Resumo

PHALENG, SN  e  HARDCASTLE, TC. The epidemiological characteristics of major trauma in Pietersburg and Mankweng hospitals, Limpopo province. S. Afr. j. surg. [online]. 2024, vol.62, n.4, pp.342-346. ISSN 2078-5151.  https://doi.org/10.36303/SAJS.00623.

BACKGROUND: Data on trauma burden and outcome varies amongst the nine South African Provinces. In Limpopo Province there is a paucity of data which this study aimed to quantify and characterise the severe trauma burden in the province. METHODS: A retrospective chart review for all patients with injury severity score (ISS) > 16 over a 6-year period (Jan 2015-Dec 2020) at two central hospitals in Limpopo province. Descriptive analysis was undertaken of the following variables: patient demographics, injury patterns and outcomes. RESULTS: The review identified 355 patients whose mean age was 31 years (Range 0.25-74 years). Eighty four per cent were males. Forty nine per cent were unemployed. The most common mechanisms of injury were interpersonal violence 49 % and motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) 34.9%. Head (41%), torso (25%) and limbs (15.2%) were the body-regions most frequently involved. The median ISS was 16 with IQR (16-16) (0). The median length of stay was 7 days with IQR (5-15) (10). Of the ICU admissions 50% were MVCs and 56% due to head injury. Of the 50 deaths 50% were due to MVC and pedestrian vehicle crashes (PVCs), and head injuries were present in 54% of those who died. CONCLUSION: Young males were the most predominantly affected. Assault and MVC were the most common mechanisms of injury. The unemployment rate also seems to be a key factor in trauma epidemiology in the province. Further study of the wider trauma burden is required.

Palavras-chave : Limpopo; trauma; injury severity score; death.

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