Thromboelastographic changes in patients experiencing an acute ischemic stroke and receiving alteplase.

Background: Thromboelastography is a method of measuring whole-blood coagulation changes and has been used to guide therapy and monitor changes in a variety of disease states. However, few studies have investigated the thromboelastographic changes experienced in a patient who has received alteplase for an acute ischemic stroke. This pilot study sought to describe the effect of alteplase on the thromboelastogram tracings of patients experiencing an acute ischemic stroke.

Scottish urban versus rural trauma outcome study.

Background: Outcome following trauma and health care access are important components of health care planning. Resources are limited and quality information is required. We set the objective of comparing the outcomes for patients suffering significant trauma in urban and rural environments in Scotland.

Rapid sequence intubation of trauma patients in Scotland.

Background: Endotracheal intubation remains the gold standard for trauma airway management. Rapid sequence intubation (RSI) has traditionally been performed by anesthesiologists but increasingly, emergency physicians are also undertaking RSI. We aimed to compare success and complication rates for trauma intubations for the two specialties.

Patients with a head injury who "talk and die" in the 1990s.

Background: Patients who "talk and die" after head injury may represent a group who suffer delayed and therefore potentially preventable complications after injury. We have compared the clinical and pathologic features of patients who talk and die with those who "talk and live" after head injury.

Methods: Data collected prospectively by the Scottish Trauma Audit Group were used to identify patients with a head injury and classify them according to verbal response at admission to hospital.