Trauma Population Research Articles

Development and validation of prediction models for prehospital triage of military trauma patients.

The introduction of wireless sensors will enable military care providers to continuously and remotely assess/monitor vital signs. Prediction models are needed to use such data adequately and aid military care providers in their on-scene decision-making to optimise prehospital triage and improve patient outcomes. A prospective cohort comprising data from eight Emergency Medical Services and seven inclusive trauma regions was used to develop and validate prediction models that could aid military care providers in their prehospital triage decisions. Healthy (American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification 1 or 2) admitted adult trauma patients (aged ≥16 and ≤50 years), who suffered from a trauma mechanism that could occur to military personnel and were transported by ambulance from the scene of injury to a hospital, were included. A full model strategy was used, including prehospital predictors that are expected to be automaticly collectible by wireless sensors or to be incorporated in a personalised device that could run the models. Models were developed to predict early critical-resource use (ECRU), severe head injury (Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) ≥4), serious thoracic injury (AIS ≥3) and severe internal bleeding (>20% blood loss). Model performance was evaluated in terms of discrimination and calibration. Prediction models were developed with data from 4625 patients (80.0%) and validated with data from 1157 patients (20.0%). The models had good to excellent discriminative performance for the predicted outcomes in the validation cohort, with an area under the curve of 0.80 (95% CI 0.76 to 0.84) for ECRU, 0.83 (0.76 to 0.91) for severe head injury, 0.75 (0.70 to 0.80) for serious thoracic injury and 0.85 (0.78 to 0.93) for severe internal bleeding. All models showed satisfactory calibration in the validation cohort. The developed models could reliably predict outcomes in a simulated military trauma population and potentially support prehospital care providers in their triage decisions.

Extended Prophylactic Antibiotics in Penetrating Neck Aerodigestive Injuries Are Not Associated with Improved Outcomes.

Background: Literature currently supports the limited use of prophylactic antibiotics within the trauma population. However, data supporting limited (≤24 h) or extended (>24 h) use in penetrating aerodigestive neck injuries is lacking. We sought to describe the role of prophylactic antibiotics in this population and hypothesized there was no reduction in complications for patients on extended prophylactic antibiotics. Methods: Using a single-center trauma registry, patients with penetrating aerodigestive neck injuries were identified over a 5-year period. Demographics, injuries, management, and prophylactic antibiotic utilization were collected. Patients were stratified by the utilization of extended prophylactic antibiotics. Outcomes included infection, leak, reinterventions, and mortality. Results: Of 436 patients with penetrating neck injuries, 72 (17%) patients were identified with aerodigestive injuries. Forty-one (57%) patients received extended (>24 h) prophylactic antibiotics, whereas 31 (43%) received limited (≤24 h) prophylactic antibiotics. There was no difference in the patient demographics or injury severity score between the two groups. Extended prophylactic antibiotic use was associated with higher rates of infection (22% vs. 3%, p = 0.036) and leak (15% vs. 0%, p = 0.034) and no difference in reintervention (20% vs. 3%, p = 0.068) or mortality (10% vs. 13%, p = 0.719) compared with limited prophylactic antibiotics. Median duration of extended antibiotic use was 7 days. Operative intervention was equivalent across extended prophylactic antibiotics and limited antibiotics groups (59% vs. 58%, p = 0.968). Conclusions: There is insufficient evidence to support the extended (>24 h) use of prophylactic antibiotics in patients with penetrating neck aerodigestive injuries.

The Role of Screening for Venous Thromboembolism in Pelvic Trauma Patients: A Single-Centre Retrospective Study

Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a severe complication following pelvic trauma. Thromboprophylaxis has reduced the risk of VTE in the pelvic trauma population; nevertheless, the risk remains high. A substantial pulmonary embolism has emerged as the unexpected cause of death among patients presenting with ‘minor pelvic fractures’. The purpose of this study was to analyse the single-centre experience with a surveillance protocol. We hypothesised that DVT surveillance with VUS and CTPA may reduce the perioperative mortality–morbidity rate in the subpopulation of patients with pelvic or acetabular fractures. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of patients admitted with pelvic or acetabular fractures between January 2001 and December 2021. In April 2013, a screening protocol for VTE was introduced. This protocol included venous ultrasound and CTPA for patients with chest injuries. Patients from two groups—one screened for VTE and one without screening—were compared. Results: Of the 3186 patients with pelvic and/or acetabular fractures who were admitted, 1975 were not screened for VTE and 1211 underwent screening. There were more VTE cases in the screening group (5.62% vs. 0.86%, p < 0.001). Nine (0.46%) cases of sudden death occurred in the non-screening group, and all of them died with symptoms of acute PE. Since the screening was introduced, we have not encountered any deaths in the perioperative period (0.46 vs. 0, p = 0.02). Conclusions: The combined use of VUS and CTPA in chest-injured patients is a trustworthy means of screening for VTE, resulting in decreased mortality rates for those with pelvic and acetabular fractures by accurately diagnosing VTE during the perioperative phase.

The Clinical Value of Computed Tomography of Facial Bone Injuries in Pediatric Trauma Patients.

Head trauma is responsible for significant morbidity and mortality in the pediatric trauma population. There are validated guidelines which indicate the necessity for computed tomography of the head (CTH), but the indication for a dedicated CT of the facial bones (CTF) is less clear. We sought to identify our population of head trauma patients who would clinically benefit from the addition of CTF. Using the electronic medical record, pediatric trauma patients who underwent CTH and/or CTF from 2016 to 2021 were identified. We collected information on demographics, traumatic mechanism, subspecialty consultation, and operative and procedural interventions. 2117 pediatric patients were evaluated. A total of 372 patients received CTH and 173 patients received both CTH + CTF. Patients with CTH + CTF were older (P < 0.001), involved in high-velocity blunt trauma (P < 0.001), and had a longer length of stay (P < 0.001). There were no fractures identified in 73 (42.2%) patients with both CTH + CTF. Of patients with fractures, there were 204 fractures identified and 73.0% (149/204) of fractures were seen on both the CTH + CTF. There were 19.6% (40/204) read only on CTF and 10 patients (5.7%) had a fracture requiring intervention. 8 of the 10 fractures requiring operative intervention were mandibular bone fractures. Computed tomography of the head can be used as a screening tool for facial fractures. A negative CTH can eliminate the need for additional radiation from a CTF. Computed tomography of the facial bones will identify more fractures, but few requiring intervention. We suggest that CTF be limited to a subset of pediatric trauma patients with facial injury.

Prehospital Reverse Shock Index Times Glasgow Coma Scale as a Predictor for Trauma Intervention in Paediatric Trauma Patients

BackgroundPrevious studies have identified the reverse shock index x Glasgow Coma Scale (rSIG) as a tool for predicting the need for trauma intervention in pediatric patients. This study sought to investigate the utility of prehospital rSIG as a triage tool to predict the need for trauma-center level of care in a large pediatric cohort. MethodsData from the American College of Surgeons National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB) (2018–2020) were used. Patients aged 1–18 with valid values for prehospital systolic blood pressure (EMS SBP), prehospital heart rate (EMS HR), and EMS total GCS, were included. Prehospital rSIG was calculated as (EMS SBP/EMS HR) x EMS total GCS. Abnormal values for rSIG were defined as: ≤13.1, ≤16.5, and ≤20.1 for patients aged 1–6, 7–12, and 13–18, respectively. Injury severity was determined by Injury Severity Score (ISS). ISS 1–8 represented minor injury, 9–15 moderate injury, and 16 severe injury. Rates of hemorrhage control surgery, embolization, transfusion at 4 hours, mechanical ventilation, ICU stay 3 days, and mortality was compared between patients with abnormal vs. normal prehospital rSIG. Results120,941 patients were included in the analysis; 60269 (49.8 %) had an abnormal prehospital rSIG. Patients with abnormal prehospital rSIG had significantly higher rates of 1 trauma intervention (23.3 % vs 8.3 %, p < 0.0001) and mortality (2.7 % vs 0.1 %, p < 0.0001). When stratified by injury severity, rates of 1 trauma intervention were significantly higher for patients with abnormal prehospital rSIG in minor (2.8 % vs. 1.5 %, p < 0.0001), moderate (18.9 % vs 10.5 %, p < 0.0001), and severe injury (69.8 % vs 43.1 %). ConclusionPrehospital rSIG appears to be an independent predictor of both trauma intervention and mortality, regardless of injury severity, in the pediatric trauma population. Use of prehospital rSIG may prove useful in triage situations, particularly mass casualty incidents, to determine need for trauma-center care.

Practice variation in venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in adolescent trauma patients: A comparative analysis of pediatric, adult, and mixed trauma centers

IntroductionAdolescent trauma patients are at increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). It is unclear whether VTE prophylaxis practice patterns differ across trauma center types. MethodsThe ACS-TQP database was queried for patients aged 12-17 admitted to a pediatric, adult, or mixed level I/II trauma center. VTE prophylaxis was compared between center types. Preplanned subgroup analyses were performed to evaluate guideline adherence. ResultsOf 101,010 patients included, 35 ​% were treated at a pediatric trauma center (PTC), 43 ​% at a mixed trauma center (MTC), and 22 ​% at an adult trauma center (ATC). VTE prophylaxis was more common at ATCs and MTCs compared to PTCs (51.0 ​% vs 24.9 ​% vs 5.0 ​%,p ​< ​0.001). This trend persisted in subgroup analyses of patients aged 16–17 (63.8 ​% vs 40.5 ​% vs 6.4 ​%,p ​< ​0.001) and with injury severity score greater than 25 (83.8 ​% vs 74.0 ​% vs 35.1 ​%,p ​< ​0.001). ConclusionVTE prophylaxis is administered more frequently to adolescent trauma patients treated at ATCs and MTCs compared to PTCs despite published guidelines. Prospective studies are needed to assess the clinical utility of VTE prophylaxis in the adolescent trauma population.

Evaluation of the Geriatric Trauma Outcome Score (GTOS) as a Prognostic Tool in Intensive Care Unit Trauma Patients.

Existing prognostic scoring systems for intensive care unit (ICU) trauma patients require extensive data collection. The Geriatric Trauma Outcome Score (GTOS), which is based on age, injury severity, and transfusion need, has been validated for predicting mortality in elderly patients with trauma; however, its utility in the general ICU trauma population remains unexplored. This retrospective study included 2952 adult ICU trauma patients admitted between 2016 and 2021. The GTOS was calculated as follows: age + (Injury Severity Score × 2.5) + 22 (if transfused within 24 h). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was used to assess GTOS's ability to predict mortality. The optimal GTOS cutoff was determined using Youden's index. Mortality rates were compared between the high and low GTOS groups, including a propensity score-matched analysis adjusted for baseline characteristics. This study included 2952 ICU trauma patients, with an overall mortality rate of 11.0% (n = 325). GTOS demonstrated good predictive accuracy for mortality (AUROC 0.80). The optimal cutoff was 121.8 (sensitivity, 0.791; specificity, 0.685). Despite adjustments, patients with GTOS ≥ 121.8 had significantly higher mortality (17.4% vs. 6.2%, p < 0.001) and longer hospital stays (20.3 vs. 15.3 days, p < 0.001) compared to GTOS < 121.8. GTOS showed a reasonable ability to predict mortality in ICU trauma patients across all ages, although not as accurately as more complex ICU-specific models. With its simplicity, the GTOS may serve as a rapid screening tool for risk stratification in acute ICU trauma settings when combined with other data.

The Association of Calcium Derangements With 24-Hour Outcomes in the Deployed Combat Setting.

Calcium derangements remain poorly characterized in the combat trauma population. We describe the incidence of emergency department (ED) calcium derangements, associated physiologic derangements, and 24-hour mortality from the deployed combat setting. We analyzed adult casualties from 2007 to 2023 from the DoD Trauma Registry for U.S. military, U.S. contractor, and coalition casualties that had at least 1 ionized calcium value documented in the ED at a Role 2 or Role 3 military treatment facility. We constructed a series of multivariable logistic regression models to test for the association of hypocalcemia and hypercalcemia with physiological derangements, blood product consumption, and survival. Vital signs and other laboratory studies were based on the concurrent ED encounter. There were 941 casualties that met inclusion for this analysis with 26% (245) having at least 1 calcium derangement. Among those, 22% (211) had at least 1 episode of hypocalcemia and 5% (43) had at least 1 episode of hypercalcemia in the ED. The vast majority (97%, 917) received calcium at least once. Median composite injury severity scores were lower among those with no calcium derangement (8 versus 17, P < .001). Survival was higher during the total hospitalization (98% versus 93%) among those with calcium derangements but similar at 24 hours (99% versus 98%, P = .059). After adjusting for confounder, any hypocalcemic measurement was associated with an elevated international normalized ratio (odds ratio 1.94, 95% CI 1.19-3.16), acidosis (1.66, 1.17-2.37), tachycardia (2.11, 1.42-3.15), hypotension (1.92, 1.09-3.38), depressed Glasgow coma scale (3.20, 2.13-4.81), elevated shock index (2.19, 1.45-3.31), submassive transfusion (3.97, 2.60-6.05), massive transfusion (4.22, 2.66-6.70), supermassive transfusion (3.65, 2.07-6.43), and all hospital stay mortality (2.30, 1.00-5.29). Comparatively, any hypercalcemic measurement was associated with acidosis (2.96, 1.39-6.32), depressed Glasgow coma scale (4.28, 1.81-10.13), submassive transfusion (3.40, 1.37-8.43), massive transfusion (6.25, 2.63-14.83), and supermassive transfusion (13.00, 5.47-30.85). Both hypocalcemia and hypercalcemia in the ED were associated with physiological derangements and blood product use, with a greater extent observed in those with hypocalcemia compared to those with hypercalcemia. Prospective studies are underway to better explain and validate these findings.

Implementation of a Speech-Language Pathologist–Led Tracheostomy Team in a Level 1 Trauma Hospital

Purpose: Cited benefits of a tracheostomy team include reduction in adverse events, length of stay (LOS), and hospital costs. However, there is a lack of research regarding the implementation and benefits of a speech-language pathologist (SLP)-led tracheostomy team. Our goal is to evaluate the effect of an SLP-led tracheostomy team in trauma patients. Method: An SLP-led tracheostomy team was implemented in the trauma service at Hospital Corporations of America Florida Kendall Hospital as a quality improvement project. Data were collected from January 1, 2021, to August 31, 2022. Patients were divided into a pre-tracheostomy team cohort, which served as a historical control, and a post-tracheostomy team cohort. SLP consult, days to SLP consult, Passy-Muir Valve (PMV) use, days to PMV, oral diet, days to start oral diet, downsizing the tracheostomy tube, days to downsize, decannulation, days to decannulation, and LOS were the outcome measures of interest. Pearson's chi-square and Mann–Whitney tests were used to evaluate for a significant difference ( p &lt; .05) between the pre-tracheostomy team cohort and the post-tracheostomy team cohort. Results: Ninety-one patients were included in the final analysis (36 pre-tracheostomy team cohort, 55 post-tracheostomy team cohort). Pre-tracheostomy team and post-tracheostomy team cohorts were grossly similar ( p &gt; .05) in age, sex, and primary admission diagnosis. We found an increase in SLP consultation (58.3%–89.1%, p &lt; .001), PMV utilization (44.4%–67.3%, p = .031), and decannulation (8.3%–30.9%, p = .011). Days to SLP consult decreased when comparing pre-tracheostomy team to post-tracheostomy team cohorts from 6 to 2, respectively ( p &lt; .001). Conclusions: Our approach of placing the SLP in the leading role is novel. After implementation of an SLP-led tracheostomy team, we saw improved outcomes of tracheostomy patients in the trauma population. SLPs should be included as integral members and potential leaders of tracheostomy teams based on their experience and expertise in tracheostomized patient care.

The Reciprocal Relationship Between Social Support in Bereavement and Posttraumatic Growth-A Random Intercept Cross-Lagged Analysis.

Social support can promote posttraumatic growth (PTG) in the general trauma population. However, evidence on the reciprocal predictive relationship between social support and PTG is lacking, particularly among the bereaved. In this longitudinal study, we surveyed 181 adults who had lost first-degree relatives within 1 year at three intervals, each 6 months apart. The study utilized The Scale of Social Support in Bereavement (SSB), which distinguishes four domains of social support for the bereaved: living support, economic support, grief processing and emotion restoration. Additionally, The Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) was used to measure PTG. Random intercepts cross-lagged panel model analyses revealed that social support and PTG were positively correlated at each time point at the within-person level. Moreover, at the within-person level, the total social support, as well as social support in the restoration-oriented domains at Time 2, positively predicted PTG at Time 3, but this relationship was not observed for grief processing support. Additionally, PTG at Time 1 positively predicted the receipt of emotion restoration support at Time 2 at the within-person level. The mutual influence between PTG and social support, as well as the differential relationship between types of support and PTG, enriches our understanding of ways to promote positive changes among the bereaved. The findings underscore the importance of restoration-oriented social support for bereaved individuals in facilitating PTG.

Analysis of emergency resuscitative thoracotomy in the combat setting

IntroductionEmergency resuscitative thoracotomy (ERT) is a resource-intensive procedure that can deplete a combat surgical team’s supply and divert attention from casualties with more survivable injuries. An understanding of survival after...

Are We Imaging Gently in Indiana? A System-Wide Population-Based Study of Chest CT Use in the Pediatric Trauma Population.

Over the past decade, there has been a significant effort to decrease radiation exposure in pediatric trauma patients. The objective of this study was to determine if trauma centers (TCs) and nontrauma centers (non-TCs) are practicing in line with this effort. We hypothesized that TCs would demonstrate a significant decrease in the use of chest computed tomography (CT) during the study period, whereas non-TC would show no change in chest CT use. We queried a state-wide database from 2010 to 2020 for pediatric trauma encounters at TCs and non-TCs within a single large health system. All transfer encounters were excluded. Chest CTs and chest radiographs (CXRs) were performed, and injury diagnosis codes were extracted for each encounter. Chest CT use and incidence of thoracic injuries were compared between TCs and non-TCs. A total of 13,014 encounters were included, of which 85.8% occurred at TCs and 14.2% occurred at non-TCs. There were significant differences between TC and non-TC encounter demographics. During the study period, the percentage of trauma encounters in which chest CT was obtained increased yearly at both TCs and non-TCs. Among encounters where both modalities were performed in the first 24 hours, chest CT was performed before CXR in 0.4% of TC and 0.1% of non-TC encounters (P = 0.086). Among encounters without thoracic injury, chest CT was performed in 5.2% of cases at non-TCs and 4.5% of cases at TCs (P < 0.001). In the trauma encounters studied, chest CT was performed prior to CXR more frequently at TCs compared to non-TCs. These data may reflect regional trauma triage protocols, availability of chest CT, or differences in education between institutions. Whereas TCs may see more severely injured patients more frequently, education regarding conservative CT imaging principles should be reinforced through multidisciplinary efforts.

Hyperoxaemia in acute trauma is common and associated with a longer hospital stay: a multicentre retrospective cohort study

BackgroundTrauma poses a significant global health challenge. Despite advancements in the management of severely injured patients, (poly)trauma continues to be a primary contributor to morbidity and mortality worldwide. In the context of trauma resuscitation, supplemental oxygen is commonly administered generously as suggested by guidelines. Yet, it remains uncertain whether the trauma population might derive advantages from a more conservative approach to supplemental oxygen.MethodsIn this retrospective cohort study from two Swiss trauma centers, severely injured adult (> 16 years) trauma patients with an Injury Severity Score (ISS) ≥ 16 were divided into four groups according to the first blood gas analysis taken: hypoxaemia (PaO2 < 10.7 kPa/80 mmHg), normoxaemia (PaO2 10.7–16.0 kPa/80–120 mmHg), which served as reference, moderate hyperoxaemia (PaO2 > 16.0–40 kPa/120–300 mmHg) and severe hyperoxaemia (PaO2 > 40 kPa/300 mmHg). The primary outcome was 28-day mortality. Length of hospital stay (LOS) and length of intensive care unit stay (LOS-ICU) were analyzed as secondary outcomes.ResultsOf 1,189 trauma patients, 41.3% had hyperoxaemia (18.8% with severe hyperoxaemia) and 19.3% had hypoxaemia. No difference was found for 28-day mortality (hypoxaemia: 15.7%, normoxaemia: 14.1%, hyperoxaemia: 13.8%, severe hyperoxaemia: 16.0%, p = 0.846). Patients with severe hyperoxaemia had a significant prolonged LOS (median 12.5 [IQR 7–18.5] days vs. 10 [7–17], p = 0.040) and extended LOS-ICU (3.8 [1.8–9] vs. 2 [1–5] days, p = 0.149) compared to normoxaemic patients. In multivariable analysis, oxygen group was not associated with the primary outcome 28-day mortality or LOS-ICU. Severe hyperoxaemia patients had a tendency towards longer hospital stay (adjusted coefficient 2.23 days [95% CI: − 0.32; 4.79], p = 0.087).ConclusionHyperoxaemia was not associated with an increased 28-day mortality when compared to normoxaemia. However, both moderate and severe hyperoxaemia is frequently observed in trauma patients, and the presence of severe hyperoxaemia showed a tendency with extended hospital stay compared to normoxaemia patients. Robust randomized controlled trials are imperative to thoroughly evaluate the potential correlation between hyperoxaemia and outcomes in trauma patients .Trial Registration Retrospectively registered.

The different paradigms of NK cell death in patients with severe trauma

Lymphocyte decline, particularly the depletion of NK cells, is a prominent feature of immunosuppression following severe tissue injury, heightening the susceptibility of severe trauma patients to life-threatening infections. Previous research indicates that the reduction in the number of NK cells is closely associated with the process of cell death. Nonetheless, the precise mechanism of NK cell death remains unknown. Here, we discovered that following severe traumatic injury, NK cells undergo several cell death pathways, dominated by apoptosis and pyroptosis with coexistence of necrotic cell death, immunogenic cell death, ferroptosis, and autophagy. These NK cells with different paradigms of death have diverse cytokine expression profiles and diverse interactions with other immune cells. Further exploration revealed that hypoxia was strongly associated with this diverse paradigm of NK cell death. Detailed investigation of paradigms of cell death may help to enhance comprehension of lymphopenia post-severe trauma, to develop new strategy in preventing immunosuppression, and then to improve outcome for severe trauma population.

Prevalence of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) examined in the trauma population

BackgroundPrevious data on the prevalence of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) vary widely, and studies based on these data are plagued with unintentional bias. Accurate prevalence data are paramount for any...

Challenges of perioperative pain control in opioid use disorder patients following intramedullary nail fixation.

Outcomes of patients with opioid use disorder undergoing elective procedures have been well studied, but research is lacking in the orthopaedic trauma population. The aim was to compare perioperative pain and morphine equivalents required by patients with versus without opioid use disorder following intramedullary nail fixation of femoral or tibial fractures. We conducted a retrospective review of all patients with isolated femoral or tibial diaphyseal fractures treated with intramedullary nail fixation. Outcomes were compared between patients with diagnosed opioid use disorder and controls without, including daily morphine equivalents and patient-reported pain scores. Patients with opioid use disorder (n = 42) required greater morphine equivalents and reported higher pain than controls (n = 42) at all time points but did not differ in change of morphine equivalents over the perioperative period. This highlights the challenge of perioperative pain control in this population and need for improved specific pain management protocols.

Psychometric properties of the 23-Item Clinician Administered Dissociative States Scale (CADSS) in a psychological trauma population

ObjectiveDissociative symptoms are both a pathological consequence of exposure to psychological trauma as well as a side effect of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist medications; therefore, accurate and valid assessment of these symptoms is important. The psychometric properties of the 23-item Clinician Administered Dissociative States Scale (CADSS) have been characterized in the ketamine and esketamine literatures. Here, we examine its performance in a sample with and without posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and a history of exposure to psychological trauma. MethodsParticipants with a history of psychological trauma with (N = 148) and without (N = 100) the diagnosis of PTSD and healthy participants without a psychiatric disorder or history of trauma (N = 28) were assessed with the 23-item CADSS and other psychometric and neuropsychological assessments. Analyses were performed to examine internal consistency, convergent and discriminant validity, factor structure, differential performance in populations reported to be more or less likely to report dissociative symptoms (e.g., patients with and without PTSD), and sensitivity to change resulting from exposure to trauma-related sights and sounds. ResultsThe 23-item CADSS was found to have high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha 0.91) and a single-factor structure. CADSS total scores in trauma-exposed participants with PTSD were higher than those in trauma-exposed participants without PTSD and non-traumatized non-PTSD participants. Finally, veterans with Iraq combat-related PTSD showed a significant increase in CADSS total score after exposure to combat-related slides and sounds. ConclusionThe 23-item CADSS, already validated as a tool to measure dissociation related to administration of NMDA receptor antagonist medication, performs in a reliable and valid manner in the assessment of dissociation in psychologically traumatized participants.

71533 - Epidemiology of the Trauma Population and Trauma-related Mortality at the Karolinska University Hospital over a 5-year period (2018-2022)

71533 - Epidemiology of the Trauma Population and Trauma-related Mortality at the Karolinska University Hospital over a 5-year period (2018-2022)

CORR Insights®: Gunshot Trauma Patients Have Higher Risk of PTSD Compared With Blunt Trauma and Elective Populations: A Retrospective Comparative Study of Outpatient Orthopaedic Care.

CORR Insights®: Gunshot Trauma Patients Have Higher Risk of PTSD Compared With Blunt Trauma and Elective Populations: A Retrospective Comparative Study of Outpatient Orthopaedic Care.

Trauma promotes heparan sulfate modifications and cleavage that disrupt homeostatic gene expression in microvascular endothelial cells.

Introduction: Heparan sulfate (HS) in the vascular endothelial glycocalyx (eGC) is a critical regulator of blood vessel homeostasis. Trauma results in HS shedding from the eGC, but the impact of trauma on HS structural modifications that could influence mechanisms of vascular injury and repair has not been evaluated. Moreover, the effect of eGC HS shedding on endothelial cell (EC) homeostasis has not been fully elucidated. The objectives of this work were to characterize the impact of trauma on HS sulfation and determine the effect of eGC HS shedding on the transcriptional landscape of vascular ECs. Methods: Plasma was collected from 25 controls and 49 adults admitted to a level 1 trauma center at arrival and 24h after hospitalization. Total levels of HS and angiopoietin-2, a marker of pathologic EC activation, were measured at each time point. Enzymatic activity of heparanase, the enzyme responsible for HS shedding, was determined in plasma from hospital arrival. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used to characterize HS di-/tetrasaccharides in plasma. In vitro work was performed using flow conditioned primary human lung microvascular ECs treated with vehicle or heparinase III to simulate human heparanase activity. Bulk RNA sequencing was performed to determine differentially expressed gene-enriched pathways following heparinase III treatment. Results: We found that heparanase activity was increased in trauma plasma relative to controls, and HS levels at arrival were elevated in a manner proportional to injury severity. Di-/tetrasaccharide analysis revealed lower levels of 3-O-sulfated tetramers with a concomitant increase in ΔIIIS and ΔIIS disaccharides following trauma. Admission levels of total HS and specific HS sulfation motifs correlated with 24-h angiopoietin-2 levels, suggesting an association between HS shedding and persistent, pathological EC activation. In vitro pathway analysis demonstrated downregulation of genes that support cell junction integrity, EC polarity, and EC senescence while upregulating genes that promote cell differentiation and proliferation following HS shedding. Discussion: Taken together, our findings suggest that HS cleavage associated with eGC injury may disrupt homeostatic EC signaling and influence biosynthetic mechanisms governing eGC repair. These results require validation in larger, multicenter trauma populations coupled with in vivo EC-targeted transcriptomic and proteomic analyses.