Eur J Trauma Emerg S
-
Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Aug 2011
The value of clinical examination in diagnosing pelvic fractures in blunt trauma patients: a brief review.
To evaluate the value of a pelvic X-ray compared to clinical examination in diagnosing pelvic ring fractures, using computed tomography (CT) as the gold standard, in alert [Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) ≥ 13] adult blunt trauma patients in the emergency room. ⋯ In alert blunt trauma patients, pelvic X-ray only has additional diagnostic value for the detection of pelvic ring fractures if the clinical examination is positive. Pelvic X-ray should not be performed if the clinical examination is negative. In this manner, the expenditure of time, costs, and radiation are optimized.
-
Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Aug 2011
Therapeutic and interventional endoscopy for gastrointestinal bleeding.
Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding remains a common clinical problem encountered by every emergency room and trauma physician. Endoscopy remains the main approach to the diagnosis and therapy of GI bleeding. ⋯ This is the first review paper dedicated to endoscopic therapy for bleeding involving any part of the luminal GI tract (i.e., esophagus, stomach, small bowel, and colon). Modern endoscopy permits the investigation and treatment of the majority of conditions affecting the entire hollow GI tract.
-
Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Aug 2011
Health-related quality of life of survivors of penetrating trunk trauma in Johannesburg, South Africa.
To study how the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of survivors of penetrating trunk trauma (PTT) changes from pre-morbid status to 6 months after hospital discharge and to determine differences in the HRQOL between subjects ventilated for short and prolonged periods of time. To determine how the HRQOL of PTT survivors compares with that of a healthy control group in order to identify limitations imposed by critical illness. ⋯ Subjects who had higher morbidity and prolonged MV suffered from reduced HRQOL related to physical health for up to 6 months after discharge.
-
Gastrointestinal bleeding is a common life-threatening problem, causing significant mortality, costs and resource allocation. Its management requires a dynamic multidisciplinary approach that directs diagnostic and therapeutic priorities appropriately. ⋯ Management of gastrointestinal bleeding requires a dynamic multidisciplinary approach. The mentioned advances in management of hemorrhagic shock must be considered in resuscitation and monitoring of patients with GI bleeding.
-
Eur J Trauma Emerg S · Aug 2011
Radiographic techniques for the localization and treatment of gastrointestinal bleeding of obscure origin.
Acute gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) is an emergency with high mortality rates, which requires a quick localization and treatment of the bleeding site. In this article, we give a summary of the diagnostic and interventional treatment of acute GIB with an emphasis on radiological methods. ⋯ Managing obscure acute GIB remains a challenge. The best patient care is achieved with a multidisciplinary team of endoscopists, experienced surgeons, and interventional radiologists. If emergency endoscopy fails, a CTA has to be done, which is more sensitive than conventional angiography. Based on CTA findings, a decision must be made between TAE and surgical intervention.