Mortality of hospitalized trauma patients in Abu Dhabi Emirate: Data from a National Trauma Registry

Abstract

Abstract Aim To study the epidemiology and pattern of trauma-related deaths of hospitalised patients in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, using the DOH trauma registry of Abu Dhabi in order to improve trauma management and injury prevention. Methods Data were retrieved from The Abu Dhabi Trauma Registry which prospectively collects trauma data of all hospitalized patients from 7 major trauma centres in the Abu Dhabi Emirate. We have studied all trauma patients who died on arrival or after admission to these hospitals from January 2014 to December 2019. Results There were 453 deaths constituting 13.5% of all trauma deaths in the Abu Dhabi Emirate. 82% of the deaths were young males with a median (IQR) age of 33 (25–45) years. 85% of the deaths occurred in the emergency department (ED) and the intensive care unit (ICU). Motor vehicle collisions (63.8%) and falls (19%), causing mainly head injuries (45.5%) or injuries to two body regions (24.7%), were the two predominant mechanisms. Two out of the seven hospitals admitted close to 50% of all the trauma cases but accounted for only 25.8% of the total deaths, while 75% occurred in the remaining five hospitals (p < 0.001). Those who died in the ward (7%) were significantly older, with a median (IQR) age of 65.5 (31.75–82.25) years (p < 0.001) and 34.4% of them were females (p = 0.09). The median (IQR) GCS of those who died in the ward was 15 (5.75-15) compared with 3 (3–3) for those who died in the ED and ICU (P < 0.001). Conclusions Death from trauma predominantly affects young males in our setting. Motor traffic collisions and falls are the two leading causes. Over 85% of hospital deaths occurred in the ICU and ED from head injuries and injuries affecting two body regions. Primary prevention of traffic accidents through legislation and enforcement can mitigate prehospital death, while secondary prevention targeting improved care in the ED and ICU will improve in-hospital mortality.