Trauma Induced Inflammation, Sepsis and Ageing

In African American and Caucasian populations advanced age and preexisting co-morbid risk factors such as hypertension and diabetes have differential effects on the outcome of clinical complications such as systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and sepsis when elderly patients encounter trauma/injury insult. Worldwide, the life span of the human population is increasing and the ageing population may become more susceptible to systemic inflammation and infection. Understanding of the complexities and characteristics specific to post-trauma clinical complications in the trauma care setting might help in designing strategies to improve outcomes and lead to the development of efficient patient care and management, particularly reducing long-term patient hospitalization which is a known risk factor for the development of infection in the elderly population.