Co-morbid factors in trauma patients

A variety of factors influence the survival of trauma patients including the severity and site of injury, and the timing and quality of care. However, host factors including age and gender have also been reported as independent risk factors that adversely influence outcome. In addition, the presence of co-morbid or pre-existing factors has been shown to increase mortality and morbidity after trauma. This chapter reviews the evidence for these associations and considers their impact on assessment and management of the trauma patient Most trauma victims are young, but the consequences of injury are evident at all ages, with at least two surviving with serious permanent disabilities for every person killed1. In those over the age of 65 years, a death rate of 86 per 100,000 was reported in 1984, twice the rate for all ages2. A variety of factors affect the survival of these patients3-4. These include the severity and site of injury, and the timing and quality of care5"8. However, host factors including age and gender have also been reported as independent risk factors that adversely influence outcome9. In addition, the presence of co-morbid or pre-existing factors has been shown to increase mortality and morbidity after trauma.