Articles: trauma.
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Fibrinogen is the first coagulation factor to reach critical levels during hemorrhage. Consequently, reestablishing normal fibrinogen levels is necessary to achieve adequate hemostasis. Fibrinogen is supplemented through administration of fresh frozen plasma, cryoprecipitate, or human fibrinogen concentrate, RiaSTAP. RiaSTAP is potentially the most advantageous fibrinogen replacement product because it offers the highest fibrinogen concentration, lowest volume, and most consistent dose. Unfortunately, RiaSTAP is limited by a protocol reconstitution time of 15 min. Conversely, physicians in emergency settings frequently resort to a forceful and rapid reconstitution, which causes foaming and possible protein loss and/or damage. This study aims to address the in vitro effectiveness of protocol-reconstituted RiaSTAP versus rapidly reconstituted RiaSTAP versus cryoprecipitate. ⋯ RiaSTAP (either reconstitution method) has greater hemostatic potential and less variability in fibrinogen concentration compared with cryoprecipitate. Rapidly reconstituted RiaSTAP does not compromise hemostatic potential and can be used to potentially facilitate hemostasis in rapidly bleeding patients.
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To review the past year's literature, and selected prior literature relevant to these most recent findings, regarding intravenous fluid choices in the management of critically ill children. ⋯ Because intravenous fluid can be helpful or harmful, it can only be safely done in critically ill children when using state-of-the-art monitoring of patient volume, electrolyte, osmolarity, pH, and glucose status.
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Injury remains a leading cause of death worldwide with a disproportionate impact in the developing world. Capabilities for trauma care remain limited in these settings. We propose the implementation of the International Assessment of Capacity for Trauma (INTACT) index to provide a standardized way of assessing a health care facility's capacity to provide adequate trauma care. ⋯ The INTACT index is a simple tool designed to specifically assess trauma capacity from initial resuscitation to definitive care. Shortcomings in trauma capacity remain prominent and the INTACT index could be used to assess trauma care deficiencies in developing countries.
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AJR Am J Roentgenol · Aug 2014
Radiologic features of injuries from the Boston Marathon bombing at three hospitals.
The aim of this study is to describe the radiologic imaging findings of primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary blast injuries in patients injured in the Boston Marathon bombing on April 15, 2013. ⋯ Injuries from the Boston Marathon bombing were predominantly from the secondary blast wave and resulted in traumatic injuries predominantly of the lower extremities. The most common shrapnel found on radiologic evaluation was the ball bearing.
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Coagulopathy is the inability of blood to coagulate normally; in trauma patients, it is a multifactorial and complex process. Seriously injured trauma patients experience coagulopathies during the acute injury phase. Risk factors for trauma-induced coagulopathy include hypothermia, metabolic acidosis, hypoperfusion, hemodilution, and fluid replacement. ⋯ Therefore, medication-induced coagulopathy also is a concern. Traditional laboratory-based methods of assessing coagulation are being supported or even replaced by point-of-care tests. The evidence-based management of trauma-induced coagulopathy should address hypothermia, fluid resuscitation, blood components administration, and, if needed, medications to reverse identified coagulation disorders.