J Trauma
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The purpose of this study was to assess the utility of two levels of hyperglycemia as predictors for mortality and infectious morbidity in traumatically injured patients. ⋯ Hyperglycemia independently predicts increased intensive care unit and hospital length of stay and mortality in the trauma population. It is associated with increased infectious morbidity. These associations hold true for mild hyperglycemia (glucose concentration > 135 mg/dL) and moderate hyperglycemia (glucose concentration > 200 mg/dL).
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Using a standardized model of uncontrolled hemorrhagic shock induced by massive splenic injury (MSI), we compared bolus infusion of Ringer's lactate (RL) and hypertonic saline (HTS), combined with splenectomy, to continuous infusion of these solutions and splenectomy in rats. ⋯ Continuous infusion of RL combined with splenectomy was followed by significantly less bleeding than bolus infusion of RL and improved survival time compared with untreated animals. Continuous HTS infusion and bolus infusion of HTS with splenectomy resulted in minimal blood loss and improved survival compared with untreated animals. No significant difference in blood loss or survival time was observed between bolus and continuous HTS infusion.
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Comparative Study
Human polymorphonuclear cell death after exposure to resuscitation fluids in vitro: apoptosis versus necrosis.
Resuscitation fluids can have variable effects on key functions of circulating polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) such as oxidative burst, chemotaxis, and bacterial killing. We hypothesized that choice of resuscitation fluids will also affect the rate of PMN apoptosis. To test this, we studied cellular death (apoptosis and necrosis) in human PMNs after brief exposure to different hypertonic and isotonic fluids. ⋯ Hypertonic fluids and dextran decrease human polymorphonuclear cell survival through necrotic and apoptotic pathways, respectively.
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Comparative Study
Pelvic fractures in pediatric and adult trauma patients: are they different injuries?
Many aspects of pediatric trauma are considerably different from adult trauma. Very few studies have performed comprehensive comparisons between pediatric and adult pelvic fractures. The purpose of this study was to compare the incidence of pelvic fracture, the epidemiologic characteristics, type of associated abdominal injuries, and outcomes between pediatric (age 16 years) patients. ⋯ Pediatric trauma patients are significantly less likely than adults to suffer pelvic fractures, although the age group is not a significant risk factor for the severity of pelvic fracture. The incidence of associated abdominal injuries is high and similar in the two age groups. Motor vehicle crash, fall from a height, and pelvis AIS score >/= 4 were significant predictors of associated abdominal injuries in the adult but not the pediatric patients. The need for blood transfusion is similar in both groups irrespective of Injury Severity Score and pelvis AIS score. The mortality resulting from exsanguination related to pelvic fractures is very low, especially in pediatric patients.