Trends in Trauma Admissions During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Los Angeles County, California

• DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.1320
• Publication Date: 2021-02-22T16:31:38Z
• Authors: Cameron Ghafil; Kazuhide Matsushima; Li Ding; Reynold Henry; Kenji Inaba
• Keywords: Interquartile range; Pandemic; Blunt trauma; Trauma Center

<h3>Importance</h3> Describing the changes in trauma volume and injury patterns during course of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic could help to inform policy development hospital resource planning. <h3>Objective</h3> To examine trends admissions throughout Los Angeles County (LAC) pandemic. <h3>Design, Setting, Participants</h3> In this cohort study, all 15 verified level 1 2 centers LAC from January June 7, 2020 were reviewed. All same period used as historical control. For overall admissions, study was divided into 3 intervals based on daily admission trend analysis (January through February 28, March April 9, 10 7). blunt subgroup analysis, similar 27, 28 5, 6 <h3>Exposures</h3> COVID-19 <h3>Main Outcomes Measures</h3> Trends patterns. <h3>Results</h3> A total 6777 patients 6937 met inclusion criteria. Of those admitted 2020, median (interquartile range) age 42 (28-61) years 5100 (75.3%) men. Mechanisms significantly different between years, with a higher incidence penetrating fewer injuries compared (penetrating: 1065 [15.7%] vs [15.4%]; blunt: 5309 [78.3%] 5528 [79.7%]). Overall by interval 2681, 1684, 2412, whereas they 2462, 1862, 2613, respectively. There significant increase per week first (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 1.02; 95% CI, 1.002-1.04;<i>P</i> = .03) followed decrease second (IRR, 0.92; 0.90-0.94;<i>P</i> &lt; .001) and, finally, an third 1.05; 1.03-1.07;<i>P</i> .001). On pattern while increased period. <h3>Conclusions Relevance</h3> experienced change transient quick return baseline levels. Trauma should prioritize maintaining access, capacity, functionality pandemics other national emergencies.