Urine Toxicology Screening Among Polytraumatic Patients in Tanta University Hospitals

Abstract

Background: Polytrauma is a prevalent occurrence in emergency departments globally, often exacerbated by substance use, a significant factor contributing to accidents. Substance use compromises judgment, coordination, and reaction time, heightening the risk of accidents and injuries. This study aims to assess the clinical significance of urine toxicology screening in managing polytrauma patients. It evaluates the prevalence of drug use, explores the impact of positive screening results on patient outcomes, and informs treatment decisions. Methods: This study encompassed all polytrauma patients of both genders who were presented to the Emergency Department at Tanta University Hospital between June and November 2023. Patients underwent comprehensive evaluation, including trauma assessment, Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma patients’ examination, and urine toxicology screening. Results: The study included 100 polytrauma patients, with ages ranging from 16 to 72 years (mean ± SD: 34.65±14.75). Males constituted 79%, while females constituted 21% of the cohort. Urine toxicology screening yielded positive results in 41% of patients, with Morphine, Tramadol, Cannabinol, Benzodiazepines, and Barbiturates among the detected substances. Conclusion: Morphine was statistically significant, being higher in the Ejection from a vehicle group compared to other injury mechanisms. Barbiturates were significantly higher in the Crush injuries group. These findings highlight the importance of urine toxicology screening in identifying substance use patterns among polytrauma patients, facilitating tailored treatment approaches and injury prevention strategies.