The Journal of surgical research
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Argon has shown potential as an organoprotective agent in numerous models of ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of argon gas during ex vivo normothermic perfusion (EVNP) in an experimental porcine model of kidney IRI. ⋯ Our findings suggest that using 70% argon during 1 h of EVNP does not mediate a measurable organoprotective effect in an experimental porcine model of IRI.
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High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is increasingly used to reduce reintubations in patients with respiratory failure. Benefits include providing positive end expiratory pressure, reducing anatomical dead space, and decreasing work of breathing. We sought to compare outcomes of critically ill surgical patients extubated to HFNC versus conventional therapy. ⋯ Ventilated patients at risk for recurrent respiratory failure have reduced reintubation rates when extubated to HFNC. Patients with prolonged intubation or those with high-risk comorbidities may benefit from extubation to HFNC.
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Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a common source of postoperative morbidity and a marker of surgical quality. The ability to predict the incidence of SSIs is limited and most models have poor predictive value. We sought to identify risk factors associated with SSIs and develop a prediction model for SSIs after major abdominal surgery. ⋯ A novel, simple 10-point SSI scoring system that incorporated perioperative risk factors such as blood transfusion, EBL, tachypnea, and the type of surgical procedure accurately stratifies patients according to SSI risk.
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Violent injury is the second most common cause of death among 15- to 24-year olds in the US. Up to 58% of violently injured youth return to the hospital with a second violent injury. Hospital-based violence intervention programs (HVIPs) have been shown to reduce injury recidivism through intensive case management. However, no validated guidelines for risk assessment strategies in the HVIP setting have been reported. We aimed to use qualitative methods to investigate the key components of risk assessments employed by HVIP case managers and to propose a risk assessment model based on this qualitative analysis. ⋯ We identified four tiers of risk factors for violent reinjury that were incorporated into a proposed risk assessment instrument, VRRAI.