[Prognostic factors in chest traumas: a prospective study of 500 patients].

OBJECTIVE

Identify the factors of greatest impact in patients with chest trauma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

prospective study of 500 patients (425 men and 75 women) with chest trauma treated between January 2006 and December 2008. The parameters assessed include the degree of trauma, the abbreviated injury scale (AIS), the injury severity score (ISS), pre-hospital intubation, duration of mechanical ventilation, stay in the intensive care unit (ICU), number of rib fractures, presence of pulmonary contusion, haemothorax and cardio-pulmonary effects.

RESULTS

The presence of polytrauma, the number of rib fractures, the presence of flail chest, pulmonary contusion, the delay in mechanical ventilation and age were shown to be effective markers of severity.

CONCLUSIONS

Thoracic injuries have a number of indicators of severity. The mortality risk is associated with an ISS >25, the presence of 3 or more rib fractures with flail chest, pulmonary contusion, the development of ARDS, and with an age >55 years.