J Trauma
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The Trauma and Injury Severity Score (TRISS) methodology was developed to predict the probability of survival after trauma. Despite many criticisms, this methodology remains in common use. The purpose of this study was to show that improving the stratification for age and adding an adjustment for comorbidity significantly increases the predictive accuracy of the TRISS model. ⋯ TRISSCOM can predict survival more accurately than models that do not include comorbidity. A better categorization of age and the inclusion of comorbid conditions in the logistic model significantly improves the predictive performance of TRISS.
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Topical antimicrobial agents have proven efficacy in preventing life-threatening invasive burn wound infection. Under wartime or mass-casualty conditions, however, there may be an inadequate supply of these agents. This study aimed to identify those patients most likely to benefit therefrom. ⋯ When resources are limited, topical therapy (specifically, MA) is likely to confer the greatest survival benefit for combatants with burns of 40-79% TBSA.
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Injuries to the portal vein are rare but devastating. Contemporary studies have debated the most effective management for this injury. The purpose of this case study was to provide an update on portal vein injury and add information regarding its management. ⋯ Injuries to the portal vein are rare. In this study, exsanguination was the main cause of death. The key to a favorable outcome is prompt control of hemorrhage with an early decision to proceed with either venorrhaphy or ligation. Ligation can be effective for the management of hemodynamically unstable patients.
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This study aimed to determine whether field end-tidal carbon dioxide CO2 (ETCO2) monitoring decreases inadvertent severe hyperventilation after paramedic rapid sequence intubation. ⋯ The use of ETCO2 monitoring is associated with a decrease in inadvertent severe hyperventilation.
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This study aimed to determine the impact of warfarin use on the severity of injury among elderly patients presenting with closed head injuries. ⋯ Among patients 55 years of age or older who present with closed head injury, the use of warfarin before trauma appears to be associated with a higher frequency of isolated head trauma, more severe head trauma, and a higher likelihood of death. The findings of this retrospective study support the concern about the adverse effects of anticoagulants in cases of head trauma.