J Trauma
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This prospective study explores the incidence of preoperative deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in a group of patients with hip and femur fracture who for various reasons experienced a delay of >24 hours from the time of injury until time of surgery. We also evaluated the results of preoperative treatment with inferior vena cava (IVC) filter. ⋯ In this prospective study, we observed that patients experiencing a delay in surgical care for an acute hip or femur fracture are at a relatively high risk for development of thromboembolic disease despite prophylactic anticoagulation. There was a direct correlation between the period of delay and the incidence of thromboembolism. Clinical examination in this setting is unreliable as none of these patients had signs or symptoms suggestive of DVT. We suggest that all patients with delayed (>24 hours) surgical intervention undergo preoperative Doppler ultrasound to rule out DVT. Appropriate measures such as placement of an IVC filter and aggressive postoperative anticoagulation should then be implemented for those with DVT and/or pulmonary embolus.
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Pulmonary coagulopathy is intrinsic to pneumonia and other forms of acute lung injury. We hypothesized patients with burn injuries and inhalation trauma to have similar alterations in pulmonary coagulation and fibrinolysis. ⋯ Patients with burn injuries and inhalation trauma requiring mechanical ventilation show a distinct and sustained procoagulant and antifibrinolytic shift in the pulmonary compartment. Pulmonary coagulopathy could be an important therapeutic target in these patients.
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Hypertonic saline solutions in combination with colloids may have some applications in critically ill patients. Our aim was to examine the effects of small volumes (0.7-1 mL/kg intravenous) of 7.5% NaCl with different colloids on cardiac stability, hemodynamics, and mortality after severe hemorrhagic shock. ⋯ Small volumes of 7.5% NaCl led to fewer arrhythmias and a 2.6 times survival benefit over untreated rats, and a partial resuscitation of MAP into the "permissive range." Dextran-70 or HES in 7.5% NaCl were proarrhythmic and HES led to increased mortality (p < 0.05). Because optimal heart function is critical for successful resuscitation, care should be exercised when using dextran-70 or 6 and 10% HES in small volume hypertonic saline solutions for early hypotensive resuscitation.
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Brief alcohol interventions for patients in trauma settings have demonstrated significant reductions in drinking behaviors, injury related risk behaviors, and subsequent arrests for driving while intoxicated. However, although a number of surveys have examined the knowledge and attitudes of trauma center personnel regarding alcohol problems, the knowledge and attitudes toward alcohol misuse, screening, and intervention services among various trauma care personnel within an individual trauma center have not been investigated. The purpose of this study was to examine provider knowledge and attitudes related to screening and brief intervention for alcohol problems in a single Level-I trauma center. ⋯ This limited knowledge and the neutral attitudes regarding alcohol problems may indirectly influence metrics of program success. Trauma care staff will benefit from additional training regarding alcohol problems and brief interventions.
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Patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and traumatic intracranial hemorrhage are frequently admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) but never require critical care interventions. Improved ICU triage in this patient population can improve resource utilization and decrease health care costs. We sought to identify a low-risk group of patients with TBI who do not require admission to an ICU. ⋯ Patients with TBI without a critical care intervention before admission are at low risk for requiring future critical care interventions. Future studies are required to validate if this low-risk criteria can serve as a safe, cost-effective triage tool for ICU admission.