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
Validation of the "HAMP" mapping algorithm: a tool for long-term trauma research studies in the conversion of AIS 2005 to AIS 98.
There are significant changes in the abbreviated injury scale (AIS) 2005 system, which make it impractical to compare patients coded in AIS version 98 with patients coded in AIS version 2005. ⋯ The HAMP algorithm successfully converted injuries coded in AIS 2005 to AIS 98. This algorithm will be useful when comparing trauma patient clinical data across populations coded in different versions, especially for longitudinal studies.
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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.