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Risk Factors of Nelson et al for Mortality After Close Proximity Blast Injuries in Soldiers

Purpose: To evaluate a patient exposed to a close proximity blast injury for risk factors associated with mortality as reported by Nelson et al.

Description

Nelson et al identified risk factors for mortality in soldiers subjected to close proximity blast injury during Operation Iraqi Freedom. These can be helpful in triaging victims who may need more aggressive management. The authors are from Camp Pendleton, California.


The patients were soldiers wearing helmets, body armor and other protective devices.

 

Parameters:

(1) hypotension (systolic blood pressure < 90 mm Hg)

(2) number of long bone fractures

(3) penetrating head injuries

(4) fatality of one or more companions involved in the same blast (associated fatalities)

 

Parameter

Findings

Points

hypotension

none

0

 

transient

0

 

sustained

2

number of long bone fractures

0 to 2

0

 

3 or more

1

penetrating head injury

none

0

 

present

1

death in one or more companions

no

0

 

yes

1

 

total risk score =

= SUM(points for all 4 parameters)

 

Interpretation:

• minimum risk score: 0

• maximum risk score: 5

• A score >= 2 is associated with a high risk of mortality.


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Specialty

Objective

ICD-10