J Trauma
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This study uses statistical predictive modeling and hierarchical cluster analyses to examine inflammatory mediators and cells in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) as putative biomarkers in rats with blunt trauma lung contusion (LC), gastric aspiration (combined acid and small gastric food particles, CASP), or a combination of the two. ⋯ These results support the possibility that inflammatory biomarker profiles could be developed in the future to improve the diagnosis and management of trauma patients with unwitnessed (occult) gastric aspiration who have an increased risk of clinical acute lung injury or the acute respiratory distress syndrome.
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Massive transfusion (MT) protocols improve survival in patients with exsanguinating hemorrhage. Both the increased plasma to red blood cells (RBC) and platelets to RBC ratios, and the "protocolization" of product delivery seem to be critical components of the reduction in mortality. The purpose of this study was to identify the incidence and impact of MT protocol noncompliance and to intervene in provider-related events associated with poor compliance and outcomes. ⋯ Early activation of a MT protocol and achieving predefined ratios was associated with improved survival. ED activation and direct blood bank notification by the trauma attending were associated with a reduction in blood product wastage. A multidisciplinary PI process helps to identify provider/specialty noncompliance and to assess the impact of these factors, and it was associated with improvement in compliance and MT outcomes over time.
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Review Case Reports
Dyskalemia following head trauma: case report and review of the literature.
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Discussion still remains which polytraumatized patients require radiologic thoracolumbar spine (TL spine) screening. The purpose of this study is to determine whether pelvic fractures are associated with TL spine fractures after a blunt trauma. Additionally, the sensitivity of conventional TL spine radiographs and pelvic radiographs (PXRs) is evaluated. ⋯ Our data suggest that a pelvic fracture is not a predictor for clinically relevant TL spine fractures. Furthermore, our data confirm the superior sensitivity of CT for detecting TL spine injury and pelvic fractures.