Ground Level Falls Are Associated With Significant Mortality in Elderly Patients

Abstract

Patients older than 70 years and with GCS score <15 represent a group with significant inhospital mortality.

Análise comparativa das características do trauma entre idosos com idade superior e inferior a 80 anos

“…The incidence of lesions to the head segment is significant, as well as fractures of extremities 12 . The mortality rate is higher than in younger individuals, especially in the presence of concomitant diseases and the need for specific treatment [12][13][14] . In a previous study we compared patients aged above and below 60 years and observed a higher incidence of severe intracranial lesions, such as subdural hematomas, cerebral contusions and subarachnoid hemorrhage in the group of patients with more advanced age 14 …”

“…The most common traumas mechanisms are falling from the standing and trampling 12 . The incidence of lesions to the head segment is significant, as well as fractures of extremities 12 .…”

“…The most common traumas mechanisms are falling from the standing and trampling 12 . The incidence of lesions to the head segment is significant, as well as fractures of extremities 12 . The mortality rate is higher than in younger individuals, especially in the presence of concomitant diseases and the need for specific treatment [12][13][14] .…”

Why Elderly Patients with Ground Level Falls Die Within 30 Days And Beyond?

“…A previous study of GLF in elderly patients focused on the epidemiology and risk factors for in-patient deaths after GLF using the national trauma data bank of the American College of Surgeons [3]. The study reported that patient age >70 years, with GCS score<15 were at significant risk of in-patient mortality after GLF.…”

“…GLF has becomes a leading mechanism of injury in the elderly [2]. Although GLF has been traditionally considered a lowenergy mechanism of injury it has become a significant risk factor for morbidity and mortality among the elderly with 38-47% of those who fall will eventually have a fatal outcome [3]. Furthermore, one-half of those who fall are likely to fall again [4].…”