Pre-injury polypharmacy as a predictor of outcomes in trauma patients.

Background: One of the hallmarks of modern medicine is the improving management of chronic health conditions. Long-term control of chronic disease entails increasing utilization of multiple medications and resultant polypharmacy. The goal of this study is to improve our understanding of the impact of polypharmacy on outcomes in trauma patients 45 years and older.

The impact of antiplatelet therapy on pelvic fracture outcomes.

Introduction: Despite increasing use of antiplatelet agents (APA), little is known regarding the effect of these agents on the orthopedic trauma patient. This study reviews clinical outcomes of patients with pelvic fractures (Pfx) who were using pre-injury APA. Specifically, we focused on the influence of APA on postinjury bleeding, transfusions, and outcomes after Pfx.

Tree stands, not guns, are the midwestern hunter's most dangerous weapon.

Although the prevailing stereotype is that most hunting injuries are gunshot wounds inflicted by intoxicated hunting buddies, our experience led us to hypothesize that falls comprise a significant proportion of hunting related injuries. Trauma databases of two Level I trauma centers in central Ohio were queried for all hunting related injuries during a 10-year period. One hundred and thirty patients were identified (90% male, mean age 41.

Complications related to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: a comprehensive clinical review.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is one of the most commonly performed endoscopic procedures. It provides the treating physician with both diagnostic and therapeutic options. The recent shift towards interventional uses of ERCP is largely due to the emergence of advanced imaging techniques, including magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography and ultrasonography.