Chest trauma in a non-intensive care unit department: Management and results

<bold>Introduction:</bold> Chest trauma (CT) is a common entity nowadays and a frequent hospitalization indication in trauma centers. The management of CT is different according to the underlying lesions, associated complications, and patients’ profiles. This study aims to establish the profile of CT lesions in a non-intensive-care-unit (ICU) and to determine the results of its management. <bold>Methods:</bold> This was a retrospective and analytical cohort carried out in our department from January 2015 to December 2023 including all patients presenting CT whatever its type (blunt or penetrating) and its mechanism. <bold>Results:</bold> We collected 944 patients with a mean age of 43.8 years (2-99 years) and a sex ratio of 6.86. Road traffic accidents, domestic accidents and physical assaults were the most common reported mechanisms in 52.5%, 19.7% and 19.3% of cases respectively. Penetrating trauma was recorded for 18.4% of patients especially after stab wounds (95.4%). ICU hospitalization was necessary for 38.8% of patients before their transfer to our department. Surgery was necessary for 8.2% of patients. Mortality and morbidity rates were 1.7% and 6.8% respectively. After analytical study, the independent morbidity risk factors were: ICU hospitalization (p<0.0001), over 5 fractured ribs (p=0.021), flail chest (p=0.002), lung contusion (p<0.0001), recourse to surgery (p<0.0001). the independent mortality factors were: suicide attitude (p=0.008), ICU hospitalization (p<0.0001), hemothorax (0.003), abdominal trauma (0.02), and transfusion (p<0.001). <bold>Conclusion:</bold> Several factors are associated to high mortality and morbidity rates for CT victims even if they were not hospitalized in ICU and should be taken under consideration for better outcomes