Scand J Trauma Resus
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Scand J Trauma Resus · Oct 2016
ReviewA systematic review on the effectiveness of back protectors for motorcyclists.
Motorcyclists are a vulnerable road-user population who are overrepresented in traffic injuries. Utilisation of back protectors may be an effective preventive measure for spine injuries in motorcyclists. Since use of back protectors is increasing it is important that clinical evidence supports their use. The study aimed to investigate the current evidence on the ability of back protectors to reduce the rate of back injuries and patient mortality in motorcycle crashes. ⋯ This systematic review highlighted lack of appropriate evidence on efficacy of back protectors. Based on limited information, we are uncertain about the effects of back protectors on spinal injuries. Further research is required to substantiate the effects of back protectors on mortality and other injuries to the back.
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Scand J Trauma Resus · Oct 2016
Observational StudyElevations in growth hormone and glucagon-like peptide-2 levels on admission are associated with increased mortality in trauma patients.
Burn and trauma patients present a clinical challenge due to metabolic derangements and hypermetabolism that result in a prolonged catabolic state with impaired healing and secondary complications, including ventilator dependence. Previous work has shown that circulating levels of growth hormone (GH) are predictive of mortality in critically ill adults, but few studies have examined the prognostic potential of GH levels in adult trauma patients. ⋯ GH and GLP-2 may have clinical utility for outcome prediction in adult trauma patients.
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Scand J Trauma Resus · Oct 2016
Letter Case ReportsPossibly preventable cardiac arrest in a morbidly obese patient - a comment on the 2015 ERC guidelines.
The incidence of overweight and obesity has been steadily on the rise and has reached epidemic proportions in various countries and this represents a well-known major health problem. Nevertheless, current guidelines for resuscitation do not include special sequences of action in this subset of patients. The aim of this letter is to bring this controversy into focus and to suggest alterations of the known standard cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the obese. ⋯ A full lateral position should be considered in obese patients having a cardiac arrest as it might help to re-establish stable circulatory conditions.
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Scand J Trauma Resus · Oct 2016
Observational StudyHyperchloremia is associated with 30-day mortality in major trauma patients: a retrospective observational study.
Chloride is important for maintaining acid-base balance, muscular activity, osmosis and immunomodulation. In patients with major trauma, chloride levels increase after fluid therapy; this is associated with poor clinical outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine whether hyperchloremia was associated with increased mortality in patients who had sustained major trauma. ⋯ Hyperchloremia 48-h post-admission and Δchloride was associated with 30-day mortality in major trauma patients. These indices may be useful prognostic markers.
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Scand J Trauma Resus · Oct 2016
Are ethical norms and current policies still relevant in face of the recent mass terror events?
The widespread utilization of social media in recent terror attacks in major European cities should raise a "red flag" for the emergency medical response teams. The question arises as to the impact of social media during terror events on the healthcare system. Information was published well before any emergency authority received a distress call or was requested to respond. ⋯ Technological advancements of recent years decrease and remove barriers that enable the public to use them as they see fit. These attacks raise ethical considerations for the patients and their rights as they were outsourced from the medical community, into the hands of the public. The healthcare system should leverage social media and its advantages in designing response to terror, but this requires a re-evaluation and introspection into the current emergency response models.