Trauma and BMI Mortality.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Obesity has been recognized as an impactful comorbid condition. It has been demonstrated to be an independent risk factor for morbidity and mortality following trauma.

RECENT FINDINGS: Multiple studies and reviews have strongly suggested obesity to be associated with increased risk for post-injury morbidity and mortality. As obesity is associated with a pro-inflammatory state, it has been suggested to negatively affect the respiratory, cardiovascular, coagulation, and renal systems and the ability and manner in which an obese patient heals. As obesity continues to rise at alarming rates in the USA, this population of patients requires special consideration and continued research is underway to delineate relationships between obesity, trauma, and outcomes in an effort to improve overall care.