Military medicine
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Rapidly changing hemodynamic conditions, such as uncontrolled hemorrhage and the resulting hypovolemic shock, are a common contributor to active duty military deaths. These conditions can cause cerebral desaturation, and outcomes may improve when regional cerebral oxygen saturation (CrSO2) is monitored using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and desaturation episodes are recognized and reversed. The purpose of this porcine study was to investigate the ability of NIRS monitoring to detect changes in regional cerebral and regional renal perfusion during hypovolemia, resuscitation by volume infusion, and vasoconstriction. ⋯ This study demonstrated that it is possible to restore CrSO2 by manipulating MAP with vasoconstriction, even in profound hypotension. However, MAP manipulation may result in unintended consequences for other organs, such as the kidney, if the tissue is not reoxygenated sufficiently. The clinical implications of these results and how best to respond to hypovolemia in the pre-hospital and hospital settings should be elucidated by additional studies.
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The U.S. Air Force implemented the Integrated Operational Support model, which involves embedding health care professionals within operational units to meet the health needs of the airmen. This study assessed the extent to which airmen sought out both traditional and embedded mental health services, as well as perceptions of factors that hinder or encourage health care-seeking behaviors. ⋯ Findings suggest that having mental health professionals integrated within the unit brings the care straight to the airmen and may reduce the stigma associated with airmen asking for help.
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When warfighters are unable to fight, they are formally removed from battle through temporary or permanent duty limitation profiles. This study uses a population-based data repository to characterize permanent behavioral health (BH)-related profiles across the army for an identified 2-year period. The absolute risk of a permanent duty limitation for specific BH categories was also examined. ⋯ Military regulations dictating medical readiness and retention standards reflect both the standards required for mission readiness and a layer of medical protection for the service member. This study provides important information on the relationship between a new BH diagnosis and the likelihood that a service member will be referred for a retirement evaluation.
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Chronic pain in a military population is prevalent, is costly, and can limit daily activities and affect soldier readiness. It has been associated with childhood adversity (CA) within the veteran, adult, and pediatric populations. Given the need to maximize soldier resiliency, an examination of the link between CA and chronic pain in an active duty population for a better understanding that informs treatment options is warranted. ⋯ Overall, the findings suggest that childhood trauma should be considered by providers when treating depression and anxiety in soldiers with chronic pain. Being mindful of trauma-informed care may have implications, perhaps, for cases perceived as treatment resistant.
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The U.S. Military's Golden Hour policy led to improved warfighter survivability during the Global War on Terror. The policy's success is well-documented, but a categorical evaluation and stratification of medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) times based on combat injury is lacking. ⋯ Our data characterize the maximum MEDEVAC times associated with 0.1%, 1%, and 10% increased risk of death from baseline survivability for penetrating battlefield neck trauma in Afghanistan.