The Effect of Body Mass Index on Outcomes Following Severe Blunt Chest Trauma

Obesity is a known risk factor for increased morbidity and mortality in the general population [1-4]. Moreover, both overweight and obese patients are more likely to have chronic health conditions including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, asthma, arthritis, and overall poor health status [3]. These comorbidities are classically associated with increased morbidity and mortality. As weight increases past a normal BMI, there is an associated higher risk of death [4]. Despite this, there has been recent evidence to suggest that obese patients may actually have a survival advantage and improved outcomes after selected surgical procedures or in specific critical illnesses [5-11].

Source: Injury - July 4, 2020 Category: Orthopaedics Authors: Jennifer T. Cone, Elizabeth R. Benjamin, Daniel B. Alfson, Subarna Biswas, Demetrios Demetriades Source Type: research