BEHIND THE RIB CAGE: A YEAR OF BLUNT THORACIC TRAUMA japsimranjitkhalae@gmail.com

 

BEHIND THE RIB CAGE: A YEAR OF BLUNT THORACIC TRAUMA

2

 

 

 

 

Malaysia

Oral or Poster

Chest trauma is a major cause of admissions and trauma-related deaths in Malaysia. This retrospective study reviews the clinical profiles, management, and outcomes of chest injury patients in Hospital Seremban over a one-year period, from June 2024 to June 2025.

A retrospective study of a total of 417 patients with chest injuries were reviewed. Data collected included demographic details, trauma mechanism, injury severity using the New Injury Severity Score (NISS), Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), vital signs, types of chest injury, associated injuries, management interventions such as Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission and chest tube insertion, and patient outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed to identify factors associated with mortality.

It showed that from 417 patients, majority were middle aged men whom sustained severe injuries. Blunt trauma which it was mostly caused by road traffic accident. The injuries most seen were rib fractures and lung contusions with one fifth of them requiring chest tubes. ICU admissions were required for a quarter of patients. Mortality was seen more in patients with severe head injury and multiorgan failure. Patients with a GCS score <8 and a NISS >15 had significantly higher mortality rates.

Chest injuries in Hospital Seremban are predominantly due to blunt trauma from road traffic accidents, with rib fractures and lung contusions being the most prevalent injuries. Early identification of high-risk patients, particularly those with severe head injuries or a GCS <8, is critical for improving outcomes.