Trauma in obstetrical patients

Abstract

Introduction: Pregnant trauma patients are an underdescribed cohort in the medical literature. Noting injury patterns and contributors to mortality may lead to improved care. Methods: Female patients between 14 and 49 years of age were identified among entries in the 2017 National Trauma Data Bank. Data points were compared using Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, Student's t-test, Mann–Whitney rank-sum, or multiple logistic regression as appropriate. P 1) were associated with an increased risk for mortality (odds ratio: 3.33, 95% confidence interval: 3.0–3.7, P < 0.01). Conclusion: There was no increase in mortality for trauma patients who are pregnant when controlling for covariates. Factors such as head injuries, the need for blood, and comorbid diseases appear to have a more significant contribution to mortality. We also report the prevalence of head, cervical spine, and extremity injuries in pregnant trauma patients. Multidisciplinary simulation, jointly crafted protocols, and expanding training in regional anesthesia may be the next steps to improving care for pregnant trauma patients.

Keywords

• anesthesia
• mortality
• obstetrics
• trauma