Polytrauma

A term often used synonymously with multitrauma. Both terms refer to major trauma patients with multiple or multisystem injuries. Several definitions have been proposed. The Berlin definition was developed in an endeavor to standardize terminology. Criteria include an Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) of 3 or higher for two or more different body regions and one or more additional variables from five physiologic parameters (hypotension [systolic blood pressure of 90 mm Hg or less], unconsciousness [Glasgow Coma Scale score 8 or lower], acidosis [base excess below or equal to -6.0], coagulopathy [partial thromboplastin time more than 40 sec or international normalized ratio less than 1.4], and age [ over 70 years]).