The Relationship Between an Individual’s Birthday and Admission for Traumatic Injury

Jessica M. Veatch, Joel R. Narveson, Ryan W. Walters, Neil D. Patel, Viren P. Punja, Carlos A. Fernandez, Kaily L. Ewing, John A. Aucar, Eric J. Kuncir

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background: Birthdays provide an opportunity to celebrate; however, they can also be associated with various adverse medical events. This is the first study to examine the association between birthdays and in-hospital trauma team evaluation. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed trauma registry patients 19-89 years of age, who were evaluated by in-hospital trauma services from 1/1/2011 to 12/31/2021. Results: 14,796 patients were analyzed and an association between trauma evaluation and birthdays was found. The strongest incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were on the day of birth (IRR: 1.78; P <.001) followed by ±3 days of the birthday (IRR: 1.21; P =.003). When incidence was analyzed by age groups, 19-36 years of age had the strongest IRR (2.30; P <.001) on their birthday, followed by the >65 groups (IRR: 1.34; P =.008) within ±3 days. Non-significant associations were seen in the 37-55 (IRR: 1.41; P =.209) and 56-65 groups (IRR: 1.60; P =.172) on their birthday. Patient-level characteristics were only significant for the presence of ethanol at trauma evaluation (risk ratio: 1.83; P =.017). Discussion: Birthdays and trauma evaluations were found to have a group-dependent association, with the greatest incidence for the youngest age group being on their birthday, and the oldest age group within ±3 days. The presence of alcohol was found to be the best patient-level predictor of trauma evaluation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)5750-5756
Number of pages7
JournalAmerican Surgeon
Volume89
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2023
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • alcohol
  • birthdays
  • falls
  • injury prevention
  • trauma

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery

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