J Trauma
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The purpose of this case series was to review the management of burn patients who requested ultrarapid opioid detoxification under anesthesia after extended duration of narcotic use for chronic pain related to burn injury. ⋯ The results of ultrarapid opioid detoxification under anesthesia suggests that it is safe and effective for treating opioid addiction in military burn casualties when a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach is used. Safety and effectiveness to date validate current practice and supports incorporation into clinical practice guidelines. Further clinical research is warranted to identify those patients who may benefit most from detoxification and to determine the timing of such treatment.
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Continued assessment of casualty complications, such as infections, enables the development of evidence-based guidelines to mitigate excess morbidity and mortality. We examine the Joint Theater Trauma Registry (JTTR) for infections and potential risk factors, such as transfusions, among Iraq and Afghanistan trauma patients. ⋯ The 5.5% infection rate is consistent with previous military and civilian trauma literature; however, with the limitations of the JTTR, the infection rate is likely an underrepresentation due to inadequate level V and long-term infectious complications data. Combat operational trauma is primarily associated with gram-negative bacteria typically involving infections of wounds or other skin structures and lung infections such as pneumonia. They are commonly linked with higher ISS and injuries to the head, neck, and face.
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Comparative Study
Combat-related craniofacial and cervical injuries: a 5-year review from the British military.
Recent international publications have noted a sustained increase in the incidence of head, face, and neck (HFN) wounds in comparison with total battle injuries from the 20th to the 21st century. The aim of this review was therefore to perform an analysis of the epidemiology of all HFN injuries sustained by British forces in Iraq and Afghanistan from March 1, 2003, to December 31, 2008. ⋯ The individual incidences of head (15%) and face (19%) injuries in relation to total battle injuries, although greater than seen in previous United Kingdom conflicts, were only slightly higher than that seen by US forces. The incidence of neck injury alone in relation to total battle injuries of 11% in United Kingdom forces in comparison with 3% to 5% found in US forces warrants further investigation. This article also provides further evidence to support the existing published opinion of multiple international authors in the requirement to develop innovative methods of protecting the vulnerable HFN regions.
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Comparative Study
Risk factors associated with early reintubation in trauma patients: a prospective observational study.
After mechanical ventilation, extubation failure is associated with poor outcomes and prolonged hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) stays. We hypothesize that specific and unique risk factors exist for failed extubation in trauma patients. The purpose of this study was to identify the risk factors in trauma patients. ⋯ Independent risk factors for trauma patients to fail extubation include spine fracture, initial intubation for airway, GCS at extubation, and delirium tremens. Trauma patients with these four risk factors should be observed for 24 hours after extubation, because the mean time to failure was 15 hours. In addition, increased complications, extended need for mechanical ventilation, and prolonged ICU and hospital stays should be expected for trauma patients who fail extubation.