Evaluation of Patients Suffering From Polytrauma Admitted to the ICU

Trauma constitutes a major contributor to global mortality and long-term physical disability. The principal causes of traumatic injury include road traffic accidents, falls, drowning, burns, poisoning, interpersonal violence, and acts of war. Collectively, these causes account for approximately 9% of global deaths.

Within the broader population of trauma patients, polytrauma patients represent a distinct and clinically significant subgroup, accounting for approximately 25% of trauma-related hospital admissions. Polytrauma is not merely defined as the coexistence of multiple injuries, but rather as a complex clinical condition characterized by a high risk of complications and progressive physiological deterioration. In the early post-traumatic phase, patients may develop severe hemorrhage, hemorrhagic shock, respiratory compromise, or traumatic brain injury. In the subsequent phase, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, sepsis, and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome may occur.

Advances in injury prevention strategies and improvements in trauma care have led to increased survival during the early stages following injury. As a result, a growing number of polytrauma patients require admission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), underscoring the need to optimize critical care delivery in this population. The provision of high-quality, evidence-based care depends on the systematic collection and analysis of comprehensive clinical data to facilitate continuous improvement in treatment strategies and outcomes.

Inclusion criteria

• All patients with a polytrauma admitted to the ICU between 01/01/2020 and 31/12/2025

Exclusion criteria

• Younger than 18 years of age