Injury
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An abnormal shock index (SI) is associated with greater injury severity among children with trauma. We sought to empirically-derive age-adjusted SI cutpoints associated with major trauma in children, and to compare the accuracy of these cutpoints to existing criteria for pediatric SI. ⋯ Age-adjusted SI cutpoints demonstrated a mild gain in sensitivity compared to existing measures. However, our findings suggest that the SI alone has a limited role in the identification of major trauma in children.
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There is a global surge in blast injuries, which are associated with high morbidity and mortality. To our knowledge, there are no guidelines for the management of blast injuries in the trauma bay. ⋯ Blast injuries present unique challenges in management and demand a multidisciplinary approach and specialized resources. We present an algorithm for terror- and combat-related blast injuries treated in our trauma bay. The step-by-step procedures may be applicable to any blast injury sustained under variable conditions.
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The majority of patients hospitalised for trauma survive their injuries, with the quality of the survival potentially influenced by early acute hospital rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to review the outcomes of patients managed under an intensive Allied Health Model of Care (AHMOC) compared to a baseline cohort. ⋯ This study shows an association between an AHMOC for trauma patients with a focus on early and intensive therapy and improved odds of discharge directly home, as well as improved 12 month return to work outcomes.
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The elderly population is growing worldwide and is more likely to die from injuries that younger patients would likely survive. Furthermore, elderly trauma patients are often subjected to triage decisions that admit them to lower-level facilities. These patients may require interhospital transfer to a major trauma center for definitive care. The aim of this study was to investigate the time interval from arrival at the primary hospital to arrival at the trauma center among elderly trauma patients (≥65 years) as compared to younger, adult patients (18-64 years). We hypothesized that elderly trauma patients would endure a longer time interval. ⋯ In conclusion, elderly trauma patients experienced significantly longer median delays from arrival at the primary hospital to arrival at the trauma center compared to younger adult trauma patients. The elderly trauma patients met the quality standard for transfer time at a lower rate than the younger group.
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Survivors of a major trauma experience a range of difficulties in relation to the reduction in physical, psychosocial, and cognitive functions, which can result in a reduced health-related quality of life. This study aims to explore lived experiences of major trauma survivors in the German healthcare system. ⋯ These results might offer a deepened understanding of modifiable components of a patient pathway in recovery process such as improvements of patient communication, provision of a contact person and others.