Selected Trauma Patients Research Articles

Epidemiology and location of primary retrieval missions in a Scottish aeromedical service.

Prehospital critical care teams comprising an appropriately trained physician and paramedic or nurse have been associated with improved outcomes in selected trauma patients. These teams are a scarce and expensive resource, especially when delivered by rotary air assets. The optimal tasking of prehospital critical care teams is therefore vital and remains a subject of debate. Emergency Medical Retrieval Service (EMRS) provides a prehospital critical care response team to incidents over a large area of Scotland either by air or by road. A convenience sample of consecutive EMRS missions covering a period of 18 months from May 2013 to January 2015 was taken. These missions were matched with the ambulance service information on geographical location of the incident. In order to assess the appropriateness of tasking, interventions undertaken on each mission were analysed and divided into two subcategories: 'critical care interventions' and 'advanced medical interventions'. A tasking was deemed appropriate if it included either category of intervention or if a patient was pronounced life extinct at the scene. A total of 1279 primary missions were undertaken during the study period. Of these, 493 primary missions met the inclusion criteria and generated complete location data. The median distance to scene was calculated as 5.6 miles for land responses and 34.2 miles for air responses. Overall, critical care interventions were performed on 17% (84/493) of patients. A further 21% (102/493) of patients had an advanced medical intervention. Including those patients for whom life was pronounced extinct on scene by the EMRS team, a total of 42% (206/493) taskings were appropriate. Overall, our data show a wide geographical spread of tasking for our service, which is in keeping with other suburban/rural models of prehospital care. Tasking accuracy is also comparable to the accuracy shown by other similar services.

The use of twin-ring Ilizarov in the treatment of periarticular or intra-articular fractures of the tibia

Objective The aim of the present study was to report the results of using the twin-ring (TR) module in treatments of juxta-articular fractures of the tibia and the merits of this technique in Menoufia University Hospitals and El-Obour Insurance Hospital over 3 years. Background In juxta-articular fractures of the tibia, the presence of short metaphyseal bone fragments may make the application of an Ilizarov external fixator (IEF) challenging. It may be necessary to bridge the adjacent joint to ensure stable fixation. The TR module is proposed as an alternative method that avoids joint bridging, without compromising the stability of fixation. Patients and methods This is a descriptive retrospective study with data collected from the analysis of medical records of 20 patients admitted in Menoufia University Hospitals and El-Obour Insurance Hospital with a diagnosis of juxta-articular fractures of the tibia over a 3-year period from May 2013 to July 2016. The patients studied were retrospectively analyzed for sociodemographic data, clinical parameters, duration of hospitalization, the application of TR IEF, and clinical outcome according to the knee society scoring system and the clinical rating system for the ankle and hind foot. Results The TR IEF shows more stability, less joint stiffness, and less time needed for both fracture union and physiotherapy. Conclusion When treating selected trauma patients, the application of the TR IEF is suggested as a promising surgical alternative, offering satisfactory outcomes and reduced patient morbidity.

Platelet transfusion increases risk for acute respiratory distress syndrome in non-massively transfused blunt trauma patients.

While damage control resuscitation is known to confer a survival advantage in severely injured patients, high-ratio blood component therapy should be initiated only in carefully selected trauma patients, due to the morbidity associated with blood product use. With this project, we aim to identify the effect of platelet transfusion in non-massively transfused bluntly injured patients. The Glue Grant database was retrospectively queried and severely injured blunt trauma patients who underwent non-massive transfusion were identified. Patients were divided into quartiles depending on platelet volume they were transfused in the first 48h. Outcomes of interest included mortality; ventilator, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and hospital length of stay (LOS); infectious and non-infectious complications. Multivariable regression models were fitted for these outcomes, controlling for age, pre-existing comorbidities, injury severity, acute physiologic derangement, neurologic injury burden, and other fluid and blood product resuscitation. There was no difference in mortality, LOS, or the incidence of multi-organ failure and infectious complications. However, patients receiving ≥ 250mL of platelets were more likely to develop acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) compared to those who received < 250mL [odds ratio 1.91 (95% CI 1.10-3.33, p = 0.022)]. Pre-emptive platelet transfusion should be avoided in non-massively transfused blunt injury victims in the absence of true or functional thrombocytopenia, as it increases risk for ARDS with no survival benefit.

Regional Anesthesia for the Acute Trauma Patient

This chapter reviews recent literature to describe the utility of regional analgesic techniques in the pre-hospital, emergency department, and perioperative management of acute pain in trauma. Peripheral nerve block (PNB) techniques were once rarely taught outside the discipline of anesthesiology. Some European health systems are beginning to offer pre-hospital PNB for selected trauma patients, particularly those with femur fractures. Although the safety profile of ultrasound versus landmark-guided techniques remains uncertain, broader ultrasound availability enables more rapid learning of PNB techniques and contributes to expansion beyond perioperative care. The acute emergency setting is an attractive time to offer PNB, providing early analgesia to avoid side effects of systemic sedatives and opioids, facilitating painful procedures, and potentially shortening time to discharge/transfer. Although acute pain after trauma is highly prevalent, studies to define outcome benefits of specific analgesic techniques are an area of ongoing inquiry. Numerous special considerations are necessary when selecting and performing PNB in trauma patients to optimize patient safety and clinical outcome.

Laparoscopic Splenectomy for Trauma.

Background and Objectives:The use of laparoscopy in the trauma setting is gaining momentum, with more therapeutic procedures being performed. We evaluated the use of laparoscopic splenectomy among trauma patients with data from the National Trauma Database. We compared outcomes for trauma patients undergoing laparoscopic (LS) versus open splenectomy (OS).Methods:From the National Trauma Database (2007 to 2015), we identified all patients who underwent a total splenectomy. Patients who had other abdominal operations were excluded. All patients were categorized into 1 of 2 groups: LS or OS. Outcomes of in-hospital mortality, postoperative length of stay, and incidence of major complications between the 2 groups were compared. Bivariate parametric and nonparametric analyses were performed. Patients were then matched on baseline demographic and injury characteristics by using propensity score matching techniques, and we compared differences by using regression analysis.Results:A total of 25,408 patients underwent OS and 113 patients underwent LS (0.44%). Patients were significantly different at baseline, with the LS group being less severely injured. Bivariate analysis revealed no difference in length of stay (9 vs 8 days, P = .62), incidence of major complications (10% vs 15%, P = .24), or mortality (6% vs 11%, P = .23). LS was performed in 29.2% of patients beyond 24 hours from presentation compared with 9.5% in the OS (P < .001). Adjusted multivariate analysis showed no overall difference in outcomes.Conclusion:LS for trauma is increasingly being used at many centers throughout the United States. The procedure is safe, with outcomes similar to those of OS in selected trauma patients.

Emergency thoracotomy: Experience of one year in a large tertiary trauma center

IntroductionEmergency thoracotomy (ET) can be a life-saving procedure in highly selected trauma patients, especially after penetrating chest trauma. The aim of this work was to evaluate the outcome in trauma patients who were admitted to the Alexandria Main University Hospital (AMUH) during 1 year period and underwent ET as a management and to compare our results with that documented in the literature. Patients and methodsThis is prospective clinical study included trauma patients who were admitted to AMUH during 1 year period (August 2013–August 2014) and underwent ET. Analysis of the cause of trauma, age, sex, different tools of investigations used, concomitant organ injuries, systolic blood pressure (SBP), Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), Injury Severity Score (ISS), Trauma Revised Injury Severity Score (TRISS) and mortality rate were performed. ResultsTwenty-two patients who had ET were included in this study (All were males, Age range: 5–45 years; median: 23.5 ± 7.83 years). Twenty patients from twenty-two were survived. Two of them had blunt trauma while 18 had penetrating injuries. The most frequent injury encountered was isolated thoracic injury (n=13). Thoracotomy was performed in 20 patients, sternotomy in two, and one patient underwent additional laparotomy. Median ISS and TRISS were 10 (Range 9–29) and 0.98 (Range 0.54–0.99), respectively. Blood transfusion ranged between 1 and 13 units with a median of 2 units of packed red blood cells. The median time from admission to operating room was 37.50 min. Pre-operative (FAST & Thoracic Ultrasound) was done in 90.9% of patients. Most common indication for thoracotomy was shock (SBP < 90). The mortality rate was 9.1% for all patients and 10% for patients with penetrating trauma. Factors affecting mortality was ISS and the amount of blood transfusion. ConclusionET procedure is an important tool in management of selected trauma patients. Rapid assessment, multidisciplinary approach, good resuscitation and prompt surgical intervention reduce the mortality and improve the outcome.

Five-year Retrospective Review of Physician and Non-physician Performed Ultrasound in a Canadian Critical Care Helicopter Emergency Medical Service

Objective: To describe the use of prehospital ultrasonography (PHUS) to support interventions, when used by physician and non-physician air medical crew (AMC), in a Canadian helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS). Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of consecutive patients who underwent ultrasound examination during HEMS care from January 1, 2009 through March 10, 2014. An a priori created data form was used to record patient demographics, type of ultrasound scan performed, ultrasound findings, location of scan, type of interventions supported by PHUS, factors that affected PHUS completion, and quality indicator(s). Data analysis was performed through descriptive statistics, Student's t-test for continuous variables, Z-test for proportions, and Mann-Whitney U Test for nonparametric data. Outcomes included interventions supported by PHUS, factors associated with incomplete scans, and quality indicators associated with PHUS use. Differences between physician and AMC groups were also assessed. Results: PHUS was used in 455 missions, 318 by AMC and 137 by physicians. In combined trauma and medical patients, in the AMC group interventions were supported by PHUS in 26% of cases (95% CI 18–34). For transport physicians the percentage support was found to be significantly greater at 45% of cases (95% CI 34–56) p = < 0.006. Incomplete PHUS scans were common and reasons included patient obesity, lack of time, patient access, and clinical reasons. Quality indicators associated with PHUS were rarely identified. Conclusions: The use of PHUS by both physicians and non-physicians was found to support interventions in select trauma and medical patients. Key words: emergency medical services; aircraft; helicopter; air ambulance; ultrasonography; emergency care, prehospital; prehospital emergency care

ACCURACY OF PREDICTIVE FACTORS AND FOCUSED ASSESSMENT WITH SONOGRAPHY FOR TRAUMA (FAST) IN MANAGEMENT OF ADULT BLUNT ABDOMINAL TRAUMA AND ITS OUTCOME

Background:Abdominal trauma is a major public health problem for all nations and all socioeconomic strata. Methods:The study included adult patients attending emergency department in Suez Canal University Hospital, Data was collected in pre-organized data sheet by the researcher. Then, the patients were followed up and recorded till they reached one of these final outcomes Later on, the actual outcome of the patient was compared to the predictors and FAST results, then sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were calculated. Results:Seventy five patients were eligible, of which ten patients had a FAST-positive result, and seven patients underwent a therapeutic laparotomy. In multivariate analysis,the factors correlating with a therapeutic laparotomy were pulse (>100beat/minute), respiratory rate (>29 cycle /minute), O2 saturation, abdominal gardening by examination and a FAST-positive result (sensitivity 80%, Specificity 100%, accuracy 97%, positive predictive value 100% and negative predictive value 97.3%) ,were pulse as the most sensitive predictor (99%) followed by respiratory rate (98%) while the most specific predictors were pulse (97.1%). Conclusions:The management of trauma patients depends upon their clinical status, imaging findings, and the resources and expertise available. Rapid recognition of key abnormalities on FAST and abdominal CT can help select trauma patients for the most appropriate treatment: surgery, interventional radiology or conservative management. Physical examination alone is not sufficient to determine the need for emergent interventions.

Abdominal insufflation for laparoscopy increases intracranial and intrathoracic pressure in human subjects.

Laparoscopy has emerged as an alternative to laparotomy in select trauma patients. In animal models, increasing abdominal pressure is associated with an increase in intrathoracic and intracranial pressures. We conducted a prospective trial of human subjects who underwent laparoscopic-assisted ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement (lap VPS) with intraoperative measurement of intrathoracic, intracranial and cerebral perfusion pressures. Ten patients undergoing lap VPS were recruited. Abdominal insufflation was performed using CO2 to 0, 8, 10, 12 and 15mmHg. ICP was measured through the ventricular catheter simultaneously with insufflation and with desufflation using a manometer. Peak inspiratory pressures (PIP) were measured through the endotracheal tube. Blood pressure was measured using a noninvasive blood pressure cuff. End-tidal CO2 (ETCO2) was measured for each set of abdominal pressure level. Pressure measurements from all points of insufflation were compared using a two-way ANOVA with a post hoc Bonferroni test. Mean changes in pressures were compared using t test. ICP and PIP increased significantly with increasing abdominal pressure (both p<0.01), whereas cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) and mean arterial pressure did not significantly change with increasing abdominal pressure over the range tested. Higher abdominal pressure values were associated with decreased ETCO2 values. Increased ICP and PIP appear to be a direct result of increasing abdominal pressure, since ETCO2 did not increase. Though CPP did not change over the range tested, the ICP in some patients with 15mmHg abdominal insufflation reached values as high as 32cmH2O, which is considered above tolerance, regardless of the CPP. Laparoscopy should be used cautiously, in patients who present with baseline elevated ICP or head trauma as abdominal insufflation affects intracranial pressure.

Early versus Delayed Amputation in the Setting of Severe Lower Extremity Trauma

Leg-threatening injuries present patients and clinicians with the difficult decision to pursue primary amputation or attempt limb salvage. The effects of delayed amputation after failed limb salvage on outcomes, such as prosthetic use and hospital deposition, are unclear. We evaluated the timing of amputations and its effects on outcomes. We retrospectively reviewed all trauma patients undergoing lower extremity amputation from January 1, 2000 through December 31, 2010 at a Level 2 trauma center. Patients undergoing early amputation (amputation within 48 hours of admission) were compared with patients undergoing late amputation (amputations >48 hours after admission). Patient demographics, injury specifics, operative characteristics, and outcomes were documented. During the 11-year study period, 43 patients had a lower extremity amputation and 21 had early amputations. The two groups were similar except for a slightly higher Mangled Extremity Severity Score in the early amputation group. Total hospital length of stay significantly differed between groups, with the late amputation group length of stay being nearly twice as long. The late amputation group had significantly more ipsilateral leg complications than the early group (77% vs 15%). There was a trend toward more prosthetic use in the early group (93%vs 57%, P = 0.07). Traumatic lower extremity injuries requiring amputation are rare at our institution (0.3% incidence). Regardless of the amputation timing, most patients were able to obtain a prosthetic. Although the late group had a longer length of hospital stay and more local limb complications, attempted limb salvage still appears to be a viable option for appropriately selected trauma patients.

Su1784 Abdominal Insufflation for Laparoscopy Increases Intracranial and Intrathoracic Pressure in Human Subjects

Background Laparoscopy has emerged as an alternative to laparotomy in select trauma patients. In animal models, increasing abdominal pressure is associated with an increase in intrathoracic and intracranial pressures. We conducted a prospective trial of human subjects who underwent laparoscopic-assisted ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement (lap VPS) with intraoperative measurement of intrathoracic, intracranial and cerebral perfusion pressures.

Utility of three-dimensional computed tomography for the surgical management of rib fractures.

Surgical stabilization of flail chest is increasingly recognized as a valid approach to improve pulmonary mechanics in selected trauma patients. The use of two-dimensional (2D) computed tomography (CT) has become almost universal in the assessment of blunt chest trauma and multiple rib fractures. We hypothesized that three-dimensional (3D) CT adds valuable information to the preoperative plan for fixation of rib fractures. Using a retrospective cohort of 35 consecutive adult patients with flail chest requiring surgery, we evaluated the intraobserver and interobserver reliability of plain radiographs, 2D CT and 3D CT, for the identification of rib fractures and identified how often the surgical plan changed with the addition of the information provided by the 3D CT. Two fellowship-trained orthopedic trauma surgeons who regularly operate on rib fractures in their clinical practice and were not involved in the treatment of the study population evaluated the radiographic data. Intraobserver and interobserver reliability was excellent for both 2D CT and 3D CT and was the highest for 2D CT. Overall, 2D CT had the highest diagnostic accuracy for detecting rib fractures as compared with plain radiographs and 3D CT. However, 3D CT changed the surgical tactic in 65.7% of the cases. We conclude that 3D CT is not as accurate as 2D CT for rib fracture diagnostic purposes; it seems to be an important tool for the preoperative planning of rib fracture fixation. Diagnostic study, level II.

Development and validation of a prognostic model to predict death in patients with traumatic bleeding, and evaluation of the effect of tranexamic acid on mortality according to baseline risk: a secondary analysis of a randomised controlled trial

Severe bleeding accounts for about one-third of in-hospital trauma deaths. Patients with a high baseline risk of death have the most to gain from the use of life-saving treatments. An accurate and user-friendly prognostic model to predict mortality in bleeding trauma patients could assist doctors and paramedics in pre-hospital triage and could shorten the time to diagnostic and life-saving procedures such as surgery and tranexamic acid (TXA). The aim of the study was to develop and validate a prognostic model for early mortality in patients with traumatic bleeding and to examine whether or not the effect of TXA on the risk of death and thrombotic events in bleeding adult trauma patients varies according to baseline risk. Multivariable logistic regression and risk-stratified analysis of a large international cohort of trauma patients. Two hundred and seventy-four hospitals in 40 high-, medium- and low-income countries. We derived prognostic models in a large placebo-controlled trial of the effects of early administration of a short course of TXA [Clinical Randomisation of an Antifibrinolytic in Significant Haemorrhage (CRASH-2) trial]. The trial included 20,127 trauma patients with, or at risk of, significant bleeding, within 8 hours of injury. We externally validated the model on 14,220 selected trauma patients from the Trauma Audit and Research Network (TARN), which included mainly patients from the UK. We examined the effect of TXA on all-cause mortality, death due to bleeding and thrombotic events (fatal and non-fatal myocardial infarction, stroke, deep-vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism) within risk strata in the CRASH-2 trial data set and we estimated the proportion of premature deaths averted by applying the odds ratio (OR) from the CRASH-2 trial to each of the risk strata in TARN. For the stratified analysis according baseline risk we considered the intervention TXA (1 g over 10 minutes followed by 1 g over 8 hours) or matching placebo. For the prognostic models we included predictors for death in hospital within 4 weeks of injury. For the stratified analysis we reported ORs for all causes of death, death due to bleeding, and fatal and non-fatal thrombotic events associated with the use of TXA according to baseline risk. A total of 3076 (15%) patients died in the CRASH-2 trial and 1705 (12%) in the TARN data set. Glasgow Coma Scale score, age and systolic blood pressure were the strongest predictors of mortality. Discrimination and calibration were satisfactory, with C-statistics > 0.80 in both CRASH-2 trial and TARN data sets. A simple chart was constructed to readily provide the probability of death at the point of care, while a web-based calculator is available for a more detailed risk assessment. TXA reduced all-cause mortality and death due to bleeding in each stratum of baseline risk. There was no evidence of heterogeneity in the effect of TXA on all-cause mortality (p-value for interaction = 0.96) or death due to bleeding (p= 0.98). There was a significant reduction in the odds of fatal and non-fatal thrombotic events with TXA (OR = 0.69, 95% confidence interval 0.53 to 0.89; p= 0.005). There was no evidence of heterogeneity in the effect of TXA on the risk of thrombotic events (p= 0.74). This prognostic model can be used to obtain valid predictions of mortality in patients with traumatic bleeding. TXA can be administered safely to a wide spectrum of bleeding trauma patients and should not be restricted to the most severely injured. Future research should evaluate whether or not the use of this prognostic model in clinical practice has an impact on the management and outcomes of trauma patients.

Predicting early death in patients with traumatic bleeding: development and validation of prognostic model

Objective To develop and validate a prognostic model for early death in patients with traumatic bleeding.Design Multivariable logistic regression of a large international cohort of trauma patients.Setting 274 hospitals in...

Emergency thoracotomy as a rescue treatment for trauma patients in Iceland

ObjectiveEmergency thoracotomy (ET) can be life-saving in highly selected trauma patients, especially after penetrating chest trauma. There is little information on the outcome of ET in European trauma centres. Here we report our experience in Iceland. Material and methodsThis was a retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent ET in Iceland between 2005 and 2010. Patient demographics, mechanism, and location of major injury (LOMI) were registered, together with signs of life (SOL), the need for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and transfusions. Based on physiological status from injury at admission, the severity score (ISS), revised trauma score (RTS), and probability of survival (PS) were calculated. ResultsOf nine ET patients (all males, median age 36years, range 20–76) there were five long-term survivors. All but one made a good recovery. There were five blunt traumas (3 survivors) and four penetrating injuries (2 survivors). The most frequent LOMI was isolated thoracic injury (n=6), but three patients had multiple trauma. Thoracotomy was performed in five patients, sternotomy in two, and two underwent both procedures. One patient was operated in the ambulance and the others were operated after arrival. Median ISS and NISS were 29 (range 16–54) and 50 (range 25–75), respectively. Median RTS was 7 (range 0–8) with estimated PS of 85% (range 1–96%). Median blood loss was 10L (range 0.9–55). A median of 23 units of packed red blood cells were transfused (range 0–112). For four patients, CPR was required prior to transport; two others required CPR in the emergency room. Three patients never had SOL and all of them died. ConclusionET is used infrequently in Iceland and the number of patients was small. More than half of them survived the procedure. This is especially encouraging considering how severely injured the patients were.

Trauma research forum

Trauma research forum

The use of twin-ring Ilizarov external fixator constructs: application and biomechanical proof-of principle with possible clinical indications

BackgroundIn peri- or intra-articular fractures of the tibia or femur, the presence of short metaphyseal bone fragments may make the application of an Ilizarov external fixator (IEF) challenging. In such cases, it may be necessary to bridge the adjacent joint in order to ensure stable fixation. The twin-ring (TR) module of circular external fixation is proposed as an alternative method that avoids joint bridging, without compromising stability of fixation. The aim of this study is to present the experimental tests performed to compare the biomechanical characteristics of the single- and TR IEF modules. The clinical application of the TR module in select patients is also presented and the merits of this technique are discussed.MethodsIn this experimental study, the passive stiffness and stability of the single-ring (SR) and twin-ring (TR) IEF modules were tested under axial and shear loading conditions. In each module, two perpendicular wires on the upper surface and another two wires on the lower surface of the rings were used for fixation of the rings on plastic acetal cylinders simulating long bones.ResultsIn axial loading, the main outcome measure was stiffness and the SR module proved stiffer than the TR. In shear loading, the main outcome measure was stability, the TR module proving more stable than the SR.DiscussionThe TR configuration, being stiffer in shear loading, may make joint bridging unnecessary when an IEF is applied. If it is still required, TR frames allow for an earlier discontinuation of bridging; either case is in favour of a successful final outcome.ConclusionThe application of the TR module has led to satisfactory clinical outcomes and should be considered as an alternative in select trauma patients treated with an IEF. Biomechanically, the TR module possesses features which enhance fracture healing and at the same time obviate the need for bridging adjacent joints, thereby significantly reducing patient morbidity.

Lactate Is a Better Predictor than Systolic Blood Pressure for Determining Blood Requirement and Mortality: Could Prehospital Measures Improve Trauma Triage?

Standard hemodynamic evaluation of patients in shock may underestimate severity of hemorrhage given physiologic compensation. Blood lactate (BL) is an important adjunct in characterizing shock, and point-of-care devices are currently available for use in the prehospital (PH) setting. The objective of this study was to determine if BL levels have better predictive value when compared with systolic blood pressure (SBP) for identifying patients with an elevated risk of significant transfusion and mortality in a hemodynamically indeterminant cohort. We selected trauma patients admitted to a level I trauma center over a 9-year period with SBP between 90 and 110 mmHg. The predictive capability of initial emergency department (ED) BL for needing > or =6 units packed RBCs within 24 hours postinjury and mortality was compared with PH-SBP and ED-SBP by comparing estimated area under the receiver operator curve (AUC). We identified 2,413 patients with ED-SBP and 787 patients with PH-SBP and ED-BL. ED-BL was statistically better than PH-SBP (p = 0.0025) and ED-SBP (p < 0.0001) in predicting patients who will need > or = 6 U packed RBCs within 24 hours postinjury (AUC: ED-BL, 0.72 vs PH-SBP, 0.61; ED-BL, 0.76 vs ED-SBP, 0.60). ED-BL was also a better predictor than both PH-SBP (p = 0.0235) and ED-SBP (p < 0.0001) for mortality (AUC: ED-BL, 0.74 vs PH-SBP, 0.60; ED-BL, 0.76 vs ED-SBP, 0.61). ED-BL is a better predictor than SBP in identifying patients requiring significant transfusion and mortality in this cohort with indeterminant SBP. These findings suggest that point-of-care BL measurements could improve trauma triage and better identify patients for enrollment in interventional trials. Further studies using BL measurement in the PH environment are warranted.

Omission of routine chest x-ray after chest tube removal is safe in selected trauma patients

Background Definitive practice guidelines regarding the utility of chest x-ray (CXR) following chest tube removal in trauma patients have not been established. The authors hypothesized that the selective use of CXR following chest tube removal is safe and cost effective. Methods A retrospective review of chest tube insertions performed at a level I trauma center was conducted. Results Patients who underwent chest tube removal without subsequent CXR had a lower mean Injury Severity Score and were less likely to have suffered penetrating thoracic injuries. These patients received fewer total CXRs and had shorter durations of chest tube therapy and shorter lengths of stay following tube removal. Subsequent reinterventions were performed more frequently in the CXR group. The annual decrease in hospital charges by foregoing a CXR was $16,280. Conclusions The selective omission of CXR following chest tube removal in less severely injured, nonventilated patients does not adversely affect outcomes or increase reintervention rates. Avoiding unnecessary routine CXR after chest tube removal could provide a significant reduction in total hospital charges.

Effects of poloxamer 188 on human PMN cells

Poloxamer 188 (P188), a nonionic block copolymer chemical surfactant known to have cytoprotective, rheologic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-thrombotic activity, has shown promise in the management of selected trauma patients. We studied human PMN oxidative burst and adhesion molecule expression when exposed to P188. After RBC lysis of whole blood samples, white blood cell components were primed with phosphotidylcholine, primed and activated with fMLP, primed and activated with PMA, or left unstimulated. Each group was treated with vehicle or P188 (0.005-15 mg/ml concentrations). Flow cytometry quantified: (1) PMN superoxide anion production and (2) PMN marker expression of CD11b and L-selectin. Among non-PMA activated PMNs, P188 increased superoxide anion production. PMA-activated PMNs decreased superoxide anion production, proportional to P188 dose. Among fMLP-activated PMNs, the highest P188 dose increased the expression of CD11b. Among PMA-activated PMNs, decreased CD11b expression was seen for the mid-range doses. PMNs altered their oxidative burst and marker expression after exposure to P188. When used at lower doses, P188 may increase the oxidative burst response and, when used at very high doses, increase CD11b expression. However, if PMNs are in a maximally activated state, a higher dose of P188 may decrease the oxidative burst response and decrease CD11b expression.