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Factors affecting mortality after penetrating cardiac injuries: 10-year experience at urban level I trauma center.

Michael J Mina, Rashi Jhunjhunwala, Rondi B Gelbard, Stacy D Dougherty, Jacquelyn S Carr, Christopher J Dente, Jeffrey M Nicholas, Amy D Wyrzykowski, Jeffrey P Salomone, Gary A Vercruysse, David V Feliciano, Bryan C Morse

American Journal of Surgery · 2016-10-15 · Observational study

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Abstract

BACKGROUND: Despite the lethality of injuries to the heart, optimizing factors that impact mortality for victims that do survive to reach the hospital is critical. METHODS: From 2003 to 2012, prehospital data, injury characteristics, and clinical patient factors were analyzed for victims with penetrating cardiac injuries (PCIs) at an urban, level I trauma center. RESULTS: Over the 10-year study, 80 PCI patients survived to reach the hospital. Of the 21 factors analyzed, prehospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation (odds ratio [OR] = 30), scene time greater than 10 minutes (OR = 58), resuscitative thoracotomy (OR = 19), and massive left hemothorax (OR = 15) had the greatest impact on mortality. Cardiac tamponade physiology demonstrated a "protective" effect for survivors to the hospital (OR = .08). CONCLUSIONS: Trauma surgeons can improve mortality after PCI by minimizing time to the operating room for early control of hemorrhage. In PCI patients, tamponade may provide a physiologic advantage (lower mortality) compared to exsanguination.

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Tags

Mortality & survival · Time intervals · Urban

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