Background
Trauma injuries lead to about 4.4 million deaths each year worldwide. Not detecting bleeding in trauma patients can increase the risk of death. This study looks at how central capillary refill time (CRT) relates to mortality in adult trauma patients, especially those with normal heart rates and blood pressure.
Methods
This study analyzed data from the CRASH-2 trial, which took place in 274 hospitals across 40 countries from May 2005 to January 2010. It included 19,054 adult trauma patients with recorded CRT. CRT was measured at the sternum and categorized into three groups: ≤ 2 seconds, 3-4 seconds, and ≥ 5 seconds. The main focus was on 28-day mortality, while secondary outcomes included the need for blood transfusions, surgeries, and thromboembolic events.
Results
Out of the patients studied, 35.5% had a CRT of ≤ 2 seconds, 48% had a CRT of 3-4 seconds, and 16.6% had a CRT of ≥ 5 seconds. Patients with a CRT of 3-4 seconds had a 70% higher chance of dying compared to those with a CRT of ≤ 2 seconds. Those with a CRT of ≥ 5 seconds had more than three times the risk of death. Higher CRT was also linked to a greater need for blood transfusions, surgeries, and thromboembolic events.
Conclusion
Central CRT is a significant indicator of mortality and negative outcomes in trauma patients. An increasing CRT, especially ≥ 5 seconds, indicates a higher risk of death, even in patients with stable vital signs. This suggests that CRT can be a useful tool for identifying hidden bleeding issues.
Practical Healthcare Solutions
Based on the trial data, healthcare providers can:
- Define measurable outcomes related to CRT and mortality.
- Set clear goals for monitoring CRT in trauma patients.
- Select AI tools that can assist in tracking and analyzing CRT data.
- Implement a step-by-step approach, starting with pilot projects to assess real-world impacts.
Contact Us for AI Solutions
For tailored AI solutions in medical management, reach out to us:
