Self-Inflicted Stab Wounds: A Single-Center Experience from 2010 to 2016

Area of Science:

• Trauma Surgery
• Psychiatric Comorbidities
• Public Health

Background:

• Self-inflicted stab wounds (SISWs) present significant morbidity despite low mortality.
• SISWs often indicate underlying substance abuse and mental health disorders.
• Understanding SISW patient characteristics is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize demographics, comorbidities, and outcomes of SISW patients.
• To compare SISW metrics with those of assault stab wounds (ASWs).
• To identify specific needs for psychiatric care in SISW populations.

Main Methods:

• A Level I trauma center registry was queried for stab injuries (January 2010 - December 2015).
• Patients were classified as SISW or ASW.
• Demographic, injury, and outcome data were collected and analyzed for differences.

Main Results:

• SISW patients were older, more likely to be white, and had higher rates of psychiatric history than ASW patients.
• SISW patients required operative intervention more frequently than ASW patients (65% vs. 50%).
• A significant proportion of SISW patients (47%) were discharged to psychiatric facilities, contrasting sharply with ASW patients (0.2%).

Conclusions:

• SISW patients exhibit higher rates of psychiatric illness and a greater need for operative intervention compared to ASW patients.
• This population requires urgent inpatient and outpatient psychiatric services.
• Early multidisciplinary team involvement is essential for optimal treatment and discharge planning for SISW patients.