The Pattern and Outcome of Chest Injuries in South West Nigeria

Le résumé fourni par la source

Objective : The pattern and management outcome of chest injuries presenting to our tertiary university hospital located in a semi-urban population in the South West of Nigeria, has not been documented previously. We therefore sought to identify factors that may contribute to mortality. Method : We analyzed 114 patients presenting to the Accident and Emergency Unit with chest trauma, prospectively entered into a data base over a two year period. Results : Chest trauma accounted for 6% of all trauma admissions with a male preponderance (M:F = 3.6:1). Rib fractures were the most common injury (46.3%) while limb fractures were the most common associated injury (35.8%). Associated head injury accounted for most deaths (56%) in those with severe ISS. Majority of patients (51.8%) required only analgesics, while additional closed tube thoracostomy drainage was necessary (41.8%) in the others who suffered blunt trauma. Thoracotomy was indicated for only 5 (4.5%) penetrating injuries. There is a rising trend towards penetrating gunshot injuries, with mortality increasing with age (p=0.03) and severity of associated injuries (ISS) (p=0.003). Conclusion : Majority of the patients required only minimal intervention with chest drainage or analgesics, with low mortality. Increasing age and severity of injury contributed significantly to mortality. Initiation of care for chest trauma victims is still delayed in our centre.

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