J Trauma
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Anecdotally, laparoscopy has been used for the diagnosis and therapy of pediatric abdominal trauma, but only few studies have been published. We performed a systematic analysis of our experience concerning indications, procedures, and outcomes using laparoscopy in pediatric abdominal trauma patients. ⋯ Laparoscopy is useful in the management of the hemodynamically stable pediatric patient with abdominal trauma but may be less valuable in cases with delayed presentation. Many intraabdominal injuries are amenable to laparoscopic repair. In patients with penetrating trauma, laparoscopy avoided laparotomy is more likely than in those with blunt abdominal trauma. Laparoscopy is currently underutilized in the management of pediatric abdominal trauma.
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This study examined the effect of proximal humeral fractures on the age- and shoulder-specific prevalence of rotator cuff tears (RCTs) as well as the association with fracture severity, patient age, and clinical outcome. ⋯ RCTs may need special attention in initial diagnostics, management, and follow-up especially in severe proximal humeral fractures.
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Comparative Study
Scientific publications in critical care medicine journals from Chinese authors: a 10-year survey of the literature.
People of Chinese ethnicity are the largest population in the world. Critical care medicine in China is developing rapidly and has achieved great advances in recent 20 years. The research contribution in critical care medicine among Chinese individuals in the three major regions of China--Mainland (ML), Hong Kong (HK), and Taiwan (TW)--is unknown. ⋯ The total numbers of articles in China increased markedly from 1999 to 2008. TW published the most number of articles, clinical trials, and randomised controlled trials among the three regions. The Journal of Trauma was the most popular journal in the three regions.
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The impact on respiratory function of gunshot injuries to the chest is unknown. The objective is to assess pulmonary function and respiratory muscle strength (RMS) in patients who have recently sustained an isolated gunshot injury to the chest. ⋯ Lung volumes and RMS are decreased moderately to severely in patients who have sustained an isolated pulmonary gunshot wound. Expiratory muscle force generation is more severely affected than inspiratory muscle force. Further investigation of the long-term impact of these injuries on respiratory function is warranted.