1
|
Veselsky SL, Poirier MV, Tracy BM, Castater CA, Mehta C, Minihan AK, Williams KN, Gelbard RB, Faloye AO, Smith RN. Mechanisms of Self-Inflicted Injuries at an Urban City Hospital. Am Surg 2021; 88:1669-1674. [PMID: 33629879 DOI: 10.1177/0003134821998681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suicide is a major public health issue with root causes including psychological, economical, and societal factors. METHODS Retrospective review identified self-inflicted traumatic injuries (SITIs) at Grady Health System between 2009 and 2017. Patients were categorized by penetrating or blunt mechanism of injury (MOI). Outcomes included hospital length of stay (HLOS) and ventilator duration, mortality, and location of death. RESULTS 678 patients in total were identified. Penetrating MOI was most prevalent (n = 474). Patients with a blunt MOI were significantly younger (32 Y vs. 37 Y; P < .0001). Psychiatric illness was equally common between MOI at more than 50%. Penetrating traumas required longer ventilator times (1 D vs. 0 D; P < .0001) but shorter overall HLOS (4 D vs. 6 D; P = .0013). Mortality was twice as high in the penetrating group (29.8% vs. 11.8%; P < .0001). CONCLUSION Self-inflicted traumatic injuries occurred most often among younger adults and those with history of psychiatric illness. Penetrating traumas result in worse outcomes. Self-inflicted traumatic injuries carry high morbidity and mortality. Improved prevention strategies targeting high-risk groups are needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steven L Veselsky
- 12239Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Division of Surgery, Emory University, Grady Health System, Atlanta, GA, USA.,4518West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, Lewisburg, WV, USA
| | - Marie-Veronique Poirier
- 12239Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.,25798Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Brett M Tracy
- 12239Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Division of Surgery, Emory University, Grady Health System, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Christine A Castater
- 12239Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Division of Surgery, Emory University, Grady Health System, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Christina Mehta
- 25798Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Adair K Minihan
- 25798Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Keneeshia N Williams
- 12239Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Division of Surgery, Emory University, Grady Health System, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Rondi B Gelbard
- 12239Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Division of Surgery, Emory University, Grady Health System, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Abimbola O Faloye
- 12239Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Division of Anesthesiology, Emory University, Grady Health System, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Randi N Smith
- 12239Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Division of Surgery, Emory University, Grady Health System, Atlanta, GA, USA.,25798Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| |
Collapse
|