Eur J Trauma Emerg S
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Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Feb 2013
The prognostic reliability of the Glasgow coma score in traumatic brain injuries: evaluation of MRI data.
To clarify the predictive power of the Glasgow coma score (GCS) after traumatic brain injury (TBI) and in the context of brain stem lesions. ⋯ We only recommend the use of the GCS for prognostic evaluation in a multidimensional model. Study protocols should contain additional brain stem function parameters (BCS, pupil condition, MRI).
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The relevance of abdominal vascular injuries in polytraumatic patients within a large collective has not yet been thoroughly analyzed. This study aimed at assessing the prevalence of traumatic injuries in relation to outcome and currently established treatment options. ⋯ The results presented here show the prevalence and outcome of abdominal vascular injuries in a large collective within the TR DGU for the first time. Based on the current literature and these findings, a treatment algorithm has been developed.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Feb 2013
Prehospital care in patients with severe traumatic brain injury: does the level of prehospital care influence mortality?
The controversy between the "scoop and run" versus the "stay and play" approach in severely injured trauma patients has been an ongoing issue for decades. The present study was undertaken to investigate whether changes in prehospital care for patients with severe traumatic brain injury in the Netherlands have improved outcome. ⋯ Despite more on-site ALS in severely head injured patients nowadays compared to the historic cohort, there was no reduction in mortality.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Feb 2013
Angiographic embolization in the treatment of arterial pelvic hemorrhage: evaluation of prognostic mortality-related factors.
The control of arterial bleeding associated with pelvic ring and acetabular fractures (PRAF) remains a challenge for emergency trauma care. The aim of the present study was to uncover early prognostic mortality-related factors in PRAF-related arterial bleedings treated with transcatheter angiographic embolization (TAE). ⋯ PRAF patients with exsanguinating bleeding from the large pelvic artery have the worst prognosis. Very low BE values (<-10.0 mmol/l) on admission for exsanguinating patients have a negative predictive value for survival, thus anticipating a poor outcome in bleeding controlled with TAE only and an increased risk of death. In critical cases, an aggressive bleeding control protocol prompts extraperitoneal pelvic packing prior to TAE. PRAF-related rupture of the external iliac artery is rare and indicates surgical techniques in controlling and restoring blood supply to the lower leg.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Feb 2013
Occult hemopneumothorax following chest trauma does not need a chest tube.
The increasing use of thoracic computed tomography (CT) in trauma patients has led to the recognition of intrapleural blood and air that are not initially evident on admission plain chest X-ray, defining the presence of occult hemopneumothorax. The clinical significance of occult hemopneumothorax, specifically the role of the tube thoracostomy, is not clearly defined. ⋯ Occult hemopneumothorax can be successfully managed without tube thoracostomy in most cases. Patients with a high ISS score, need for mechanical ventilation, and CT-detected blood collection measuring >1.5 cm increased the likelihood of need for tube thoracostomy. The size of the pneumothorax did not appear to be significant in determining the need for tube thoracostomy.