J Trauma
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Review Multicenter Study
Bladder rupture after blunt trauma: guidelines for diagnostic imaging.
The purpose of this study was to establish guidelines for diagnostic imaging for bladder rupture in the blunt trauma victim with multiple injuries, in whom the delay caused by unnecessary testing can hamper the trauma surgeon and threaten outcome. ⋯ The classic combination of pelvic fracture and gross hematuria constitutes an absolute indication for immediate cystography in blunt trauma victims. Existing data do not support lower urinary tract imaging in all patients with either pelvic fracture or hematuria alone. Clinical indicators of bladder rupture may be used to identify atypical patients at higher risk. Patients with isolated hematuria and no physical signs of lower urinary tract injury may be spared the morbidity, time, and expense of immediate cystographic evaluation.
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Abnormal hemostasis is associated with many of the complications of trauma-associated morbidity and mortality. Platelets are integral in the maintenance of hemostasis. ⋯ Severe injury usually results in increased platelet activation and function. However, the combination of increased platelet activation with decreased function was associated with increased mortality.
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The Burn Specific Health Scale (BSHS) is an outcome scale designed specifically for burn patients. The scale has been abbreviated (BSHS-A) and revised (BSHS-R). We used a factor analytic approach to further improve the scale for clinical use. ⋯ The BSHS-B is a valid but shorter alternative to the previously described BSHS-A. Important domains of postburn distress are captured better in the BSHS-B than in the BSHS-R.
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Submersion victims are frequently considered at high risk for cervical spine (C-spine) injury regardless of whether they sustain a traumatic injury. We hypothesized that C-spine injury is unlikely in submersion victims who do not sustain high-impact injuries. ⋯ Submersion victims are at risk for C-spine injury only if they have also sustained a traumatic injury. Routine C-spine immobilization does not appear to be warranted solely on the basis of a history of submersion.