Transarterial embolisation is associated with improved survival in patients with pelvic fracture: propensity score matching analyses

Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg. 2021 Dec;47(6):1661-1669. doi: 10.1007/s00068-020-01497-9. Epub 2020 Sep 19.

Abstract

Introduction: Transarterial embolisation (TAE) is an effective intervention for management of arterial haemorrhage associated with pelvic fracture. However, its effects on survival and clinical outcomes are unclear.

Methods: Trauma patients with survival data between November 2015 and December 2019 were identified using a trauma database. Patients were divided between TAE and non-TAE groups, and a propensity score was developed using multivariate logistic regression. Survival at 28 days was compared between the groups after propensity score matching.

Results: Among 881 patients included in this study, 308 (35.0%) were treated with TAE. After propensity score matching, 130 pairs were selected. Survival at 28 days was significantly higher among patients treated with TAE than among those treated without TAE [122 (93.9%) vs. 112 (86.2%); odds ratio = 2.45; 95% CI 1.02-5.86; p = 0.039].

Conclusions: TAE use was associated with improved survival at 28 days in patients with pelvic fracture and should therefore be considered in the management of severely injured patients with pelvic fracture.

Keywords: Multiple trauma; Pelvic bone; Propensity score matching; Survival; Therapeutic embolisation.

MeSH terms

  • Embolization, Therapeutic*
  • Fractures, Bone* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Pelvic Bones*
  • Propensity Score
  • Retrospective Studies