Does Tranexamic Acid Administration Increase the Risk of Thromboembolism?

Introduction Hemorrhage following trauma is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common complication of an increased coagulable state, and the risk of VTE following the administration of tranexamic acid (TXA), an antifibrinolytic agent, is still controversial. Our aim is to understand whether there is any association between the administration of TXA and the risk of VTE development.

Profile, outcome and predictors of mortality of abdomino-pelvic trauma patients in a tertiary intensive care unit in Saudi Arabia.

Introduction: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is one of countries with the world's highest number of deaths per 100,000 populations from road traffic accidents (RTAs). Numerous trauma victims sustain abdomino-pelvic injuries, which are associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study was to describe profile, outcomes and predictors of mortality of patients with abdomino-pelvic trauma admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) in a tertiary care trauma centre in Riyadh, KSA.

Bioavailability of oral fluconazole in critically ill abdominal trauma patients with and without abdominal wall closure: a randomized crossover clinical trial.

Background: Patients with non-apposed fascial edges, known as laparostomy patients, have traditionally been given intravenous medications, because enteral absorption of medications was thought to be unpredictable. We hypothesized that critically ill patients with "open abdomens" would have bioavailability similar to that of matched patients with closed fascial edges.

Methods: Fluconazole, a commonly prescribed anti-fungal with good bioavailability was used as a marker of absorption.

Tracheostomy in ventilator dependent trauma patients: a prospective, randomized intention-to-treat study.

Background: Tracheostomy is a commonly performed procedure in ventilator dependent patients. Many critical care practitioners believe that performing a tracheostomy early in the postinjury period decreases the length of ventilator dependence as well as having other benefits such as better patient tolerance and lower respiratory dead space. We conducted a randomized, prospective, single institution study comparing the length ventilator dependence in critically ill multiple trauma patients who were randomized to two different strategies for performance of a tracheostomy.

When is it safe to discharge asymptomatic patients with abdominal stab wounds?

Background: This study sought to determine the time from hospital presentation to surgical intervention for hemodynamically stable patients with abdominal stab wounds. The objective was to identify the optimal time for observation of these asymptomatic patients before safe hospital discharge.

Methods: The authors reviewed a prospectively collected trauma database at their level 1 trauma center.