Pattern of presentation and outcome of traumatic injuries at the accident and emergency department of a major Teaching Hospital Southeast Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Traumatic injuries have been responsible for significant number of deaths globally. There is an increase in the number of trauma-related morbidities and, mortalities and, this trend has been projected to increase over time.

Aim: This study looked at the pattern, characteristics and outcome of traumatic injuries in Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (AEFUTHA), southeast Nigeria

Methods: This is a retrospective, cross-sectional study that spanned over a period of 2 years (January 2018 to December 2019) in which patients that presented to the emergency room (ER) of AEFUTHA were studied. Health information data for the patients were extracted from their clinical folders and data analyzed using SPSS.

Results: 7117 patients were seen in the ER, out of which 2007 (28%) were trauma cases. The mean age of trauma patients was  29.18±14.66 years, the modal age group was 21-30 years with a male to female ratio of 2.6:1. Road traffic accident (RTA) accounted for about 70% of the cause of injuries followed by assault (12.4%). Head injury accounted for the highest proportion (30%) of encountered
regional injuries seen. 44.3% of the trauma patients were managed successfully and discharged while 40.9% were admitted. 10.8% were discharged against medical advice. The mortality rate was 3.2% while 0.8% of the patients were referred.

Conclusion: The productive age group were the most affected and RTA was the commonest cause of trauma. Head injury accounted for most of the mortalities observed. Discharge against medical advice was a trend observed among patients with fractures