Multivariate Associations Between the Geriatric Trauma Outcome Score (GTOS) and Injury Characteristics in the...

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Trauma Research
• Public Health Concerns in Aging Populations
• Trauma Outcome Prediction

Background:

• Geriatric trauma is a growing public health issue with high morbidity and mortality.
• The Geriatric Trauma Outcome Score (GTOS) assesses risk and mortality in elderly trauma patients.
• Limited research exists on factors associated with elevated GTOS in hospitalized geriatric trauma patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify demographic and injury-related factors associated with elevated GTOS values in hospitalized geriatric trauma patients.
• To characterize the clinical profile of geriatric trauma patients with high GTOS.
• To support the clinical utility of GTOS in managing elderly trauma patients.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study of patients aged ≥65 years admitted to a Level 1 trauma center.
• Analysis included demographics, BMI, anticoagulation, GCS, injury mechanism, and diagnosis.
• Multivariable linear regression and Firth penalized logistic regression were used to identify associated factors and mortality predictors.

Main Results:

• Lower BMI, anticoagulation use, motor vehicle collisions, and specific injuries were significantly associated with higher GTOS values.
• Traumatic brain injuries and head injuries were the most common diagnoses.
• Higher GTOS and lower GCS were independently associated with increased mortality.

Conclusions:

• Demographic and injury factors like lower BMI and anticoagulation use influence GTOS in geriatric trauma.
• GTOS and GCS are valuable indicators for predicting mortality in this population.
• Findings reinforce the clinical utility of GTOS for geriatric trauma management.