J Trauma
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Meta Analysis
Efficacy of hypertonic saline dextran fluid resuscitation for patients with hypotension from penetrating trauma.
The purpose of this study was to assess whether the administration of hypertonic saline dextran (HSD) was detrimental when administered to patients who were hypotensive because of penetrating injuries to the torso. The administration of HSD causes an immediate and sustained increase in blood pressure that could contribute to an increase in bleeding in the presence of uncontrolled hemorrhage. We prospectively designed a series of questions to be addressed by a meta-analysis of individual patient data using a computerized data file and case report forms from a multicenter study of HSD. ⋯ For patients with penetrating injuries to the torso that result in hypotension, initial fluid resuscitation with HSD is beneficial in improving survival, especially if surgery is subsequently required.
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Meta Analysis
Allogeneic blood transfusion increases the risk of postoperative bacterial infection: a meta-analysis.
Immunosuppression is a consequence of allogeneic (homologous) blood transfusion (ABT) in humans and is associated with an increased risk in cancer recurrence rates after potentially curative surgery as well as an increase in the frequency of postoperative bacterial infections. Although a meta-analysis has been reported demonstrating the relationship between ABT and colon cancer recurrence, no meta-analysis has been reported demonstrating the relationship of ABT to postoperative bacterial infection. ⋯ These results demonstrate that ABT is an associated and apparently significant and frequently overlooked risk factor for the development of postoperative bacterial infection in the surgical patient. Allogeneic blood transfusion is a greater risk factor in the traumatically injured patient when compared with the elective surgical patient for the development of postoperative bacterial infection.
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Review Meta Analysis
Does the pulse examination in patients with traumatic knee dislocation predict a surgical arterial injury? A meta-analysis.
This systematic review aimed at evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of pulse examination in detecting surgical arterial lesions associated with knee dislocation. ⋯ Our findings suggest that the isolated presence of abnormal pedal pulses on initial examination of patients with knee dislocations is not sensitive enough to detect a surgical vascular injury. On the basis of this meta-analysis, an algorithm for the evaluation of these patients is presented.
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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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Trauma surgeons use a variety of methods to prevent venous thromboembolism (VT). The rationale for their use frequently is based on conclusions from research on nontrauma populations. Existing recommendations are based on expert opinion and consensus statements rather than systematic analysis of the existing literature and synthesis of available data. The objective is to produce an evidence-based report on the methods of prevention of VT after injury. ⋯ The trauma literature on VT prophylaxis provides inconsistent data. There is no evidence that any existing method of VT prophylaxis is clearly superior to the other methods or even to no prophylaxis. Our results cast serious doubt on the existing policies on VT prophylaxis, and we call for a large, high-quality, multicenter trial that can provide definitive answers.