Journal of orthopaedic trauma
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(a) To determine the incidence and risk factors for the development of pulmonary embolism in orthopaedic trauma patients and (b) to determine whether prophylactic vena cava filters are efficacious against pulmonary edema in high-risk patients. ⋯ Minimal morbidity was related to prophylactic vena cava filter insertion. There was a significant (p < 0.04); (Fisher's exact) decrease in the incidence of pulmonary embolism in the orthopaedic trauma population as a whole after the use of prophylactic vena cava filters. Follow-up ultrasound showed a 1 and 2-year inferior vena cava patency rate of 93.6% +/- 6.2% by life table analysis. We conclude that selected use of prophylactic vena cava filters in orthopaedic trauma is safe and decreases the incidence of pulmonary embolism.
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To determine whether allogeneic red blood cell transfusion is a predictor for developing an in-hospital postoperative urinary tract, respiratory, or wound infection. ⋯ Geriatric hip fracture patients who receive allogeneic red blood cell transfusions are at higher risk for developing a postoperative urinary tract infection than are those patients who are not transfused.