[Survival after motor vehicle crash: impact of clinical and prehospital variables].
OBJECTIVE
To assess clinical and prehospital variables associated with survival of motor vehicle crash victims.


METHODS
Study carried out in the city of São Paulo (Southeastern Brazil), from 1999 to 2003. Data from 175 patients, who were aged between 12 and 65 years and had been motor vehicle crash victims, were analyzed. Kaplan-Meier Survival Analysis was used to approach the results at the accident scene with victims scoring <11, according to the Revised Trauma Score. Variables analyzed were: sex, age, injury mechanisms, basic and advanced support procedures, Revised Trauma Score parameters and fluctuations, time elapsed in the prehospital phase and trauma severity according to the Injury Severity Score and Maximum Abbreviated Injury Scale.


RESULTS
Analysis revealed that victims who were less likely to survive during the hospitalization period showed serious lesions in the abdomen, thorax, or lower limbs, with negative fluctuation of respiratory frequency and Revised Trauma Score in the prehospital phase. In addition, they needed specialized interventions or thoracic compressions. Brain lesions were associated with late death.


CONCLUSIONS
Recognition of variables involved in the survival of motor vehicle crash victims may help to determine protocols and to make decisions in order to perform pre- and in-hospital interventions and, consequently, maximize survival.
Malvestio
Marisa Aparecida Amaro
MA
Divisão de Desenvolvimento e Pesquisa, Serviço de Atendimento Móvel de Urgência, Secretaria Municipal de Saúde de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil. mmalvestio@prefeitura.sp.gov.br
Sousa
Regina Marcia Cardoso de
RM
D000007:Abdominal Injuries / Q000401:mortality; D000063:Accidents, Traffic / Q000401:mortality*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001334:Automobile Driving / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D053208:Kaplan-Meier Estimate; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000293:injuries; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013898:Thoracic Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000401:mortality; D015599:Trauma Severity Indices; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000401:mortality* / Q000628:therapy; D055815:Young Adult