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Article Type

Original Study

Abstract

Objectives The aim of this study was to compare the different presentations, management, and outcomes of blunt and penetrating chest trauma patients who presented to the Emergency Department of Menoufia University Hospital. Background Chest trauma accounts for 10% of trauma admissions and 25–50% of trauma deaths worldwide. Different types and grades of severity of chest trauma along with various associated body injuries result in variable outcomes. Patients and methods This prospective study included 100 patients with acute chest trauma who presented to the Emergency Department of Menoufia University Hospitals. All patients were managed according to Advanced Trauma Life Support guidelines in the emergency department, followed up in the Cardiothoracic Surgery Department, or in the ICU according to diagnosed injuries, treatments, and outcomes. Data were described in percentages. Results Out of 100 patients, 72 patients had blunt chest trauma and 28 patients had penetrating trauma. The male: female ratio was 7: 1 in blunt trauma patients and 13: 1 in penetrating trauma group. The most common mode of blunt trauma was motor vehicle accident (76.4%), whereas stab wound was the most common cause (67.9%) of penetrating trauma. Tube thoracostomy was the most common intervention in blunt and penetrating chest trauma (P = 0.013). No mortality was found in penetrating trauma patients, whereas five blunt trauma patients died, mortality rate 6.9%; four of these deaths were associated with traumatic brain injury. Conclusion Thoracic trauma is an important cause of hospitalization, morbidity, and mortality. The incidence of chest trauma was higher in males than females. The ICU stay was significantly longer among patients with blunt chest trauma than penetrating trauma.

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