Annals of emergency medicine
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To determine whether abdominal ultrasound can be used routinely as the primary screening test to identify the need for laparotomy in trauma patients. ⋯ Ultrasound is a sensitive and specific test with which to evaluate trauma patients for abdominal injury requiring surgery. Routine abdominal ultrasound can be performed at the bedside in the emergency department as a timely, noninvasive diagnostic test. This use of a screening abdominal ultrasound examination can improve clinical decision-making for the use of emergency laparotomy. Ultrasound may be a better alternative to CT or diagnostic peritoneal lavage for the initial screening evaluation of abdominal trauma.
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To determine the effects of early fluid resuscitation on the rate, volume, and duration of hemorrhage using a sheep model of uncontrolled pulmonary vascular hemorrhage. ⋯ In this sheep model of uncontrolled pulmonary vascular hemorrhage, immediate fluid resuscitation significantly increased the rate, volume, and duration of hemorrhage. The vigorous administration of fluids to patients with penetrating chest trauma has the potential to significantly increase blood loss.