Injury
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
Gender differences in outcome in patients with hypotension and severe traumatic brain injury.
Animal studies have identified hormonal influences on responses to injury and recovery, creating a potential gender effect on outcome. Progesterone and oestrogen are thought to afford protection in the immediate post-injury period, suggesting females have an advantage, although there has been limited evidence of this in human outcome studies. ⋯ The study provides no evidence that females fare better than males following severe TBI, suggesting rather that females may fare worse.
-
Missed injury in the context of major trauma remains a persistent problem, both from a clinical and medico-legal point-of-view. Estimates of the incidence vary widely, dependent on the precise parameters of the studied population, the definition of missed injury and the extent of follow-up, but may be as high as 38%. The tertiary survey, in which formal repeated examination of the patient is undertaken after initial resuscitation and treatment have taken place, has been suggested as a way of identifying injuries not found at presentation. This paper appraises the concept of the tertiary survey, and also reviews the literature on missed injury in order to identify the risk factors, the types of injury and the reasons for error.
-
To evaluate the prevalence of the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) among blunt trauma patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) and to determine if ARDS is associated with higher mortality, morbidity and worse discharge outcome. ⋯ The presence of ARDS was not associated with higher mortality or worse discharge disability. It was, however, associated with higher hospital morbidity, longer ICU and hospital length of stay.
-
Posttraumatic empyema increases patient morbidity, mortality and length of hospital stay, and the cost of treatment. The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors for posttraumatic empyema and to review our treatment outcomes in patients with this condition. ⋯ Prolonged duration of tube thoracostomy and length of intensive care unit stay, and the presence of contusion, laparotomy and retained haemothorax are independent predictors of posttraumatic empyema. Use of prophylactic antibiotics may be recommended in patients with these risk factors.
-
This review examines pleural decompression and drainage during initial hospital adult trauma reception and resuscitation, when it is indicated for haemodynamically unstable patients with signs of pneumothorax or haemothorax. The relevant historical background, techniques, complications and current controversies are highlighted. Key findings of this review are that: 1. ⋯ Drainage and insertion of a chest tube is a secondary priority. 3. Techniques to prevent tube thoracostomy (TT) complications include aseptic technique, avoidance of trocars, digital exploration of the insertion site and guidance of the tube posteriorly and superiorly during insertion. 4. Whenever possible, blunt thoracic trauma patients should undergo definitive CT imaging after TT to check for appropriate tube position.