J Trauma
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The purpose of this study was to describe a blinded intra-aortic balloon occlusion (IABO) procedure in pelvic fractures (PF) for patients with critically uncontrollable hemorrhagic shock (CUHS). ⋯ This IABO procedure can be life saving in the management of patients with CUHS from PF, permitting transport to angiography. However, the decision for such treatment must be as quickly as possible after trauma to reduce the time of occlusion.
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Thromboembolic events are potentially devastating sources of morbidity in trauma patients. With increasing experience and the introduction of retrievable devices, there has been a renewed interest in inferior vena cava (IVC) filters in trauma patients. ⋯ Retrievable IVC filters in trauma patients are safe, but complications do occur with thrombosis being the most common. Retrieval has a high technical success rate when attempted. However, a significant number of trauma patients are lost to follow-up and this may impact the utilization of retrievable filters in this patient population.
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The management of unstable pelvic ring injuries is complex. Displacement is a clear indication for surgical intervention. However, reduction of acute pain after stabilization may have substantial clinical benefits and affect management decisions. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of operative fixation of unstable pelvic ring injuries in diminishing acute pain. ⋯ Operative reduction and fixation of unstable pelvic ring injuries significantly decreases acute pain. This has substantial physiologic benefits, particularly by improving mobilization, and should be an additional factor when determining surgical indication and timing.
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Patients with traumatic injuries possess a high risk of developing deep venous thrombosis (DVT), thus the need for appropriate prophylaxis. Patients with head injuries pose a unique challenge due to contraindication to the use of anticoagulation. We sought to determine the incidence of DVT and identify specific risk factors for its development in patients with head injuries. ⋯ DVT occurs in one third of moderately to severely brain injured patients. Isolated head injuries have a lower incidence. Older age, male gender, higher ISS, and the presence of a lower extremity injury are strong predictors for developing DVT. Regular screening and the use of prophylactic inferior vena cava filters in patients with risk factors should be strongly considered.
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The reduced vascular reactivity after severe trauma or shock played an important role in the development and outcome of shock. Our previous study showed that protein kinase C (PKC) took part in the regulation of vascular reactivity after hemorrhagic shock. The objective of this study was to investigate the protective effects of activation of PKC on hemorrhagic shock and its related mechanism. ⋯ Activation of PKC has protective effects on hemorrhagic shock. The mechanism is related not only to its hemodynamic stabilization effect via improving vascular reactivity and calcium sensitivity but also to its effect on improving the perfusion and mitochondrial function of vital organs.