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Predicting 1 year mortality after traumatic injury using the Clinical Frailty Scale.
Philip Braude1,2, Ben Carter3, Frances Parry1
1North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol, UK.
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
|October 8, 2021
Summary
Frailty significantly increases 1-year mortality risk in older adults with traumatic injuries, independent of age. Early frailty assessment is crucial for improving outcomes in trauma patients.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Trauma Surgery
- Public Health
Background:
- Frailty impacts recovery in trauma patients.
- Limited research exists on frailty's long-term mortality effect, especially adjusted for age.
- This study investigates frailty's impact on 1-year mortality in older trauma patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the independent effect of frailty on 1-year mortality in older adults admitted with traumatic injuries.
- To analyze mortality risk across different frailty severity levels.
- To provide evidence for frailty assessment in trauma care.
Main Methods:
- Observational study at a major trauma center.
- Included patients aged 65+ with traumatic injuries (excluding isolated hip fractures).
- Frailty assessed using the Clinical Frailty Scale; 1-year mortality analyzed using Cox proportional hazards models.
Main Results:
- 147 out of 585 patients (25.1%) died within 1 year.
- Frailty was significantly associated with increased mortality risk.
- Higher frailty severity correlated with greater mortality risk (e.g., CFS 7-8 had aHR 6.57).
Conclusions:
- Frailty consistently impacts 1-year survival in older trauma patients, irrespective of age.
- Admission frailty assessment is recommended for trauma care.
- Identifying and potentially modifying frailty can improve patient outcomes.
