Polytrauma Cases in the Emergency Department of a Community Hospital in Croatia

Background: The purpose of this study was to quantify the incidence of polytrauma cases at a single-center county hospital in Croatia and evaluate the therapeutic approaches currently in use. Methods: Patient data for 54 individuals diagnosed with polytrauma between 2019 and 2022 were retrospectively reviewed using the hospital's medical records system. The analysis encompassed several aspects, including injury mechanisms, injury timing, Glasgow Coma Scale scores, alcohol levels, therapies, triage classifications, and hospital stay durations. Results: In this study, patient age was not significantly associated with clinical presentation, treatment approach, or outcomes. However, gender showed significant associations with GCS, triage category, and discharge status, with female patients presenting more frequently with severe impairment (GCS 3-8) and higher triage urgency. Blood alcohol levels were more frequently elevated in male patients but showed no association with clinical severity or outcomes. Additionally, lower GCS scores were significantly linked to poorer outcomes, including higher in-hospital mortality, while surgical intervention was associated with longer hospital stays. Conclusions: Collectively, gender and level of consciousness significantly influenced triage urgency and outcomes, highlighting the need for targeted prevention and management strategies.