Using Scoring Systems to Predict Thoracic Trauma Mortality in Emergency Department Management

Puanlama Sistemlerinin KullanılmasıBackground: Thoracic trauma accounts for approximately one-third of trauma cases admitted to the hospital, and approximately 20-25% of trauma-related deaths can be attributed to this type of injury.Given the significant morbidity and mortality associated with thoracic trauma, this study investigates the predictive value of trauma scoring systems for complications and mortality in affected patients. Materials and Methods:This was a single-center, retrospective study.Patients who presented to the emergency department of a tertiary care hospital in Türkiye between January 1, 2021 and December 31, 2022 with trauma were consulted by the thoracic surgery clinic, and those who did not meet the exclusion criteria were included in the study.The diagnostic value of trauma scoring systems for predicting complications and mortality associated with thoracic trauma has been evaluated.Results: A total of 329 patients were enrolled: 226 males (68.7%) and 103 females (31.3%); median age was 59 years (interquartile range: 48-70).Compared with the non-complication group, patients with complications had significantly higher Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS), American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) score, Rib Fracture Scoring System, Chest Trauma Score (CTS), and Rib Score values, and lower Revised Trauma Score (RTS) values (all p < 0.001).In the mortality analysis, decedents demonstrated significantly lower RTS and higher AIS and AAST scores (all p < 0.001).Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the AIS and the RTS may be more appropriate for predicting mortality, whereas the CTS may be more suitable for predicting complications.