Injury
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Adequate pre-operative analgesia for elderly patients with femoral neck fractures is difficult to assess and is often an overseen aspect of their care. We aimed to assess the efficacy of fascia iliaca blocks inserted via plexus blockade catheters in the pre-operative period. Our simple technique allowed the block to be administered safely without the need for a nerve stimulator. ⋯ Visual analogue scores also score improved significantly from 7.2 to 4.6 (S. D. 2.4) in the 18 patients without cognitive impairment. We conclude that fascia iliaca blocks can provide significant benefit in the pre-operative period and allow patients to sit up more comfortably while they await surgery.
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Recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) is a novel haemostatic agent originally developed to treat bleeding in haemophiliacs. Several case reports suggest effectiveness of rFVIIa in the treatment of patients without pre-existing bleeding disorders. The aim of this study is to evaluate treatment with recombinant (rFVIIa) in blunt trauma patients with uncontrolled bleeding. ⋯ Treatment with rFVIIa reduced or stopped bleeding in all patients. No adverse events were registered. Prospective studies are mandatory to elucidate the role of rFVIIa in blunt trauma.