Citation

Norwood S, Myers MB. Arch. Surg. (1960) 1994; 129(8): 800-805.

Affiliation

Trauma Services, East Texas Medical Center, Tyler.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1994, American Medical Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

8048848

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence, severity, and outcomes of injury in patients treated in a rural-based level I trauma center and to compare the outcomes with a nationally indexed patient population--the Major Trauma Outcome Study. DESIGN: Retrospective evaluation of trauma registry data. SETTING: State of Illinois designated level I trauma center located in Urbana. PATIENTS: A total of 2246 trauma patients admitted from August 1989 through August 1992, with a mortality cohort of 158 patients. There were 1735 patients (77%) with Injury Severity Scores less than or equal to 19 and 511 patients (23%) with more severe injuries (Injury Severity Scores > or = 20). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Mortality rates using the TRISS method, the Major Trauma Outcome Study, and final patient dispositions. RESULTS: The overall mortality rate, excluding those patients who were pronounced dead on arrival, was 125/2213 (5.6%). Eighty-six (69%) of these 125 patients had neurological Abbreviated Injury Scores of 3 or greater, with neurotrauma being a major contributor to their deaths. The m-statistic was 0.99 and the z-statistic was -3.30 for the entire group. The observed probability of survival met or exceeded the expected probability of survival when compared with the Major Trauma Outcome Study in all categories. CONCLUSION: Acceptable mortality rates compared with the Major Trauma Outcome Study can be achieved in a rural-community-based level I trauma center despite relatively small numbers of critically injured patients. Such outcomes may assist in justifying resource allocation for trauma centers in rural areas.

Language: en