Delaware medical journal
-
Delaware medical journal · May 2009
Are there still selected applications for resuscitative thoracotomy in the emergency department after blunt trauma?
Resuscitative thoracotomy has an integral role for open cardiac massage and can be preformed after penetrating trauma with cardiovascular collapse. Its role in blunt trauma is questionable. We performed a retrospective chart review of patients who underwent an emergency department (ED) resuscitative thoracotomy. ⋯ There were two survivors after blunt trauma (12.5%) and one after penetrating trauma (3.8%). Signs of life in the field and a cardiac repair were independent predictors of survival after blunt trauma (p=0.001 and p=0.004 respectively). We conclude that in select trauma patients after blunt injury with cardiovascular collapse, resuscitative thoracotomy still has a vital role.
-
Delaware medical journal · Jan 2009
Delaware's public children's behavioral health care system: a public-private partnership.
The State of Delaware provides mental health and substance abuse treatment to children with Medicaid or children without insurance who need treatment through a public-private children's behavioral health care system. This article describes the system of public behavioral health care for children in Delaware, including how to access services.
-
Delaware medical journal · Aug 2008
EditorialInfant mortality in Delaware: the need to improve maternal health and reduce premature births.
Delaware's high infant mortality rate continues to be driven by an increasing number of premature births. Premature birth is a complex problem with both social and medical roots. ⋯ In addition, Delaware's infant mortality rate can only be reduced if we are able to diminish disparities in health care delivery, and improve the social factors influencing infant mortality. These factors include diminishing family support, low high school graduation rate, poor housing, and a lack of health insurance.