Citation

Larson LM, Sliter R, Helmer SD, Reyes J, Crawford G, Haan JM. Am. J. Surg. 2016; 212(6): 1106-1114.

Affiliation

Department of Surgery, The University of Kansas School of Medicine - Wichita, 929 N. Saint Francis St., Room 3082, Wichita, KS 67214, USA; Department of Trauma Services, Via Christi Hospital Saint Francis, 929 N. Saint Francis St., Room 3082, Wichita, KS 67214, USA. Electronic address: James.Haan.Research@viachristi.org.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.amjsurg.2016.09.009

PMID

27773377

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Falls are the leading cause of trauma-related death in the elderly, but postdischarge outcomes' data are lacking. The purpose of this study was to evaluate 12-month postdischarge mortality and causes of death.

METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of patients 65 years and older admitted for a fall and discharged alive. Data collection included demographics, injury characteristics, hospitalization details, and outcomes. A state death database and hospital records were queried to identify patients who died within 12 months of hospital discharge.

RESULTS: Of 347 patients meeting inclusion criteria, 74 (21.3%) died within 12 months postdischarge. These patients were older than those who survived (83.4 vs 79.1 years, P <.001). Most injury patterns were not predictive of postdischarge death, whereas several comorbidities were more common in those who died. Death was fall-related in 13 of 74 (17.6%) who died.

CONCLUSIONS: Injury characteristics do not predict postdischarge mortality. However, pre-existing comorbidities, including advanced age were predictive of postdischarge mortality. Further study is needed to determine whether a focus on medical optimization can reduce 1-year postdischarge death.

Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Language: en