An evaluation of factors affecting clinical outcomes in penetrating cardiac injuries: A single center experience.

Background: Penetrating cardiac injury (PCI) has highly mortal outcome. Therefore, management of this emergency situation is extremely important. The present study is an investigation of main factors that can affect mortality and morbidity in PCI.

Methods: Records of 112 patients who were admitted to emergency department with PCI in the last decade were evaluated retrospectively. Demographic data, initial approach, transfer duration and conditions, vital status and findings, type of injury, localization, characteristics, and type of surgical application were recorded.

Results: Demographic findings (age, sex, cause of injury) were not found to be significant factors affecting mortality. Early mortality (1-week observation period) occurred in 14 (12.5%) patients. Method of transfer to hospital (under medical team supervision by ambulance, or without supervision), transfer duration, initial vital findings upon arrival (blood pressure, rhythm, breathing, consciousness), operation timing (elective or emergency), and injuries to additional organs were determined to be important predictors of survival.

Conclusion: Cardiac injury is highly mortal emergency situation. Expert medical management is important for survival. However, basic first aid measures and immediate hospital transfer are as important as expert clinical management.