Articles: trauma.
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Observational Study
Computed tomography is not justified in every pediatric blunt trauma patient with a suspicious mechanism of injury.
Computed tomography (CT) has become an important tool for the diagnosis of intra-abdominal and chest injuries in patients with blunt trauma. The role of CT in conscious asymptomatic patients with a suspicious mechanism of injury remains controversial. This controversy intensifies in the management of pediatric blunt trauma patients, who are much more susceptible to radiation exposure. The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of abdominal and chest CT imaging in asymptomatic pediatric patients with a suspicious mechanism of injury. ⋯ The routine use of CT in asymptomatic pediatric patients with a suspicious mechanism of blunt trauma injury is not justified.
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Severe traumatic brain injury is associated with both acute and delayed neuro- logical injury. Cerebral vasospasm is commonly associated with delayed neurological decline in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage patients. However, the role played by vasospasm in traumatic brain injury is less clear. ⋯ We present a patient with a severe traumatic brain injury who had dramatic improvement following emergent decompressive hemicraniectomy. Two weeks after initial presentation he suffered a precipitous decline despite intensive surveillance. This case illustrates the distinct challenges of diagnosing cerebral vasospasm in the setting of severe traumatic brain injury.
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ANZ journal of surgery · Jul 2014
Are Australian and New Zealand trauma service resources reflective of the Australasian Trauma Verification Model Resource Criteria?
The Australasian Trauma Verification Program was developed in 2000 to improve the quality of care provided at services in Australia and New Zealand. The programme outlines resources required for differing levels of trauma services. This study compares the human resources in Australia and New Zealand trauma services with those recommended by the Australasian College of Surgeons Trauma Verification Program. ⋯ Human resources in Australian and NZ trauma services are not reflective of those recommended by the Australasian Trauma Verification Program. This impacts on the ability to coordinate trauma monitoring and performance improvement. Review of the Australasian Trauma Verification Model Resource Criteria is required. Injury surveillance in Australia and NZ is hampered by insufficient trauma registry resources.
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Oman medical journal · Jul 2014
Predictors of reintubation in trauma intensive care unit: qatar experience.
To determine the causes, predictors and outcomes of re-intubation. ⋯ Re-intubation is associated with increased ICU-LOS and need for tracheostomy. VAP and prolonged intubation are independent predictors of re-intubation. Our finding addresses the value of prevention and early treatment of infection in intubated patients. This study may represent an audit of local practice as well.