Initial Blood Pressure and Internal Bleeding in Trauma Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Kassavin Daniel, Kuo Yen-Hong, Ahmed Nasim
Primary Institution: Jersey Shore University Medical Center
Hypothesis
The current normal reference ranges of systolic blood pressure (SBP) in trauma patients may be inaccurately low, leading to misclassification of unstable patients.
Conclusion
Initial systolic blood pressure cannot predict ongoing internal bleeding in trauma patients.
Supporting Evidence
- 47 out of 113 patients had evidence of ongoing internal bleeding.
- Bleeding patients had a statistically significant lower initial SBP compared to non-bleeding patients.
- 53% of bleeding patients had an SBP higher than or equal to 120 mmHg.
Takeaway
Doctors looked at blood pressure in trauma patients to see if it could help tell if they were bleeding inside. They found that blood pressure readings that seemed normal could still mean a patient was in trouble.
Methodology
This was a retrospective chart review of adult trauma patients who underwent CT scans and angiography.
Limitations
The study is retrospective and reflects a single institution's experiences.
Participant Demographics
Adult trauma patients with chest and/or abdominal injuries.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.006
Confidence Interval
95% confidence interval: 32.4%, 51.2%
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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