A cohort study of trauma patients in Sweden during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic: a small reduction in trauma admissions

Abstract

Background Given that Swedish authorities have been widely viewed as having practiced an unusual approach to the COVID-19 pandemic and given that Sweden is notable for a low incidence of trauma, we wanted to learn how the pandemic may have affected the number of trauma admissions in Sweden. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study based on the Swedish trauma registry (Svenska Traumaregistret). The study period was March 1, 2020 to June 30, 2020. As a basis for comparison, the record for the same time during the previous year, 2019 was used. Results During the four months of the first wave of COVID-19, 2020 there was a decline of 24.2% in the total number of trauma patients in Sweden. There was no significant change in 30-day mortality rates, 4.7% 2019 and 5.1% 2020, (p = 0.30). The number of injuries per patient was higher during the pandemic 3.8 injuries 2019 and 4.1 injuries 2020 (p = 0.02). The NISS 6, 2019 and 8, 2020 was higher during the pandemic. Conclusions As a consequence of what were seen by many as all too lenient actions taken to deal with COVID-19 in Sweden during spring 2020, there was still a reduction in trauma admissions most likely due to an adherence to the voluntary recommendations, the reduction was not as prominent as what was seen in many countries with harsher restrictions and lockdowns.

Evaluating Changes in Trauma Epidemiology during the COVID-19 Lockdown: Insights and Implications for Public Health and Disaster Preparedness

“…They concluded that it was caused by the less significant social restrictions enforced by the Australian government than in other countries [38]. Comparable results were presented by Bäckström et al in the study of trauma admissions in Sweden, recorded in the Swedish trauma registry [39]. They noticed a reduction of 22% in all severe injuries.…”

Routine laboratory parameters predict intensive care unit admission and hospitalization in patients suffering stab injuries

“…Several studies assessed stab injury incidences during the COVID-19 pandemic, and most found a rise in penetrating injuries during the first months of 2020 ( 4 – 9 ), but not all ( 26 , 27 ). Conversely, it was reported that during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic, crime rates, including assault, decreased globally ( 28 ).…”

“…While overall patient volumes declined in emergency departments (EDs) during the COVID-19 pandemic, incidences of stabbing trauma increased in both Europe (4,5) and the United States (6)(7)(8)(9). Although most stab injuries are not fatal, thoracoabdominal injuries often require surgery and are associated with postsurgical complications and hospital readmissions (10).…”

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on interhospital transfer of patients with major trauma in Korea: a retrospective cohort study

“…Global healthcare providers have faced a historical crisis and have accumulated experiences and lessons during the pandemic. As a major part of critical care, the impact of the pandemic on trauma care has been investigated [ 1 – 3 ]. Overall road traffic volume reduction with social restriction, including lockdown or stay-at-home order, were observed and consequently resulted in a reduced number of motor vehicle accidents, emergency trauma surgeries, and trauma admissions [ 1 – 4 ].…”