J Trauma
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Fractures of the tibia and femur are common after automobile versus pedestrian (AVP) injuries. This study evaluates the effect of age on the type of fracture and the incidence and type of associated injuries. ⋯ Age affects the incidence and type of lower extremity fractures after AVP injuries. The presence of lower extremity fracture is associated with a higher incidence of chest, spine, and intra-abdominal injuries. It is advisable that all patients with lower extremity fractures after AVP injuries be evaluated by a surgeon familiar with these injury patterns.
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Different hemodynamic parameters including static indicators of cardiac preload as right ventricular end-diastolic volume index (RVEDVI) and dynamic parameters as pulse pressure variation (PPV) have been used in the decision-making process regarding volume expansion in critically ill patients. The objective of this study was to compare fluid resuscitation guided by either PPV or RVEDVI after experimentally induced hemorrhagic shock. ⋯ In the proposed model of hemorrhagic shock, resuscitation to the established endpoints was achieved within a smaller amount of time and with less volume when guided by PPV than when guided by pulmonary artery catheter-derived RVEDVI.
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Preload parameters in postresuscitation phase are not sufficiently sensitive to guide fluid therapy in critically ill patients. We analyzed modifications in the fluid therapy and vasoactive drugs of critically ill patients that were produced by inclusion of extravascular lung water (EVLW) data in the treatment protocol and evaluated the short-term response. ⋯ Quantification of EVLW in patients who can be considered euvolemic induces important modifications in fluid and vasoactive therapy. These changes generally resulted in a lower volume loading and a positive outcome for the patient.
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Epidural emphysema is a rare condition, and when occurs in isolation it is usually benign and resolves spontaneously after the underlying cause has been treated. Epidural emphysema is usually accompanied by pneumothorax, subcutaneous emphysema, or pneumomediastinum. ⋯ Although nonsurgical pneumoperitoneum can arise in different ways, generally pneumomediastinum or pneumothorax is observed in cases with an intrathoracic source. We report two cases of combined traumatic epidural emphysema and nonsurgical pneumoperitoneum in patients with pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, and extensive subcutaneous emphysema after blunt trauma.