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This research aims to identify clinical and laboratory predictors of mortality in trauma patients undergoing damage control surgery.

May 29, 2026Open Access

Predictors of mortality in trauma surgery

Key Points

This research aims to identify clinical and laboratory predictors of mortality in trauma patients undergoing damage control surgery.
Retrospective observational descriptive study of 66 medical records from 2018-2022.
Collected variables included clinical, hemodynamic, and coagulation factors, along with tranexamic acid usage and mortality.
Data analysis utilized descriptive statistics, Student’s t-test, and chi-square/Fisher’s exact tests with p < 0.05 for significance.
Overall mortality rate was 68.2% in 66 patients analyzed.
Factors linked to higher mortality included lower Glasgow Coma Scale score (10.2 vs. 12.8, p=0.04), lower pH (7.13 vs. 7.20, p=0.04), and more red blood cell transfusions (4.92 vs. 3.52 units, p=0.01).
Tranexamic acid use did not significantly affect mortality (p=0.057).

Abstract

ABSTRACT Damage control surgery is used in patients with severe trauma and hemodynamic instability, but mortality remains high, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. AIM: To identify the clinical and laboratory factors associated with mortality in patients who underwent damage control surgery at San Juan de Dios Hospital between 2018 and 2022. METHODS: A retrospective observational descriptive study was conducted, including 66 medical records. Clinical, hemodynamic, and coagulation variables, as well as the use of tranexamic acid and mortality, were collected using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using EpiInfo and STATA 17. Descriptive statistics, Student’s t-test, and chi-square/Fisher’s exact tests were applied, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 66 patients were analyzed, predominantly young men (78.8%, mean age 32 years). The overall mortality rate was 68.2%. Factors significantly associated with higher mortality were: lower Glasgow Coma Scale score at admission (10.2 vs. 12.8, p=0.04), lower pH (7.13 vs. 7.20, p=0.04), and a higher number of red blood cell transfusions (4.92 vs. 3.52 units, p=0.01). The use of tranexamic acid showed no significant association with mortality (p=0.057). CONCLUSION: Mortality in damage control surgery was 68.2%. The identified predictors of mortality were a low Glasgow Coma Scale score on admission, severe metabolic acidosis (low pH), and the need for multiple transfusions. Tranexamic acid did not demonstrate a significant benefit in terms of survival in this population. Keywords: Rhabdomyolysis, polytrauma, bone fractures

Predictors of mortality in trauma surgery

Key Points

Abstract

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