Langzeitergebnisse nach Polytrauma: Standardisierte Messung der Lebensqualität mit GOS, EuroQuol und SF-36

Abstract

Objective: Analysis of long-term survey, functional outcome and quality of life 2 years after trauma in patients with multiple injuries. Design: prospective study. Material and methods: Multiple injured patients, admitted between 8/1998 and 8/2000, were prospectively documentated and evaluated. Exactly 2 years after trauma they were contacted and examined according to functional limitations, pain and quality of life (GOS = Glasgow Outcome Score, SF-36, social situation, return to productivity). Results: 482 patients (mean ISS 24 points) had been prospectively included in the 2 year period. Mean age was 39 years. 2 years after trauma 26% (126 patients) had died. 68% of the survivors were completly rehabilitated according to the GOS, the rest was disabled, 13% of them needed nursing. The Euro-Quol showed excellent results in mobility and activities of daily life, but more than 50% of all patients suffered chronic pain and posttraumatic depression. The SF-36 illuminates problems in trauma patients concerning social function and chronic pain. In comparison to patients after myocardial infarction or tumor, trauma patients showed worse results in all categories. The social situation after trauma showed especially decreasing unemployement (from 5% to 13,5%) and work incapicity (from 0% to 15,3%) with changing the professions in 15,8% and accompanying financial loss in 30% of all patients. Family situation seems not to be influenced by trauma. Conclusions: In spite of the high amount of complete rehabilitated patients, the results of SF-36 and Euro-Quol showed special problems in trauma patients which makes high demand on primary trauma care and rehabilitation.