[Scales for predicting outcome after severe trauma]

In this article we review the development of the most-used scales for severe trauma patients over the past 40 years. It is well known that anatomical scales are effective for measuring the severity of injuries and for predicting results. Physiological scales measure the dynamic component after trauma, with a great influence on the prognosis of injured patients. Metabolic scales, both lactate and base deficit, are reflections of tissue hypoperfusion states and therefore shock. The combined scales are used for prediction and comparative assessment of results. The inclusion of factors that influence the prognosis of trauma patients has led to the development of new scales. However, they lack external validation studies for their widespread use. Until these validation studies are conducted caution should be taken with the use of existing scales.