Arch Surg Chicago
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To identify factors that influence mortality in patients who are affected by intra-abdominal infections (IAIs) and to make a comparison among three different scoring systems: the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score, the sepsis score of Elebute and Stoner, and the Mannheim peritonitis index. ⋯ Results showed a significant dominance of host-related factors over the type and source of infection on the prognosis of patients with IAIs. Both the APACHE II score and the Mannheim peritonitis index correctly graded IAI severity and were strongly and independently associated with the outcome; however, the latter score has the advantage of being easier to calculate.
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Case Reports Comparative Study
Blunt thoracic aortic trauma. A cost-utility approach for injury detection.
To evaluate the influences of patient preference and treatment costs on the diagnostic approach to blunt aortic trauma. ⋯ Aortography gains additional quality life at minimal cost when used as a screening method for all patients with blunt chest trauma regardless of the results of the initial chest radiograph. With a normal initial chest radiograph, transesophageal echocardiography and dynamic chest computed tomography are associated with increased cost and loss of quality-adjusted life.