High-risk Trauma Research Articles

Surveillance and Early Management of Deep Vein Thrombosis Decreases the Rate of Pulmonary Embolism in High-Risk Trauma Patients

Surveillance and Early Management of Deep Vein Thrombosis Decreases the Rate of Pulmonary Embolism in High-Risk Trauma Patients

National Survey of Emergency Physicians to Define Functional Decline in Elderly Patients with Minor Trauma.

There are a number of screening tools to predict return to the emergency department (ED) in elderly trauma patients, but none exist to specifically screen for functional decline after a minor injury. The objective of this study was to identify outcome measures for a possible future clinical decision rule to be used in the ED to identify previously independent patients at high risk of functional decline at six months post minor injury. After a rigorous development process, a survey instrument was administered to a random sample of 178 emergency physicians using the Dillman's Tailored Design Method. Of 156 eligible surveys, we received 81 completed surveys (response rate 51.9%). Considering all 14 activities of daily living (ADL) items, 90% of physicians deemed a minimal clinically important difference (MCID) in function to be at least three points on the 28-point Older Americans Resources and Services (OARS) ADL Scale as clinically significant. A tool with a sensitivity of 93% to detect patients at risk of functional decline at six months post injury would meet or exceed the sensitivity deemed to be required by 90% of physicians. The majority of emergency physicians do not assess elderly injured patients for the majority of the tasks. A drop of three points on the 28-point OARS ADL Scale would be deemed clinically important by the vast majority of emergency physicians. Further, a sensitivity of 93% for a clinical decision tool would satisfy the MCID requirements of the vast majority of emergency physicians. There appears to be a gap between physician knowledge and actual practice. We intend to use these findings in the development of a clinical decision rule to identify high-risk elderly trauma patients.

Deep vein thrombosis screening and risk factors in a high-risk trauma population

BackgroundTrauma patients requiring acute inpatient rehabilitation are significantly injured, with increased risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT). We evaluated routine screening for occult DVT in such patients, and analyzed DVT risk factors. Materials and methodsData from level I trauma center patients discharged to a single acute rehabilitation center (ARC) from 2007–2011 were retrospectively reviewed. Routine lower extremity duplex was performed on ARC admission. Follow-up data were collected for patients with occult DVT (ARC DVT). DVT predictors were evaluated using logistic regression. ResultsOf 622 patients, 534 (86%) had screening duplex; 26 (4.8%) had an ARC DVT. A majority of 442 patients (71%) received enoxaparin prophylaxis in hospital, for a median 64% of hospital days. Of ARC DVT patients, 17 received full anticoagulation and 16 received vena cava filters. Thirty-seven patients had DVT diagnosed in the hospital (hospital DVT) before discharge to ARC. Hospital DVT and ARC DVT groups were comparable except shorter median hospital length of stay and lower head abbreviated injury scale in ARC DVT patients. On multivariate analysis, increased intensive care unit length of stay, age >65 y, a lower percentage of hospital days receiving chemoprophylaxis, and delayed initiation of chemoprophylaxis were significantly predictive of DVT after adjustment for sex, mechanism, injury severity score, and admission systolic blood pressure. Presence of pelvic fractures and ages 50–65 y also posed an increased risk. ConclusionsThe incidence of occult DVT on ARC admission is low in trauma patients. Several risk factors for DVT in the trauma ARC population were identified. Nonselective screening of all trauma patients on admission to ARC is not supported by this analysis.

Operation Management: Empirical Case Study (Al Buraimi Medical Clinic—Private Clinic)

<p><em>This case is about a “walk in” clinic called Al Buraimi Medical Clinic (BMC) which treats non-acute illnesses. BMC’s philosophy states “first come, first served”. It serves about 15,000 citizens. This is the only medical center in the region that provides some of the advanced services including a world-class rehabilitation center, regional burn center, high-risk maternity program and trauma center. This case describes how a process could affect the effectiveness and efficiency of a service. It’s vital to understand how process works as it helps to ensure the competitiveness of the company. A process according to Chase, Jacobs and Aquilano (2006), process is any part of the company that turns inputs into outputs which is of a more value to the company than the original inputs. In this case, nurses, MD, specialized equipments combined with another input, the patient is transformed through proper treatment and medical care into a healthy patient. Therefore, the healthy patient is an outcome of the process.</em><em> </em></p>

A Prospective Evaluation of Acute Traumatic Coagulopathy and Effects of Damage Control Resuscitation in Military Trauma Patients in Afghanistan

▪Hemorrhage remains the leading cause of preventable morality, resulting in the death of over a third of all trauma patients. Additionally, twenty-five percent of trauma patients present on admission with acute traumatic coagulopathy (ATC) which portends a mortality approaching fifty percent. ATC has been defined by multiple parameters including international normalized ratio (INR) >1.2, rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) clot amplitude at 5 minutes (CA5) ≤ 35 mm and lysis at 60 minutes (LI60) ≤ 85%. Damage control resuscitation (DCR), the practice of the Joint Theater Trauma System in Iraq and Afghanistan, is based on rapid hemorrhage control, permissive hypotension and transfusion of blood products in a ratio that aims to deliver the functionality of whole blood (1:1:1, red cells:plasma:platelets), in addition to limiting crystalloid resuscitation. ROTEM defined ATC has not been observed over time among DCR eligible combat casualties. The goal of this study was to identify ATC and the effects of DCR in trauma patients treated at level III trauma hospitals in Afghanistan.In this prospective observational study, 88 trauma patients were treated at Craig Air Force Theatre Hospital – Bagram, or Kandahar NATO Hospital in the Afghanistan Theatre. We included only patients from coalition forces identified as having injury that would result in the loss of life or total disability resulting in activation of DCR. Blood was obtained for analysis upon admission and at 6 and 24 hours after admission by a designated research team. Blood was analyzed by ROTEM with multiple assays (EXTEM, FIBTEM, APTEM); however, data was not available to the treatment team. Complete blood counts and INR were also obtained and Injury Severity Scores (ISS) were determined. Transfusion requirements of red blood cells (RBCs), platelets (PLT), fresh frozen plasma (FFP) and cryoprecipitate were recorded for the first 24 hours following admission. ROTEM changes over time were analyzed using Wilcoxon signed-rank test.Forty patients in the cohort had ROTEM (EXTEM) data obtained for evaluation as equipment was unavailable during a portion of the study. The median ISS was 21.5 (IQR 14-27). Four of the patients in the cohort died. The median admission hemoglobin and hematocrit were 11.1 g/dL (IQR 10.1-12) and 32.3% (IQR 29-34.5) respectively. The median INR was 1.3 (IQR 1.2-1.4). The median patient RBC to FFP to PLT ratio was 1:1:0.8. The median clot time (CT) and maximum clot firmness (MCF) were 58.5 sec (IQR 51-65.5) and 56 mm (IQR 51-60.5) respectively. Median CA5 was 37.5 mm (IQR 31-45). ATC as identified by CA5 ≤ 35 mm was present in 15 of 40 patients (38%) upon admission. The median CA5 of patients who met criteria for ATC on admission was 26 mm (IQR 15-34) which improved to 38 mm (IQR 33-44) at 24 hours (p < 0.01). Median LI45 was 98% (IQR 96-99). Hyperfibrinolysis as defined by LI45 ≤ 85% was observed in 4 of 40 patients (10%) upon admission which did not change significantly at 24 hours.The incidence of acute traumatic coagulopathy as defined by ROTEM parameters in this high risk military cohort appears to be higher compared to that reported for civilian populations. These data suggest that current DCR practices including a 1:1:1 RBC:FFP:PLT ratio appropriately target high risk trauma patients with ATC and that this strategy appears to be associated with a reduction in the burden of coagulopathy by 24 hours. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

The safety of primary repair or anastomosis in high-risk trauma patients.

There is currently not enough data regarding the management of bowel injury and the results of primary repair or resection and anastomosis in high-risk trauma patients. We aimed to determine whether there were any short-term (30 days) postoperative complications relevant to the primary reconstruction of such bowel injuries. In a retrospective study, all trauma patients who underwent a definite laparotomy after penetrating or blunt injury in our institution during the last decade were identified. The study group consisted of those who underwent primary repair or resection and anastomosis of the small or large bowel or both. Patients who died within 72 h of admission, who had only serosal injuries or who received resection and diversion, were excluded. Seventeen of the trauma patients who were treated at our institution during the study period had bowel injuries. Thirteen fit our criteria. All of them had at least one risk factor, and 61.5% of them had at least three risk factors for anastomotic or suture line disruption. Overall, 35 repairs and anastomoses took place. Only one patient developed clinical anastomotic leakage, resulting in a fistula, which did not require re-operation. Our study contributes to the controversial issue of post-traumatic bowel reconstruction in high-risk trauma patients, and suggests that primary reconstruction is feasible and can provide a good outcome.

Effect of a dalteparin prophylaxis protocol using anti-factor Xa concentrations on venous thromboembolism in high-risk trauma patients

Low anti-factor Xa (anti-Xa) concentrations with twice-daily enoxaparin are associated with venous thromboembolism (VTE) in high-risk trauma patients. Concerns have been raised with once-daily dalteparin regarding effectiveness and achievable anti-Xa concentrations. The purpose of this before-and-after study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a VTE prophylaxis protocol using anti-Xa concentrations and associated dalteparin dose adjustment in high-risk trauma patients. Adult trauma patients receiving VTE chemoprophylaxis and hospitalized for at least 3 days were prospectively followed during two 6-month epochs before (PRE) and after (POST) implementation of anti-Xa monitoring. In both groups, high-risk patients received dalteparin 5,000 U subcutaneously once daily; low-risk patients received subcutaneous unfractionated heparin. High-risk POST patients with anti-Xa less than 0.1 IU/mL 12 hours after initial dalteparin dose received dalteparin every 12 hours. All patients underwent routine VTE ultrasound surveillance of the lower extremities. The primary outcome was incidence of VTE. A total of 785 patients (PRE, n = 428; POST, n = 357) were included. Demographics, injury patterns, Injury Severity Score (ISS), red blood cell transfusions, intensive care unit and hospital stays, and mortality did not differ between groups. Overall, POST patients had lower VTE (7.0% vs. 13%, p = 0.009) including acute VTE (6.4% vs. 12%, p = 0.01) and proximal deep vein thromboembolism (2.2% vs. 5.7%, p = 0.019). Between high-risk patients, VTE occurred in 53 (16.3%) PRE compared with 24 (9.0%) POST patients (p = 0.01); there was no difference in VTE between low-risk patients (PRE, 2.0% vs. POST, 1.1%; p = 0.86). Among 190 high-risk POST patients with anti-Xa, 97 (51%) were less than 0.1 IU/mL. Patients with low anti-Xa had higher rates of VTE (14.0% vs. 5.4%, p = 0.05) and deep vein thromboembolism (14.4% vs. 3.2%, p = 0.01). Younger age (odds ratio, 0.97; 95% confidence interval, 0.95-0.99) and greater weight (odds ratio, 1.02; 95% confidence interval, 1.00-1.03) predicted low anti-Xa on multivariate regression. A VTE prophylaxis protocol using anti-Xa-based dalteparin dosage adjustment in high-risk trauma patients was associated with decreased VTE. Once-daily dalteparin 12-hour anti-Xa concentrations are suboptimal in a majority of patients and associated with VTE. Therapeutic study, level IV.

Decreased Incidence of Pulmonary Embolism in High Risk Trauma Patients with Improved Compliance to Protocol Based Inferior Vena Cava Filter Placement

Decreased Incidence of Pulmonary Embolism in High Risk Trauma Patients with Improved Compliance to Protocol Based Inferior Vena Cava Filter Placement

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Introduction: Inferior vena cava filters (IVCF) are often inserted for pulmonary embolism prevention in the high risk trauma population. The Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma has established practice management guidelines for the high risk trauma population. The purpose of this study was to identify in-hospital PE complications high risk trauma patients who underwent IVCF insertion during a 10-year period. Methods: During the 10-year period from 1/02-12/12, guidelines for prophylactic IVCF insertion were adhered to in the management of high risk trauma patients. Patients with severe closed head injury, spinal cord injury, complex pelvic fractures and multiple long bone fractures had IVCFs inserted. IVCFs were inserted in pelvic fracture patients and long bone fracture patients when relegated to prolonged non-weight bearing status. All in-patient data were collected retrospectively from the 10-year period. Results: 453 patients received prophylactic IVCFs during the study period. Average age of the study population was 35.9 years. Risk factor indicators were: Pelvic fracture (188), long bone fractures (191), severe traumatic brain injury (133), and spinal cord injury (42). 101 patients had greater than one risk factor. The average hospital day for IVCF insertion was day 7 (R: 2–48) and average hospital length of stay was 28 days (R: 3–183). Ten patients were diagnosed with PE, 8 (80%) of which occurred prior to IVCF insertion. Two patients developed PE post IVCF insertion. There were no deaths secondary to PE in the high risk population during the 10-year period. Conclusions: Prophylactic IVCF insertion in the high risk trauma population decreases complications and mortality secondary to pulmonary embolism. Early recognition of these risk factors and early IVCF insertion may enhance pulmonary embolism prevention and improve mortality rate.

Early application of airway pressure release ventilation may reduce mortality in high-risk trauma patients

Adult respiratory distress syndrome is often refractory to treatment and develops after entering the health care system. This suggests an opportunity to prevent this syndrome before it develops. The objective of this study was to demonstrate that early application of airway pressure release ventilation in high-risk trauma patients reduces hospital mortality as compared with similarly injured patients on conventional ventilation. Systematic review of observational data in patients who received conventional ventilation in other trauma centers were compared with patients treated with early airway pressure release ventilation in our trauma center. Relevant studies were identified in a PubMed and MEDLINE search from 1995 to 2012 and included prospective and retrospective observational and cohort studies enrolling 100 or more adult trauma patients with reported adult respiratory distress syndrome incidence and mortality data. Early airway pressure release ventilation as compared with the other trauma centers represented lower mean adult respiratory distress syndrome incidence (14.0% vs. 1.3%) and in-hospital mortality (14.1% vs. 3.9%). These data suggest that early airway pressure release ventilation may prevent progression of acute lung injury in high-risk trauma patients, reducing trauma-related adult respiratory distress syndrome mortality. Systematic review, level IV.

Seeking Asylum—Trauma, Mental Health, and Human Rights: An Australian Perspective

Asylum seekers represent a highly traumatized group with experiences of systematic oppression, loss, displacement, and exposure to violence. Around the world many are viewed with distrust and anxiety. The Australian response to asylum seekers is one that has used prolonged detention with significant negative impact on mental health. This has prompted much social debate and the involvement of clinicians and researchers in advocating for the human rights of asylum seekers. This article reviews the impact of mandatory prolonged detention on the mental health of asylum seekers and the significance of this for recovery and adaption. It concludes that the mandatory detention of high-risk and oppressed groups compounds trauma, with a potential long-term negative impact on mental health.

Links between child and adolescent trauma exposure and service use histories in a national clinic-referred sample.

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) is a federally funded child mental health service initiative designed to raise the standard of care and increase access to evidence-based services for traumatized children and their families across the United States. As part of the quality improvement goal, a Core Data Set (CDS) was established to standardize data collection and examine treatment outcomes across participating centers. This paper describes baseline demographic characteristics, prevalence of trauma exposure, and service use for children and adolescents served by a broad range of NCTSN service delivery centers. Data were collected from children 0–18 years (52% girls, 82% were 6–18 years old) who reported exposure to at least one trauma and who received trauma-related services (n 11,104). Approximately half the sample was White; more than three quarters reported exposure to multiple types of trauma. Sixty-three percent were eligible for state- or federally funded insurance. The two most commonly reported traumatic events were traumatic loss/separation/bereavement and domestic violence. Number and type of trauma exposure varied by gender and age. Type and number of services utilized prior to entering an NCTSN center varied by number of trauma exposures. Systematically assessing children’s trauma exposure provides clinically useful information, particularly for those exposed to multiple types of traumatic events. Identifying subgroups, and markers of risk for trauma-related sequelae, may inform policies, programs, and best practices to meet specific needs of children and families. Future research may clarify high-risk trauma profiles for coordinated utilization of systems of care.

Antiplatelet Therapy Is Associated With Decreased Transfusion-Associated Risk of Lung Dysfunction, Multiple Organ Failure, and Mortality in Trauma Patients*

To determine whether prehospital antiplatelet therapy was associated with reduced incidence of acute lung dysfunction, multiple organ failure, and mortality in blunt trauma patients. Secondary analysis of a cohort enrolled in the National Institute of General Medical Sciences Trauma Glue Grant database. Multicenter study including nine U.S. level-1 trauma centers. A total of 839 severely injured blunt trauma patients at risk for multiple organ failure (age > 45 yr, base deficit > 6 mEq/L or systolic blood pressure < 90 mm Hg, who received a blood transfusion). Severe/isolated head injuries were excluded. Primary outcomes were lung dysfunction (defined as grades 2-3 by the Denver multiple organ failure score), multiple organ failure (Denver multiple organ failure score >3), and mortality. Patients were documented as on antiplatelet therapy if taking acetylsalicylic acid, clopidogrel, and/or ticlopidine. Fifteen percent were taking antiplatelet therapy prior to injury. Median injury severity score was 30 (interquartile range 22-51), mean age 61 + 0.4 yr and median RBCs volume transfused was 1700 mL (interquartile range 800-3150 mL). Overall, 63% developed lung dysfunction, 19% had multiple organ failure, and 21% died. After adjustment for age, gender, comorbidities, blood products, crystalloid/12 hrs, presence of any head injury, injury severity score, and 12 hrs base deficit > 8 mEq/L, 12 hrs RBC transfusion was associated with a significantly smaller risk of lung dysfunction and multiple organ failure among the group receiving antiplatelet therapy compared with those not receiving it (lung dysfunction p = 0.0116, multiple organ failure p = 0.0291). In addition, antiplatelet therapy had a smaller risk (albeit not significant, p = 0.06) of death for patients receiving RBC compared to those not on antiplatelet therapy after adjustment for confounders, Pre-injury antiplatelet therapy is associated with a decreased risk of lung dysfunction, multiple organ failure, and possibly mortality in high-risk blunt trauma patients who received blood transfusions. These findings suggest platelets have a role in organ dysfunction development and have potential therapeutic implications.

The effects of location and low-molecular-weight heparin administration on deep vein thrombosis outcomes in trauma patients

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is common after trauma. Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a feared complication of DVT. Standard doses of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) are commonly used to prevent and treat DVT and PE. There is variable bioavailability of LMWH with standard therapy. The traditional concept that below-knee DVT is associated with a lower risk of subsequent PE may result in less aggressive therapy. The purposes of this study were to assess the rates of PE in above-knee versus below-knee DVT and longitudinally evaluate outcomes of DVT treated with LMWH therapy. This was a retrospective review of patients at a university Level I trauma center during the years 2005 through 2010. Patients diagnosed with lower-extremity DVT were included in this study. Patients were classified by location of lower-extremity DVT and type of LMWH therapy received. All high-risk trauma patients were evaluated with weekly duplex Doppler ultrasonography. All duplex studies were reviewed for DVT resolution or improvement. Symptomatic patients were evaluated with computed tomographic angiography to rule out PE. Demographics, total length of hospital stay, length of intensive care unit stay, and Injury Severity Score (ISS) were collected. Three-hundred eight trauma patients with lower-extremity DVT were included. More patients developed below-knee DVT (65.6%) compared with above-knee DVT (34.4%). Increased length of hospital stay, intensive care unit stay, and higher ISS were noted in patients with above-knee DVT. More patients had below-knee DVT in the prophylactic dosing group. With LMWH therapy, three PEs occurred in patients in the prophylactic dosing group with below-knee DVT, and no PEs occurred in the therapeutic treatment group. The incidence of PE between patients with below-knee DVT compared with above-knee DVT overall was not different (3.3% and 4.7%, p = 0.59). To assess DVT outcomes, 157 of the 308 patients had serial duplex studies following diagnosis of lower-extremity DVT. The number of patients receiving either therapeutic or prophylactic LMWH was similar (51% and 49%). There was no difference in rates of resolution or improvement between LMWH dosing groups or location of DVT. In screened trauma patients, below-knee DVT is more common than above-knee DVT. There was no difference in the incidence of PE between groups. Standard prophylactic and therapeutic dosing of LMWH does not affect the rates of resolution or improvement of lower-extremity DVT. Rates of resolution and improvement of DVT is not dependent of location of lower-extremity DVT. Therapeutic study, level IV; epidemiologic study, level III.

Distribution Patterns of Severe Pediatric Trauma: Mandated vs. Non-Mandated Trauma Systems

Objective: To identify how hospital discharge data could discriminate the distribution patterns of high-risk trauma children in mandated and non-mandated trauma systems. Methods: Hospital discharge data of pediatric trauma patients 1 - 15 years of age in Florida (FL), USA—[a mature mandated trauma system with certified trauma centers (TCs)] and in Indiana (IN), USA—(an immature non-mandated trauma system) admitted both to trauma center (TC) and non-TC healthcare facilities were analyzed. The injury severity score (ISS) measurement was used to verify injury severities. Results: Analysis showed that the majority of admissions were mild injuries (ISS = 1 - 8), [FL 70%, IN 66%, odds ratio (OR) 1.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1, 1.3]. Florida trauma children (all severities) generally receive TC care more frequently than Indiana’s (OR = 1.8, CI 1.6 - 1.9). Particularly admission to TCs with severe (ISS ≥ 25) pelvic injury was greater in Florida (OR 3.5, CI 1.6 - 7.4). Florida, encountered some other severe injury mechanisms (motor vehicle accidents, falls) more frequently than Indiana (ORs and CI: 2.2, 1.5 - 3.3 and 3.1, 1.1 - 8.7, respectively). Conclusions: Hospital discharge data can demonstrate the expected patient distribution difference when comparing a mature trauma system with a voluntary evolving system. The level of maturity of the adopted trauma system often influences such difference.

Prevalence of Acute Lung Injury Among Medical Patients in the Emergency Department

Acute lung injury (ALI) affects an estimated 190,000 persons per year in U.S. intensive care units (ICUs), but little is known about its prevalence in the emergency department (ED). The objective was to describe the prevalence of ALI among mechanically ventilated adult nontrauma patients in the ED. The hypothesis was that the prevalence of ALI in adult ED patients would be low. This was a retrospective cohort study of admitted nontrauma patients presenting to an academic ED. Two trained investigators abstracted data from patient records using a standardized form. The use of mechanical ventilation in the ED was identified in two phases. First, all ED patients were screened for the current procedural terminology (CPT) code for endotracheal intubation (CPT 31500) from January 1, 2003, to December 31, 2006. Second, each patient record was reviewed to verify the use of mechanical ventilation. ALI was defined in accordance with a modified version of the American-European Consensus Conference criteria as: 1) hypoxemia defined as PaO(2) /FiO(2) ratio ≤300 mm Hg on all arterial blood gases (ABGs) in the ED and the first 24 hours of admission, 2) the presence of bilateral infiltrates on chest radiograph, and 3) the absence of left atrial hypertension. Data are presented in absolute numbers and percentages. Interobserver agreement was evaluated using the kappa statistic. Of the 552 patients who received mechanical ventilation in the ED and were subsequently admitted, a total of 134 (24.3%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 20.8% to 28.0%) met hypoxemia criteria. Of these, 34 had evidence of left atrial hypertension, 52 did not have chest radiograph findings consistent with ALI, and two did not have a chest radiograph performed; the remaining 46 met ALI criteria. An additional two patients who died in the ED had clinical evidence of ALI. Thus, 48 of 552, or 8.7% (95% CI = 6.6% to 11.3%), met criteria for ALI. The kappa value for determination of ALI was 0.84 (95% CI = 0.54 to 1.0). The prevalence of ALI was nearly 9% in adult nontrauma patients receiving mechanical ventilation in the ED. Further study is required to determine which types of patients present to the ED with ALI, the extent to which lung protective ventilation is used, and the need for ED ventilator management algorithms.

Payer status is associated with the use of prophylactic inferior vena cava filter in high-risk trauma patients

It is controversial whether patients at high risk for pulmonary embolism (PE) should receive prophylactic inferior vena cava filters (IVC) filters. This lack of clarity creates the potential for variability and disparities in care. We hypothesized there would be differential use of prophylactic IVC filters for patients at high risk for PE on the basis of insurance status. We performed a retrospective analysis using the National Trauma Databank (2002-2007). We included adult patients at high risk for PE (traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury) and excluded patients with a diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) or PE. Logistic regression was performed to control for confounders and a hierarchical mixed effects model was used to control for center. A prophylactic filter was placed in 3,331 (4.3%) patients in the study cohort. Patients without insurance had an IVC filter placed less often compared with those with any form of insurance (2.7% vs 4.9%, respectively). After adjusting for confounders, we found that patients without insurance were less likely to receive a prophylactic IVC filter, even when we controlled for center (OR 5.3, P < .001). When guidelines lack clarity, unconscious bias has the potential to create a system with different levels of care based on socioeconomic disparities.

Old and Undertriaged: A Lethal Combination

The geriatric trauma patient poses unique challenges to the trauma surgeon due to occult injuries and occult hypoperfusion. We hypothesized that those elderly patients with significant injuries, who were not initially evaluated via trauma activation, would suffer worse outcomes. All cases of elderly (age ≥ 65) admitted to the trauma service from the years 2000 to 2010 were included. Our trauma activation system encompasses anatomic, physiologic, and mechanism of injury criteria. We defined patients as undertriaged (UT) if they had an ISS > 15 and did not undergo a trauma team activation, but had a regular workup by an emergency department physician and trauma team consultation. Factors that contributed to being UT in the emergency department were investigated by univariate and multivariate analysis. A total of 4534 elderly patients constitute this analysis, of which 15.1 per cent were UT. The UT patients were more likely to die, when adjusted for Revised Trauma Score, Glasgow Coma score, the occurrence of ≥1 complication, and whether the patient was on Coumadin. UT has a high risk of death in elderly patients. Trauma triage guidelines need to be better tailored to identify the high-risk geriatric trauma patient.

Treatment of bleeding after kidney biopsy with recombinant activated factor VII

Recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) is approved for prevention and treatment of bleeding in hemophilia patients with inhibitors to FVIII (hemophilia A) or IX (hemophilia B), patients with congenital and acquired hemophilia and in patients with FVII deficiency or Glantzmann thrombasthenia (last indication is approved only in Europe). Off-labeled, the drug has been prescribed for prevention, or treatment of bleeding in severe hepatic disease, neonatal coagulopathies, high-risk surgical procedures, trauma, thrombocytopenia and platelet function disorders, as well as for urgent reversal of oral anticoagulation. Here we report a case of a 53-year-old female patient with delayed graft function after kidney transplantation, who had kidney biopsy complicated with prolonged bleeding. After unsuccessful treatment with desmopressin, the patient was treated with rFVIIa and the bleeding stopped immediately. Only few anecdotal reports of use of rFVIIa for treatment of bleeding in uremic patients have been published thus far. To our knowledge, this is the first case that describes use of rFVIIa for management of bleeding as a complication of renal biopsy in a uremic patient in the early kidney posttransplantation period.

Common Heritable Contributions to Low-Risk Trauma, High-Risk Trauma, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, and Major Depression

Understanding the relative contributions of genetic and environmental factors to trauma exposure, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and major depressive disorder (MDD) is critical to developing etiologic models of these conditions and their co-occurrence. To quantify heritable influences on low-risk trauma, high-risk trauma, PTSD, and MDD and to estimate the degree of overlap between genetic and environmental sources of variance in these 4 phenotypes. Adult twins and their siblings were ascertained from a large population-based sample of female and male twin pairs on the basis of screening items for childhood sexual abuse and physical abuse obtained in a previous assessment of this cohort. Structured psychiatric telephone interviews. Total sample size of 2591: 996 female and 536 male twins; 625 female and 434 male nontwin siblings. Lifetime low- and high-risk trauma exposure, PTSD, and MDD. In the best-fitting genetic model, 47% of the variance in low-risk trauma exposure and 60% of the variance in high-risk trauma exposure was attributable to additive genetic factors. Heritable influences accounted for 46% of the variance in PTSD and 27% of the variance in MDD. An extremely high degree of genetic overlap was observed between high-risk trauma exposure and both PTSD (r = 0.89; 95% CI, 0.78-0.99) and MDD (r = 0.89; 95% CI, 0.77-0.98). Complete correlation of genetic factors contributing to PTSD and to MDD (r = 1.00) was observed. The evidence suggests that almost all the heritable influences on high-risk trauma exposure, PTSD, and MDD, can be traced to the same sources; that is, genetic risk is not disorder specific. Individuals with a positive family history of either PTSD or MDD are at elevated risk for both disorders and should be closely monitored after a traumatic experience for symptoms of PTSD and MDD.