Arch Surg Chicago
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To determine if blood transfusion is a consistent risk factor for postinjury multiple organ failure (MOF), independent of other shock indexes. ⋯ Blood transfusion is an early consistent risk factor for postinjury MOF, independent of other indexes of shock.
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To measure the effect of prehospital endotracheal intubation on outcome in patients with severe head injury and the percentage of these patients intubated in the field under existing protocol. ⋯ Prehospital endotracheal intubation was associated with improved survival in patients with blunt injury and scene Glasgow Coma Score of 8 or less, especially those with severe head injury by anatomic criteria. Broadening indications for intubation by paramedical personnel has great potential to improve outcome in patients with severe head injury.
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To identify computed tomographic (CT) findings in children who have experienced blunt trauma and who have known intestinal injuries and to correlate these findings with the findings of the initial physical examination. ⋯ The initial physical examination findings and CT evaluation can independently identify the presence of intestinal injury in approximately 25% of cases. In the remainder of cases, the awareness of the more subtle findings of bowel injury on a CT scan can complement the physical examination findings and potentially lead to a more timely intervention for bowel injury.