Obese patients 2.6 times more likely to die following traumatic injury

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Monday, February 14, 2005 5:07 am Email this article
Obese people with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 35 were 2.6 times more likely to die following a traumatic injury than people with a BMI less than 35 according to a study from the University of Kansas School of Medicine in Wichita, Kansas. Death more common among the heaviest people: 10.7% vs 4.1%

Death occurred in 10.7 percent of people with a BMI greater than 35 compared to 4.1 percent for people with a BMI less than 35.

Complications more common among the heaviest people: 27% vs 17.6%

Complications while in the hospital were also more common among the heaviest people occurring in 27 percent of people with a BMI greater than 35 versus 17.6 percent of people with a BMI less than 35.

Conclusion

“Obese patients are significantly more likely than lean patients to experience complications and death after a traumatic event,” the authors concluded.

“This effect is enhanced with higher levels of injury.”

REFERENCE

Byrnes M, Mcdaniel M, Moore M, Helmer S, Smith R. The effect of obesity on outcomes among injured patients. J Trauma. 2005 Feb, 58(2):232-37.

AUTHOR’S CONTACT INFORMATION

Department of Surgery (M.C.B., S.D.H., R.S.S.)
University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita
Wichita, Kansas USA

The University of Kansas School of Medicine (M.D.M., M.B.M.)
Kansas City, Kansas USA

Department of Medical Education (S.D.H.)
Via Christi Regional Medical Center
Wichita, Kansas USA

Division of Trauma (R.S.S.)
Via Christi Regional Medical Center
Wichita, Kansas USA

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