Arch Surg Chicago
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Analysis of potential risks associated with 7.5% sodium chloride resuscitation of traumatic shock.
We evaluated the potential side effects of rapidly infusing 250 mL of either 7.5% sodium chloride or 7.5% sodium chloride per 6% dextran 70, using lactated Ringer's as the control, to 106 critically injured patients in two prospective double-blinded emergency department trials. Eight patients had a significant hyperchloremic acidemia in association with infusion of the hypertonic solutions, but all eight were moribund before infusion and many factors other than hyperchloremia could have contributed to their acidemia. Other blood chemistry changes that might have been associated with the hypertonic solutions, such as hyperosmolality or hypernatremia, were made insignificant by other factors, such as high blood alcohol levels or concomitant administration of sodium bicarbonate. ⋯ There was no difficulty with crossmatching of blood. No anaphylactoid reactions occurred. In a setting of limited volume resuscitation, the solutions are likely to have a favorable risk-to-benefit ratio.
-
We report 18 consecutive neonates with severe respiratory failure due to pulmonary hypertension treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was begun at 52 +/- 36 hours of age with an arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PO2) of 36 +/- 14 mm Hg despite maximal pharmacologic and ventilator support (inspired fraction of oxygen [FiO2], 0.99 +/- 0.03; respiratory rate, 98 +/- 31/min; and positive inspiratory pressure, 54 +/- 11 cm of water). With initial flows of 130 +/- 17 mL/kg per minute, ventilator settings were reduced to the following: FiO2, 0.30; respiratory rates, 15/min; and positive inspiratory pressure, 24 cm of water. ⋯ Complications included two intracranial hemorrhages (one death and one asymptomatic), one patent ductus arteriosus requiring ligation on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and chronic lung disease in one patient. In selected neonates, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation allows for resolution of pulmonary hypertension, results in improved survival, and is associated with a low incidence of chronic lung disease. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation should be considered in the treatment of severe respiratory failure.
-
Fifty-six patients with blunt intestinal injury seen during 39 months were reviewed for keys to diagnosis and treatment. Motor vehicle accidents were involved in 80% of the cases and seat/lap belts were in use 69% of the time. Blunt intestinal injury was the only abdominal injury in 70% of the cases. ⋯ Blunt intestinal injury is associated with physical findings in conscious patients. Peritoneal lavage should be used when tenderness cannot be evaluated. Timely operative intervention minimizes morbidity and hospital stay.
-
The presence of pneumopericardium following penetrating injuries of the chest is highly suggestive of a cardiac injury. For this reason, it is generally considered that its presence should be an indication for surgery. In the present study 20 patients with pneumopericardium were selected for conservative treatment. ⋯ The remaining 19 patients had an uneventful recovery. We suggest that the presence of a pneumopericardium following penetrating chest trauma is not an absolute indication for surgery. Electrocardiographic and echographic studies may help in the selection of patients for conservative treatment; but the final decision should be made on the basis of clinical signs and symptoms.
-
A prospective study of 126 surgical patients from two institutions was undertaken to assess the impact of pulmonary artery catheterization in surgical intensive care units. Before catheterization, surgical residents were asked to predict pulmonary artery wedge pressure, cardiac output, systemic vascular resistance, and plan of therapy. ⋯ Catheterization results prompted a major change in therapy in 50% of patients. The data suggest that hemodynamic variables obtained from pulmonary artery catheterization improve the accuracy of bedside evaluation and lead to alteration in therapy, particularly in patients whose pulmonary artery wedge pressure predictions were poor.