Presentation, clinical course and complications in trauma patients with concomitant COVID-19 infection

Abstract

Background: This study investigated the impact of COVID-19 infection on hospitalized trauma patients.

Methods: A retrospective review of hospitalized trauma patients at a level I trauma center was performed from March-December 2020. Data pertaining to patient demographics, presentation and hospital course was compared between COVID positive and negative trauma patients.

Results: There were 4,912 patients and 179 (3.64%) were COVID-19 positive. Demographics and clinical presentation did not differ significantly between those with and without concomitant COVID-19. However, COVID positive trauma patients had higher rates of acute kidney injury (p = 0.016), sepsis (p = 0.016), unplanned intubation (p = 0.002) and unplanned return to the ICU (p = 0.01). The COVID positive cohort also had longer hospital stays (p < 0.01) with no significant difference in mortality.

Conclusions: In the setting of an ongoing pandemic, awareness of the complications COVID positive trauma patients are predisposed to is important for providers.

Keywords: COVID pandemic; COVID-19; Surgical critical care; Trauma; Trauma surgery.