Keywords
Multiple Trauma
Injury Mortality
Intensive Care Units
How to Cite
Abstract
Introduction: Road traffic collisions are a significant global health burden, with motorcyclists facing disproportionate risks due to limited protection. In low-resource settings like Kinshasa, this vulnerability is worsened by low helmet use and deficiencies in prehospital care. Characterizing polytrauma profiles is essential to inform targeted prevention and improve critical care strategies.
Objective: To describe the sociodemographic, clinical, and outcome profiles of motorcycle-related polytrauma patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) in Kinshasa, providing insights to inform policy and clinical practice.
Materials and Methods: A retrospective, multicenter study was conducted across six ICUs in Kinshasa from January 2021 to December 2023. We included adult patients with polytrauma following motorcycle accidents. Data on demographics, injury mechanisms, clinical presentation, management, and outcomes were analyzed using chi-square and Student's t-tests. Logistic regression identified independent predictors of mortality (p < 0.05).
Results: Of 450 screened cases, 238 were analyzed. The mean age was 36 ± 12 years, with men comprising 82.4%. Drivers accounted for 64.3% of victims, yet helmet use was documented in only 20.2%. Motorcycle–vehicle collisions were the primary mechanism (57.6%). Head trauma (59.7%) and musculoskeletal injuries (70.6%) predominated. Interventions included oxygen therapy (70.6%), fluid resuscitation (64.7%), and surgery (47.1%). The overall mortality rate was 38.7%. Helmet use was significantly protective, associated with a mortality rate of 25% compared to 42% in non-users (p = 0.02), highlighting its impact on outcomes.
Conclusions: Strengthening helmet legislation enforcement and trauma care capacity offers a meaningful opportunity for medical researchers and public health officials to reduce preventable deaths among young males with severe injuries.
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