[Acute thoracic injuries. A retrospective study of treatment and results]

One hundred and twelve patients with severe chest trauma, were evaluated retrospectively. Chest tubulation was sufficient treatment in 64% cases, with hemo/pneumothorax, while 36% underwent thoracotomy. It may be life-threatening if tubulation is not performed in patients with chest trauma, treated with respiratory therapy. The overall mortality was 18%. Most often mortality was related to ARDS (adult respiratory distress syndrome) (Pontoppidans' categories, severe and moderate respiratory failure) and the cause was pulmonary failure and/or multiorgan failure. Infections (pneumonia and sepsis) are often related to pulmonary failure and probably influence its progress to ARDS.