J Trauma
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This study was performed to determine the role of duplex scanning in preventing pulmonary embolism (PE), the correlation of venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk score with the incidence of deep venous thrombosis (DVT), and patients who may benefit from surveillance duplex scanning. ⋯ Adherence to an evidence-based VTE prophylaxis protocol is more important than surveillance duplex scanning in preventing VTE in trauma patients.
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Leukocyte microparticles (MPs) derived from polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNLs) have been recently found to be activators of vascular endothelium in vitro. The precise role of leukocyte MPs has not been clarified in patients suffering severe insult. The objective of this study was to evaluate production of leukocyte MPs and expression of adhesion molecules on the MP surface in patients with sepsis. ⋯ Activated PMNLs enhance production of leukocyte MPs with increased adhesion molecules in patients with sepsis. Activated leukocyte MPs may play a role in the pathogenesis of endothelial activation and leukocyte-endothelium interaction in the presence of sepsis.
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The clinical significance of myocardial contusion (MC) following blunt thoracic trauma is still unknown. Accordingly, in this prospective study in a regional trauma center we investigated the acute and long-term clinical significance of MC. ⋯ The incidence of 19.7% of MC in our patients with blunt chest injury requiring intensive care treatment indicates that this condition is frequent in polytraumatized patients. Outcome and prognosis in patients with MC is favorable and, thus, routine cardiac work-up is not indicated. Specific diagnostic and therapeutic measures should be limited to cases where cardiac complications develop.