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May the initial CT scan predict the occurrence of delayed hemothorax in blunt chest trauma patients?

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European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

To assess the impact of delayed hemothorax on outcomes in blunt chest trauma patients without life-threatening condition at admission and characterize the predictive value of predefined anatomical factors for delayed hemothorax.

Methods

In a single-centre retrospective study, every spontaneous breathing patient admitted for a blunt chest trauma without significant pleural effusion at ICU admission was included. A multivariable regression model was used to determine the covariate-adjusted odd of secondary respiratory complications in patients with delayed hemothorax ≥ 500 ml. The characteristics of rib fractures (number, location and displacement) were integrated into a logistic regression model to determine variables associated with delayed hemothorax in multivariate analysis.

Results

Over the study period, 109 patients were included and the rate of delayed hemothorax ≥ 500 ml was 36%. Patients with delayed hemothorax had higher rates of pulmonary infections (OR 4.8 [1.6–16.4]) but no statistical association between delayed hemothorax and secondary respiratory failure (OR 2.0 [0.4–9.4]). A posterior location and a displaced rib fracture were independent predictors of delayed hemothorax (OR 3.4 [1.3–8.6] and OR 2.3 [1.1–5.1], respectively). At least one displaced rib fracture was more specific of delayed hemothorax than the commonly used threshold of three or more rib fractures (81.3 vs. 51.5%).

Conclusion

Delayed hemothorax is a frequent complication associated with increased risk of pulmonary infection. The posterior location and the displacement of at least one rib fracture in the initial CT scan were independent risk factors for predicting the occurrence of delayed hemothorax.

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Funding

The study received non-financial support.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Surgical and Trauma Intensive Care Unit, Anesthesiology and Critical Care Department, Hôpital Pellegrin, CHU Bordeaux, Place Amélie Raba Léon, 33076, Bordeaux Cedex, France

    Geoffrey Gonzalez, Charlotte Robert, Laurent Petit, Matthieu Biais & Cédric Carrié

  2. University of Bordeaux, Segalen, 33000, Bordeaux, France

    Matthieu Biais

Authors
  1. Geoffrey Gonzalez
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  2. Charlotte Robert
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  3. Laurent Petit
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  4. Matthieu Biais
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Geoffrey Gonzalez.

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All the authors have no competing interest.

Ethical statement

The work described has not been published before. This observational study was approved by our institutional Ethics Committee.

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Gonzalez, G., Robert, C., Petit, L. et al. May the initial CT scan predict the occurrence of delayed hemothorax in blunt chest trauma patients?. Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg 47, 71–78 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00068-020-01391-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00068-020-01391-4

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