Prevalence and prognostic factors of disability after major trauma

The primary aim of this study was to assess the health-related quality of life of survivors of severe trauma 1 year after injury, specified according to all the separate dimensions of the EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D) and the Health Utilities Index (HUI).

A prospective cohort study was conducted in which all severely injured trauma patients presented at a Level I trauma center were included. After 12 months, the EQ-5D, HUI2 and HUI3 were used to analyze the health status.

Follow-up assessments were obtained from 246 patients (response rate, 68%). The overall population EQ-5D (median) utility score was 0.73 (EQ-5D Dutch general population norm, 0.88). HUI2, HUI3, and EQ-5D Visual Analog Scale scores were 0.81, 0.65, and 70, respectively. Eighteen percent had at least one functional limitation 1 year after trauma, and 60% reported functional limitations on two or more domains using the EQ-5D. The female gender and comorbidity were significant independent predictors of disability.

Functional outcome and quality of life of survivors of severe injury have not returned to normal 1 year after trauma. The prevalence of specific limitations in this population is very high (40-70%). Female gender and comorbidity are predictors of long-term disability.