Introduction: Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) is the standard for venous thromboembolic (VTE) chemo-prophylaxis in trauma patients; however, inconsistencies in the use of LMWH exist. The objective of this study was to assess VTE outcomes in response to a chemo-prophylaxis protocol guided by patient physiology (eg, creatinine clearance) and comorbidities.
Methods: ACS TQIP Benchmark Reports at a level 1 trauma center using a patient physiology and comorbidity directed VTE chemo-prophylaxis protocol were analyzed for Spring 2019 to Fall 2021.
Background: Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) is a minimally invasive alternative to resuscitative thoracotomy (RT) for patients with hemorrhagic shock. However, the potential benefits of this approach remain subject of debate. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of REBOA and RT for traumatic cardiac arrest.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPurpose: There are limited data comparing the severity of traumatic adrenal injury (TAI) and the need for interventions, such as transfusions, hospitalization, or incidence of adrenal insufficiency (AI) and other clinical outcomes. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between the grade of TAI and the need for subsequent intervention and clinical outcomes following the injury.
Methods: After obtaining Institutional Review Board approval, our trauma registry was queried for patients with TAI between 2009 and 2017.
Objectives: Using rectal contrast computed tomography (CT) to identify traumatic colorectal injuries has become commonplace; however, these injuries remain relatively infrequent findings on CTs obtained for penetrating back and flank trauma. We conducted a meta-analysis to ascertain the efficacy of rectal contrast CT in identifying such injuries in victims penetrating injuries.
Methods: PubMed and Embase were queried for relevant articles between 1974 and 2022.
Background: Improper or delayed activation of a massive transfusion protocol may have consequences to individuals and institutions. We designed a complex predictive algorithm that was packaged within a smartphone application. We hypothesized it would accurately assess the need for massive transfusion protocol activation and assist clinicians in that decision.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Non-compressible truncal hemorrhage (NCTH) is the leading cause of preventable death after trauma. Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) achieves temporary hemorrhage control, supporting cardiac and cerebral perfusion prior to definitive hemostasis. Aortic zone selection algorithms vary among institutions.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Injury to the celiac artery secondary to a blunt mechanism of trauma is an extremely rare injury that accounts for only 1%-2% of all visceral vascular lesions. Although rare, this injury is associated with significant mortality. Despite this high mortality, there are currently only a few published case series of blunt celiac artery injuries in the literature.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Screening for blunt cerebrovascular injuries (BCVIs) in asymptomatic high-risk patients has become routine. To date, the length of this asymptomatic period has not been defined. Determining the time to stroke could impact therapy including earlier initiation of antithrombotics in multiply injured patients.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFUnlabelled: With a relative shortage of type AB plasma, many centers have converted to type A plasma for resuscitation of patients whose blood type is unknown. The goal of this study is to determine outcomes for trauma patients who received incompatible plasma transfusions as part of a massive transfusion protocol (MTP).
Methods: As part of an Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma multi-institutional trial, registry and blood bank data were collected from eight trauma centers for trauma patients (age, ≥ 15 years) receiving emergency release plasma transfusions as part of MTPs from January 2012 to August 2016.
Background: High-energy missiles can cause cardiac injury regardless of entrance site. This study assesses the adequacy of the anatomic borders of the current "cardiac box" to predict cardiac injury.
Methods: Retrospective autopsy review was performed to identify patients with penetrating torso gunshot wounds (GSWs) 2011 to 2013.
Background: Despite the lethality of injuries to the heart, optimizing factors that impact mortality for victims that do survive to reach the hospital is critical.
Methods: From 2003 to 2012, prehospital data, injury characteristics, and clinical patient factors were analyzed for victims with penetrating cardiac injuries (PCIs) at an urban, level I trauma center.
Results: Over the 10-year study, 80 PCI patients survived to reach the hospital.
J Trauma Acute Care Surg
October 2016
Background: This study evaluates patterns of injuries and outcomes from penetrating cardiac injuries (PCIs) at Grady Memorial Hospital, an urban, Level I trauma center in Atlanta, Georgia, over 36 years.
Methods: Patients sustaining PCIs were identified from the Trauma Registry of the American College of Surgeons and the Emory Department of Surgery database; data of patients who died prior to any therapy were excluded. Demographics and outcomes were compared over three time intervals: Period 1 (1975-1985; n = 113), Period 2 (1986-1996; n = 79), and Period 3 (2000-2010; n = 79).
Background: Life-threatening conduction abnormalities after penetrating cardiac injuries (PCIs) are rare, and rapid identification and treatment of these arrhythmias are critical to survival. This study highlights diagnosis and management strategies for conduction abnormalities after PCI.
Methods: Patients with life-threatening arrhythmias after PCI were identified at an urban, level I trauma center registry.
Background: Over the last 10 years, the paradigm of damage control resuscitation (DCR) has been associated with improved patient outcomes. This study investigates the outcomes of both closed and open pelvic ring fractures at a single institution before and after the formal implementation of DCR principles.
Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed in an urban level I trauma center of all patients who sustained open or closed pelvic ring fractures between 2002 and 2012.
Background: The objective of this study was to identify risk factors associated with intestinal anastomotic leakage in order to practically assist in surgical decision making.
Methods: A retrospective review of an academic surgery database was performed over 5 years to identify patients who had intestinal (small bowel and colon) anastomoses to determine independent predictors of anastomotic leakage.
Results: Over the study period, 682 patients were identified with intestinal anastomoses; the overall leak rate was 5.