Blunt chest trauma in the elderly.
Significant differences were identified between a group of elderly patients (65 years and older) and a nonelderly group both with blunt thoracic trauma. There was a lower incidence of elderly patients presenting in shock; however, cardiopulmonary arrest at arrival was more frequent in this group. Although the types of complications were similar in both populations, the morbidity and mortality rates were higher in the elderly. A high index of suspicion must be generated for an elderly patient who has sustained blunt chest trauma. An aggressive diagnostic and therapeutic approach may lead to a decrease in the high morbidity and mortality rates in the elderly.
Shorr
R M
RM
Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems, Baltimore.
Rodriguez
A
A
Indeck
M C
MC
Crittenden
M D
MD
Hartunian
S
S
Cowley
R A
RA
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015142:Baltimore; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009104:Multiple Trauma / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000401:mortality; D012253:Rib Fractures / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000401:mortality; D012737:Sex Factors; D013898:Thoracic Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000401:mortality; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000401:mortality