Clinical features and prognostic predictors for patients admitted to trauma intensive care unit due to fall from height in South Xinjiang

Falls from height (FFH) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality, accounting for a large proportion of trauma admissions to the intensive care unit (ICU). This study aims to summarize the clinical features and identify prognostic predictors associated with patients admitted to the trauma ICU due to FFH in south Xinjiang. This retrospective study was conducted from April 2020 to July 2024 and included patients admitted to the trauma ICU due to FFH. Clinical data were extracted and analyzed. Injury locations were classified into the head, spine, thorax, abdomen, pelvis, and extremities. Clinical outcomes included length of stay in the ICU, ventilator use, and in-hospital or 30-day mortality. Patients were followed up after discharge to record 30-day mortality. Independent predictors of mortality were calculated using a logistic regression model. A total of 289 patients (mean age, 40.3 years ± 17.9; 225 males and 64 females) were enrolled in the study. The median height of the fall was 3 meters, with 26.6% (77/289) falling from ≥5 meters and 11.4% (33/289) falling from ≥10 meters. The median Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 24, with 63.3% (183/289) having an ISS greater than 20 and 41.5% (120/289) having an ISS greater than 25. Injuries involved ≥3 locations in 47.1% (136/289) of patients, ≥4 locations in 18.3% (53/289), and ≥5 locations in 7.6% (22/289). Mechanical ventilation was required for 36% (103/289) of patients, with an average ventilator duration of 103.5 (24–234) hours. The median length of ICU stay was 8 days (range: 1–132 days), and the overall in-hospital or 30-day mortality rate was 5.5% (16/289). The independent predictor of mortality was ISS (odds ratio, 1.07; 95% confidence interval: 1.003–1.14; P = .04). The Injury Severity Score is a predictor of in-hospital or 30-day mortality due to falls from height.