J Trauma
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Recent data suggest that sex hormones may play a role in regulating posttraumatic immunosuppression, leading to gender-based differences in outcome after injuries. This study examined gender-related outcomes in trauma patients. ⋯ Although the incidence of pneumonia was not influenced by gender, female trauma patients had better outcomes than male patients in the younger age group. Outcome in the older age group was not gender-related. Our data support a gender-based difference in outcome after traumatic injuries in younger patients.
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The value of an in-house trauma surgeon is debated. Previous studies focus on comparing in-house and on-call surgeons at different institutions or different periods in time. The purpose of this study was to simultaneously evaluate in-house and on-call trauma surgeons in a single Level I trauma center and to determine the impact of in-house trauma surgeons on the mortality of severely injured patients. ⋯ When the trauma surgeon was rapidly available (< 15 minutes), there was no difference in emergency department or hospital mortality between in-house and on-call trauma surgeons. Selected subgroups of severely injured patients may benefit from an in-house trauma surgeon. If trauma surgeons are not readily available in an institution, an in-house call policy may be necessary for the prompt resuscitation of critically ill patients.
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The protective effect of gender on posttraumatic mortality or acute complications (acute respiratory distress syndrome [ARDS], pneumonia, and sepsis) is unclear. To assess potential effects, we performed a retrospective case-controlled study, matching patients for injury factors including overall severity (Injury Severity Sscore), the presence of shock (systolic blood pressure [SBP] < 90 mm Hg) at admission, and the presence of closed head injury (CHI). ⋯ We conclude that female gender offers no protection from the development of ARDS, pneumonia, sepsis, or decreased mortality after blunt trauma.
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Pelvic fractures may be associated with significant hemorrhage. Although this hemorrhage may emanate from the pelvic vasculature, it may also be secondary to abdominal visceral injury. The purpose of this study was to determine factors associated with pelvic and/or abdominal visceral bleeding in hypotensive patients with pelvic fractures to guide the appropriate therapeutic intervention sequence for these difficult-to-manage patients. ⋯ Patients with signs of ongoing shock with SFP pelvic injury and hemoperitoneum require celiotomy as the initial intervention, as the hemorrhagic focus is predominantly intraperitoneal. In patients with UFP, even in the presence of hemoperitoneum, consideration should be given to angiography before celiotomy.