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Mortality after trauma laparotomy in geriatric patients
Bellal Joseph1, Bardiya Zangbar1, Viraj Pandit1
1Division of Trauma, Department of Surgery, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona.
The Journal of Surgical Research
|March 4, 2014
Summary
Mortality after trauma laparotomy is high in geriatric patients. Increasing age and elevated lactate levels are key predictors of death in these vulnerable individuals.
Area of Science:
- Trauma Surgery
- Geriatric Medicine
- Surgical Outcomes
Background:
- Geriatric patients face higher risks post-injury due to reduced physiological reserve.
- Mortality rates after trauma laparotomy are significant, but outcomes in the elderly are not well-defined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify factors predicting mortality in geriatric trauma patients undergoing laparotomy.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of trauma patients aged 55 years and older undergoing laparotomy.
- Exclusion of patients with severe head or thoracic injuries (AIS score ≥ 3).
- Multivariate regression analysis to identify independent predictors of mortality.
Main Results:
- Overall mortality rate was 23.3% (21/90) in geriatric patients.
- Mortality increased progressively with age (P=0.013).
- Independent predictors of mortality were age (P=0.02) and admission lactate levels (P=0.02).
Conclusions:
- Mortality after trauma laparotomy rises with increasing age in geriatric patients.
- Age and admission lactate are significant predictors of mortality in this population.
