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World Journal of Surgery

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Open Access 01-02-2019 | Original Scientific Report (including Papers Presented at Surgical Conferences)

Epidemiology of Trauma Patients from the Mosul Offensive, 2016–2017: Results from a Dedicated Trauma Center in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan

Authors: Maximilian P. Nerlander, Rawand Musheer Haweizy, Moayad Abdullah Wahab, Andreas Älgå, Johan von Schreeb

Published in: World Journal of Surgery | Issue 2/2019

Abstract

Introduction

Most epidemiological studies from conflicts are restricted to either combatants or civilians. It is largely unknown how the epidemiology differs between the two groups. In 2016, an Iraqi-led coalition began retaking Mosul from the terrorist group Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. One key institution that received trauma patients from Mosul was Emergency Management Center (EMC) in Erbil, 90 km away. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiology, morbidity, and mortality of civilians and combatants admitted during the ongoing conflict.

Method

This retrospective cohort study utilized routinely collected data on patients with conflict-related injuries who were admitted to EMC between October 16, 2016, and July 10, 2017. Data processing and analysis was carried out using JMP 13. Categorical variables were compared using Fisher’s exact test.

Results

The analysis included 1725 patients, out of which 46% were civilian. Ordnance accounted for most injuries (68%), followed by firearms (18%) and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) (14%). The proportion of IED-related injuries among combatants were almost three times that of civilians. The proportions of abdominal injuries, need for surgery, laparotomies, and amputations were significantly higher among civilians than among combatants. The mortality rate was 0.5%.

Discussion

The fact that civilians had greater surgical needs than combatants may be explained by several factors including a lack of ballistic protection. The extremely low mortality rate indicates significant gaps in prehospital care and transport. Our results may provide useful information to guide medical preparedness and response during future conflicts.

Clinicaltrials.gov ID

NCT03358758.

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Title: Epidemiology of Trauma Patients from the Mosul Offensive, 2016–2017: Results from a Dedicated Trauma Center in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan
Authors: Maximilian P. Nerlander
Rawand Musheer Haweizy
Moayad Abdullah Wahab
Andreas Älgå
Johan von Schreeb
Publication date: 01-02-2019
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Published in: World Journal of Surgery / Issue 2/2019
Print ISSN: 0364-2313
Electronic ISSN: 1432-2323
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00268-018-4817-1

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Epidemiology of Trauma Patients from the Mosul Offensive, 2016–2017: Results from a Dedicated Trauma Center in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan

Abstract

Introduction

Method

Results

Discussion

Clinicaltrials.gov ID

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Method

Results

Discussion

Clinicaltrials.gov ID

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