J Trauma
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Because subcutaneous and splanchnic oxygenation indices are sensitive indicators of evolving hemorrhagic shock and adequacy of resuscitation, we postulated that these indices might have an equivalent role in the monitoring of severely burned patients. This observational study was undertaken to examine changes in tissue oxygenation indices during burn resuscitation. ⋯ Despite adequate global indices of tissue perfusion after 36 hours of resuscitation, tissue monitoring indicated significant deterioration in the splanchnic circulation and in the normal and burnt skin.
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Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (FAST) is rapidly establishing its place in the evaluation of blunt abdominal trauma. However, no prospective study specifically evaluates its role in penetrating abdominal trauma. ⋯ FAST can be a useful initial diagnostic study after penetrating abdominal trauma. A positive FAST is a strong predictor of injury, and patients should proceed directly to laparotomy. If negative, additional diagnostic studies should be performed to rule out occult injury.
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The incidence of thromboembolic complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) in thermally injured patients is considered sufficiently uncommon that routine prophylactic measures are not warranted. Nevertheless, the incidence of DVT/PE may be increasing. ⋯ One can identify a population at increased risk of DVT/PE on the basis of the sum of age and TBSA burn, but prospective screening trials that assess all risk factors for DVT/PE should be performed before routine prophylaxis is used in thermally injured patients.
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The effects of blood alcohol on injury after crash are controversial, and safe limits are not settled. We examined if a positive blood alcohol concentration, even in a nontoxic range, affects management and outcome of injured patients after road crashes. ⋯ In injured patients after a road crash, a positive blood alcohol concentration increases the chance that the final diagnosis will include more injuries than initially documented. More careful monitoring is needed in alcohol-positive trauma patients, independent of clinical status, injury severity, and overt symptoms of alcohol intoxication.