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Epidemiology of vascular injury in trauma-ICU patients over a decade - the KZN experience

V C Ntola1, T C Hardcastle1,2, N M Nkwanyana3

  • 1Department of Surgery, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

South African Journal of Surgery. Suid-Afrikaanse Tydskrif Vir Chirurgie
|March 31, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Vascular trauma requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission is most often caused by penetrating injuries, with the carotid artery being the most frequently injured vessel. This study highlights the need for targeted preventive measures to reduce vascular injuries.

Area of Science:

  • Trauma Surgery
  • Vascular Surgery
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Vascular injuries represent a significant cause of preventable death and disability.
  • These injuries occur in both civilian and combat settings.
  • Identifying the injured vessel and mechanism of injury is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the epidemiology of vascular injuries in patients admitted to the trauma intensive care unit (ICU).
  • To analyze the types of vascular injuries, associated injuries, and mechanisms of trauma.
  • To provide data that can inform preventive strategies for vascular trauma.

Main Methods:

  • A combined retrospective and prospective study was conducted over a 10-year period (January 2013 - December 2022).
  • Included were patients with vascular trauma requiring trauma-ICU admission.
  • Data were analyzed using frequencies, percentages, median, quartiles, and range.

Main Results:

  • Out of 2,805 trauma patients, 153 (5.5%) had vascular injuries requiring ICU admission.
  • The common carotid artery (CCA) was the most frequently injured vessel (13.5%).
  • Bone fractures were the most common associated injury (53.2%). Penetrating trauma (64.7%) was more prevalent than blunt trauma (35.2%), with stab wounds and gunshots being the primary causes.

Conclusions:

  • This study uniquely focuses on the epidemiology of vascular injury within the ICU patient subset.
  • Findings underscore the need for the Department of Health and government bodies to develop practical preventive measures.
  • Effective prevention strategies are essential to reduce vascular injuries and associated complications.
Abstract

Keywords:
KwaZulu-Natalblunt traumaepidemiologypenetrating traumapolytraumavascular injury

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