J Trauma
-
Although pentoxifylline (PTX) produces various beneficial effects after endotoxemia, it remains unknown whether this agent attenuates the depressed hepatocellular function and improves heart performance during early sepsis. The aim of this study, therefore, was to determine whether PTX maintains hepatocellular function and improves cardiac function during the early hyperdynamic stages of polymicrobial sepsis. ⋯ Pentoxifylline appears to be a useful adjunct for maintaining hepatocellular function and improving cardiac performance during the early hyperdynamic stages of polymicrobial sepsis.
-
Multicenter Study
Magnetic resonance imaging: utilization in the management of central nervous system trauma.
To determine the availability, use, and perceived value of magnetic resonance imaging (MR) in the management of acute central nervous system (CNS) trauma in United States Level I (or equivalent) trauma centers (TCs). ⋯ Most trauma directors consider MR important in the acute evaluation of spinal trauma and, to a lesser extent, for traumatic brain injury. Despite these opinions, the vast majority of these centers reported only "rare" to "occasional" use of MR in the setting of acute CNS trauma. Our results show that most TCs have on-site and continuously available MR facilities capable of cardiac and pulmonary monitoring. Other factors such as the higher relative cost of MR may be responsible for the discrepancy between the perceived value and the actual utilization of MR imaging in the setting of CNS trauma.