Association of open globe injury characteristics with outcome measures in the emergency department.

Purpose: To evaluate the association of demographic and clinical features of emergency department (ED) patients presenting with open globe injuries (OG) with outcomes such as inpatient admission rate, length of stay (LOS), and total cost.

Methods: The Nationwide Emergency Department Sample database 2018 and 2019 was used to analyze the association of demographic and clinical features of OG patients with outcome measures.

Results: 8404 OG patients were identified. Medicaid patients were associated with higher ED costs and a higher frequency of extended LOS. The 70+ age group was associated with higher inpatient admission. Frail patients were associated with significantly increased likelihood of inpatient admission, higher likelihood of extended LOS and higher total combined ED cost. Falls and being struck were associated with shorter LOS.

Conclusion: This study describes the most common demographic and clinical characteristics of OGIs that present to the ED, as well as the association of these characteristics with outcome measures such as inpatient admission rates, LOS, and total cost. The study further identified potential high-risk patients for prolonged length of stay. The findings will better optimize patient care protocols to improve outcomes.