J Trauma
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Sepsis is increasing in hospitalized patients. Our purpose is to describe its current epidemiology in a general surgery (GS) intensive care unit (ICU) where patients are routinely screened and aggressively treated for sepsis by an established protocol. ⋯ In general surgery ICU patients, sepsis is predominantly caused by intra-abdominal infection. Multiple BODs are present in severe sepsis and septic shock but are notably advanced in septic shock. Despite aggressive sepsis screening and treatment, septic shock remains a morbid condition.
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Brain tissue oxygenation (PbtO2)-guided management facilitates treatment of reduced PbtO2 episodes potentially conferring survival and outcome advantages in severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). To date, the nature and effectiveness of commonly used interventions in correcting compromised PbtO2 in TBI remains unclear. We sought to identify the most common interventions used in episodes of compromised PbtO2 and to analyze which were effective. ⋯ Clinicians use a limited number of interventions when correcting compromised PbtO2. Using strategies employing many interventions administered closely together may be less effective in correcting PbO2, ICP, and CPP deficits. Some PbtO2 deficits may be self-limited.
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Past studies suggest that airway pressure release ventilation (APRV) is associated with reduced sedative requirements and increased recruitment of atelectatic lung, two factors that might reduce the risk for ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). We investigated whether APRV might be associated with a decreased risk for VAP in patients with pulmonary contusion. ⋯ Use of APRV in patients with pulmonary contusion is associated with a reduced risk for VAP.
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The outcome of open Lisfranc injuries has been reported infrequently. Should these injuries be managed as closed injuries and is their outcome different? ⋯ In open Lisfranc injuries, multiple K wire fixation should be considered especially in the presence of comminution and soft tissue loss. Although anatomic reduction is always not obtained, the treatment principles should include adequate debridement, maintaining alignment with multiple K wires, and obtaining early soft tissue cover. There is a high incidence of fusion across tarsometatarsal joints.