Profile of Trauma Related Mortality in a Tertiary Hospital in North Western Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Traumatic injury and trauma deaths are considered a major health problem all over the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 16 000 people die every day from trauma injuries, and for every person who dies, several thousands more are injured, many of them with permanent sequelae.

Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study is to determine the pattern and causes of deaths due to trauma in the Emergency Department of our institution within 72 hours of admission.

Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study of all deaths due to trauma within 72 hours of admission in the Emergency Department of the Federal Medical Center, Birnin Kebbi, North Western Nigeria; from May 2010 to April 2015. Case notes of patients were retrieved with relevant information extracted and analyzed.

Results: A total of 121 cases were included in the study. This constituted 11.6% of all admissions due to trauma. Males were 92 (76%), while females were 29 (24%). The male­ female ratio was 3:1. The 26-35 years age group constituted 33 (27.3%) cases, constituting the majority. Cases that were as a result of motor vehicle accidents were 81 (66.9%). Head injury cases constituted 75 (62%) of cases, while poly trauma cases were 32 (26.4%).

Conclusion: Head injury is the commonest cause of death due to trauma. This usually arises from road traffic injuries. Male in their productive age group are the main victims.