Functional outcomes in octogenarian trauma

Background. Outcome data on geriatric trauma patients (GTPs) (age greater than or equal to 65) focus on mortality and resource use. We examined mortality and outcome in GTPs and octogenarian trauma patients (OTPs) (age greater than or equal to 80). We hypothesized that OTPs; would have worse functional outcomes than GTPs as defined by functional independence measurement (FIM) scales. Methods. Our study was a 13-year retrospective analysis of a statewide trauma database. Isolated hip fractures and intubation with Glasgow Coma Scale scores of 3 at admission were excluded. Demographic data, preexisting conditions, complications, discharge destination, mortality, and FIM were analyzed. Results. OTPs constituted 17,742 (40.9%) of 43,297 GTPs admitted to trauma centers. Falls (64.4%) and motor vehicle collisions (24.5%) were predominant. Average Injury Severity Score (ISS) was higher in GTPs (11.5 +/- 9.2 vs. 10.8 +/- 8.3, p = 0.001). Cardiac disease was the most common preexisting condition. Diabetes, obesity, and pulmonary disease were more common in GTPs; than in OTPs (p = 0.001). Dementia, congestive heart failure, and hematologic disease were more common in OTPs than in GTPs (p = 0.001). Pulmonary and infectious complications were most common and occurred with equal frequency in OTPs and GTPs. Mortality rates were higher (10.0% vs. 6.6%, p = 0.001) for OTPs overall and when stratified into low (<10), moderate (11-20), and high (>20) ISS subgroups (p = 0.001). Discharge destination was most often home (53.3% vs. 28.8%,p = 0.001) or a rehabilitation facility (20.0% vs. 17.4 %, p = 0.001) for GTPs versus OTPs. OTPs; were discharged to skilled nursing facilities (37.2% vs. 14.9%,p = 0.001) far more often than GTPs. FIM at discharge was lower in all categories for OTPs. Modified dependence in locomotion and transfer was seen for OTPs; but not GTPs overall and when stratified by ISS subgroups (p = 0.001). Some dependence in feeding was seen for OTPs but not GTPs with high injury severity (p = 0.001). Otherwise, feeding, expression, and social independence were preserved for both OTPs and GTPs. Conclusion. Functional outcomes after blunt trauma are worse for OTPs; however, functional independence in feeding and social interaction are preserved in OTPs even with moderate injury severity.