A retrospective cohort study of 27,049 polytraumatized patients age 60 and above: identifying changes over 16 years

Abstract Purpose The number of severely injured patients exceeding the age of 60 has shown a steep increase within the last decades. These patients present with numerous co-morbidities, polypharmacy, and increased frailty requiring an adjusted treatment approach. In this study, we establish an overview of changes we observed in demographics of older severe trauma patients from 2002 to 2017. Methods A descriptive analysis of the data from the TraumaRegister DGU® (TR-DGU) was performed. Patients admitted to a level one trauma center in Germany, Austria and Switzerland between 2002 and 2017, aged 60 years or older and with an injury severity score (ISS) over 15 were included. Patients were stratified into subgroups based on the admission: 2002–2005 (1), 2006–2009 (2), 2010–2013 (3) and 2014–2017 (4). Trauma and patient characteristics, diagnostics, treatment and outcome were compared. Results In total 27,049 patients with an average age of 73.9 years met the inclusion criteria. The majority were males (64%), and the mean ISS was 27.4. The proportion of patients 60 years or older [(23% (1) to 40% (4)] rose considerably over time. Trauma mechanisms changed over time and more specifically low falls (< 3 m) rose from 17.6% (1) to 40.1% (4). Altered injury patterns were also identified. Length-of-stay decreased from 28.9 (1) to 19.5 days (4) and the length-of-stay on ICU decreased from 17.1 (1) to 12.7 days (4). Mortality decreased from 40.5% (1) to 31.8% (4). Conclusion Length of stay and mortality decreased despite an increase in patient age. We ascribe this observation mainly to increased use of diagnostic tools, improved treatment algorithms, and the implementation of specialized trauma centers for older patients allowing interdisciplinary care.

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MP06: Predictors of hypothermia upon emergency department arrival in severe trauma patients transported to hospital via emergency medical services

CJEM ◽

10.1017/cem.2018.160 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 20 (S1) ◽

pp. S42-S42

Author(s):

C. Forristal ◽

K. Van Aarsen ◽

M. Columbus ◽

J. Wei ◽

K. Vogt ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Length Of Stay ◽

Emergency Medical Services ◽

Blunt Trauma ◽

Major Trauma ◽

Injury Severity ◽

Severe Trauma ◽

Trauma Centre ◽

Trauma Patients ◽

Local Trauma ◽

Continental Climate

Introduction: Hypothermia in severe trauma patients can increase mortality by 25%. Active re-warming decreases mortality and is recommended in trauma management guidelines. Despite this, many emergency medical services (EMS) vehicles do not carry equipment for active re-warming. This study sought to determine the local rate of hypothermia in major trauma patients on trauma centre arrival (TCA), and to establish which patients are at highest risk by identifying factors present in the pre-hospital setting associated with hypothermia in a humid continental climate. Methods: This single-centre retrospective chart review included adults (age 18) in the local trauma registry (trauma team activation or injury severity score >12) from January 2009-June 2016. Patients were excluded if: temperature on TCA unknown or 38°C, not transported by EMS, or if there was >24 hrs from injury to TCA. The primary outcome was the rate of hypothermia (<35°C) in major trauma patients transported by EMS on arrival at the local trauma centre. Secondary outcomes included hospital length of stay and survival to discharge. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of hypothermia on TCA; it included the following factors: age, sex, weight, number of comorbidities, injury severity, injury mechanism, EMS modality, direct transport from scene or referred from peripheral hospital, time on scene, transport time, local temperature, and pre-hospital heart rate, systolic blood pressure (SBP), intubation, and volume of crystalloid. Results: A total of 3070 adult traumas were included, 159 of which were hypothermic on TCA a rate of 5%. Multivariate analysis identified seven risk factors for hypothermia: intubation pre-hospital (OR 8.10, p<0.001), blunt trauma (OR 3.37, p=0.044 vs. penetrating, and OR 7.35, p=0.023 vs. other), direct transport (OR 1.94, p=0.005), number of comorbidities (OR 1.14, p=0.036), injury severity (OR 1.03, p<0.001), 1°C local temperature drop (OR 1.03, p<0.001), and 1mmHg SBP drop (OR 1.01, p<0.001). Ninety-four percent of normothermic patients and 69.2% of hypothermic patients survived to discharge. Average length of stay was 7.98 and 15.23 days respectively. Conclusion: Avoidance of hypothermia is imperative to the management of major trauma patients. Those at highest risk in a humid continental climate are severely injured blunt trauma patients with multiple co-morbidities, a low pre-hospital SBP and EMS intubation. Future studies should focus on the benefits of pre-hospital rewarming in these high-risk patients.

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Stress related growth after severe trauma: Investigating long-term psychiatric outcomes and coping mechanisms 20+ years after injury

British Journal of Surgery ◽

10.1093/bjs/znab202.053 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 108 (Supplement_4) ◽

Author(s):

Y Kalbas ◽

S Halvachizadeh ◽

A T Luidl ◽

B Zelle ◽

R Pfeifer ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Injury Severity ◽

Severe Trauma ◽

Coping Mechanisms ◽

Trauma Patients ◽

Post Traumatic Stress ◽

Personal Strengths ◽

Post Traumatic ◽

Psychiatric Outcomes ◽

Injured Patients

Abstract Objective There is limited research on the long-term psychiatric outcomes of severely injured patients. Those studies existing, focus on the negativ effects like post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression. Yet, also psychiatric improvements can be noticed in patients after severe trauma, mainly focused on stress related growth. In our study we investigated coping mechanisms in multiply injured patients at least 20 years after trauma. Methods 631 patients, who suffered a severe injury between 1971 and 1990 were contacted 20 or more years later. All patients were 3 to 60 years of age when injured and were attended to at the same institution. 36 questions inspired by the stress related growth scale (SRGS) and the post-traumatic growth inventory (PGI) were enquired via a questionnaire. Questions touched on 5 specific topics relating to growth: 1) relationships to others, 2) personal strengths, 3) appreciation of life, 4) new possibilities and 5) spiritual change. Each question quantified improvements in specific areas: Possible answers were „None at all“, „some“ and „a great deal“. Results A total of 338 patients returned the questionnaire and could be included in our study. Gender distribution was 114 females (33,8%) to 223 males (66,8%). 96,5% of patients reported improvements regarding at least one of the 36 questions. Approximately a third of patients noticed distinct improvements regarding their relationship to others (29,2%) and their appreciation of life (36,2%). Furthermore, 32,5% of patients registered overall positive attitudes towards new possibilities. Referring to spiritual changes, only 20,5% of patients reported positive changes, while 55,7% reported no changes at all. Regarding personal strengths, 23,4% indicated overall positive changes compared with 35% indicating no changes at all. Statistical analysis showed women to adapt significantly better (p < 0,01) in every aspect besides spiritual changes. Furthermore, we noticed weak positive correlations between positive changes and age at injury (r = 0.26) as well as injury severity (r = 0.152). We saw, however no correlation with general health. Conclusion 20 years after severe trauma, patients report improvements in their relationship with others, appreciation of life and attitude towards new possibilities. Such coping mechanisms, as results of stress related growth, should be identified and fostered in clinical practice.

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Pain Assessment and Control in the Injured Elderly

The American Surgeon ◽

10.1177/000313481608201001 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 82 (10) ◽

pp. 867-871 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Ara Ko ◽

Megan Y. Harada ◽

Eric J.T. Smith ◽

Michael Scheipe ◽

Rodrigo F. Alban ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Length Of Stay ◽

Injury Severity ◽

Unit Length ◽

Patient Characteristics ◽

Hospital Length ◽

Hospital Length Of Stay ◽

Trauma Patients ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Elderly Trauma Patients

Elderly trauma patients may be at increased risk for underassessment and inadequate pain control in the emergency department (ED). We sought to characterize risk factors for oligoanalgesia in the ED in elderly trauma patients and determine whether it impacts outcomes in elderly trauma patients. We included elderly patients (age ≥55 years) with Glasgow Coma Scale scores 13 to 15 and Injury Severity Score (ISS) ≥9 admitted through the ED at a Level I trauma center. Patient characteristics and outcomes were compared between those who reported pain and received analgesics medication in the ED (MED) and those who did not (NO MED). A total of 183 elderly trauma patients were identified over a three-year study period, of whom 63 per cent had pain assessed via verbal pain score; of those who reported pain, 73 per cent received analgesics in the ED. The MED and NO MED groups were similar in gender, race, ED vitals, ISS, and hospital length of stay. However, NO MED was older, with higher head Abbreviated Injury Scale score and longer intensive care unit length of stay. Importantly, as patients aged they reported lower pain and were less likely to receive analgesics at similar ISS. Risk factors for oligoanalgesia may include advanced age and head injury.

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Hemodynamic Effects of Propofol for Induction of Rapid Sequence Intubation in Traumatically Injured Patients

The American Surgeon ◽

10.1177/000313481808400959 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 84 (9) ◽

pp. 1504-1508 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Scott K. Dietrich ◽

Mark A. Mixon ◽

Ryan J. Rogoszewski ◽

Stephanie D. Delgado ◽

Vanessa E. Knapp ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Length Of Stay ◽

Injury Severity Score ◽

Severity Score ◽

Injury Severity ◽

Hospital Length ◽

Hospital Length Of Stay ◽

Rapid Sequence Intubation ◽

Trauma Patients ◽

Rapid Sequence ◽

Injured Patients

Present guidelines for emergency intubation in traumatically injured patients recommend rapid sequence intubation (RSI) as the preferred method of airway management but specific pharmacologic agents for RSI remain controversial. To evaluate hemodynamic differences between propofol and other induction agents when used for RSI in trauma patients. Single-center, retrospective review of trauma patients intubated in the emergency department. Patients were divided in two groups based on induction agent, propofol or nonpropofol. The primary outcome was incidence of hypotension within 30 minutes of intubation. Secondary outcomes included hospital length of stay and inhospital mortality. The study protocol was approved by the Institutional Review Board. Of the 744 patients identified, 83 were analyzed, 43 in the propofol group and 40 in the nonpropofol group. Groups were similar at baseline in terms of pre-RSI hemodynamics, injury mechanism, initial Glasgow Coma Score, and Injury Severity Score. On univariate analysis, although not statistically significant, postintubation hypotension was more common in patients who received propofol compared with those who did not, 39.5 per cent versus 22.5 per cent (P = 0.9). When adjusted for age, Injury Severity Score, and pre-RSI hemodynamics, the risk of hypotension among propofol-treated patients was significantly higher (OR = 3.64; 95% Confidence interval 1.16–13.24). There were no significant differences between groups in hospital length of stay or mortality. Propofol increases the odds of postintubation hypotension in traumatically injured patients. Considerable caution should be used when contemplating the use of propofol the for induction of injured patients requiring RSI because other agents possess more favorable hemodynamic profiles.

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Structured and Systematic Team and Procedure Training in Severe Trauma: Going from ‘Zero to Hero’ for a Time-Critical, Low-Volume Emergency Procedure Over Three Time Periods

World Journal of Surgery ◽

10.1007/s00268-021-05980-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 45 (5) ◽

pp. 1340-1348

Author(s):

Maryam Meshkinfamfard ◽

Jon Kristian Narvestad ◽

Johannes Wiik Larsen ◽

Arezo Kanani ◽

Jørgen Vennesland ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Injury Severity ◽

Trauma System ◽

Severe Trauma ◽

Emergency Procedure ◽

Emergency Thoracotomy ◽

Severity Scores ◽

Time Periods ◽

Low Volume ◽

Time Critical ◽

Over Time

Abstract Background Resuscitative emergency thoracotomy is a potential life-saving procedure but is rarely performed outside of busy trauma centers. Yet the intervention cannot be deferred nor centralized for critically injured patients presenting in extremis. Low-volume experience may be mitigated by structured training. The aim of this study was to describe concurrent development of training and simulation in a trauma system and associated effect on one time-critical emergency procedure on patient outcome. Methods An observational cohort study split into 3 arbitrary time-phases of trauma system development referred to as ‘early’, ‘developing’ and ‘mature’ time-periods. Core characteristics of the system is described for each phase and concurrent outcomes for all consecutive emergency thoracotomies described with focus on patient characteristics and outcome analyzed for trends in time. Results Over the study period, a total of 36 emergency thoracotomies were performed, of which 5 survived (13.9%). The “early” phase had no survivors (0/10), with 2 of 13 (15%) and 3 of 13 (23%) surviving in the development and mature phase, respectively. A decline in ‘elderly’ (>55 years) patients who had emergency thoracotomy occurred with each time period (from 50%, 31% to 7.7%, respectively). The gender distribution and the injury severity scores on admission remained unchanged, while the rate of patients with signs on life (SOL) increased over time. Conclusion The improvement over time in survival for one time-critical emergency procedure may be attributed to structured implementation of team and procedure training. The findings may be transferred to other low-volume regions for improved trauma care.

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Expression of HO1 and PER2 can predict the incidence of delirium in trauma patients with concomitant brain injury

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-94773-6 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Matti Steimer ◽

Sandra Kaiser ◽

Felix Ulbrich ◽

Johannes Kalbhenn ◽

Hartmut Bürkle ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Brain Injury ◽

Injury Severity ◽

Kidney Injury ◽

Diagnostic Tools ◽

Heme Oxygenase 1 ◽

Trauma Patients ◽

Independent Manner ◽

Equal Distribution ◽

Expression Levels ◽

Trauma Severity

AbstractIntensive care unit (ICU)-acquired delirium is associated with adverse outcome in trauma patients with concomitant traumatic brain injury (TBI), but diagnosis remains challenging. Quantifying circadian disruption by analyzing expression of the circadian gene period circadian regulator 2 (PER2) and heme oxygenase 1 (HO1), which determines heme turnover, may prove to be potential diagnostic tools. Expression of PER2 and HO1 was quantified using qPCR from blood samples 1 day and 7 days after trauma. Association analysis was performed comparing mRNA expression levels with parameters of trauma (ISS—injury severity score), delirium, acute kidney injury (AKI) and length of ICU stay. 48 polytraumatized patients were included (equal distribution of TBI versus non-TBI) corrected for ISS, age and gender using a matched pairs approach. Expression levels of PER2 and HO1 were independent of age (PER2: P = 0.935; HO1: P = 0.988), while expression levels were significantly correlated with trauma severity (PER2: P = 0.009; HO1: P < 0.001) and longer ICU length of stay (PER2: P = 0.018; HO1: P < 0.001). High expression levels increased the odds of delirium occurrence (PER2: OR = 4.32 [1.14–13.87]; HO1: OR = 4.50 [1.23–14.42]). Patients with TBI showed a trend towards elevated PER2 (OR = 3.00 [0.84–9.33], P = 0.125), but not towards delirium occurrence (P = 0.556). TBI patients were less likely to develop AKI compared to non-TBI (P = 0.022). Expression levels of PER2 and HO1 correlate with the incidence of delirium in an age-independent manner and may potentially improve diagnostic algorithms when used as delirium biomarkers.Trial registration: German Clinical Trials Register (Trial-ID DRKS00008981; Universal Trial Number U1111-1172-6077; Jan. 18, 2018).

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National temporal variation in major trauma in England, Wales and Northern Ireland

Trauma ◽

10.1177/1460408620982264 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 146040862098226

Author(s):

Will Kieffer ◽

Daniel Michalik ◽

Jason Bernard ◽

Omar Bouamra ◽

Benedict Rogers

Keyword(s):

Northern Ireland ◽

Temporal Variation ◽

Major Trauma ◽

Injury Severity ◽

Research Network ◽

Trauma Patients ◽

Trauma Outcomes ◽

Causes Of Mortality ◽

Injured Patients ◽

Time Of Admission

Introduction Trauma is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide, but little is known of the temporal variation in major trauma across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Proper workforce and infrastructure planning requires identification of the caseload burden and its temporal variation. Materials and Methods The Trauma Audit Research Network (TARN) database for admissions attending Major Trauma Centres (MTCs) between 1st April 2011 and 31st March 2018 was analysed. TARN records data on all trauma patients admitted to hospital who are alive at the time of admission to hospital. Major trauma was classified as an Injury Severity Score (ISS) >15. Results A total of 158,440 cases were analysed. Case ascertainment was over 95% for 2013 onwards. There was a statistically significant variation in caseload by year (p < 0.0001), times of admissions (p < 0.0001), caseload admitted during weekends vs weekdays, 53% vs 47% (p < 0.0001), caseload by season with most patients admitted during summer (p < 0.0001). The ISS varied by time of admission with most patients admitted between 1800 and 0559 (p < 0.0001), weekend vs weekday with more severely injured patients admitted during the weekend (p < 0.0001) and by season p < 0.0001). Discussion and Conclusion: There is a significant national temporal variation in major trauma workload. The reasons are complex and there are multiple theories and confounding factors to explain it. This is the largest dataset for hospitals submitting to TARN which can help guide workforce and resource allocation to further improve trauma outcomes.

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Splanchnic Hypoperfusion-Directed Therapies in Trauma: A Prospective, Randomized Trial

The American Surgeon ◽

10.1177/000313480507100317 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 71 (3) ◽

pp. 252-260 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Stephen M. Cohn ◽

Orlando Kirton ◽

Margaret Brown ◽

S. Morad Hameed ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Randomized Trial ◽

Injury Severity ◽

Ischemia Reperfusion ◽

Unit Group ◽

Severe Trauma ◽

Prospective Randomized Trial ◽

Gastric Tonometry ◽

Trauma Patients ◽

Splanchnic Perfusion ◽

Splanchnic Hypoperfusion

Splanchnic hypoperfusion as reflected by gastric intramucosal acidosis has been recognized as an important determinant of outcome in shock. A comprehensive splanchnic hypoperfusion-ischemia reperfusion (IRP) protocol was evaluated against conventional shock management protocols in critical trauma patients. The study was a prospective randomized trial comparing three therapeutic approaches to hypoperfusion after severe trauma in 151 trauma patients admitted to the intensive care unit. Group 1 patients received hemodynamic support based on conventional indicators of hypoperfusion. In group 2, resuscitation was further guided by gastric tonometry-derived estimates of splanchnic hypoperfusion and included more invasive hemodynamic monitoring and additional administration of colloid or crystalloid solutions, or inotropic support. Group 3 patients additionally received therapies specifically aimed at optimizing splanchnic perfusion and minimizing oxidant-mediated damage from reperfusion. The three groups were similar based on age, Injury Severity Score, and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II Scores. There were no statistically significant differences in mortality rates, organ dysfunction, ventilator days, or length of stay between any of the interventions. Techniques of optimization of splanchnic perfusion and minimization of oxidant-mediated reperfusion injury evaluated in this study were not advantageous relative to standard resuscitation measures guided by conventional or tonometric measures of hypoperfusion in the therapy of occult and clinical shock in trauma patients.

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Evaluation of Microvascular Perfusion and Resuscitation after Severe Injury

The American Surgeon ◽

10.1177/000313481508101231 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 81 (12) ◽

pp. 1272-1278 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Yann-Leei L. Lee ◽

Jon D. Simmons ◽

Mark N. Gillespie ◽

Diego F. Alvarez ◽

Richard P. Gonzalez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Injury Severity ◽

Capillary Flow ◽

Severe Trauma ◽

Dark Field ◽

Serum Lactate ◽

Microvascular Perfusion ◽

Trauma Patients ◽

Sidestream Dark Field ◽

Trauma Population ◽

Severity Scores

Achieving adequate perfusion is a key goal of treatment in severe trauma; however, tissue perfusion has classically been measured by indirect means. Direct visualization of capillary flow has been applied in sepsis, but application of this technology to the trauma population has been limited. The purpose of this investigation was to compare the efficacy of standard indirect measures of perfusion to direct imaging of the sublingual microcirculatory flow during trauma resuscitation. Patients with injury severity scores >15 were serially examined using a handheld sidestream dark-field video microscope. In addition, measurements were also made from healthy volunteers. The De Backer score, a morphometric capillary density score, and total vessel density (TVD) as cumulative vessel area within the image, were calculated using Automated Vascular Analysis (AVA3.0) software. These indices were compared against clinical and laboratory parameters of organ function and systemic metabolic status as well as mortality. Twenty severely injured patients had lower TVD (X = 14.6 ± 0.22 vs 17.66 ± 0.51) and De Backer scores (X = 9.62 ± 0.16 vs 11.55 ± 0.37) compared with healthy controls. These scores best correlated with serum lactate (TVD R2 = 0.525, De Backer R2 = 0.576, P < 0.05). Mean arterial pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, pH, bicarbonate, base deficit, hematocrit, and coagulation parameters correlated poorly with both TVD and De Backer score. Direct measurement of sublingual microvascular perfusion is technically feasible in trauma patients, and seems to provide real-time assessment of micro-circulatory perfusion. This study suggests that in severe trauma, many indirect measurements of perfusion do not correlate with microvascular perfusion. However, visualized perfusion deficiencies do reflect a shift toward anaerobic metabolism.

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Abstract 287: Plasma PCSK9 Concentrations in Critically Ill Patients

Arteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology ◽

10.1161/atvb.32.suppl_1.a287 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 32 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Bertrand Cariou ◽

Maëlle Le Bras ◽

Antoine Roquilly ◽

Fanny Feuillet ◽

Véronique Sebille ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multiple Trauma ◽

Injury Severity ◽

Ldl Receptor ◽

Plasma Lipid ◽

Severity Of Illness ◽

Inverse Correlation ◽

Severe Trauma ◽

Trauma Patients ◽

Intensive Care Patients ◽

Pearson Coefficient

Objective. Pro-protein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a circulating protein that impairs LDL clearance by promoting the LDL receptor (LDLR) degradation. Plasma lipid parameters (LDL-C and HDL-C) are related to severity of illness and survival in intensive care patients. Here, we aimed to determine whether circulating PCSK9 concentrations were correlated to the severity of illness in patients with multiple trauma. Methods/Results. Plasma PCSK9 were measured, at day 0 and 8 after admission, by ELISA in 111 patients hospitalized in ICU for severe trauma. Patients were included in the HIPOLYTE study and were randomly assigned to hydrocortisone therapy or placebo. Plasma PCSK9 levels were significantly increased by 161% at day 8 compared to day 0 (481 ± 227 vs 231 ± 117 ng/ml, P=0.0001). Hydrocortisone therapy did not alter PCSK9 concentrations at day 8 compared to placebo (451 ± 216 vs 511 ± 239ng/ml, P=0.33). In the whole population of the study, PCSK9 was positively associated with LDL-C (Pearson coefficient : 0.26, p=0.007) at day 0, but not with markers of severity illness. At day 8, an inverse correlation was found between PCSK9 and HDL-C (β =-653 ; P=0.004). Interestingly, PCSK9 concentrations at day 8 were related to markers of severity illness as injury severity score (β =6.17 ; P=0.0007), length of stay in ICU (β =6.14 ; P=0.0001), duration of both mechanical ventilation (β =8.26 ; P=0.0001) and cathecolamines infusion (β =18.57; P=0.015). Conclusion. PCSK9 appears as a late biomarker of severity illness in patients hospitalized for multiple trauma in ICU. These results open new perspectives for a role of PCSK9 in critical illness.

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