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KMID : 1039620150050020121
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Korean Journal of Family Practice
2015 Volume.5 No. 2 p.121 ~ p.127
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Relationship of Long Term Hospitalization with Prognosis of Car Accident in Patients with Mild Injury
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Kim Yang-Pyo
Kim Jung-Hyun
Kim Tae-Wan
Sur Young-Jin
Kwon Hyun-Woo
Shin Hyun-Guk
Hong Ah-Ram
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Abstract
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Background: The incidence of mild injuries caused by traffic accidents in South Korea is high compared to that in other advanced countries. Furthermore, the medical expenses for the treatment of such injuries are high. This study aimed to elucidate the relationship between the prognosis of mild injuries caused by car accidents with the duration of hospitalization.
Methods: Patients with mild injuries in Hana Hospital, Cheongju, Korea were included in the study. The degree of pain on their first visit and 6 months later was measured using a numerical rating scale. The patients were divided into the following groups: (1) those hospitalized for less than 3 days and (2) those hospitalized for more than 3 days. A logistic regression analysis was used to determine the effects of long-term hospitalization and other variables on residual chronic pain 6months after the initial visit to the hospital.
Results: The average age of the 89 patients included in the study was 40.24 years; 42 (47.2%) were men, and 47 (52.8%) were women. The number of patients hospitalized for more than 3 days was 39 (43.8%), and that of patients hospitalized for less than 3 days was 50 (56.2%). The initial pain score in the most painful area of both groups was 4.82 and 3.68, respectively (P=0.003). Sixteen patients (41%) hospitalized for more than 3 days and 5 patients (10%) hospitalized for less than 3 days experienced residual chronic pain (numerical rating scale score: 1.14 and 0.28, respectively; P=0.001) The presence of residual chronic pain depended on the age of the patient, road type, and duration of hospitalization. The odds ratio for age above 50 years was 12.99 (P=0.012); for highway accident, 9.37 (P=0.016); more than 3 days of hospitalization, 59.43 (P=0.001).
Conclusion: In the case of patients with mild injuries caused by traffic accidents, early return to normal life rather than restrictions on daily activities may help reduce pain. Careful observation and timely treatment for persistent chronic pain are necessary in the case of elderly patients and victims of highway accidents.
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KEYWORD
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Traffic Accidents, Pain, Hospitalization
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