Outcome and quality of life 5 years after major trauma

This study aimed to determine quality of life after injury and identify factors potentially associated with outcome.

Five years after injury from blunt or penetrating trauma, patients received a questionnaire based on the SF-36 Health Survey.

Two hundred five patients (83%) replied. Most were men, median age 39 years, 93% injured by blunt energy, median Injury Severity Score 14 (range 9-57). Mean SF-36 scores were significantly lower than in a matched reference group. Poor outcome was associated with: in-hospital days, intensive care days, surgical procedures, in-hospital major complications, age, recurrent injury, and inadequate information. Subjects reported considerable physical (68%) and psychologic (41%) disabilities. Near half reported need of improved follow-up care. Injury severity did not predict poor health-related quality of life 5 years later.

Adequate information, sufficient pain management and follow-up by trauma specialist teams are needed. Certain factors can help identify patients in need of additional help and support.