J Trauma
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Contrast-enhanced helical computed tomographic (CT) scan of blunt abdominal trauma is valuable for detecting contrast material extravasation (CME). The aims of this study were to determine its significance and investigate factors associated with the choice, time, and outcome of management. ⋯ Termination of observational therapy was appropriate for trauma patients who had CME and systolic blood pressure < 100 mm Hg. The coexistence of a flat inferior vena cava and CME was associated with early intervention treatment. Despite early intervention, the mortality rate was 18.8%. High ISS and multiple abdominal injuries were important factors, but the risk of dying from uncontained extraperitoneal CME was 82 times the risk of dying from intraperitoneal CME.
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Interventional angiography has been used as a less invasive alternative to surgery to control hemorrhage resulting from trauma. This retrospective study analyzed the role of interventional radiology in patients requiring damage control laparotomy. ⋯ Angiography before damage control laparotomy may be indicated to control retroperitoneal pelvic hemorrhage in hemodynamically unstable patients who have insufficient intraperitoneal blood loss to account for their hemodynamic instability. Angiography after damage control laparotomy should be considered when a nonexpanding, inaccessible hematoma is found at operation in a patient with a coagulopathy.
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Hemorrhage is a leading cause of death from trauma. An advanced hemostatic dressing could augment available hemostatic methods. We studied the effects of a new chitosan dressing on blood loss, survival, and fluid use after severe hepatic injury in swine. ⋯ A chitosan dressing reduced hemorrhage and improved survival after severe liver injury in swine. Further studies are warranted.
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The development of trauma systems reduces preventable mortality and the measurement of standardized complications creates further opportunity for improvement in morbidity. The annual incidence of complications in a trauma population has been previously reported but the frequency change over time in a single institution is not well studied. ⋯ This data suggests that most complications have a finite threshold despite the use of a stable trauma staff, implementation of standardized protocols, and emphasis on consistency of practice. Further reductions will require new research for disease-related treatment and new strategies for consistency and error reduction rather than our current models of continuous quality improvement.
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The guidelines for Level I trauma center verification require 1,200 admissions per year. Several studies looking at the relationship between hospital volume and outcomes after injury have reached conflicting conclusions. The goal of our study was to examine the relationship between patient volume and outcomes (mortality and length of hospital stay) in California's trauma centers. ⋯ In our study, hospital volume was not a good proxy for outcome. Low-volume centers appeared to have outcomes that were comparable to centers with higher volumes. Perhaps institutional outcomes rather than volumes should be used as a criterion for trauma center verification.