Predictors of chronic pain in traumatically injured hospitalized adult patients

It is unclear what causes chronic pain in traumatically injured hospitalized adults. A total of 101 patients admitted to a level 1 trauma center completed interviews during their inpatient stay and at 4 months, and data on biologic, psychologic, and sociologic variables were collected. Statistical analysis used hierarchical logistical regression,χ, and independent-samples t tests. Prevalence of chronic pain at 4 months was 79.2%. Those with chronic pain at 4 months had more posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression. High initial pain score was the only significant predictor of chronic pain. Initial pain intensity predicts chronic pain.