European journal of trauma and emergency surgery : official publication of the European Trauma Society
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Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg · Feb 2021
Multicenter StudyWhat effect has the major trauma network had on perceptions of trauma care delivery amongst trauma teams in major trauma centres and neighbouring trauma units?
The Trauma network was established in April 2012 in England to improve the care of patients with trauma. The care of major trauma was centralised to major trauma centres. This article aims to survey trauma team members (TTM) to compare perceptions of trauma care delivery in major trauma centres (MTC) and trauma units (TU) from where major trauma care has been diverted. ⋯ The centralisation of major trauma care to MTCs allows care for severely injured patients in specialised hospitals with allocated resources. This survey shows the effect of this reorganisation where diversion of major trauma from TUs may have led to their TTMs perceiving their standard of care to be less than TTMs in MTCs. This study recommends training support for TUs using modalities such as simulation-based training and regular audits to ensure improved perceptions and adequate qualifications. Multidisciplinary meetings between MTCs and TUs can allow information to be exchanged and shared to ensure reciprocal support and engagement to improve perception of trauma care delivery.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg · Feb 2021
ReviewA contemporary assessment of devices for Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA): resource-specific options per level of care.
Use of Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA) as adjunct for temporary hemorrhage control in patients with exsanguinating torso hemorrhage is increasing. Characteristics of aortic occlusion balloons (AOB) are diverse and evolving as efforts are made to improve the technology. It is important to select a device that fits the requirements of the medical situation to minimize the risk of failure and complications. The aim of this study is to appraise guidance in the choice of an AOB in a specific situation. ⋯ In resource-limited settings, a guidewire- and fluoroscopy-free, rather stiff device, such as ER-REBOA™, Fogarty®, and LeMaitre®, is warranted. Of these devices, ER-REBOA™ is the only catheter compatible with seven French sheaths and specifically designed for emergency hemorrhage control. Of the over-the-wire devices, Q50® has several features that facilitate use and reduce the risk of malplacement or vessel damage.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg · Feb 2021
Weight-based enoxaparin with anti-factor Xa assay-based dose adjustment for venous thromboembolic event prophylaxis in adult trauma patients results in improved prophylactic range targeting.
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common morbidity in trauma patients. Standard VTE chemoprophylaxis is often inadequate. We hypothesized that weight-based dosing would result in appropriate prophylaxis more reliably than fixed dosing. ⋯ Weight-based VTE prophylaxis with anti-Xa-based dose adjustment improves prophylactic range targeting relative to uniform dosing and eliminates variances secondary to BSA and weight in trauma patients.
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Blunt cerebrovascular injuries (BCVI), which can result in ischemic stroke, are identified in 1-2% of all blunt trauma patients. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) scanning has improved and is the diagnostic modality of choice in BCVI suspected patients. Data about long-term functional outcomes and the incidence of ischemic stroke after BCVI are limited. The aim of this study was to determine BCVI incidence in relation to imaging modality improvements and to determine long-term functional outcomes. ⋯ Improved CTA diagnostic modalities have increased BCVI incidence. Furthermore, BCVI patients reported significant functional impairment at long-term follow-up. Antiplatelet therapy showed a significant effect on in-hospital stroke rate reduction.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg · Feb 2021
Observational StudyFactors associated with posttraumatic meningitis among traumatic head injury patients: a nationwide study in Japan.
Posttraumatic meningitis is one of the severe complications that can result in increased mortality and longer hospital stay among trauma patients. Factors such as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistula and basilar skull fracture are associated with posttraumatic meningitis. However, it remains unclear whether procedures such as burr hole surgery in the emergency department and decompressive craniectomy are associated with posttraumatic meningitis. The aim of this study was to assess factors associated with posttraumatic meningitis with a nationwide hospital-based trauma registry in Japan. ⋯ In this population of trauma patients, burr hole surgery in the emergency department and decompressive craniectomy was associated with posttraumatic meningitis.