The Journal of surgical research
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Comparative Study
Predictors of positive head CT scan and neurosurgical procedures after minor head trauma.
There continues to be an ongoing debate regarding the utility of head CT scans in patients with a normal Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) after minor head injury. The objective of this study is to determine patient and injury characteristics that predict a positive head CT scan or need for a neurosurgical procedure (NSP) among patients with blunt head injury and a normal GCS. ⋯ Older age, male gender, ethnicity, and mechanism of injury are significant predictors of a positive finding on head CT scans and the need for neurosurgical procedures. This study highlights patient and injury-specific characteristics that may help in identifying patients with supposedly minor head injury who will benefit from a head CT scan.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Surgical treatment of osteoporotic thoracolumbar compressive fractures with open vertebral cement augmentation of expandable pedicle screw fixation: a biomechanical study and a 2-year follow-up of 20 patients.
The incidence of screw loosening increases significantly in elderly patients with severe osteoporosis. Open vertebral cement augmentation of expandable pedicle screw fixation may improve fixation strength in the osteoporotic vertebrae. ⋯ Cemented-EPS could increase fixation strength biomechanically. It could reduce the risks of screw loosening in patients with severe osteoporosis, requiring instrumented arthrodesis.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Impact of restrictive intravenous fluid replacement and combined epidural analgesia on perioperative volume balance and renal function within a Fast Track program.
Key factors of Fast Track (FT) programs are fluid restriction and epidural analgesia (EDA). We aimed to challenge the preconception that the combination of fluid restriction and EDA might induce hypotension and renal dysfunction. ⋯ Fluid restriction and EDA in FT programs are not associated with clinically relevant hemodynamic instability or renal dysfunction.
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Sepsis remains a source of morbidity and mortality in the postoperative patient despite appropriate resuscitative and antimicrobial approaches. Recent research has focused upon additional interventions such as exogenous cell-based therapy. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) exhibit multiple beneficial properties through their capacity for homing, attenuating the inflammatory response, modulating immune cells, and promoting tissue healing. Recent animal trials have provided evidence that MSCs may be useful therapeutic adjuncts. ⋯ Research utilizing animal models of sepsis has provided a greater understanding of the beneficial properties of MSCs. Their capacity to home to sites of injury and use paracrine mechanisms to change the local environment to ultimately improve organ function and survival make MSCs attractive in the treatment of sepsis. Future studies are needed to further evaluate the complex interactions between MSCs and host tissues.