Articles: trauma.
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The occurrence and sequelae of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in major trauma patients is underexplored across both trauma and cardiology specialties. Coronary reperfusion greatly reduces the risk of significant morbidity and mortality in AMI. However, in patients presenting with significant injuries, concurrent AMI presents a competing management priority given the increase in risk of bleeding with standard anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapy, which may be contraindicated. This study aimed to evaluate the epidemiology and clinical outcomes associated with AMI in a contemporary major trauma cohort. ⋯ AMI in the setting of major trauma occurs in an older, more comorbid, and vulnerable group of patients. AMI is associated with an increased risk of in-hospital mortality and prolonged hospital stay in the setting of major trauma, underscoring the importance of identifying and treating major trauma associated AMI in a timely and effective manner.
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Despite research linking chemical and physical restraints to negative outcomes including unplanned intubations and psychological distress, there is little guidance for their use in the care of trauma patients. We used institutional data to describe recent trends in chemical and physical restraint in the emergency department evaluation and treatment of trauma patients and to identify characteristics associated with their use. ⋯ In this institutional study, nearly one-in-twelve trauma patients were restrained during emergency department evaluation and treatment. Restraint utilization increased during the study driven primarily by increases in ketamine and restraints utilized during trauma bay evaluation and resuscitation. Future research should assess the generalizability of these findings. It is important that rigorous guidelines are established to ensure the safe and effective use of restraints in trauma.