Low-dose Prothrombin Complex Concentrate for Warfarin-Associated Intracranial Hemorrhage with INR Less Than 2.0.

Background: Prothrombin complex concentrates (PCCs) have become the first-line therapy for warfarin reversal in the setting of central nervous system (CNS) hemorrhage. Randomized, controlled studies comparing agents for warfarin reversal excluded patients with international normalized ratio (INR) <2, yet INR values of 1.6-1.

Pneumonia prevention in intubated patients given sucralfate versus proton-pump inhibitors and/or histamine II receptor blockers.

Background: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a common cause of infectious morbidity and mortality in the intensive care unit (ICU). The type of stress-ulcer prophylaxis (SUP) given to ventilated patients may, in part, be responsible. We observed an increase in VAP as ventilator bundle compliance increased and a decrease in VAP when bundle compliance decreased.

Decompressive craniectomy for severe traumatic brain injury: clinical study, literature review and meta-analysis.

Objective: To examine the clinical and neurological outcome of patients who sustained a severe non-penetrating traumatic brain injury (TBI) and underwent unilateral decompressive craniectomy (DC) for refractory intracranial hypertension.

Design: Single center, retrospective, observational.

Setting: Level I Trauma Center in Portland, Maine.

Time lapse and comorbidities influence patient knowledge and pursuit of medical care after traumatic splenectomy.

Background: There is insufficient knowledge of infectious risk in patients after splenectomy; minimal data exists specifically for trauma patients. This study evaluated patient knowledge and practices regarding infection risk after traumatic splenectomy. Our hypothesis was that patients with poor knowledge regarding their asplenic state would be less likely to pursue medical care in the event of an illness than those with good knowledge.

Stability of cervical spine fractures after gunshot wounds to the head and neck.

Study Design: Retrospective chart review.

Objectives: To determine the frequency of stable and unstable cervical spine fractures after gunshot wounds to the head or neck; to identify potential risk factor(s) for an unstable versus stable cervical spine fracture.

Summary Of Background Data: Cervical spine fractures after gunshot wounds to the head and neck are common.