European journal of trauma and emergency surgery : official publication of the European Trauma Society
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Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg · Oct 2019
Informing prehospital care planning using pilot trauma registry data in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
About 54% of deaths in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are attributable to lack of prehospital care. The single largest contributor to the disability-adjusted life years due to poor prehospital care is injury. Despite having disproportionately high injury burdens, most LMIC trauma systems have little prehospital organization. An understanding of existing prehospital care patterns in LMICs is warranted as a precursor to strengthening prehospital systems. ⋯ Possible areas for prehospital trauma care strengthening include training lay commercial vehicle drivers in trauma care and formalizing triage, referral, and communication protocols for prehospital care to optimize timely transfer and care while minimizing secondary injury to patients.
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Paediatric cervical spine injuries are fortunately a rare entity. However, they do have the potential for devastating neurological sequelae with lifelong impact on the patient and their family. Thus, management ought to be exceptional from the initial evaluation at the scene of the injury, through to definitive management and rehabilitation. ⋯ Due to a paucity of evidence in these rare conditions, expert opinion is necessary to guide best practice management and to ensure the best chance of a good outcome for the injured child.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg · Oct 2019
Comparative StudyObserved versus expected mortality in pediatric patients intubated in the field with Glasgow Coma Scale scores < 9.
A Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 8 or less in patients suffering from severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) represents a decision-making marker in terms of intubation. This study evaluated the impact of prehospital intubation on the mortality of these TBI cases among different age groups. ⋯ The observed mortality in the intubated children 1-6 years old suffering from severe TBI seemed to be higher than expected. Whether or not a GCS score of 8 or less is the only reliable criterion for intubation in this age group should be investigated in further trials.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg · Oct 2019
ReviewDetermination of mis-triage in trauma patients: a systematic review.
Mis-triage including undertriage and overtriage is associated with morbidity and mortality. It is not clear what the extent of mis-triage rates among traumatic patients is. The aim of this study is to determine of mis-triage (undertriage and overtriage) in traumatic patients. ⋯ The standardization of mis-triage definitions is vital to estimate true rate of mis-triage among different studies and clarify the role of triage scales. The trauma triage scales need to be further developed to provide more valid and reliable results.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg · Oct 2019
Penetrating femoral artery injuries: an urban trauma centre experience.
This study reviews a single centre experience with penetrating femoral artery injuries. ⋯ This study has a primary and secondary amputation rate of 2.5 and 6.5%, respectively. There was greater than 90% limb salvage rate. The outcome of threatened limbs due to femoral artery injury is good, provided that there is no delay to surgery.