Articles: trauma.
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Review. ⋯ 5.
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J. Thromb. Haemost. · Jun 2015
ReviewTACTIC: Trans-Agency Consortium for Trauma-Induced Coagulopathy.
Trauma-induced coagulopathy (TIC) includes heterogeneous coagulopathic syndromes with different underlying causes, and treatment is challenged by limited diagnostic tests to discriminate between these entities in the acute setting. We provide an overview of progress in understanding the mechanisms of TIC and the context for several of the hypotheses that will be tested in 'TACTIC'. ⋯ We do anticipate that 'early translation' of promising results will occur. Functions anticipated at this early translational level include: (i) basic science groundwork for future therapeutic candidates; (ii) development of acute coagulopathy scoring systems; (iii) coagulation factor composition-based computational analysis; (iv) characterization of novel analytes including tissue factor, polyphosphates, histones, meizothrombin and α-thrombin-antithrombin complexes, factor XIa, platelet and endothelial markers of activation, signatures of protein C activation and fibrinolysis markers; and (v) assessment of viscoelastic tests and new point-of-care methods.
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By 2030, 30 % of German residents will be over 70 years of age. In 2009, we conceptualised a TÜV (German Technical Inspection Authority) certified interdisciplinary centre for geriatric trauma care. All treatment pathways were agreed upon by all disciplines. Complex geriatric therapy was established, and patients were seen by trauma surgeons, geriatricians, therapists, and a pharmacist. Cases were discussed in team meetings. Morbidity and mortality conferences were conducted. In 2014, supplementary DGU (German Society for Trauma Surgery) certification was achieved. ⋯ Interdisciplinary geriatric-trauma therapy for older patients resulted in improved measurable outcomes. Interdisciplinary geriatric trauma care with implementation of complex therapy benefits both patients and hospitals.
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Assessment and management of pain in pre-hospital care settings are important aspects of paramedic and clinical team roles. As emergency department waiting times and delays in paramedic-to-nurse handover increase, it becomes more and more vital that patients receive adequate pre-hospital pain relief. ⋯ This article examines these issues along with the aetiology of trauma and the related socioeconomic background of traumatic injury. It reviews validated pain-assessment tools, outlines physiological responses to traumatic pain and discusses some of the misconceptions about the provision of effective analgesia in pre-hospital settings.
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Bone defects of the skull are observed in various pathological conditions, including head trauma and conditions requiring surgery of the skull. Independent of the consequences of the original aetiology that necessitated the craniectomy, the bone defect alone may be the cause of the symptoms, called 'trephined syndrome' or 'sinking skin flap syndrome'. Despite the early recognition of neurological symptoms directly linked to craniectomy, the description of this syndrome has often relied on a small series or single clinical case reports. ⋯ Clinicians need to be aware of sinking skin flap syndrome and to look for abnormal neurological developments in patients with craniectomy in order to avoid unnecessary testing and to prevent its occurrence. Accordingly, cranioplasty can be undertaken as soon as necessary.