J Trauma
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The effect of age and infection on outcome after trauma is unknown. We evaluated the incidence and impact that nosocomial infection (NI) and age have on morbidity and mortality. Several risk factors were identified and analyzed for correlation with infection. ⋯ NI significantly increases hospital LOS, ICU LOS, and mortality after injury. Age increases risk of infection matched for injury severity, with a significantly higher hospital LOS, ICU LOS, and mortality. Once infected, however, younger patients with penetrating trauma have the greatest risk of mortality. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in elderly trauma patients was found to be an independent predictor of infection.
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High-pressure injection (HPI) injury of the hand is a serious injury that can be potentially devastating. There have been a number of publications on the results of its treatment, but we are not aware of a report on the functional outcome of these hands. ⋯ Deterioration of hand function is a predictable outcome of HPI injury. This information should be shared with the patient at the outset so as to avoid subsequent disappointment.
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The purpose of this study was to use a prototype side-illuminating near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) nasogastric probe to continuously measure changes in gastric tissue oxygen saturation (Sto2) in a pig hemorrhage model. ⋯ Direct measurement of tissue oxygen saturation with a prototype side-illuminating near-infrared spectroscopy gastric probe appeared to rapidly reflect changes in splanchnic perfusion.
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The present study investigates whether whole-body or local (chest) exposure to blast overpressure can induce ultrastructural, biochemical, and cognitive impairments in the brain. ⋯ These results confirm that exposure to blast overpressure induces ultrastructural and biochemical impairments in the brain hippocampus, with associated development of cognitive deficits.