Survival and health related quality of life after severe trauma - a 15 years follow up study

INTRODUCTION: As the primary treatment of patients with severe trauma continues to improve, increasing interest has been directed towards long-term survival and Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL). In trauma patients, there are few studies describing long-term outcome using tools specifically directed at HRQoL.

HYPOTHESIS: HRQoL measured with EQ-5D is significantly reduced compared to the Danish norm score 15 years after severe injury.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients more than 18 years of age, admitted to a level 1 trauma center from March 1996 to September 1997 were prospectively included and scored with Injury Severity Score (ISS). Survival status was recorded in May 2012 and EQ-5D questionnaires were sent out.

RESULTS: 95 of the original 154 trauma patients were eligible for participation. The response rate was 66%. The average EQ-5D index score in the trauma population was significantly reduced compared to the index score in the Danish norm population (P=0.00, one-sample t-test). In addition, ISS is associated with HRQoL and ISS≥16 predicts poorer HRQoL.

CONCLUSION: EQ-5D is significantly reduced 15years after severe trauma High ISS was associated with low HRQoL. Knowledge of the distribution and predictors of long-term disability can be used to develop more efficient prevention policies and to improve trauma care in general.