Epidemiological and evolutionary profile of polytrauma patients admitted to the intensive care unit of the UMC of the Mostaganem University Hospital

Abstract

Background: Prognosis is limited by the severity of the injuries and their pathophysiological consequences on vital functions. Objective: To describe the epidemiological and evolutionary profile of severe polytrauma patients hospitalized in the intensive care unit of the Mostaganem University Hospital in Algeria. Patients and methods: This is a cross-sectional study with a descriptive and analytical aim, with prospective data collection in the emergency and intensive care units over a period of 6 months. Admitted to the intensive care unit of the UMC of the Mostaganem University Hospital from September 1, 2023 to March 30, 2024, 20 patients with multiple trauma were selected. Results and discussion: The average age is 36 years, with a male predominance of 85%. Accidents occurring on public roads represented the main cause (40%), followed by falls. Medical transport was provided for only 25% of patients Respiratory distress dominated the clinical picture upon admission (60%), with impaired consciousness observed in 85% of patients. 70% of patients with multiple trauma had cranio-cerebral injuries, or the average GCS was 7.025 The average length of stay in the UMC intensive care unit was 7.25 days. It averaged 8.33 days for survivors and 6.36 days for non-survivors We recorded 9 deaths, representing an overall mortality rate of 55%. The predictive factors for mortality were age, the presence of collapse, respiratory distress syndrome, GCS less than 8, the presence of anisocoria, pulmonary contusion with rib fractures, the presence of edema brain herniation and contusion on CT, and a combination of more than two lesions. Assisted ventilation in 60% of cases from the first 24 hours and vasopressor drugs in 10 cases or 50%, blood transfusion was necessary in 40%. 11 patients (55%) required urgent surgery. Conclusion: Improving the prognosis of polytrauma victims is based on urgent and effective care at the scene of the accident, hence the need for genuine pre-hospital medicine, and on Care in centers with all the necessary and experienced technical equipment to handle this difficult task.

Keywords: Trauma emergency-Polytrauma victims-Vital distress