Composition and associated factors of radiological examination in major trauma patients / 中华急诊医学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore the determinant factors influencing the constituent parts of radiological examination in severe trauma patients so as to provide scientific basis for optimized strategy of radiological examination. Methods A prospective study was carried out from April to July 2010 in a tertiary hospital. Clinical data of 60 severe trauma patients admitted to emergency department and ICU were recorded. The type, number and site of trauma under radiological examination were described and compared among different stages of treatment. The correlation between number of radiological examinations and age, number of injured site, injury severity score (ISS), Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), ICU stay and overall length of hospital stay were analyzed. Results (1) The majority of radiological examinations in 60 patients were radiography and CT, with a corresponding median number of 6.0(3.0～ 11.0, IQR)and 10.0(8.0 ～ 13.8, Qr) times per patient. (2) The numbers of radiography examinations requested in emergency room, emergency ICU and general ward were quite approximately equal (x2 =4.043 ,P =0. 132), while CT examinations were mainly requested in emergency room and emergency ICU (x2 = 20. 274 , P < 0. 001). (3) The numbers of radiological examinations requested for different sites of injury were quite significantly different between radiography and CT during different stages of treatment (x2 = 114.609, 75.932, P < 0.01). (4 ) The number of CT scan requested was positively correlated with number of injured site, ISS, ICU and overall length of hospital stay (r =0.273,0.369,0.523,0.417,all P <0.05). Conclusions The sum of radiological examinations in severe trauma patients was great mainly in radiography and CT, and CT was more predominantly requested. The number of CT scans examinations was positively correlated with severity of injury and length of ICU stay. Further study is warranted to optimize radiological examination in severe trauma patients.