American journal of surgery
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Age, total burn surface area (TBSA), and inhalation injury are proven predictors of mortality and morbidity following burn injury. Most previous studies have also found that African Americans and females with burns also fare worse. We sought to determine whether these disparities were reduced when burn victims were analyzed separately by categories of insurance coverage. ⋯ African American males with burn injury are at increased risk of mortality regardless of insurance coverage, and most females are at increased risk regardless of race. Analyzing the reasons for these disparities will require databases containing more complete comorbidity, socioeconomic, and/or hospital data.
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The efficacy of antibiotics in appendicitis remains controversial, and physicians are not confident in prescribing antibiotics as the first line treatment. This network meta-analysis was conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of individual antibiotics in uncomplicated appendicitis. ⋯ Appendectomy is still the most effective treatment in uncomplicated appendicitis but it carries complications. Beta-lactamase, might be an alternative treatment if there are any contraindications for operation.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
The effect of mupirocin dressings on postoperative surgical site infections in elective colorectal surgery: A prospective, randomized controlled trial.
Surgical site infections (SSIs) are the most common nosocomial infection among surgical patients. We hypothesized that mupirocin ointment would decrease SSI rates compared to standard surgical dressings in patients undergoing colorectal surgery. ⋯ Mupirocin (2%) ointment failed to show a benefit compared to standard dressings for postoperative SSI.
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Multicenter Study
Determining the impact of culture on venous thromboembolism prevention in trauma patients: A Southwestern Surgical Congress Multicenter trial.
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) remains one of the principal causes of morbidity and death in trauma patients that survive the first 24 h. Recent literature on VTE prevention focuses on choice of chemoprophylaxis, specifically unfractionated heparin (UFH) versus low molecular weight heparin (LMWH). This singular focus on a multifactorial process may be inadequate to fully understand the optimal approach to VTE prevention. We hypothesized that variations in care between trauma centers could be used to identify key components of VTE prevention associated with better outcomes. ⋯ Considerable variation in VTE chemoprophylaxis exists among trauma centers. "Best practices" in this area requires further investigation. An expectation of mobility and investment in mobility resources may serve to decrease VTE rates in trauma patients compared to a singular focus on type of chemoprophylaxis administered.