Does Arterial Blood Gas Analysis Predict an Adverse Course in Patients Admitted with Isolated Diaphyseal Femur Fractures?

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the role of arterial blood gas (ABG) parameters in predicting adverse in-hospital outcomes among patients with isolated diaphyseal femur fractures.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital between April 2020 and June 2021. Patients aged 18 to 70 years of both sexes with isolated diaphyseal femur fractures were included. The ABG parameters were assessed upon admission and 24 hours postadmission. Their association with systemic complications, intensive care unit admission, and length of hospital stay was evaluated.

RESULTS

The study included 55 patients with a mean age of 53.8 years. The ABG parameters upon admission and at 24 hours were significantly associated with adverse outcomes, specifically pH < 7.35, bicarbonate (HCO 3 - ) < 22 mmol/L, partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO 2 ) < 35 mmHg, partial pressure of oxygen (PO 2 ) < 83 mmHg, and lactate > 1.8 mmol/L. Elevated lactate levels upon admission were additionally correlated with prolonged hospital stay and systemic arterial hypertension.

CONCLUSION

The ABG parameters assessed upon admission and 24 hours postadmission serve as early predictors of adverse outcomes in patients with isolated diaphyseal femur fractures. These findings suggest that ABG analysis may be a valuable tool in guiding the clinical management of such patients.