J Trauma
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Although several retrospective studies have been published concerning nonoperative management of minor liver and spleen injuries, few studies have prospectively analyzed the results of nonoperative management for higher-grade liver and spleen injuries. Is it possible to manage extensive hepatic or splenic injuries with hemoperitoneum nonoperatively? The current study was conducted to evaluate the safety of nonoperative management of blunt hepatic and splenic trauma with significant hemoperitoneum in hemodynamically stable patients regardless of injury severity. ⋯ We suggest that nonoperative management may be undertaken successfully in appropriately designed areas with close observation for the hemodynamic stable patient.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Partial liquid ventilation decreases the inflammatory response in the alveolar environment of trauma patients.
Perflubron is a perfluorocarbon with unique physical characteristics. It has twice the density of water, allows free diffusion of O2 and CO2, is easily dispersed, and is insoluble. Thus, it can act as "liquid positive end-expiratory pressure" to recruit collapsed alveoli and improve oxygenation. Results of laboratory studies suggest that perflubron exerts an anti-inflammatory effect on alveolar cells. Limited clinical data in neonates and adults with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome are promising. We present a single institution's experience with partial liquid ventilation (PLV) in trauma patients compared with conventional mechanical ventilation (CMV) with particular attention to the alveolar inflammatory response. ⋯ Early institution of partial liquid ventilation is effective at reducing the alveolar inflammatory response. Perflubron exhibits an anti-inflammatory effect in the alveolar environment with reduction of proinflammatory IL-1 and IL-6 (possibly removing a stimulus for IL-10), white blood cell count, and protein capillary leak. PLV also reduces alveolar neutrophils independent of IL-8. Further characterization of this altered inflammatory response is necessary.
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Wide variances exist in reports of survival rates after penetrating cardiac injuries because most are hospital-based reports and thus are affected by the local trauma system. The objective of this study was to report population-based, as well as hospital-based, survival rates after penetrating cardiac injury. ⋯ Review of population-based studies indicates that there has been only a minor improvement in the survival rates for the treatment of penetrating cardiac injuries.
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The failure of therapies aimed at modulating systemic inflammatory response syndrome and decreasing multiple organ failure (MOF) has been attributed in part to the inability to identify early the population at risk. Our objective, therefore, was to develop predictive models for MOF at admission and at 12, 24 and 48 hours after injury. ⋯ Postinjury MOF can be predicted as early as 12 hours after injury. The APS-APACHE III added little to the predictive power of tissue injury, shock and host factors.