Injuries In Iraq Research Articles

Sex Differences in Screening Positive for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder After Combat Injury.

U.S. military women were at risk of combat exposure and injury from asymmetric warfare during the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Previous research has yielded mixed results when examining sex differences in PTSD following operational deployment. To date, no study has explored sex differences in PTSD after combat injury. This retrospective study included U.S. military service men and women who experienced a combat injury in Iraq or Afghanistan (March 2003 to March 2013) and completed a Post-Deployment Health Assessment (PDHA) within 1 year of injury. The PDHA is administered at the end of deployment and includes the 4-item Primary Care PTSD Screen. The prevalence of screening positive for PTSD was evaluated by sex using a chi-square test. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the association between sex and PTSD while adjusting for covariates. The study sample included 16,215 injured military personnel (666 women and 15,549 men). The average time between injury and PDHA was 132 days (SD = 91.0). Overall, women had a higher prevalence of screening positive for PTSD than men (48.3% vs. 40.9%, P < .001). In multivariable regression, women had higher odds than men of screening positive for PTSD (odds ratio, 1.34; 95% confidence interval, 1.14-1.57). Psychiatric history was the strongest predictor of screening positive for PTSD regardless of sex (odds ratio, 1.59; 95% confidence interval, 1.45-1.74). In this novel study of military service members, women were more likely to screen positive for PTSD than men after combat injury. Strategies to mitigate PTSD, enhance resiliency, and incorporate psychological care into injury rehabilitation programs for women may be needed for future U.S. military conflicts where they will play a larger role in combat operations.

Spinal Cord Injuries in Iraq: A Teleassessment Survey of the Survivors from 2017 to 2018 Islamic State of Iraq and Syria War.

Introduction: The significance of comprehensive investigations specifically addressing the characteristics and implications of nervous system injuries (NSIs) and particularly war-related spinal cord injuries (SCI) remain limited. Iraq lacks comprehensive survey studies for quality of life for people after SCI. The objective of this work was to identify the number of NSIs and mortality of those injured during the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) war in Iraq and analyze events specifically as sociodemographic variables to assess quality of life healthy, psychological, and social disorders from onset of injury till the involving. Methods: A survey-based descriptive study, and analytical retrospective at community-based of Nineveh Governorate, in Iraq. The participants were 34 survivors of ISIS war with SCIs, ages between 9 and 60 years, and 7 females (20.59%) and 27 males (79.41%) as registered in Nineveh Center of Disability Rehabilitation. Data collection was conducted using Telephone Video Interviews and respondents' health information. Protocol-specific questions and some psychological and social scales (PTSD) (DSM-IV), (TAS-20), (SWLS), and (MSPSS) were also used. Results: There were 2,990 NSIs with the highest rate of injuries occurring from 2017 to 2018, and the SCIs were 267 injuries (8.93%), and (70.59%) at level T the mortalities were 57 cases, all participants suffered from physical and psychological chronic complications, while the results of the PTSD, GPC, and SWLS were at a moderate level. Conclusions: In urban warfare, there's a rise in NSIs, notably SCIs influenced by the type of weaponry. The survivors face significant physical, psychological, social, and financial burdens. More research is crucial to understanding their situations and developing strategies to alleviate their health, social, and financial challenges.

Outcome of patients with upper limb vascular injuries during civil war in Iraq

Background &amp; Objective: Vascular trauma constitutes a major part of the violent body injuries and accounts for one of the high incidence injuries in Iraq. We retrospectively collected the relevant data of vascular injuries and their management in our hospitals over a period of seven years, to stress early intervention to manage vascular injuries.&#x0D; Methodology: In this retrospective, descriptive study, the relevant data of 321 patients with upper limb vascular injuries were collected from the hospital data management system. The data were analyzed according to history, examination, investigations and methods of treatment of arterial and associated injuries. &#x0D; Results: Out of 321 patients, 98.13% were males and 1.87% females. The most frequent injured vessel was the brachial artery seen in 64.48% patients and end to end arterial anastomosis was done in 52.02% of the patients. The limb salvage rate was 98.75%, and was achieved in 317 patients.&#x0D; Conclusion: In conclusion, the limb salvage rate is increased if the vascular injury is treated within the golden period.&#x0D; Abbreviations: ATLS - Advanced Trauma Life Support; OR - Operating room; SSG - Split skin grafting&#x0D; Key words: Amputation; Iraqi civil war; Vascular trauma&#x0D; Citation: Hussein AM, Fahad AM. Outcome of patients with upper limb vascular injuries during civil war in Iraq. Anaesth. pain intensive care 2022;26(4): 510-513; DOI: 10.35975/apic.v26i4.1958&#x0D; Received: April 24, 2022; Reviewed: May 25, 2022; Accepted: May 26, 2022

Analysis of Concomitant and Isolated Venous Injury in Military Lower Extremity Trauma

The implications of major venous injury to the lower extremity are not well established. We aimed to determine the significance of concomitant and isolated femoropopliteal venous injury and assess the impact of surgical management strategies on limb outcomes. The Fasciotomy and Vascular Injury Outcomes database was queried for limbs sustaining femoropopliteal arterial, venous, or concomitant injuries in Iraq or Afghanistan between 2004 and 2012. Demographics, injury patterns and severity, interventions, and outcomes were compared between patients sustaining isolated arterial injuries (IAIs) and concomitant arteriovenous injuries (AVIs). In limbs with any venous injury, outcomes were compared between those undergoing venous repair and venous ligation. Three hundred thirty patients (133 IAIs, 135 AVIs, 62 isolated venous injuries [IVIs]) were included. AVI was associated with greater limb injury severity: median extremity Abbreviated Injury Scale (AVI 4 vs. IAI 3, P=0.01), Mangled Extremity Severity Score >7 (25.9% vs. 13.5%, P=0.01), and multilevel vascular injury (6.7% vs. 0.8%, P=0.01) and with greater fasciotomy use (83.0% vs. 69.2%, P=0.01). No differences were present in tourniquet use/time, shunting, or nature of arterial repair. No differences in vascular or limb complications (71.1% vs. 63.9%, P=0.21) or amputation rate (25.9% vs. 18.8%, P=0.16) were present, though the limb deep venous thrombosis rate was 12.6% in AVIs versus 7.5% in IAIs (P=0.17). Limbs with IVI had a 12.9% amputation and a 74.2% complication rate. Repair (n=103) versus ligation (n=94) of venous injuries was not associated with a difference in amputation (18.4% vs. 25.5%, P=0.23) or limb complication rates (71.8% vs. 72.3%, P=0.94). Despite higher extremity injury severity and more frequent fasciotomies, concomitant venous injury was not associated with poorer limb salvage or complications. With nontrivial amputation and complication rates, IVI is indicative of severe limb trauma. Repair of femoropopliteal venous injuries does not appear to influence limb outcomes.

Combat injury profiles among U.S. military personnel who survived serious wounds in Iraq and Afghanistan: A latent class analysis

BackgroundThe U.S. military conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan had the most casualties since Vietnam with more than 53,000 wounded in action. Novel injury mechanisms, such as improvised explosive devices, and higher rates of survivability compared with previous wars led to a new pattern of combat injuries. The purpose of the present study was to use latent class analysis (LCA) to identify combat injury profiles among U.S. military personnel who survived serious wounds.MethodsA total of 5,227 combat casualty events with an Injury Severity Score (ISS) of 9 or greater that occurred in Iraq and Afghanistan from December 2002 to July 2019 were identified from the Expeditionary Medical Encounter Database for analysis. The Barell Injury Diagnosis Matrix was used to classify injuries into binary variables by site and type of injury. LCA was employed to identify injury profiles that accounted for co-occurring injuries. Injury profiles were described and compared by demographic, operational, and injury-specific variables.ResultsSeven injury profiles were identified and defined as: (1) open wounds (18.8%), (2) Type 1 traumatic brain injury (TBI)/facial injuries (14.2%), (3) disseminated injuries (6.8%), (4) Type 2 TBI (15.4%), (5) lower extremity injuries (19.8%), (6) burns (7.4%), and (7) chest and/or abdominal injuries (17.7%). Profiles differed by service branch, combat location, year of injury, injury mechanism, combat posture at the time of injury, and ISS.ConclusionLCA identified seven distinct and interpretable injury profiles among U.S. military personnel who survived serious combat injuries in Iraq or Afghanistan. These findings may be of interest to military medical planners as resource needs are evaluated and projected for future conflicts, and medical professionals involved in the rehabilitation of wounded service members.

Analysis Of Concomitant And Isolated Venous Injury In Military Lower Extremity Trauma

OBJECTIVES The implications of major venous injury to the lower extremity are not well established. We aimed to determine the significance of concomitant and isolated femoropopliteal venous injury and assess the impact of surgical management strategies on limb outcomes. METHODS The Fasciotomy and Vascular Injury Outcomes Database was queried for limbs sustaining femoropopliteal arterial, venous, or concomitant injuries in Iraq or Afghanistan between 2004-2012. Demographics, injury patterns and severity, interventions, and outcomes were compared between patients sustaining isolated arterial injuries (IAI) and concomitant arteriovenous injuries (AVI). In limbs with any venous injury, outcomes were compared between those undergoing venous (VR) and ligation (VL). RESULTS 330 patients (133 IAI, 135 AVI, 62 isolated venous injuries-IVI) were included. AVI was associated with greater limb injury severity: median extremity Abbreviated Injury Scale (AVI 4 vs. IAI 3, p=0.01), Mangled Extremity Severity Score >7 (25.9% vs. 13.5%, p= 0.01), multi-level vascular injury (6.7% vs. 0.8%, p=0.01) and with greater fasciotomy use (83.0% vs. 69.2%, p=0.01). No differences were present in tourniquet use/time, shunting, or nature of arterial repair. No differences in vascular or limb complications (71.1% vs. 63.9%, p=0.21) or amputation rate (25.9% vs. 18.8%, p=0.16) were present, though limb DVT rate was 12.6% in AVI vs. 7.5% in IAI (p=0.17). Limbs with IVI had a 12.9% amputation and a 74.2% complication rate. Repair (n=103) versus ligation (n=94) of venous injuries was not associated with a difference in amputation (18.4% vs. 25.5%, p=0.23) or limb complication rates (71.8% vs. 72.3%, p=0.94). CONCLUSION Despite higher extremity injury severity and more frequent fasciotomies, concomitant venous injury was not associated with poorer limb salvage or complications. With nontrivial amputation and complication rates, IVI is indicative of severe limb trauma. Repair of femoropopliteal venous injuries does not appear to influence limb outcomes. The implications of major venous injury to the lower extremity are not well established. We aimed to determine the significance of concomitant and isolated femoropopliteal venous injury and assess the impact of surgical management strategies on limb outcomes. The Fasciotomy and Vascular Injury Outcomes Database was queried for limbs sustaining femoropopliteal arterial, venous, or concomitant injuries in Iraq or Afghanistan between 2004-2012. Demographics, injury patterns and severity, interventions, and outcomes were compared between patients sustaining isolated arterial injuries (IAI) and concomitant arteriovenous injuries (AVI). In limbs with any venous injury, outcomes were compared between those undergoing venous (VR) and ligation (VL). 330 patients (133 IAI, 135 AVI, 62 isolated venous injuries-IVI) were included. AVI was associated with greater limb injury severity: median extremity Abbreviated Injury Scale (AVI 4 vs. IAI 3, p=0.01), Mangled Extremity Severity Score >7 (25.9% vs. 13.5%, p= 0.01), multi-level vascular injury (6.7% vs. 0.8%, p=0.01) and with greater fasciotomy use (83.0% vs. 69.2%, p=0.01). No differences were present in tourniquet use/time, shunting, or nature of arterial repair. No differences in vascular or limb complications (71.1% vs. 63.9%, p=0.21) or amputation rate (25.9% vs. 18.8%, p=0.16) were present, though limb DVT rate was 12.6% in AVI vs. 7.5% in IAI (p=0.17). Limbs with IVI had a 12.9% amputation and a 74.2% complication rate. Repair (n=103) versus ligation (n=94) of venous injuries was not associated with a difference in amputation (18.4% vs. 25.5%, p=0.23) or limb complication rates (71.8% vs. 72.3%, p=0.94). Despite higher extremity injury severity and more frequent fasciotomies, concomitant venous injury was not associated with poorer limb salvage or complications. With nontrivial amputation and complication rates, IVI is indicative of severe limb trauma. Repair of femoropopliteal venous injuries does not appear to influence limb outcomes.

Is Prehospital Ketamine Associated With a Change in the Prognosis of PTSD?

Ketamine is an alternative to opioids for prehospital analgesia following serious combat injury. Limited research has examined prehospital ketamine use, associated injuries including traumatic brain injury (TBI) and PTSD outcomes following serious combat injury. We randomly selected 398 U.S. service members from the Expeditionary Medical Encounter Database who sustained serious combat injuries in Iraq and Afghanistan, 2010-2013. Of these 398 patients, 213 individuals had charted prehospital medications. Clinicians reviewed casualty records to identify injuries and all medications administered. Outcomes were PTSD diagnoses during the first year and during the first 2 years postinjury extracted from military health databases. We compared PTSD outcomes for patients treated with either (a) prehospital ketamine (with or without opioids) or (b) prehospital opioids (without ketamine). Fewer patients received prehospital ketamine (26%, 56 of 213) than only prehospital opioids (69%, 146 of 213) (5%, 11 of 213 received neither ketamine nor opioids). The ketamine group averaged significantly more moderate-to-serious injuries, particularly lower limb amputations and open wounds, compared with the opioid group (Ps < .05). Multivariable regressions showed a significant interaction between prehospital ketamine (versus opioids) and TBI on first-year PTSD (P = .027). In subsequent comparisons, the prehospital ketamine group had significantly lower odds of first-year PTSD (OR = 0.08, 95% CI [0.01, 0.71], P = .023) versus prehospital opioids only among patients who did not sustain TBI. We also report results from separate analyses of PTSD outcomes among patients treated with different prehospital opioids only (without ketamine), either morphine or fentanyl. The present results showed that patients treated with prehospital ketamine had significantly lower odds of PTSD during the first year postinjury only among patients who did not sustain TBI. These findings can inform combat casualty care guidelines for use of prehospital ketamine and opioid analgesics following serious combat injury.

Analysis of deaths and injuries related to road traffic crashes in al-najaf governorate of iraq from 2017 to 2019.

This study aimed to determine the rates of road traffic injuries and deaths as well as the factors affecting their levels in the Al-Najaf governorate for 3 years (2017-2019). Data were collected and analysed from the annual report of traffic crashes statistics of the Iraqi Ministry of Planning/Central Statistical Organisation. Al-Najaf governorate was selected as the study model for the period between 2017 and 2019. This selection was based on its urban growth, important location and standing for religious tourism. Of the 8824, 9852 and 10,753 crashes reported in Iraq in 2017, 2018, and 2019, Al-Najaf governorate recorded 1057 (12%), 1041 (10.6%) and 1148 (10.7%), respectively. The percentage of injuries in Al-Najaf governorate to the total of injuries in Iraq decreased as follows: (11.9%), (10.2%) and (9.9%) for 2017, 2018 and 2019 respectively, while the mortality rate decreased as follows: (8.4%), (7.7%) and (7.1%), respectively. The number of deaths and injuries on main roads and highways was higher. Besides, the rates of injuries and deaths among males were higher than in females. Driving at excessive speed was the most statistically significant factor leading to a high proportion of deaths and injuries. This study showed a decrease in the deaths and injuries caused by road traffic crashes during the 3 years 2017-2019 in the Al-Najaf Governorate, Iraq. It seems that driving rules and regulations need to be revised so that they can have more deterrent power in preventing injuries and deaths from driving accidents.

Civilian Missile Injuries in Iraq after 2003, Misan as an Example

A retrospective study analyzing data of patients admitted because of missile injuries over more than onedecade in Misan, Iraq.4098 patients were involved in the study, 3550 patients sustained bullet injuries and 548patients sustained explosive injuries. Urban young male patients were mainly affected. Periods of politicalinstability and civilian unrest were associated with increasing numbers of affected patients especially theyears (2003-2007) and (2014-2015). Fatal injuries were due to bullet injuries rather than explosive injuries.In conclusions effective legislations regulating the use of weapon in the civilian life, political stability, andinternational supports are important factors that help the country to reduce the effect of this problem.

Symptom profiles following combat injury and long-term quality of life: a latent class analysis.

The purpose of this study was to identify symptom profiles among U.S. military personnel within 1year after combat injury and assess the relationship between the symptom profiles and long-term quality of life (QoL). The study sample consisted of 885 military personnel from the Expeditionary Medical Encounter Database who completed (1) a Post-Deployment Health Assessment (PDHA) within 1year following combat injury in Iraq or Afghanistan, and (2) a survey for the Wounded Warrior Recovery Project (WWRP), a longitudinal study tracking patient-reported outcomes (e.g., QoL) in injured military personnel. Fifteen self-reported symptoms from the PDHA were assessed using latent class analysis to develop symptom profiles. Multivariable linear regression assessed the predictive effect of symptom profiles on QoL using the physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) component summary scores from the 36-Item Short Form Survey included in the WWRP. Time between PDHA and WWRP survey ranged from 4.3 to 10.5years (M = 6.6, SD = 1.3). Five distinct symptom profiles were identified: low morbidity (50.4%), multimorbidity (15.6%), musculoskeletal (14.0%), psycho-cognitive (11.1%), and auditory (8.9%). Relative to low morbidity, the multimorbidity (β = - 5.45, p < 0.001) and musculoskeletal (β = - 4.23, p < 0.001) profiles were associated with lower PCS, while the multimorbidity (β = - 4.25, p = 0.002) and psycho-cognitive (β = - 3.02, p = 0.042) profiles were associated with lower MCS. Multimorbidity, musculoskeletal, and psycho-cognitive symptom profiles were the strongest predictors of lower QoL. These profiles can be employed during screening to identify at-risk service members and assist with long-term clinical planning, while factoring in patient-specific impairments and preferences.

Commentary on "Incidence of Pediatric Cervical Spine Injuries in Iraq and Afghanistan".

Commentary on "Incidence of Pediatric Cervical Spine Injuries in Iraq and Afghanistan".

Incidence of Pediatric Cervical Spine Injuries in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Military providers frequently treat civilians, including pediatric patients. Cervical spine injuries in pediatric trauma patients occur infrequently, with limited data on the incidence. The aim of this study was to describe the incidence of cervical spine injuries in pediatric patients in Iraq and Afghanistan. We queried the Department of Defense Trauma Registry for all pediatric encounters from January 2007 to January 2016. We searched within that dataset for all cervical spine fractures. From January 2007 through January 2016 there were 3439 pediatric encounters. There were 36 subjects identified (1.0%) with a cervical spine fracture. Of those with a cervical spine fracture, 6 (17%) had a prehospital cervical collar placed, which did not improve survival to hospital discharge (collar, 66.7% vs no collar, 83.3%, P = 0.573). Of those with a cervical spine fracture, 6 (17%) had a documented spinal cord injury. The median age of subjects with a cervical spine fracture was 9.5 years and the majority (63.9%) were male. Most were injured by explosion (41.7%). The median composite injury score was higher in subjects with a cervical spine fracture compared with those without one (16.5 vs 10, P < 0.001). Subjects with a cervical spine fracture had longer lengths of stay in the intensive care unit (median 3 days vs 1, P = 0.012) and a trend toward worse survival to hospital discharge (80.6%, n = 29, vs 90.3%, n = 3074, P = 0.079). Cervical spine injuries occurred infrequently in pediatric patients in Iraq and Afghanistan. When a fracture was present, almost one in five patients had spinal cord involvement. The pediatric prehospital literature would benefit from the development of a clinical decision tool to guide prehospital personnel as to when a cervical collar is indicated. Moreover, appropriate size equipment should be available when caring for host national civilians.

Epidemiological characteristics of burn injuries in Iraq: A burn hospital-based study

This study was conducted to determine the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of burn injuries, estimate the case fatality rate for burn patients, and determine the main determinants of the associated death among burn patients who were admitted to Baghdad Burn Hospital, Medical City Teaching Hospitals, Baghdad, Iraq during 2015. This study involved a retrospective review of medical records of all burn patients who were admitted to Baghdad Burn Hospital in 2015. Data were collected using a special form and included information on demographic characteristics and burn characteristics and outcomes. A total of 676 patients with burn were included in this study, who constituted 75% of admitted patients. The remaining was admitted for treatment of old scars. About one third of patients (37.0%) aged 21–30 years, 67.1% were males, 34.8% were military personnel, and 60.7% of the patients had primary school education. About 71.6% of patients were burned by flame and 23.4% were burned by hot fluid. Half of patients had a second degree burns. Almost half of patients had 11–20% of their body surface area affected. About 13% of patients died, mainly due to multiple organs failure (53.3%), septicemia (44.4%), and shock (2.2%). In conclusion, young adults and children, males, and low educated patients represent the majority of admitted burn cases in Iraq. Flame and scalds were the most important causes of burn. More than one tenth of patients died mostly due to septicemia and multi-organ failure.

1198. Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Klebsiella pneumoniae Infections in Service Members Who Sustained Trauma in Iraq and Afghanistan

Background Klebsiella pneumoniae infections present a challenge to the clinician due to increasing resistance. K. pneumoniae was the third most common species of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative organism in trauma patients sustaining injuries in Iraq and Afghanistan from 2009 to 2014. This study aims to elucidate the epidemiology of these infections by characterizing clinical aspects, risk for MDR infections, and outcomes.MethodsAll initial and serial (≥7 days from prior isolate) infecting K. pneumoniae isolates were collected from the Trauma Infectious Disease Outcomes Study (TIDOS) (6/09-12/14). Antimicrobial susceptibilities were determined using the BD Phoenix Automated Microbiology System and CLSI criteria. MDR was defined as either resistance to ≥3 classes of aminoglycosides, β-lactams, carbapenems and/or fluoroquinolones or production of an ESBL or KPC.ResultsOf 588 K. pneumoniae isolates in the TIDOS registry, 141 infecting isolates (98 initial) from 51 patients met inclusion criteria. Initial isolates were respiratory (31%), wound (25%), blood (20%), urine (10%), intra-abdominal (8%) and other (6%). All patients were male with a median age of 23 years (IQR 21–28). The majority of patients (82%) suffered blast injuries; of which, 88% were from improvised explosive devices. Patients had a median injury severity score (ISS) of 38 (IQR 30–45) and time from injury to first infecting K. pneumoniae isolate was 15 days (IQR 8–31). The median hospital stay was 49 days (IQR 28–70) and four patients died. All patients had received antibiotics prior to diagnosis. Twenty-three (46%) patients had initial isolates classified as MDR. There was no difference in age, ISS, or time from injury to first isolation among those who did and did not have initial MDR isolates. Sixteen patients had 64 serial isolates, of which 24 were wound, 20 respiratory, 14 blood and six urine. Three of these 16 patients died compared with 1 of 35 patients without serial isolates.Conclusion K. pneumoniae infections are common among combat casualties. Patients with K. pneumoniae infections were severely injured and almost half of initial infecting isolates were MDR, complicating treatment.Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Rhabdomyolysis among Critically Ill Combat Casualties: Long-Term Outcomes

Background: Although rhabdomyolysis has been associated with acute kidney injury and mortality in the short term, the long-term consequences of an episode of rhabdomyolysis remain unknown. We sought to identify the long-term outcomes of rhabdomyolysis, including mortality, renal function, and incidence of hypertension (HTN), among service members initially admitted to the intensive care unit after sustaining a combat injury in Iraq or Afghanistan between February 1, 2002 and February 1, 2011. Methods: Information on age, sex, injury severity score, mechanism of injury, serum creatinine, burn injury, presenting mean arterial pressure, and creatine kinase were retrospectively collected and analyzed for 2,208 patients. Standard descriptive tests were used to compare characteristics of patients with and without rhabdomyolysis. Competing risk Cox proportional hazards models were performed to assess the associated risk of rhabdomyolysis with both HTN and poor renal function. Results: While rhabdomyolysis was associated with HTN on univariate analysis (hazard ratio [HR] 1.30, 95% CI 1.03–1.64; p = 0.029), this difference did not persist on multivariable analysis (HR 1.27, 95% CI 0.99–1.62; p = 0.058). The median estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 119 (interquartile range [IQR] 103–128) among those with rhabdomyolysis, compared with 108 (IQR 94–121) in the group without rhabdomyolysis (p < 0.001). Conclusion: After adjustment, patients with rhabdomyolysis were not at an increased risk of HTN compared to patients without rhabdomyolysis. eGFR was paradoxically higher in patients with rhabdomyolysis. There was no association found between rhabdomyolysis and mortality.

Long-term, patient-centered outcomes of lower-extremity vascular trauma.

To describe the long-term outcomes of military lower-extremity vascular injuries, and the decision making of surgeons treating these injuries. Lower-extremity vascular trauma is an important cause of preventable death and severe disability, and decisions on amputation or limb salvage can be difficult. Additionally, the complexity of the condition is not amenable to controlled study, and there is limited data to guide clinical decision making and establish sensible treatment expectations during rehabilitation. A cohort study of 554 US service members who sustained lower-extremity vascular injury in Iraq or Afghanistan (March 2003 to February 2012) was performed using the military's trauma registry, its electronic health record, patient interviews, and quality-of-life surveys. Long-term surgical and functional outcomes, and the timing and rationale of surgical decisions, were analyzed. Of 579 injured extremities, 49 (8.5%) underwent primary amputation and 530 (91.5%) an initial attempt at salvage. Ninety extremities underwent secondary amputation, occurring in the early (n = 60; <30 days) or late (n = 30; >30 days) phases after injury. For salvage attempts, freedom from amputation 10 years after injury was 82.7% (79.1%-85.7%). Long-term physical and mental health outcomes were similar between service members who underwent reconstruction and those who underwent amputation. This military experience provides data that will inform an array of military and civilian providers who care for patients with severe lower-extremity injury. While the majority salvage attempts endure, success is hindered by ischemia and necrosis during the acute stage and pain, dysfunction and infection in the later phases of recovery. Therapeutic/prognostic, level III.

Behavioral and Health Outcomes Associated With Deployment and Nondeployment Acquisition of Traumatic Brain Injury in Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans

ObjectiveTo characterize behavioral and health outcomes in veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI) acquired in nondeployment and deployment settings. DesignCross-sectional assessment evaluating TBI acquired during and outside of deployment, mental and behavioral health symptoms, and diagnoses. SettingVeterans Affairs Medical Centers. ParticipantsIraq and Afghanistan veterans who were deployed to a warzone (N=1399). InterventionsNot applicable. Main Outcome MeasuresComprehensive lifetime TBI interview, Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Disorders, Combat Exposure Scale, and behavioral and health measures. ResultsThere was a main effect of deployment TBI on depressive symptoms, posttraumatic stress symptoms, poor sleep quality, substance use, and pain. Veterans with deployment TBI were also more likely to have a diagnosis of bipolar, major depressive, alcohol use, and posttraumatic stress disorders than those who did not have a deployment TBI. ConclusionsTBIs acquired during deployment are associated with different behavioral and health outcomes than TBI acquired in nondeployment environments. The presence of TBI during deployment is associated with poorer behavioral outcomes, as well as a greater lifetime prevalence of behavioral and health problems in contrast to veterans without deployment TBI. These results indicate that problems may persist chronically after a deployment TBI and should be considered when providing care for veterans. Veterans with deployment TBI may require treatment alterations to improve engagement and outcomes.

Fatal Domestic Injuries in Iraq, 2010-2015

Background: Home injuries are leading causes of death and disability worldwide. About 5.8 million people die from injuries each year around the world. This accounts for 9% of the world’s deaths. About one third of all injuries happen at home.

Extremity injuries sustained by the UK military in the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts: 2003–2014

IntroductionExtremity injuries predominate in warfare, however their nature, and overall burden to the individual and the health service is yet to be characterised for the UK military in the recent conflicts of Iraq and Afghanistan. MethodsWe reviewed the all extremity injuries in survivors from the Joint Theatre Trauma Registry (JTTR) between 2003 and 2014. All cases recorded in the JTTR between the invasion of Iraq on the 19th March 2003 and cessation of combat operations in Afghanistan on the 27th October 2014, were examined. Casualties who were killed in action or died from their wounds were excluded. All extremity injury codes were included, capturing patients with soft tissue injuries but no fracture or amputation. ResultsOf 2348 UK combatants surviving injury in Iraq and Afghanistan, 1813 (77%) had extremity injuries; of these 205 (11%) had at least one amputation at the wrist/ankle or more proximal. Trans-tibial was the most common level of limb loss. Eighty five casualties lost 2 limbs, 83 of these (98%) lost both lower limbs and 17 lost 3 limbs. Aside from amputations, there were 1530 fractures, 501 (33%) involving the upper limb and 1029 (67%) in the lower limb and pelvis. The tibia was the most frequently fractured bone. Of the lower limb fractures, 597 (58%) were open compared with 344 (69%) in the upper limb.Total Length of Stay (LOS) following extremity injury was 24,486days or 69 years and 1 month; there were a total 2817 surgical episodes performed on extremities. Median length of stay Length of Stay (LOS) for major amputations (i.e. those at the wrist/ankle or more proximal) was 51days (IQR 30–65) with a median of 7 surgical procedures on their limbs (IQR 5–9). In casualties with fractures but no amputation, median LOS was 13days (IQR 6–25) with a median of 2 surgical procedures (IQR 1–4). ConclusionUtilising a dedicated injury database, this study illustrates for the first time in the United Kingdom military population, that the extremities are involved in the vast majority of combat injuries and the large surgical workload required for their treatment.

Traumatic Brain Injury in Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans: New Results From a National Random Sample Study.

This study randomly sampled post-9/11 military veterans and reports on causes, predictors, and frequency of traumatic brain injury (TBI) (N=1,388). A total of 17.3% met criteria for TBI during military service, with about one-half reporting multiple head injuries, which were related to higher rates of posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, back pain, and suicidal ideation. The most common mechanisms of TBI included blasts (33.1%), objects hitting head (31.7%), and fall (13.5%). TBI was associated with enlisted rank, male gender, high combat exposure, and sustaining TBI prior to military service. Clinical and research efforts in veterans should consider TBI mechanism, effects of cumulative TBI, and screening for premilitary TBI.