World journal of surgery
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World journal of surgery · Aug 2015
Comorbidity-Polypharmacy Score as Predictor of Outcomes in Older Trauma Patients: A Retrospective Validation Study.
Traditional injury severity assessment is insufficient in estimating the morbidity and mortality risk for older (≥45 years) trauma patients. Commonly used tools involve complex calculations or tables, do not consider all comorbidities, and often rely on data that are not available early in the trauma patient's hospitalization. The comorbidity-polypharmacy score (CPS), a sum of all pre-injury medications and comorbidities, was found in previous studies to independently predict morbidity and mortality in this older patient population. However, these studies are limited by relatively small sample sizes. Consequently, we sought to validate previous research findings in a large, administrative dataset. ⋯ This study confirms that CPS is an independent predictor of all-cause morbidity and mortality in older trauma patients. However, CPS was not independently associated with need for discharge to a facility. Prospective multicenter studies are needed to evaluate the use of CPS as a predictive and interventional tool, with special focus on correlations between specific pre-existing conditions, pharmacologic interactions, and morbidity/mortality patterns.
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World journal of surgery · Aug 2015
Comparative StudyLevel of Evidence Analysis for the Latest German National Guideline on Treatment of Patients with Severe and Multiple Injuries and ATLS.
Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS®) is one of the world's best-known training programs for medical providers. Revisions of the ATLS manual have been evidence based for a number of years. In 2011, a level 3 (S3) evidence- and consensus-based guideline on the treatment of patients with severe and multiple injuries was published in Germany. The scope of this study was the systematic comparison of the educational content of the ATLS concept and the interdisciplinary "S3 polytrauma guideline." ⋯ According to our comparison, the educational content and manual of the ATLS are largely compatible with a high level of evidence S3 guideline. However, subsequent editions of both the ATLS® and the S3 guideline should re-examine and reassess a number of aspects.
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World journal of surgery · Aug 2015
Observational StudyThe Effect of β-blockade on Survival After Isolated Severe Traumatic Brain Injury.
Several North American studies have observed survival benefit in patients exposed to β-blockers following traumatic brain injury (TBI). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of β-blockade on mortality in a Swedish cohort of isolated severe TBI patients. ⋯ β-blocker exposure after isolated severe traumatic brain injury is associated with significantly improved survival. We also noted decreased mortality in patients on pre-admission β-blocker therapy compared to patients naive to such treatment. Further prospective studies are warranted.
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World journal of surgery · Aug 2015
Pediatric First Aid Practices in Ghana: A Population-Based Survey.
Children in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) often receive care outside the formal medical sector. Improving pre-hospital first aid has proven to be highly cost-effective in lowering trauma mortality. Few studies in LMIC have examined home first aid practices for injured children. ⋯ While most caregivers were aware of helpful first aid practices to administer for a child injury, many parents also described potentially harmful practices or delays in seeking medical attention. As parents are the de facto first responders to childhood injury, there are opportunities to strengthen pre-hospital care for children in LMICs.