Abstract: Objective To analyze the risk factors related to early infections of open extremity injuries caused by traffic accidents so as to provide reference for clinical diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Methods A total of 880 patients with open extremity injuries treated during May 2017 and May 2020 were enrolled in this retrospective study, including 629 males and 251 females, median age 43.53±9.78 years. The patients were divided into 3 groups: amputation group(n=19), open fracture group(n=266)and open soft tissue injury group(n=595). Clinical data, including individual characteristics, injuries, hospitality-related indicators and infections, were collected, a Logistic regression model was established, and infection-related risk factors were determined. Results Infections were observed in 7 patients(36.84%)in the amputation group, 26 patients(9.77%)in the open fracture group, and 15 patients(2.25%)in the open soft tissue injury group. The amputation group had the highest first-recorded shock index(median: 1.03)and the highest ICU hospitalization rate(26.32%). Logistic regression analysis showed that infections in the amputation group(OR=17.684, 95%CI: 6.262-49.490)and open fracture group(OR=2.733, 95%CI: 1.453-5.142), blood transfusion within 24 h after injury(≥8 units: OR=25.852, 95%CI: 8.448-77.469; 4-8 units: OR=17.741, 95%CI: 5.785-54.409)and≥2 injury sites(OR=39.731, 95%CI: 18.048-87.467)were independently associated with risks of infections. Conclusion Abbreviated injury scale can be used to predict and evaluate the risks of early infections in open extremity injuries. Amputation, blood transfusion within 24 hours after injury, and multiple injury sites(>2)are risk factors of infections.

Key words: Extremity injury, Traffic accident, Emergency Department, Infection, Risk factor