We believe the results of this study have important
implications as the elderly trauma population grows and as
we are increasingly relied upon to assist families in decision
making for their previously high-functioning elders. This study
demonstrates that the mortality rate amongst the most severely
injured elderly trauma patients admitted to the ICU is higher
than previously reported in the literature, and even amongst
those surviving trauma, discharge home is rare. Further research
may focus on strategies to reduce mortality, such as early and
aggressive management of therapeutic anticoagulation. The
importance of informed discussions conveying the relatively
poor prognosis for elderly trauma patients admitted to the ICU
must not be overlooked