{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Risk Factors for Retained Hemothorax after Trauma: A 10-Years Monocentric Experience from First Level Trauma Center in Italy.
{Author}: Rossmann M;Altomare M;Pezzoli I;Abruzzese A;Spota A;Vettorello M;Cioffi SPB;Virdis F;Bini R;Chiara O;Cimbanassi S;
{Journal}: J Pers Med
{Volume}: 12
{Issue}: 10
{Year}: Sep 2022 23
{Factor}: 3.508
{DOI}: 10.3390/jpm12101570
{Abstract}: Thoracic trauma occurs in 20-25% of all trauma patients worldwide and represents the third cause of trauma-related mortality. Retained hemothorax (RH) is defined as a residual hematic pleural effusion larger than 500 mL after 72 h of treatment with a thoracic tube. The aim of this study is to investigate risk factors for the development of RH in thoracic trauma and predictors of surgery. A retrospective, observational, monocentric study was conducted in a Trauma Hub Hospital in Milan, recording thoracic trauma from January 2011 to December 2020. Pre-hospital peripheric oxygen saturation (SpO2) was significantly lower in the RH group (94% vs. 97%, p = 0.018). Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified, as independent predictors of RH, sternum fracture (OR 7.96, 95% CI 1.16-54.79; p = 0.035), pre-admission desaturation (OR 0.96; 95% CI 0.77-0.96; p = 0.009) and the number of thoracic tube maintenance days (OR 1.22; 95% CI 1.09-1.37; p = 0.0005). The number of tubes placed and the 1° rib fracture were both significantly associated with the necessity of surgical treatment of RH (2 vs. 1, p = 0.004; 40% vs. 0%; p = 0.001). The risk of developing an RH in thoracic trauma should not be underestimated. Variables related to RH must be taken into account in order to schedule a proper follow-up after trauma.