Injury
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Trauma centres vary in their approaches to managing stable patients with anterior abdominal stab wounds (AASWs), with no approach yet proven superior. We sought to evaluate the performance of screening laparoscopy (i.e., parietal peritoneal penetration or not) in determining which patients should undergo laparotomy. ⋯ Screening laparoscopic evaluation of the parietal peritoneum results in a negligible rate of missed injury and an approximately 40% rate of finding an injury requiring treatment.
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The purpose of this study was to determine the effective dose of radiation due to computed tomography (CT) scans in paediatric trauma patients at a level 1 Canadian paediatric trauma centre. We also explored the indications and actions taken as a result of these scans. ⋯ CT is a significant source of radiation in paediatric trauma patients. Clinicians should carefully consider the indications for each scan, especially when performing non-resuscitation scans. There is a need for evidence-based treatment algorithms to assist clinicians in selecting appropriate imaging for patients with severe multisystem trauma.
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Obesity increases the incidence of mortality in trauma patients. Current Advanced Trauma Life Support guidelines recommend using a 5-cm catheter at the second intercostal (ICS) space in the mid-clavicular line to treat tension pneumothoraces. Our study purpose was to determine whether body mass index (BMI) predicted the catheter length needed for needle thoracostomy. ⋯ As BMI increases, there is a direct correlation to increasing CWT. This information could be used to quickly select an appropriate needle length for needle thoracostomy. The average patient in our study would require a catheter length of 6-6.5 cm to successfully decompress a tension pneumothorax. There are not enough regionally available data to define the needle lengths needed for needle thoracostomy. Further study is required to assess the feasibility and safety of using varying catheter lengths.
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Obesity is a growing problem in industrial nations. Our aim was to examine how overweight patients coped with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) after polytrauma. ⋯ A higher BMI seemed to be protective for these patients with polytrauma-associated inflammatory problems.
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Warfarin is increasingly prescribed in the elderly population for a number of medical conditions. Pre-tibial haematomas are a common cause of morbidity in this group. The aim of the study was to identify the proficiency of INR monitoring at a primary care level in correlation with their recommended INR range and to study the treatment outcome in this group. ⋯ Average cost for the acute episode was £3500 per patient. INR levels were significantly outwith the target range causing substantial patient morbidity and imposing a significant financial burden on the NHS. Tighter regulation at a primary care level should help reduce this risk.