Evaluating the Efficacy of PIC Scoring in Chest Trauma: A Prospective Study on Morbidity and Mortality Outcomes

Abstract

Introduction: Chest trauma is a critical concern in trauma care, contributing significantly to global morbidity and mortality rates. Given the unique respiratory challenges associated with thoracic injuries, there is a need for a dedicated assessment tool to guide patient management. This study evaluates the efficacy of the PIC (Pain, Inspiratory capacity, Cough) scoring system as a standardized protocol for managing chest trauma, focusing on reducing respiratory complications, ICU admissions, and hospital stay.

Materials and Methods: An observational, prospective study was conducted involving 119 chest trauma patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital from March 2022 to September 2024. Patients were divided into two groups: Group A, managed using the PIC scoring system, and Group B, without it. Demographic data, respiratory complications, ICU admission rates, hospital stay, and discharge outcomes were collected. Statistical analysis, including chi-square tests and linear regression, was performed to assess associations between PIC scores and clinical outcomes, with a significance threshold of p < 0.05.

Results: Group A exhibited significantly lower respiratory complications (14.55% vs. 29.68%) and ICU admissions (36.36% vs. 54.69%) compared to Group B. Additionally, the average hospital stay was shorter in Group A (2.735 days) than in Group B (3.761 days). Discharge outcomes were similar across both groups, indicating that the PIC score effectively reduces complications and resource use without compromising discharge success rates.

Discussion: The findings support the PIC scoring system as an effective tool for managing chest trauma, providing a streamlined approach that enhances respiratory outcomes and reduces ICU dependency. Compared to general trauma scoring systems, PIC’s focused assessment of pain, inspiratory capacity, and cough strength offers a targeted protocol that can optimize resource allocation and improve patient care in emergency settings.

Conclusion: This study highlights the potential of the PIC scoring system to serve as a standard protocol in chest trauma management, enabling timely and effective interventions. Further research is recommended to validate these findings in larger, multicenter settings.