Ocular and Orbital Trauma Correlated With an Increased Risk of Mortality in Female Patients With a History of Intimate Partner Violence

Objective: To characterize the risk factors for mortality and rates of mortality in female patients with a history of ocular or orbital trauma and intimate partner violence (IPV). Design: This is a retrospective cohort study that included all data from 2005 to 2024. Participants: Included females aged 18 to 55 years old with variable history of IPV and orbital trauma. Methods: Patients were identified using the TriNetX Network and were grouped by presence of IPV and orbital trauma. Rates of mortality, hospitalization, and emergency department visits following trauma were analyzed. Propensity score matching was done to control for differences in baseline demographics and medical comorbidities. Cox regression analysis was completed to determine the association between mortality and known risk factors for IPV. Main Outcome Measures: Hazard ratio for mortality and rate of 5-year mortality following ocular or orbital trauma. Results: After matching and assessing for the presence of ocular or orbital trauma, 2812 patients were included in both the IPV-related ocular or orbital trauma and IPV with no ocular or orbital trauma groups. The analysis found that a history of ocular or orbital trauma increased the risk of mortality in patients with a history of IPV (hazard ratio = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.3-2.4, P < .001). Conclusions: A history of ocular or orbital trauma is a significant risk factor for mortality among female patients with a history of IPV. High-risk patients should be identified at the time of presentation and protective measures initiated.