Abstract
Objectives: To investigate the predictive value of two novel scores, including the modified rapid emergency medicine score (mREMS) and new trauma score (NTS), in the outcome of hospitalized elderly patients with traffic injuries.
Design: Descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study.
Setting(s): Tabriz, the capital of East Azerbaijan province, northwestern Iran.
Participants: Over 65 years old patients being injured in traffic accidents were included in the current study and divided into three groups. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the predictive value of mREMS and NTS scores in elderly patients with traffic accidents.
Outcome measures: NTS is based on a revision of the revised trauma score (RTS) parameters, which includes replacing the Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score with the GCS code and the number of breaths per minute with blood oxygen saturation (SpO2 ). The mREMS includes age, systolic blood pressure (SBS), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), SpO2 , and GCS.
Results: Totally, 243 elderlies with road traffic injuries were enrolled in this study. The mREMS score in male patients showed a significant difference, and the odds ratio (OR) in these patients was 1.5 (95% confidence interval [CI]=1.15-1.95, P<0.05). Based on the results, the NTS significantly differed in male patients, and the OR in these patients was 0.97 (95% CI=0.95- 0.99, P<0.05). The NTS had similar discrimination to mREMS in the prediction of elderly patients’ severity of trauma (hospitalization or discharge). In cut-off point 7.5, the sensitivity of mREMS and specificity were 71% and 53%, respectively. In cut-off point 216, the sensitivity and specificity of NTS were 84% and 47%, respectively.
Conclusions: mREMS and NTS have a moderate degree of predictive usefulness for older patients who have sustained many traumas. It is advised that this problem should be further assessed accurately by a thorough investigation.