Older females have increased mortality after trauma as compared with younger females and males, associated with increased fibrinolysis

Abstract

Introduction Female sex may provide a survival benefit after trauma, possibly attributable to protective effects of estrogen. This study aims to compare markers of coagulation between male and female trauma patients across different ages. Methods Secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study at six trauma centers. Trauma patients presenting with full trauma team activation were eligible for inclusion. Patients with a penetrating trauma or traumatic brain injury were excluded. Upon hospital arrival, blood was drawn for measurement of endothelial and coagulation markers and for rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) measurement. Trauma patients were divided into four categories: males <45 years, males ≥45 years, females <45 years and females ≥45 years. In a sensitivity analysis, patients between 45 – 55 years were excluded to control for menopausal transitioning. Groups were compared with a Kruskall-Wallis test with Bonferroni correction. A logistic regression was performed to assess whether the independent effect of sex and age on mortality. Results 1345 patients were available for analysis. Compared to the other groups, mortality was highest in females ≥45, albeit not independent from injury severity and shock. In the group of females ≥45 there was increased fibrinolysis, demonstrated by increased levels of plasmin-antiplasmin complexes with a concomitant decrease in α2-antiplasmin. Also, a modest decrease in coagulation factors II and X was observed. Fibrinogen levels were comparable between groups. The sensitivity analysis in 1104 patients demonstrated an independent relationship between female sex and age ≥ 55 years and mortality. ROTEM profiles did not reflect the changes in coagulation tests. Conclusion Female trauma patients past their reproductive age have an increased risk of mortality compared to younger females and males, associated with augmented fibrinolysis and clotting factor consumption. ROTEM parameters did not reflect coagulation differences between groups. Level of evidence Level III prognostic and epidemiological data