Injury
-
The diagnosis of penetrating isolated diaphragmatic injuries can be challenging because they are usually asymptomatic. Diagnosis by chest X-ray (CXR) is unreliable, while CT scan is reported to be more valuable. This study evaluated the diagnostic ability of CXR and CT in patients with proven DI. ⋯ Radiologic diagnosis of DI is unreliable. CT scan is much more sensitive than CXR. Laparoscopic evaluation should be considered liberally, irrespective of radiological findings.
-
The purpose of this study was to identify the clinical features of posttraumatic benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (t-BPPV) in traumatically injured patients, investigating the effectiveness of the early diagnosis and management including canalith repositioning procedures (CRPs). ⋯ Severity of trauma and longer duration of ICU treatment were factors delaying BPPV management. This delay could negatively affect the progress of t-BPPV. Diagnostic and therapeutic maneuvers including CRPs should be performed as early as possible, even in severely injured patients.
-
Uncontrolled bleeding is the primary cause of death in complex liver trauma and perihepatic packing is regularly utilized for hemorrhage control. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a novel inflatable device (the airbag) for perihepatic packing using a validated liver injury damage control model in swine. ⋯ The pressurized airbag was significantly more effective at controlling hepatic hemorrhage and improving hemodynamics than the traditional sponge pack technique. Rebleeding after perihepatic packing removal was negligible with the pressurized airbag and it did not provoke hepatic injury.
-
Mechanical ventilation of trauma patients is common, and many will require a higher than normal fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) to avoid hypoxaemia. The primary objective of this study was to assess the association between FiO2 and all-cause, one-year mortality in intubated trauma patients. ⋯ A fraction of inspired oxygen above 60% for more than 2 hours during the first 24 hours of admission was associated with increased mortality in intubated trauma patients in a duration-dependent manner. However, given the limitations of this retrospective study, the findings need to be confirmed in a larger, randomized set-up.
-
Alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) is an uncommon occurrence in trauma victims. However, the syndrome can cause a prolonged hospital stay. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to develop and validate the risk factors of AWS so that interventions can be applied to high-risk patients. ⋯ Approximately 1.4% of the trauma victims developed AWS. Certain patient demographic and comorbidity characteristics, and head injury have a higher risk of developing of AWS.