Lower Injury Severity Score Research Articles

Cerebral Vasospasm After Traumatic Subarachnoid Hemorrhage and Its Risk Factor: Combined Periodic Follow Up of Transcranial Doppler and CT Angiography

Background: Cerebral vasospasm is a prevalent complication in traumatic brain injury (TBI), particularly in cases of traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (T-SAH), for which monitoring and treatment policies remain undefined.Methods: A study was conducted on 49 T-SAH patients with multiple traumas to investigate cerebral vasospasm following T-SAH. Participants underwent transcranial doppler (TCD) and brain CT angiography (CTA) upon hospitalization and subsequent follow-up within seven days. Vasospasm was diagnosed through a comprehensive evaluation of TCD, CTA, and symptoms, with risk factors analyzed accordingly. The initial clinical status was assessed using the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), modified Fisher scale (mFS), and Hunt-Hess grade (HHG), while examining various factors to identify underlying risks and evaluating overall body damage via the Injury Severity Score (ISS).Results: Cerebral vasospasm was confirmed in 19 out of the total 49 patients, which is 38.8%. Furthermore, the characteristics that had a statistically significant correlation with the vasospasm group were low GCS (p=0.03, odd ratio=0.592) and high ISS (p=0.022, odd ratio=1.124). Moreover, patients with vasospasm exhibited worse prognoses based on the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) and modified Rankin Scale (mRS).Conclusion: These findings suggest that T-SAH patients with severe initial brain and systemic damage or neurological deficits should undergo active monitoring using modalities such as TCD and CTA, followed by treatment to prevent and manage vasospasm.

Effects of the establishment of trauma centres on the mortality rate among seriously injured patients: a propensity score matching retrospective study

BackgroundLittle evidence suggests that trauma centres are associated with a lower risk of mortality in severely injured patients (Injury Severity Score (ISS) ≥16) with multiple injuries in China. The objective of this study was to determine the association between the establishment of trauma centres and mortality among severely injured patients with multiple injuries and to identify some risk factors associated with mortality.MethodsA retrospective single-centre study was performed including trauma patients admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University (FAHNU) between January 2016 and December 2021. To determine whether the establishment of a trauma centre was an independent predictor of mortality, logistic regression analysis and propensity score matching (PSM) were performed.ResultsAmong 431 trauma patients, 172 were enrolled before the trauma centre was built, while 259 were included after the trauma centre was built. A higher frequency of older age and traffic accident injury was found in patients diagnosed after the trauma centre was built. The times for the completion of CT examinations, emergency operations and blood transfusions in the “after trauma centre” group were shorter than those in the “before trauma centre” group. However, the total expenditure of patients was increased. In the overall group, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that a higher ISS was an independent predictor for worse mortality (OR = 17.859, 95% CI, 8.207–38.86, P < 0.001), while the establishment of a trauma centre was favourable for patient survival (OR = 0.492), which was also demonstrated by PSM. After determining the cut-off value of time for the completion of CT examination, emergency operation and blood transfusion, we found that the values were within the “golden one hour”, and it was better for patients when the time was less than the cut-off value.ConclusionOur study showed that for severely injured patients, the establishment of a trauma centre was favourable for a lower mortality rate. Furthermore, the completion of a CT examination, emergency surgery and blood transfusion in a timely manner and a lower ISS were associated with a decreased mortality rate.

Early sedation in traumatic brain injury: a multicentre international observational study

Objectives: We aimed to investigate the use of sedation in patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), focusing on the choice of sedative agent, dose, duration, and their association with clinical outcomes. Design: Multinational, multicentre, retrospective observational study. Settings: 14 trauma centres in Europe, Australia and the United Kingdom. Participants: A total of 262 adult patients with severe TBI and intracranial pressure monitoring. Main outcome measures: We described how sedative agents were used in this population. The primary outcome was 60-day mortality according to the use of different sedative agents. Secondary outcomes included intensive care unit and hospital length of stay, and the Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale at hospital discharge. Results: Propofol and midazolam were the most commonly used sedatives. Propofol was more common than midazolam as first line therapy (35.4% v 25.6% respectively). Patients treated with propofol had similar Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II and International Mission for Prognosis and Analysis of Clinical Trials in Traumatic Brain Injury (IMPACT) scores to patients treated with midazolam, but lower Injury Severity Score (ISS) (median, 26 [IQR, 22-38] v 34 [IQR, 26-44]; P = 0.001). The use of propofol was more common in heavier patients, and midazolam use was strongly associated with opioid co-administration (OR, 12.9; 95% CI, 3.47-47.95; P < 0.001). Sixty-day mortality and hospital mortality were predicted by a higher IMPACT score (P < 0.001) and a higher ISS (P < 0.001), but, after adjustment, were not related to the choice of sedative agent. Conclusions: Propofol was used more often than midazolam, and large doses were common for both sedatives. The first choice was highly variable, was affected by injury severity, and was not independently associated with 60-day mortality.

Plasma proteomics reveals early, broad release of chemokine, cytokine, TNF, and interferon mediators following trauma with delayed increases in a subset of chemokines and cytokines in patients that remain critically ill.

Severe injury is known to cause a systemic cytokine storm that is associated with adverse outcomes. However, a comprehensive assessment of the time-dependent changes in circulating levels of a broad spectrum of protein immune mediators and soluble immune mediator receptors in severely injured trauma patients remains uncharacterized. To address this knowledge gap, we defined the temporal and outcome-based patterns of 184 known immune mediators and soluble cytokine receptors in the circulation of severely injured patients. Proteomics (aptamer-based assay, SomaLogic, Inc) was performed on plasma samples drawn at 0, 24, and 72 hours (h) from time of admission from 150 trauma patients, a representative subset from the Prehospital Plasma during Air Medical Transport in Trauma Patients at Risk for Hemorrhagic Shock (PAMPer) trial. Patients were categorized into outcome groups including Early Non-Survivors (died within 72h; ENS; n=38), Non-Resolvers (died after 72h or required ≥7 days of intensive care; NR; n=78), and Resolvers (survivors that required < 7 days of intensive care; R; n=34), with low Injury Severity Score (ISS) patients from the Tranexamic Acid During Prehospital Transport in Patients at Risk for Hemorrhage After Injury (STAAMP) trial as controls. The major findings include an extensive release of immune mediators and cytokine receptors at time 0h that is more pronounced in ENS and NR patients. There was a selective subset of mediators elevated at 24 and 72h to a greater degree in NR patients, including multiple cytokines and chemokines not previously described in trauma patients. These findings were validated in a quantitative fashion using mesoscale discovery immunoassays (MSD) from an external validation cohort (VC) of samples from 58 trauma patients matched for R and NR status. This comprehensive longitudinal description of immune mediator patterns associated with trauma outcomes provides a new level of characterization of the immune response that follows severe injury.

Risk Factors Associated with Receiving Nonbalanced Massive Transfusion Protocol

INTRODUCTION: Implementation of massive transfusion protocol (MTP) with balanced blood product ratios results in improved mortality rates in trauma patients. However, compliance with MTP is still not universal. Our study investigated the risk factors for receiving nonbalanced MTP (NBMTP). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed trauma patients who received massive transfusion, defined as at least 10 units of packed red blood cells within 24 hours of admission, using the American College of Surgeons TQIP database between 2016 and 2019. Demographics, comorbidities, prehospitalization data, hospital characteristics, injury-related variables, transfusions, and clinical outcomes were abstracted. Patients who received balanced MTP (BMTP), defined as blood products transfused in a 1:1 to 1:2 ratio of fresh frozen plasma to packed red blood cells, were compared with patients who received NBMTP. Risk factors for receiving NBMTP were analyzed by Student’s t-test and chi-square test. Multivariate logistic regression was used as required. RESULTS: A total of 15,435 patients who received massive transfusions were included. Of these, 71% patients received BMTP, and 29% patients received NBMTP. Patients who received BMTP had significantly longer emergency medical services transit times to hospital (87.5 vs 99.2, p = 0.03), had a higher Injury Severity Score (32.4 vs 31.5, p = 0.001), and received more units of packed red blood cells (22.0 vs 19.6, p < 0.001). Logistic regression identified admission to Level II trauma centers (odds ratio 1.20, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.34) and lower Injury Severity Score (odds ratio 0.995, 95% CI 0.992 to 0.998) as independent risk factors for receiving NBMTP. CONCLUSION: Trauma patients at Level II trauma centers or who had lower Injury Severity Scores were less likely to receive BMTP. Clinicians should be mindful of this predisposition for decreased compliance with BMTP in these patients and institutions.

Characteristics and outcome of traumatic cardiac arrest at a level 1 trauma centre over 10 years in Sweden

BackgroundHistorically, resuscitation in traumatic cardiac arrest (TCA) has been deemed futile. However, recent literature reports improved but varying survival. Current European guidelines emphasise the addressing of reversible aetiologies in TCA and propose that a resuscitative thoracotomy may be performed within 15 min from last sign of life. To improve clinician understanding of which patients benefit from resuscitative efforts we aimed to describe the characteristics and 30-day survival for traumatic cardiac arrest at a Swedish trauma centre with a particular focus on resuscitative thoracotomy.MethodsRetrospective cohort study of adult patients (≥ 15 years) with TCA managed at Karolinska University Hospital Solna between 2011 and 2020. Trauma demographics, intra-arrest factors, lab values and procedures were compared between survivors and non-survivors.ResultsAmong the 284 included patients the median age was 38 years, 82.2% were male and 60.5% were previously healthy. Blunt trauma was the dominant injury in 64.8% and median Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 38. For patients with a documented arrest rhythm, asystole was recorded in 39.2%, pulseless electric activity in 24.8% and a shockable rhythm in 6.8%. Thirty patients (10.6%) survived to 30 days with a Glasgow Outcome Scale score of 3 (n = 23) or 4 (n = 7). The most common causes of death were haemorrhagic shock (50.0%) and traumatic brain injury (25.5%). Survivors had a lower ISS (P < 0.001), more often had reactive pupils (P < 0.001) and a shockable rhythm (P = 0.04). In the subset of prehospital TCA, survivors less frequently received adrenaline (epinephrine) (P < 0.001) and in lower amounts (P = 0.02). Of patients that underwent resuscitative thoracotomy (n = 101), survivors (n = 12) had a shorter median time from last sign of life to thoracotomy (P = 0.03), however in four of these survivors the time exceeded 15 min.ConclusionSurvival after TCA is possible. Determining futility in TCA is difficult and this study demonstrates survivors outside of recent guidelines.

Cycling-related trauma admissions to the major trauma centre in the cycling capital of the United Kingdom

PurposeThis study aims to characterise cycling related injuries presenting to a major trauma centre located within a region with the highest rates of cycling in the UK. MethodsA retrospective analysis of cycling related trauma admissions occurring between January 2012 and June 2020 was performed. Our institution's electronic patient record system was used to collect relevant data for analysis including age, gender, mechanism of injury, Glasgow coma scale (GCS) on arrival, incident date and time, injured body regions, 30-day mortality, helmet use and intubation rate. Comparison was made between groups of patients based on mechanism of injury. ResultsA total of 605 cycling related trauma cases were identified, with 52 being excluded due to incomplete data. The most common mechanism was ‘fall from cycle’ (53.5%). The ‘cyclist v vehicle’ group was associated with a significantly higher Injury Severity score (ISS), lower GCS and higher intubation rate. Helmet wearers were significantly older than non-wearers and helmet use was associated with a significantly reduced risk of head injury, lower ISS and intubation rate and a higher GCS. DiscussionWith a likely increase in future cycling uptake, it is crucial that effective interventions are implemented to improve the safety of cyclists. The findings of this study may be used to guide any such intervention. A multi-faceted strategy involving driver and cyclist education, effective road infrastructure changes and helmet promotion campaigns specifically targeting the younger generation could be employed.

Comparative analysis of all-terrain vehicles, motorcycle and automobile-related trauma in a rural border community of the USA

IntroductionThere is widespread use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) in the USA for both work-related and recreational activities. In this study, we aimed to determine the difference in injury severity, Glasgow...

Acute stress disorder in trauma patients discharged in 72 h or less

IntroductionAcute Stress Disorder (ASD) is a psychiatric condition affecting individuals exposed to trauma and requires the presence of symptoms 72 h following trauma. Patients evaluated for trauma related injury are often discharged prior to 72 h, but the risk of ASD remains. The aim of this study was to quantify the rate of acute stress disorder in trauma patients admitted for fewer than 72 h. Materials and MethodsWe performed a prospective, observational study of trauma patients discharged prior to 72 h at our ACS Level I Trauma Center between June 2020 and December 2020. Participants were administered an institutional screening tool following hospital discharge. Positive screens were then administered the diagnostic Acute Stress Disorder Scale (ASDS) tool. The rate of ASD was calculated and bivariate comparisons between participants who met diagnostic criteria and those who did not were performed to identify risk factors for the development of acute stress disorder. Results116 patients participated (median age 54, 66% male, median injury severity score (ISS) 9). Forty patients (34%) screened positive via the institutional screening tool, with 14 (12%) ultimately demonstrating ASD by ASDS. Participants who developed ASD were more likely to be female (71 vs. 30%, p = 0.005), African American (43 vs. 12% White, p = 0.016), spend less time in the hospital overall (1–2 vs. 2–3 days. p = 0.045), and have a lower ISS (6 vs. 9, p = 0.041). ConclusionsOur study found 12% of trauma patients discharged prior to 72 h developed ASD. These data point to possible benefit in reassessment of injured patients following hospital discharge and the importance of developing pathways for trauma patients to access mental health resources.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 and the Injured Patient: A Multicenter Review

IntroductionCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been shown to affect outcomes among surgical patients. We hypothesized that COVID-19 would be linked to higher mortality and longer length of stay of trauma patients regardless of the injury severity score (ISS). MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of trauma registries from two level 1 trauma centers (suburban and urban) from March 1, 2019, to June 30, 2019, and March 1, 2020, to June 30, 2020, comparing baseline characteristics and cumulative adverse events. Data collected included ISS, demographics, and comorbidities. The primary outcome was time from hospitalization to in-hospital death. Outcomes during the height of the first New York COVID-19 wave were also compared with the same time frame in the prior year. Kaplan–Meier method with log-rank test and Cox proportional hazard models were used to compare outcomes. ResultsThere were 1180 trauma patients admitted during the study period from March 2020 to June 2020. Of these, 596 were never tested for COVID-19 and were excluded from the analysis. A total of 148 COVID+ patients and 436 COVID− patients composed the 2020 cohort for analysis. Compared with the 2019 cohort, the 2020 cohort was older with more associated comorbidities, more adverse events, but lower ISS. Higher rates of historical hypertension, diabetes, neurologic events, and coagulopathy were found among COVID+ patients compared with COVID− patients. D-dimer and ferritin were unreliable indicators of COVID-19 severity; however, C-reactive protein levels were higher in COVID+ relative to COVID− patients. Patients who were COVID+ had a lower median ISS compared with COVID− patients, and COVID+ patients had higher rates of mortality and longer length of stay. ConclusionsCOVID+ trauma patients admitted to our two level 1 trauma centers had increased morbidity and mortality compared with admitted COVID− trauma patients despite age and lower ISS. C-reactive protein may play a role in monitoring COVID-19 activity in trauma patients. A better understanding of the physiological impact of COVID-19 on injured patients warrants further investigation.

Audit of Motor Vehicle Accidents at a Trauma Center.

BackgroundMotor vehicle accidents (MVAs) are the leading cause of accidental deaths in India. An audit of trauma cases is required in order to improve hospital policy and patient care, as well as to change the attitude and perspective of healthcare staff.MethodsA retrospective observational study was performed on MVA trauma victims admitted to a tertiary trauma care center. Parameters included mean age with range, gender distribution, length of hospital stay (LOS), anatomical location of injuries, and the percentage of age groups and number of patients undergoing a nonoperative approach versus those with exploration and intervention. The correlation of body mass index (BMI) and co-morbidities with trauma, whole-body CT scan (WBCT) versus selective scanning, readmissions and revisits, and blood transfusion requirements were studied.ResultsThe majority of patients were young male adults and females having a higher LOS than males. Prolonged hospitalization is linked to a higher risk of complications and a higher expense. Individuals who suffered severe injuries recovered more slowly 12 months after the accident. The majority of patients had a brief hospitalization. Sixty-two point three (62.3) percent of patients suffered a head injury, with men accounting for the majority. Men were worst-affected, necessitating surgery. Obesity and BMI, regardless of gender, are not associated with trauma outcomes. Our studies found no link between co-morbidities and length of stay in MVA patients. Although the majority of patients did not require surgery, 28.8% required a blood transfusion. Our research found no link between BMI and injury severity score (ISS).ConclusionObese people sustaining MVAs had the same injured body regions as patients who were normal weight. They had a lower ISS than normal-weight individuals but a lengthier in-hospital stay.

Efficacy and Safety of Laparoscopy for Mild and Moderate Pediatric Abdominal Trauma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of laparoscopy for pediatric patients with abdominal trauma. Relevant articles were obtained by searching the MEDLINE PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases until 7 December 2021. Meta-analyses were performed using odds ratio (OR) for binary outcomes, standardized mean differences (SMDs) for continuous outcome measures, and overall proportion for single proportional outcomes. Nine studies examining 12,492 patients were included in our meta-analysis. Our meta-analysis showed younger age (SMD −0.47, 95% confidence interval (CI) −0.52 to −0.42), lower injury severity score (SMD −0.62, 95% CI −0.67 to −0.57), shorter hospital stay (SMD −0.55, 95% CI −0.60 to −0.50), less complications (OR 0.375, 95% CI 0.309 to 0.455), and lower mortality rate (OR 0.055, 95% CI 0.0.28 to 0.109) in the laparoscopy group compared to the laparotomy group. The majority of patients were able to avoid laparotomy (0.816, 95% CI 0.800 to 0.833). There were no missed injuries during the laparoscopic procedures in seven eligible studies. Laparoscopy for stable pediatric patients showed favorable outcomes in terms of morbidity and mortality. There were no missed injuries, and laparotomy could be avoided for the majority of patients.

Evaluation of the Nelson Criteria as an Indicator for Nonsurgical Admission in Trauma Patients.

Geriatric patients with complex medical comorbidities who sustain minor injuries may warrant admission to nonsurgical services. The Nelson score provides an objective scoring system that helps identify patients appropriate for nonsurgical admission (NSA). The purpose of this study is to assess the utility of the Nelson criteria in determining the most appropriate admission service. A retrospective review was performed on patients ≥65 years admitted from 12/2016 to 11/2020. 2410 patients met the inclusion criteria. Patients with Nelson score ≥6 were older with more comorbidities, had a lower injury severity score (7.5 vs 12.5, p<0.0001), and a higher rate of NSA (29.2% vs 12.7%, p<0.0001) compared to patients with Nelson score <6. On the multivariable logistic regression, admission service was not identified as an independent predictor of mortality. Utilizing the Nelson criteria may provide an objective measure to stratify and identify patients who would benefit from NSA.

A "GAP" in Activation: A Better Way to Manage Geriatric and Anticoagulated Patients with Head Trauma.

Older age and anticoagulant use have been associated with worse outcomes in trauma. At the study institution, elderly and anticoagulated patients with suspected traumatic brain injury (TBI) were previously triaged as a second tier trauma team activation (TTA) with a high rate of over-triage. A novel "GAP" (Geriatric or Anticoagulated Pathway) alert was created to streamline care delivery to these patients. The purpose of the study is to assess the efficacy and outcomes of the GAP alert. A retrospective review was conducted on adult patients presenting to a level-1 trauma center from 1/2018-12/2020. The GAP alert was implemented in 2/2018. The GAP alert group was compared to the second tier TTA group. 1743 patients were identified. 504 (29%) received a GAP alert. GAP alert patients were older (79years vs 47years, P < .0001), had a lower injury severity score (ISS) (8.6 vs 9.9, P = .006), and had a higher rate of pre-injury anticoagulant use (28.4% vs 2.5%, P < .0001). The in-hospital mortality was higher in the GAP group (2.4% vs .7%, P = .004). On multivariable logistic regression, GAP alert was not identified as a predictor of mortality. Age, ISS, and pre-injury anticoagulant use predicted mortality. During the study period, the number of GAP alerts increased (B = .15, P = .003) and the number of second tier TTAs decreased (B = -.33, P < .0001). Implementation of the GAP alert led to a decrease in trauma resource utilization while providing timely diagnosis and treatment of geriatric patients or those on anticoagulation medication with suspected TBI.

Adolescent blunt solid organ injury: Differences in management strategies and outcomes between pediatric and adult trauma centers

BackgroundAdolescents with blunt solid organ injuries (BSOI) are cared for at both pediatric trauma centers (PTC) and adult trauma centers (ATC). Over the past decade, treatment strategies have shifted towards non-operative management with reported favorable outcomes. The aim of this study was to compare management strategies and outcomes between PTC and ATC. MethodsWe queried the 2016–2018 Trauma Quality Improvement Program (TQIP) datasets to identify adolescents between the ages of 16 and 19 with BSOI. Characteristics were stratified by center type (pediatric or adult) for comparative analyses. Separate logistic regressions were used to assess the association of hospital type, location of injury, age, gender, weight, Glascow Coma Score (GCS), Injury Severity Score (ISS), and intensive care unit (ICU) admissions for outcomes of interest. ResultsAmong the 3,011,310 patients enrolled in the 2016–2018 TQIP datasets, 106,892 (3.5%) had a BSOI ICD9/10 code. Of those, 9,193 (8.6%) were between 16 and 19 years of age and included in this analysis. Within this cohort, 6,073 (66.1%) were managed at an ATC and 3,120 (33.9%) were managed at a PTC. While statistically different, there were no clinically relevant differences for age, weight, and sex between groups. A significantly higher ISS and lower GCS score were observed among those admitted to ATC compared to PTC. ICU admissions were more frequent at ATC. Number of blood transfusions by 4 h after presentation were also higher among those admitted to an ATC. Despite a lower ISS and higher GCS at presentation, mortality was higher among those treated at a PTC with an odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of 2.42 (1.31–4.53). After excluding adolescents with a traumatic brain injury, a common cause of mortality among adolescent trauma patients, these differences in outcomes persisted. ConclusionsOur data suggest that adolescents with BSOI managed at a PTC are less likely to receive blood transfusions by 4 h of admission or be admitted to the ICU than those managed at an ATC. However, this more conservative approach may come at the expense of higher overall mortality. Further work is needed to understand these differences and determine if PTC need to be more aggressive in managing BSOI.

Pediatric traumatic brain injury: Resource utilization and outcomes at adult versus pediatric trauma centers

IntroductionTraumatic brain injury is the leading cause of trauma-related death in children. We hypothesized that children with isolated traumatic brain injury would experience differential outcomes when treated at pediatric versus adult or combined trauma centers. MethodsAfter institutional review board approval, the 2015 National Trauma Data Bank was queried for children up to age 16 years with isolated traumatic brain injury. Demographics and clinical outcomes were collected. Univariable and multivariable analyses were conducted to assess for predictors of in-hospital mortality and complications. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was conducted. ResultsA total of 3,766 children with isolated traumatic brain injury were identified; 1,060 (28%) were treated at pediatric trauma centers, 1,909 (51%) at adult trauma centers, and 797 (21%) at combined trauma centers. Subjects were 5 years old (median, interquartile range 1–12 years), 63% male, and 64% white. Higher blood pressure and lower injury severity score were associated with reduced mortality (P < .05). Increasing injury severity score was associated with higher mortality by multivariable logistic regression (odds ratio 1.57, P < .0001). There were no survival differences among hospital types (P = .88). ConclusionOutcomes for children with isolated traumatic brain injury appear equal across different types of designated trauma centers. These findings may have implications for prehospital transport and triage guidelines.

CDC field triage criteria accurately predicts outcomes in high impact trauma.

:Background:The precision of emergency medical services (EMS) triage criteria dictates whether an injured patient receives appropriate care. The trauma triage protocol is a decision scheme that groups patients into triage categories of major, moderate and minor. We hypothesized that there is a difference between trauma triage category and injury severity score (ISS).Methods:This retrospective, observational study was conducted to investigate a difference between trauma triage category and ISS. Bivariate analysis was used to test for differences between the subgroup means. The differences between the group means on each measure were analyzed for direction and statistical significance using ANOVA for continuous variables and chi square tests for categorical variables. Logistic and linear regressions were performed to evaluate factors predicting mortality, ICU length of stay.Results:With respect to trauma triage category, our findings indicate that minor and moderate triage categories are similar with respect to ISS, GCS, ICU LOS, hospital LOS, and mortality. However, after excluding for low impact injuries (falls), differences between the minor and moderate categories were evident when comparing to ISS, GCS, ICU LOS, and hospital LOS. Additionally, after excluding for low impact injures, ISS, ICU LOS, and hospital stay were found to correlate well with trauma triage category. Conclusions:In this retrospective, observational study significant differences were not seen when comparing ISS with the trauma triage categories of moderate and minor during our initial analysis. However, a difference was found after excluding for low impact injuries. These findings suggest that CDC criteria accurately predicts outcomes in high impact trauma.

Surgical Outcomes in Patients with Simultaneous Traumatic Brain and Torso Injuries in a Single Regional Trauma Center over a 5-Year Period

Purpose The purpose of the study is to analyze the results of surgical treatment of patients with brain and torso injury for 5 years in a single regional trauma center. Methods We analyzed multiple trauma patients who underwent brain surgery and torso surgery for chest or abdominal injury simultaneously or sequentially among all 14,175 trauma patients who visited Dankook University Hospital Regional Trauma Center from January 2015 to December 2019. Results A total of 25 patients underwent brain surgery and chest or abdominal surgery, with an average age of 55.4 years, 17 men and eight women. As a result of surgical treatment, there were 14 patients who underwent the surgery on the same day (resuscitative surgery), of which five patients underwent surgery simultaneously, four patients underwent brain surgery first, and one patient underwent chest surgery first, four patients underwent abdominal surgery first. Among the 25 treated patients, the 10 patients died, which the cause of death was five severe brain injuries and four hemorrhagic shocks. Conclusions In multiple damaged patients require both torso surgery and head surgery, poor prognosis was associated with low initial Glasgow Coma Scale and high Injury Severity Score. On the other hand, patients had good prognosis when blood pressure was maintained and operation for traumatic brain injury was performed first. At the same time, patients who had operation on head and torso simultaneously had extremely low survival rates. This may be associated with secondary brain injury due to low perfusion pressure or continuous hypotension and the traumatic coagulopathy caused by massive bleeding.

Octogenarian Survival After Neurosurgical Procedures To Treat Severe Head Trauma

Falls are common for persons of advanced age and can result in severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). The purpose of the present study was to determine the survival benefit from aggressive operative intervention. The trauma quality improvement program database from 2013 to 2016 was accessed for the present study. All patients aged 80-89 years who had sustained a severe TBI with a Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score of ≤8 and brain abbreviated injury scale score of ≥3 and had undergone operative intervention (craniotomy or craniectomy) were included in the present study. The patients were divided into 2 groups, those who had survived and those who had died, and the characteristics, injury severity score (ISS), types of intracranial hemorrhage, and comorbidities were compared. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the factors associated with survival. A receiving operating characteristic curve was created to test the model, and the area under the curve was calculated. Of the 1266 patients who had met the inclusion criteria for the present study, only 477 (37.68%) had survived. A lower ISS, higher GCS score, and no history of coagulopathy were factors indicating a greater chance of survival. Operative intervention for epidural hematoma, brain contusion, and subdural hematoma was associated with 3.5, 2.25, and 1.86 odds of survival, respectively. Procedure type (craniectomy vs. craniotomy) did not affect the outcome. The area under the curve was 0.723 (95% confidence interval, 0.694-0.752). The octogenarians who had undergone craniotomy or craniectomy for severe TBI after a fall had very high mortality. A lower ISS, higher GCS score, no history of coagulopathy and evacuation of subdural hematoma, epidural hematoma, or brain contusion indicated a greater probability of survival.

Are Pelvic Binders an Effective Prehospital Intervention?

Objective Widespread adoption of prehospital pelvic circumferential compression devices (PCCDs) by emergency medical services (EMS) systems has been slow and variable across the United States. We sought to determine the frequency of prehospital PCCD use by EMS providers. Secondarily, we hypothesized that prehospital PCCD use would improve early hemorrhagic shock outcomes. Methods We conducted a single-center retrospective cohort study of 162 unstable pelvic ring injuries transported directly to our center by EMS from 2011 to 2020. Included patients received a PCCD during their resuscitation (prehospital or emergency department). Prehospital treatment details were obtained from the EMS medical record. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients who received a PCCD by EMS before hospital arrival. Secondarily, we explored factors associated with receiving a prehospital PCCD, and its association with changes in vital signs, blood transfusion, and mortality. Results EMS providers documented suspicion of a pelvic ring fracture in 85 (52.8%) patients and 52 patients in the cohort (32.2%) received a prehospital PCCD. Wide variation in prehospital PCCD use was observed based on patient characteristics, geographic location, and EMS provider level. Helicopter flight paramedics applied a prehospital PCCD in 46% of the patients they transported (38/83); in contrast, the EMS organizations geographically closest to our hospital applied a PCCD in ≤5% of cases (2/47). Other predictors associated with receiving a prehospital PCCD included lower body mass index (p = 0.005), longer prehospital duration (p = 0.001) and lower Injury Severity Score (p < 0.05). We were unable to identify any improvements in clinical outcomes associated with prehospital PCCD, including early vital signs, number of blood transfusions within 24 hours, or mortality during admission (p > 0.05). Conclusion Our results demonstrate wide practice variation in the application of prehospital PCCDs. Although disparate PCCD application across the state is likely explained by differences across EMS organizations and provider levels, our study was unable to identify any clinical benefits to the prehospital use of PCCDs. It is possible that the benefits of a prehospital PCCD can only be observed in the most displaced fracture patterns with the greatest early hemodynamic instability.