@article{ref1,
title="The Effect of Obesity on Outcomes among Injured Patients",
journal="Journal of trauma",
year="2005",
author="Byrnes, Matthew C. and McDaniel, Mark D. and Moore, Michael B. and Helmer, Stephen D. and Smith, R. Stephen",
volume="58",
number="2",
pages="232-237",
abstract="INTRODUCTION:: The potential consequences of obesity in trauma patients are significant, yet incompletely defined by previous studies. OBJECTIVES:: To evaluate the effect of obesity on morbidity and mortality among injured patients. METHODS:: Medical records of all trauma patients evaluated at an American College of Surgeons verified Level I trauma center over a 1-year period were retrospectively reviewed. Morbidity and mortality were assessed after patients were stratified according to body mass index (BMI=kilograms/meters) and injury severity score. RESULTS:: The mortality of patients with a BMI &gt;/=35 (obese patients) was 10.7% versus 4.1% for patients with a BMI&lt;35 (lean patients, p = 0.003). Nearly 27% of obese patients versus 17.6% of lean patients experienced one or more complications while in the hospital (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS:: Obese patients are significantly more likely than lean patients to experience complications and death after a traumatic event. This effect is enhanced with higher levels of injury.<br />",
language="",
issn="0022-5282",
doi="",
url="http://dx.doi.org/"
}