Eur J Trauma Emerg S
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Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Aug 2012
Early access to rehabilitation for paediatric patients with traumatic brain injury.
Paediatric major trauma centres are being developed in the UK. As a paediatric unit within a large regional hospital that is co-located with a neurosciences centre, we conducted this study to establish what inpatient rehabilitation service is offered to patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). It is known that early rehabilitation improves prognosis. ⋯ Many children who were admitted with TBI did not have access to early rehabilitation.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Aug 2012
Quality of life after multiple trauma: validation and population norm of the Polytrauma Outcome (POLO) chart.
Due to an increasing number of survivors after multiple injuries in Western countries, the health-related quality of life (QoL) is considered to be an important outcome parameter. Up to now, measuring instruments used in this field lacked validity and comparability. Within 6 years, our working group developed a new modular instrument, called the Polytrauma Outcome (POLO) chart. This study documents the validation of the trauma-specific module specifically designed for trauma patients, the Trauma Outcome Profile (TOP). ⋯ The TOP module is a reliable and valid instrument to assess health-related QoL in patients with multiple injuries. It can be used stand-alone or as part of the POLO chart together with the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS), the EuroQoL and the SF-36 as a regular systematic follow-up instrument.
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Femoral vessel injuries are amongst the most common vascular injuries admited in busy trauma centers. The evolution of violence and the increase in penetrating trauma from the urban battlefields of city streets has raised the incidence of femoral vessel injuries, which account for approximately 70% of all peripheral vascular injuries. ⋯ Similarly, they incur low mortality but are associated with significantly high morbidity. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are the keys to successful outcomes with the main goals of managing ischemia time, restoring limb perfusion, accomplishing limb salvage and instituting rehabilitation as soon as possible.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Aug 2012
Sigmoid volvulus treated by resection and primary anastomosis: urgent and elective conditions as risk factors for postoperative morbidity and mortality.
Sigmoid volvulus is a major cause of intestinal obstruction. The aim of this study is to analyze urgent and elective conditions as risk factors for morbidity and mortality regarding sigmoid colon resection and primary anastomosis in patients with sigmoid volvulus. ⋯ Sigmoid colon resection plus primary anastomosis-related morbidity and mortality rates were similar in patients who were operated on under urgent and elective conditions, and who maintained good general condition.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Aug 2012
Iliac vessel injuries: difficult injuries and difficult management problems.
Injury to the iliac vessels poses a serious and frustrating treatment dilemma for all trauma surgeons. Generally, patients present in profound shock secondary to severe hemorrhage from either iliac arterial, venous, or combined injuries. Despite improvements in our emergency medical services (EMS), rapid transport, standard training of trauma surgeons, and improved technology, the morbidity and mortality from iliac vessel injuries remain high, ranging from 25 to 40 %. ⋯ Injuries to the iliac vessel remain a daunting task, even after great advances in anatomic injury grading and damage control as well as advances in surgical techniques and critical care. Despite all the advances in treatment and appropriate management strategies, the morbidity and mortality from iliac vessel injuries remain high, demonstrating the complex challenge their treatment presents to even the modern-day trauma surgeon.