J Trauma
-
Recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) was approved for treatment of hemorrhages in patients with hemophilia who develop inhibitors to factors VIII or IX. Conditions with increased thromboembolic risk, including trauma with or without disseminated intravascular coagulation, were considered a contraindication for the drug. The mechanism of action of rFVIIa suggests enhancement of hemostasis limited to the site of injury without systemic activation of the coagulation cascade. Therefore, use of the drug in trauma patients suffering uncontrolled hemorrhage appears to be rational. ⋯ The results of this report suggest that in trauma patients rFVIIa may play a role as an adjunctive hemostatic measure, in addition to surgical hemostatic techniques, and provides the motivation for controlled animal and clinical trials.
-
The modulation of polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) function by injury is unpredictable, and can predispose either to hyperimmune states (adult respiratory distress syndrome [ARDS], multiple organ failure) or to immune dysfunction, infection, and sepsis. Such outcomes have been related to excess production of the CXC chemokine interleukin (IL)-8, but PMN responses to IL-8 are mediated by both the relatively stable and IL-8 specific CXC receptor 1 (CXCR1) and the labile, promiscuous CXCR2. We hypothesized that progression to septic and multiple organ failure outcomes could be related to early differences in PMN CXC receptor status. ⋯ The activity of PMN CXCR2 receptors soon after injury may be reflected in the later clinical sequelae of PMN activity. High CXCR2 activity may correlate with PMN hyperfunction and outcomes such as ARDS, whereas the loss of CXCR2 function in inflammatory environments may impair PMN functions in a manner that predisposes to pneumonia or sepsis. Early responses of PMN CXC receptors to injury may influence the clinical course of trauma patients.
-
The aim of this prospective study was to estimate annual incidences of hospitalization for severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) (maximum Abbreviated Injury Score in the head region [HAIS] 4 or 5) in a defined population of 2.8 million. ⋯ This study shows a decrease in severe TBI incidence when results are compared with another study conducted 10 years earlier in the same region. This is because of a decrease in traffic accidents. However, this results in an increase in the proportion of falls in elderly patients and an increase in the median age in our patients. This increased age influences the mortality rate.
-
The widespread nature of alcohol-related motor vehicle collisions suggests inadequacies in the system for deterring alcohol use when driving. This study was performed to determine whether hospitalization is a component in a "system failure" that allows injured, alcohol-impaired drivers to escape arrest and conviction for driving under the influence (DUI). ⋯ These values are higher than those reported in previous studies and indicate that hospitalization does not "protect" injured, intoxicated drivers in our community.