to guard their face from injury, and are known to have detrimental functional and psychological consequences. Conflicting evidence exists regarding the impact of hand burns on long-term health status and global functioning. The objective of this study was to identify patient and clinical characteristics that predict health status and hand function of people at 12–24 months after hand burn.

Long-term follow-up of trauma patients before and after implementation of a physician-staffed helicopter: A prospective observational study

IntroductionThe first Danish Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) was introduced May 1st 2010. The implementation was associated with lower 30-day mortality in severely injured patients. The aim of this study was to assess the long-term effects of HEMS on labour market affiliation and mortality of trauma patients.MethodsProspective, observational study with a maximum follow-up time of 4.5 years. Trauma patients from a 5-month period prior to the implementation of HEMS (pre-HEMS) were compared with patients from the first 12 months after implementation (post-HEMS). All analyses were adjusted for sex, age and Injury Severity Score.ResultsOf the total 1994 patients, 1790 were eligible for mortality analyses and 1172 (n = 297 pre-HEMS and n = 875 post-HEMS) for labour market analyses. Incidence rates of involuntary early retirement or death were 2.40 per 100 person-years pre-HEMS and 2.00 post-HEMS; corresponding to a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.72 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.44–1.17; p = 0.18). The HR of involuntary early retirement was 0.79 (95% CI 0.44–1.43; p = 0.43). The prevalence of reduced work ability after three years were 21.4% vs. 17.7%, odds ratio (OR) = 0.78 (CI 0.53–1.14; p = 0.20). The proportions of patients on social transfer payments at least half the time during the three-year period were 30.5% vs. 23.4%, OR = 0.68 (CI 0.49–0.96; p = 0.03). HR for mortality was 0.92 (CI 0.62–1.35; p = 0.66).ConclusionsThe implementation of HEMS was associated with a significant reduction in time on social transfer payments. No significant differences were found in involuntary early retirement rate, long-term mortality, or work ability.     

Fractures and dislocations of the hand in polytrauma patients: Incidence,injury pattern and functional outcome

IntroductionInjuries of the hand can cause significant functional impairment, diminished quality of life and delayed return to work. However, the incidence and functional outcome of hand injuries in polytrauma patients is currently unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence, distribution and functional outcome of fractures and dislocation of the hand in polytrauma patients.MethodsA single centre retrospective cohort study was performed at a level 1 trauma centre. Polytrauma was defined as patients with an Injury Severity Score of 16 or higher. Fractures and dislocations to the hand were determined. All eligible polytrauma patients with hand injuries were included and a Quick Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (QDASH) and Patient-Rated Wrist/Hand Evaluation (PRWHE) were administered. Patients were contacted 1–6 years after trauma.ResultsIn a cohort of 2046 polytrauma patients 72 patients (3.5%) suffered a hand injury. The functional outcome scores of 52 patients (72%) were obtained. The Metacarpal (48%) and carpal (33%) bones were the most frequently affected. The median QDASH score for all patients with hand injury was 17 (IQR 0–31) and the PRWHE 14 (IQR 0–41). Patients with a concomitant upper extremity injury (p = 0.002 for PRWHE, p0.006 for QDASH) and those with higher ISS scores (p = 0.034 for PRWHE, QDASH not significant) had worse functional outcome scores. As an example, of the 5 patients with the worst outcome scores 3 suffered an isolated phalangeal injury, all had concomitant upper extremity injury or neurological injuries (3 plexus injuries, 1 severe brain injury).ConclusionThe incidence of hand injuries in polytrauma patients is 3.5%, which is relatively low compared to a general trauma population. Metacarpal and carpal bones were most frequently affected. The functional extremity specific outcome scores are highly influenced by concomitant injuries (upper extremity injuries, neurological injuries and higher ISS).     

Factors associated with self-efficacy for managing recovery in the trauma intensive care population: A prospective cohort study

Objective

The aim of this paper was to identify factors associated with self-efficacy for managing recovery in the trauma intensive care population.

Introduction

Injury accounts for 6.5% of disease burden in Australia, with similar levels being reported in other developed countries. While some studies regarding self-efficacy have identified a relationship to patient recovery post acute injury, others have been inconclusive. This study will identify factors associated with self-efficacy for managing recovery in the trauma intensive care population.

Methods

A prospective cohort study of patients aged ≥18 years, admitted to a metropolitan tertiary hospital in South East Queensland between June 2008 and August 2010 for the acute treatment of injury. Demographic, injury, acute care and psychosocial factors were considered. The primary outcome was self-efficacy measured by the 6-item self-efficacy scale (SES) 1 and 6 months post hospital discharge. All factors significant (p < 0.10) on univariate analysis were included in multivariable modelling where p < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

A total of 88 patients were included. The mean self-efficacy score at 1 and 6 months was similar (6.8 vs 6.9 respectively). Self-efficacy at 1 month, psychological distress (K-10) Score and illness perception (K10) Score accounted for 68.4% (adjusted R²) of the variance in 6 month self-efficacy (F_3,75) = 57.17, p < 0.001. Illness perception was the strongest contributor to 6 month self-efficacy (beta = −0.516), followed by psychological distress (beta = −0.243) and self-efficacy at 1 month (beta = 0.205).

Conclusion

Significant factors associated with self-efficacy for managing recovery at 6 months included 1 month self-efficacy, illness perception and psychological distress. To promote patient recovery, screening patients at 1 month in order to commence relevant interventions could be beneficial.     

Environmental barriers and subjective health among people with chronic spinal cord injury: A cohort study

Abstract

Objective

Although previous studies have found environmental barriers to be associated with social participation and life satisfaction after spinal cord injury (SCI), few studies exist reporting their effects on subjective health after SCI. Our purpose was to identify the prevalence of perceived environmental barriers and their effects on subjective health in persons with chronic SCI who completed two repeated measurements during a 5-year longitudinal study.

Design

This is a prospective cohort study. Environmental barriers were measured at baseline by the Craig Hospital Inventory of Environmental Factors-Short Form. Subjective health was measured at baseline and 5-year follow-up by days of physical and mental health not good. Other control variables included sex, race, age at injury, years since injury, and injury severity at baseline.

Setting

Data were collected at a specialty hospital and analyzed at a medical university in the Southeastern USA.

Participants

A total of 1635 participants completed both baseline and follow-up surveys.

Results

Twenty per cent of participants reported at least one policy barrier, 46% at least one physical and structural barrier, 22% at least one attitudinal and support barrier, 26% at least one barrier to services and assistance, and 13% at least one barrier at work or school. After controlling for sex, race, age at injury, years since injury, and injury severity, the physical and structural barriers, and services and assistance barriers measured at baseline significantly predicted subjective physical and mental health measured at follow-up.

Conclusion

Environmental barriers are prevalent among people with chronic SCI. They are important predictors for future subjective health.     

Environmental barriers and subjective health among people with chronic spinal cord injury: A cohort study

Objective

Although previous studies have found environmental barriers to be associated with social participation and life satisfaction after spinal cord injury (SCI), few studies exist reporting their effects on subjective health after SCI. Our purpose was to identify the prevalence of perceived environmental barriers and their effects on subjective health in persons with chronic SCI who completed two repeated measurements during a 5-year longitudinal study.

Design

This is a prospective cohort study. Environmental barriers were measured at baseline by the Craig Hospital Inventory of Environmental Factors-Short Form. Subjective health was measured at baseline and 5-year follow-up by days of physical and mental health not good. Other control variables included sex, race, age at injury, years since injury, and injury severity at baseline.

Setting

Data were collected at a specialty hospital and analyzed at a medical university in the Southeastern USA.

Participants

A total of 1635 participants completed both baseline and follow-up surveys.

Results

Twenty per cent of participants reported at least one policy barrier, 46% at least one physical and structural barrier, 22% at least one attitudinal and support barrier, 26% at least one barrier to services and assistance, and 13% at least one barrier at work or school. After controlling for sex, race, age at injury, years since injury, and injury severity, the physical and structural barriers, and services and assistance barriers measured at baseline significantly predicted subjective physical and mental health measured at follow-up.

Conclusion

Environmental barriers are prevalent among people with chronic SCI. They are important predictors for future subjective health.