The Journal of surgical research
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Following severe trauma, there is a profound elevation of catecholamine that is associated with a persistent anemic state. We have previously shown that β-blockade (βB) prevents erythroid growth suppression and decreases hematopoietic progenitor cell (HPC) mobilization following injury. Under normal conditions, granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) triggers the activation of matrix metalloprotease-9 (MMP-9), leading to the egress of progenitor cells from the bone marrow (BM). When sustained, this depletion of BM cellularity may contribute to BM failure. This study seeks to determine if G-CSF plays a role in the βB protection of BM following trauma. ⋯ βB protection of the BM following shock and injury may be due to reduced HPC mobilization and maintenance of BM cellularity. Following shock, there is an increase in plasma G-CSF and MMP-9, which is abrogated by βB and suggests a possible mechanism how βB decreases HPC mobilization thus preserving BM cellularity. In contrast, βB protection of BM following LC is not mediated by G-CSF. Therefore, the mechanism of progenitor cell mobilization from the BM is dependent on the type of injury.
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Exact quantification of pulmonary contusion by computed tomography (CT) may help trauma surgeons identify high-risk populations. We hypothesized that the size of pulmonary contusions, measured accurately, will predict outcomes. Our specific aims were to (1) precisely quantify pulmonary contusion size using pixel analysis, (2) correlate contusion size with outcomes, and (3) determine the threshold contusion size portending complications. ⋯ Higher CTVI scores predicted prolonged ICU LOS across all sizes of pulmonary contusion. Pulmonary contusion volumes greater than 20% of total lung volume specifically identifies patients at risk for developing complications.
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End points of resuscitation in trauma patients are difficult to define. The size of the inferior vena cava (IVC) on CT scan may accurately indicate volume status and guide resuscitation efforts. Our hypothesis was that IVC "flatness" on CT scan reflects volume status in hemodynamically normal trauma patients. ⋯ These results did not demonstrate a correlation between IVC flatness and the markers of intravascular volume of heart rate, blood pressure, or lactate. IVC flatness on CT scan is not a valid indicator of volume status in hemodynamically normal trauma patients.
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The indications for immediate intubation in trauma are not controversial, but some patients who initially appear stable later deteriorate and require intubation. We postulated that initially stable, moderately injured trauma patients who experienced delayed intubation have higher mortality than those intubated earlier. ⋯ These findings suggest that delayed intubation is associated with increased mortality in moderately injured patients who are initially stable but later require intubation and can be predicted by the presence of rib fractures.
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Interleukin-6 (IL6) is a major inflammatory mediator and one of the first cytokines produced after traumatic brain injury (TBI). This study evaluates early behavioral changes and acute inflammation after TBI in IL6 knock-out mice using electromagnetic controlled cortical impact. ⋯ IL6 deficiency after TBI is associated with poor behavior performance, and appears to affect expression of IL1β and, possibly, HSP70.