Geriatric Trauma Outcome Score and Mortality in Elderly Trauma Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Kamtone Chandacham, MD¹,² ORCID , Pornsinn Koonsinn, RN³ ORCID , Supaporn Rattanasiri, RN³ ORCID , Wilaiwan Chongruksut, RN, PhD¹,² ORCID , Wasana Ko-iam, RN, PhD¹,² ORCID , Narain Chotirosniramit, MD¹,² ORCID

Affiliation : ¹ Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand; ² Clinical Surgical Research Center, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand; ³ Nursing Department, Chiang Mai University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Abstract
Background: The aging population in Thailand is rapidly increasing, leading to a rise in elderly trauma cases. Understanding the epidemiology, causes, complications, and outcomes of geriatric trauma is crucial for improving care and developing preventive strategies.
Objective: To analyze the epidemiological patterns, causes, complications, and outcomes of elderly trauma patients, and to assess the relationship between the Geriatric Trauma Outcome Score (GT OS) and mortality.
Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 466 patients aged 60 years and older who were diagnosed with trauma between 2011 and 2021 at Chiang Mai University Hospital. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed, and data were extracted between September 2022 and July 2023. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Fisher’s exact test, Student’s t-test, and univariable and multiple risk regression analyses.
Results: The majority of patients were over 65 years old (77.68%) and male (51.93%). Falls (62.66%) and traffic accidents (24.68%) were the main causes of injury. The mortality rate was 3.43%. Pneumonia (RR 1.54, 95% CI 1.02 to 2.33, p=0.040) and failed or difficult intubation (RR 1.81, 95% CI 1.15 to 2.85, p=0.010) were significant predictors of mortality. GT OS showed good predictive ability for mortality (AUC 0.807, 95% CI 0.73 to 0.88). Factors associated with high GT OS included age >65 years, ISS >15, and blood transfusion.
Conclusion: Falls are the primary cause of injury in elderly patients, with a significant impact on mortality. GT OS is an effective tool for predicting mortality in this population. Prevention strategies need to focus on fall prevention, and care protocols should address the specific needs of elderly trauma patients.

Received 22 September 2025 | Revised 22 April 2026 | Accepted 8 May 2026
J Med Assoc Thai 2026;109(8):664-73
DOI: 10.35755/jmedassocthai.2026.8.03584

Keywords : Geriatric trauma; Epidemiology; Falls; Geriatric Trauma Outcome Score; Mortality


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