Changes in admission laboratory tests in patients with maxillofacial fractures and the influence of dento-alveolar trauma.

There are few studies in the literature evaluating possible alterations in laboratory tests in patients with maxillofacial fractures. This study analysed changes in admission laboratory tests of patients with maxillofacial fractures with indications for surgical treatment, including the influence of dento-alveolar trauma.Data from complete blood counts, blood coagulation tests, blood chemistries and urinalysis results were obtained. The occurrence of concomitant dentoalveolar trauma was noted. The medical records were also re-evaluated later to verify the treatment outcome and the occurrence of complications. Statistical analyses were performed using the likelihood ratio test to verify significant changes in the evaluated parameters (p ≤ 0.050).There was a prevalence of males (78%) with a mean age of 35.9 years. Lower erythrocyte counts, haemoglobin levels and/or haematocrit were observed in males with associated fractures and with simultaneous dentoalveolar fractures. Higher mean neutrophil, segmented neutrophil and lymphocyte counts were observed in patients with simultaneous dentoalveolar trauma. A higher mean activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) ratio was also observed. Lower potassium levels were observed for patients in the fourth decade of life. Higher leukocyte counts not associated with trauma were observed in the urinalysis results of females and in the group of patients aged 20 or younger. Verification of treatment outcome showed two cases of infections and two cases that needed re-operation after mandible fractures. These four cases showed no significant changes in laboratory tests regarding the predisposition for complications.Patients with maxillofacial fractures had neutrophilia, increased aPTT and non-traumatic leukocyturia. There was an influence of associated fractures and dento-alveolar trauma on the decrease in red blood cell parameters, neutrophilia and lymphocytosis and of age on hypokalemia.