Biphasic clinical characteristics of mild to moderate chest trauma according to age

Mild to moderate chest trauma is a common disease, although its clinical characteristics are not well known. We investigated the clinical profiles and the early and long-term outcome of hospitalized patients with chest trauma, focusing particularly on elderly patients.

The clinical records of patients who were hospitalized in Higashisumiyoshi Morimoto Hospital for chest trauma between January 2001 and December 2004 were retrospectively reviewed. The clinical profiles, treatment methods, and outcomes were investigated. The primary endpoint was a repeat visit to the hospital for another traumatic condition after discharge, and the secondary endpoint was death. The patients were divided into two groups with respect to the age of 60 years, and differences were compared statistically.

In all, 53 patients (34 men) were hospitalized for chest trauma in our hospital between January 2001 and December 2004. The mean age was 54.9 years (17-85 years). The distribution of age showed biphasic peaks-in the tens to twenties, and sixties to seventies. Injuries were significantly more likely to be caused by a fall in elderly patients than in younger patients (P < 0.05). The elderly patients revisited our hospital with another trauma more frequently than did the younger patients (P < 0.05).

Elderly patients were likely to suffer both falls and a further traumatic condition. This probably reflects the general deterioration of physical abilities, such as lowered cognitive and somatic performances.