ABO blood groups do not predict progression of traumatic intracranial hemorrhage.

ABO blood groups are associated with genetically predisposed variations in von Willebrand factor (VWF) resulting in higher risks of thrombotic events in non-O blood types and bleeding complications in blood type O. The role of ABO blood groups in progression of traumatic intracranial hemorrhage (TICH) is unknown. Given statistically lower VWF levels in blood type O in the general population, we hypothesized that blood type O patients have a higher risk of such progression.

Colorectal surgery in cirrhotic patients.

Patients with cirrhosis have a greater risk of morbidity and mortality following colorectal surgery. Therefore, preoperative medical optimization and risk assessment using criteria such as the MELD score are vital in preventing complications. Some risk factors include age, urgency of surgery, and ASA score.

Increased skin inflammation and blood vessel density in human and experimental diabetes.

Systemic inflammation is associated with impaired wound healing in diabetes mellitus (DM) patients. Using immunohistochemistry techniques, the authors investigated changes in skin inflammation and skin blood vessels in human and experimental diabetes. Comparing to the non-DM human subjects, the total number of inflammatory cells per biopsy and the number of inflammatory cells around blood vessels, a strong indication of inflammation, were higher in DM subjects irrespective of their risk for developing diabetic foot ulcer.

Tracheotomy timing and outcomes in the critically ill.

Objective: To examine the impact of early tracheotomy in nontrauma patients on duration of mechanical ventilation (MV), intensive care unit (ICU) stay, and overall hospital stay.

Design: Case series with chart review.

Setting: Tertiary care medical center.