Veysi SİBER, Sinan ÖZDEMİR, Serdal ATEŞ, Zafer BEŞER, Hatice Kübra SİBER, Meryem Sara DAYAN, Ahmet Burak ERDEM
Archives of Basic and Clinical Research - 2026;8(1):27-34
Objective: Hemothorax is a serious complication of blunt thoracic trauma requiring early recognition. While computed tomography (CT) is the diagnostic gold standard, imaging delays in unstable patients necessitate alternative early markers. This study evaluated the predictive value of initial laboratory parameters in adult patients with isolated blunt thoracic trauma. Methods: This retrospective study included adults with isolated blunt thoracic trauma presenting to a tertiary emergency department between March 1, 2023, and March 1, 2024. Based on CT findings, patients were categorized as hemothorax-positive or hemothorax-negative. Demographic data, admission laboratory results, and outcomes were extracted from the hospital information system. Laboratory variables included complete blood count, platelet indices, venous blood gas analysis, lactate, and coagulation parameters. Group comparisons were conducted to assess the associations between these variables and the presence of hemothorax. Results: A total of 414 patients were evaluated (median age: 55 years; 69.8% male). Hemothorax was identified in 171 patients (41.3%) based on chest CT. Compared with the non-hemothorax group, the hemothorax group had significantly higher median white blood cell counts ( P = 0.027), lymphocyte counts ( P = 0.032), and serum lactate levels ( P < 0.001), whereas venous pH values were significantly lower (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Elevated white blood cell, lymphocyte count, lactate levels, and decreased venous pH at admission may help predict hemothorax in isolated blunt chest trauma, especially when imaging is delayed. Platelet indices showed no diagnostic utility.
