Epidemiology of Thoracic Trauma in Chile: a Review of Data Available in the Period 2018 - 2022

Abstract

Introduction: Trauma accounts for a considerable number of consultations and mortality worldwide. Among them, thoracic trauma (TT) is an important reason for consultation. In Chile, trauma is the fourth leading cause of hospital admissions, and CT accounts for 5-10% of them. The general objective of this work is to analyze the epidemiology and statistics for chest trauma in the period 2018-2022 in Chile. 

Materials and Methods: Descriptive, observational and cross-sectional study. Mortality, year, sex, age group, region and diagnosis variables were considered. Descriptive analysis of the data, calculation of hospital discharge rates (HED), mortality and lethality, as well as rates for the period applying linear regression were analyzed by descriptive analysis. No ethics committee was required.

Results: The maximum HER was observed during 2019, with the male sex predominating over the female. The regions of Los Ríos and Aysén have the highest HTE. The highest average number of hospital discharges is in adults over 90 years of age. The most prevalent diagnosis is traumatic hemopneumothorax caused by aggression and events of undetermined intent. The highest mortality rate is reached in 2018 and 2020. During 2018-2021 the highest case fatality rates are perceived, with the capital city obtaining the highest value. 

Discussion and Conclusion: The study shows fluctuations with respect to TEH, with an increase during 2019. Trauma is more frequent in the male sex and in the middle age (30-39 years).  The region with the highest TEH was Aysén. The most prevalent diagnosis was hemopneumothorax. The mortality rate of TT has been decreasing, possibly due to an improvement in diagnostic and therapeutic methods.