Scand J Trauma Resus
-
Scand J Trauma Resus · Jan 2013
Head Computed Tomographic measurement as an early predictor of outcome in hypoxic-ischemic brain damage patients treated with hypothermia therapy.
Neurological abnormalities are a key factor in the prognosis of patients with post-cardiac arrest syndrome. In this study, we evaluated whether differences in CT measurements expressed in Hounsfield units (HUs) of the cerebral cortex and white matter can be used as early predictors of neurological outcome in patients treated with hypothermia therapy after hypoxic-ischemic brain damage. ⋯ This study showed that DCW values may be used for the prediction of neurological outcome of patients with post-cardiac arrest syndrome in the very early phase following the return of spontaneous circulation. Especially, a cut-off value for DCW of less than 5.5 may indicate poor neurological outcome.
-
Scand J Trauma Resus · Jan 2013
Predictors of cardiopulmonary arrest outcome in a comprehensive cancer center intensive care unit.
Some comprehensive cancer centers in industrialized countries have reported improved outcomes in their cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA) patients. Little is known about the outcomes and predictors of CPA in cancer centers in other parts of the world. The objective of this study was to examine the predictors of CPA outcome in a comprehensive cancer center closed medical-surgical intensive care unit (ICU) located in Amman, Jordan. ⋯ Survival among cancer patients who develop CPA in the ICU continues to be poor. Once cancer patients suffered a CPA in the ICU multiple factors predicted resuscitation failure but CPR duration was the only factor that predicted resuscitation failure and ICU as well as hospital mortality.
-
Scand J Trauma Resus · Jan 2013
Comparative StudyEquipment to prevent, diagnose, and treat hypothermia: a survey of Norwegian pre-hospital services.
Hypothermia is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in trauma patients and poses a challenge in pre-hospital treatment. The aim of this study was to identify equipment to prevent, diagnose, and treat hypothermia in Norwegian pre-hospital services. ⋯ The most common equipment types to treat and prevent hypothermia in Norwegian pre-hospital services are duvets, plastic "bubble wrap", and cotton blankets. Active external heating devices and suitable thermometers are not available in most vehicle ambulance units.
-
Scand J Trauma Resus · Jan 2013
Fatal injury as a function of rurality-a tale of two Norwegian counties.
Many studies indicate rural location as a separate risk for dying from injuries. For decades, Finnmark, the northernmost and most rural county in Norway, has topped the injury mortality statistics in Norway. The present study is an exploration of the impact of rurality, using a point-by-point comparison to another Norwegian county. ⋯ This study illustrates the disadvantages of the most rural trauma victims and suggests an urban-rural continuum. Rural victims seem to be younger, die mainly at the site of injury, and from road traffic accident injuries. In addition to injury prevention, the extent and possible impact of lay people's first aid response should be explored.
-
Scand J Trauma Resus · Jan 2013
Exclusion of context knowledge in the development of prehospital guidelines: results produced by realistic evaluation.
Prehospital work is accomplished using guidelines and protocols, but there is evidence suggesting that compliance with guidelines is sometimes low in the prehospital setting. The reason for the poor compliance is not known. The objective of this study was to describe how guidelines and protocols are used in the prehospital context. ⋯ The personnel take a positive view of the use of guidelines and protocols in prehospital work. The main obstacle to the use of guidelines and protocols in this organization is the format, due to the exclusion of context knowledge in the development process.