The Journal of surgical research
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Surgical safety programs have been shown to reduce patient harm; however, there is variable compliance. The purpose of this study is to determine if innovative technology such as Quick Response (QR) codes can facilitate surgical safety initiatives. ⋯ QR codes accurately transmit patient information during the time-out procedure and are preferred to the current process by surgical team members. The novel application of this technology may improve compliance, accuracy, and outcomes.
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Neonatal extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been widely used for the last 25 y. The impact of ethno-demographic changes on ECMO outcomes has not been fully examined. We evaluated the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization registry over a 21-y period to understand these trends. ⋯ Neonates of ethnic minorities continue to disproportionally require ECMO support in comparison to their birth rates. Although ethnicity alone does not impact the outcome of these newborns, the increased requirement of ECMO may highlight the need for targeted education, improved prenatal care, and decision making in these groups.
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Increased risk of pneumonia among ventilated patients with traumatic brain injury: every day counts!
Patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) frequently require mechanical ventilation (MV). The objective of this study was to examine the association between time spent on MV and the development of pneumonia among patients with TBI. ⋯ Patients who have sustained TBIs and require MV are at higher risk for VAP than individuals extubated earlier; therefore, shortening MV exposure will likely reduce the risk of VAP. As patients with TBI frequently require MV because of neurologic impairment, it is key to develop aggressive strategies to expedite ventilator independence.
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In adult trauma, mortality varies with race and insurance status. In the elderly, insurance type has little impact on mortality after trauma and the influence of race is reduced. How race and insurance affect pediatric trauma requires further attention. We hypothesized that mortality after pediatric trauma is influenced by insurance type and not race. ⋯ Insurance status and insurance type are important predictors of mortality after pediatric trauma while, in contrast, race is not.
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The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classification and Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) was adopted to assess patients' physical condition before surgery. Studies suggest that ASA score and CCI might be a prognostic criterion (indicator) for patient outcome. The aim of this study is to determine if ASA classification and CCI can determine the risk of anastomotic leaks (AL) in patients who underwent colorectal surgery. ⋯ ASA score, but not CCI, is independently associated with anastomotic leak. Patients with a high ASA class should be closely followed postoperatively for AL after colorectal operations.