Effects of ageing on the initial metabolic response to accidental injury

Background: little is known about the effects of ageing on the early metabolic response to injury. This response is thought to have evolved as a defence mechanism and may be particularly important in old people, who often present late to hospital after accidental injury. Setting: the accident and emergency department of a teaching hospital. Subjects: 352 patients studied within 2 h of accidental injury, before the start of definitive treatment.