J Trauma
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Accurate data are needed to evaluate clinical outcomes, therapeutic modalities, and quality of care in trauma. Administrative data, usually used for billing, have been used to evaluate performance and assess therapy in other medical specialties. This study was performed to determine whether administrative databases are accurate in the recording of information about trauma patients with splenic injuries. ⋯ This study shows that administrative data lack accuracy in the recording of associated injuries, injury severity, diagnostics, procedures, and outcomes data in patients with splenic injuries. Whether these data should be used to evaluate treatment modalities or quality of care in trauma is questionable.
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Meta Analysis Comparative Study
Advanced or basic life support for trauma: meta-analysis and critical review of the literature.
The question of whether to use advanced life support (ALS) or basic life support (BLS) for trauma patients in the prehospital setting has been much debated and still lacks a clear answer. The purpose of this study was to conduct a comprehensive critical review of the literature regarding this controversy ⋯ The aggregated data in the literature have failed to demonstrate a benefit for on-site ALS provided to trauma patients and support the scoop and run approach.
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For the quantification of multiple injuries in children, a range of different trauma scores are available, the actual prognostic value of which has, however, not so far been investigated and compared in a group of patients. ⋯ With regard to prognostic quality and ease of use in the practical setting, TS and the TRISS-Scan are recommended for polytrauma in children and adolescents. Special pediatric scores are not necessary.