Journal of the American College of Surgeons
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Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality for critically injured trauma patients. The Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) practice guideline is the most up-to-date classification for AKI. The aims of this study were to determine the incidence and risk factors for AKI in critically injured trauma patients using the current KDIGO definitions. ⋯ Using current KDIGO criteria, the incidence of AKI in critically injured trauma patients was higher than previously reported. Older patients, with more severe injuries to their extremities and chest and who have suffered crush injuries, appear to be the most a risk. AKI in the critically injured patient results in an almost 5-fold increase in mortality.
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Observational Study
Clinical Decision Support Intervention and Time to Imaging in Older Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the leading cause of elderly trauma admissions. Previous research identified that each minute delay to TBI diagnosis was associated with a 2% mortality increase, delaying treatment to older patients (age ≥70 years) who do not meet trauma activation criteria. A TBI protocol and clinical decision support intervention (CDS-I) were developed to reduce time to imaging in older patients with head trauma not meeting trauma activation criteria. ⋯ A significant proportion of older patients receiving anticoagulation, but not meeting trauma activation criteria, had positive CT findings. Implementation of a rapid triage protocol with CDS-I reduced time to imaging and may reduce mortality in the highest-risk populations.
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Washington State experienced the first major outbreak of COVID-19 in the US and despite a significant number of cases, has seen a relatively low death rate per million population compared with other states with major outbreaks, and has seen a substantial decrease in the projections for healthcare use, that is, "flattening the curve." This consensus report seeks to identify the key factors contributing to the effective health system disaster response in western WA. ⋯ Based on the lessons learned in each of the areas identified by the panel, 11 recommendations are provided to support the healthcare system disaster response in managing future outbreaks.