AUTHOR=Li Aiming , Feng Qiaoyan , Zhao Ye , Zhang Xianhuan , Jiang Weijie 

TITLE=Comprehensive meta-analysis of emergency trauma outcomes: trends, interventions, and survival rates

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Public Health

VOLUME=Volume 13 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1696401

DOI=10.3389/fpubh.2025.1696401

ISSN=2296-2565

ABSTRACT=BackgroundTrauma remains one of the leading global health challenges, with morbidity and mortality disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). While high-income nations have reported improved outcomes through the implementation of structured trauma systems, LMICs continue to bear the greatest burden of trauma-related deaths.ObjectiveThis meta-analysis evaluates the influence of trauma centers and organized trauma systems on reducing mortality among patients with traumatic injuries, irrespective of age, region, or mechanism of injury.MethodsA meta-analysis was conducted of peer-reviewed studies published between January 2010 and December 2022, retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Eligible studies included all age groups and trauma types, comparing outcomes between trauma centers/systems versus non-trauma settings, as well as pre- and post-implementation periods of trauma systems. Data were synthesized using relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsEighteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Group A (trauma centers/systems vs. non-trauma centers/systems) reported a reduced mortality risk associated with organized trauma care (RR = 1.14; 95% CI: 0.98–1.34; I2 = 89.37%). Group B (pre- vs. post-system implementation) showed a significant decrease in mortality following system introduction (RR = 1.87; 95% CI: 0.79–4.43; I2 = 99.55%). Funnel plot analyses indicated minimal publication bias.ConclusionEvidence supports the role of trauma centers and systems in significantly improving survival among trauma patients. However, persistent disparities remain, especially in LMICs and rural areas. Future research should emphasize long-term patient outcomes and strategies to reduce inequities in trauma care delivery.