The impact of a chest tube management protocol on the outcome of trauma patients with tube thoracostomy.

Objective: to investigate the effect of standardized interventions in the management of tube thoracostomy patients and to assess the independent effect of each intervention.

Methods: A chest tube management protocol was assessed in a retrospective cohort study. The tube thoracostomy protocol (TTP) was implemented in August 2012, and consisted of: antimicrobial prophylaxis, chest tube insertion in the operating room (OR), admission post chest tube thoracostomy (CTT) in a hospital floor separate from the emergency department (ED), and daily respiratory therapy (RT) sessions post-CTT.

Associated factors to empyema in post-traumatic hemotorax.

Objective: to analyze the associated factors with empyema in patients with post-traumatic retained hemothorax.

Methods: prospective observational study. Data were collected in patients undergoing PD during emergency duty.

Clotting factor XIII and desmopressin improve hemostasis in uncontrolled bleeding.

Purpose: To investigate hemostatic effects of supplementary factor XIII and desmopressin (DDAVP) in resuscitation of uncontrolled bleeding.

Methods: Fifty-four rabbits were randomized in nine groups: G1: Sham; G2: FXIII and normotensive resuscitation (NBP); G3: FXIII and permissive hypotension (PH) (MAP 60% baseline); G4: FXIII/DDAVP/NBP; G5: FXIII/DDAVP/PH; G6: NBP only; G7: FXIII no hemorrhage; G8: FXIII/DDAVP no hemorrhage; G9: PH only. Thromboelastometry and intra-abdominal blood loss were assessed.

[Human bone fragment acting as a secondary projectile set off by an explosion].

We report a case of a secondary projectile emanated from a fractured human bone from a victim of a bomb explosion. We also refer to the potential of transmition of blood-borne or body fluid pathogens by this mechanism of injury.

[Epidemiology of powdered glass-coated kite line injuries: victims admitted to a trauma hospital in Belo Horizonte, Brazil].

Objective: To describe the characteristics of victims of powdered glass-coated (manja) kite line injuries admitted to a trauma hospital in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.

Methods: Cross-sectional study of victims with powdered glass-coated kite line injuries between 2005 and 2009. Data were obtained retrospectively from medical records.

Non-operative management of right side thoracoabdominal penetrating injuries--the value of testing chest tube effluent for bile.

Introduction: While mandatory surgery for all thoracoabdominal penetrating injuries is advocated by some, the high rate of unnecessary operations challenges this approach. However, the consequences of intrathoracic bile remains poorly investigated. We sought to evaluate the outcome of patients who underwent non-operative management of right side thoracoabdominal (RST) penetrating trauma, and the levels of bilirubin obtained from those patients' chest tube effluent.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy aggravates liver reperfusion injury in rats.

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of hyperbaric oxygen (HO) therapy in the protection against liver ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Methods: Thirty-two male Wistar rats were divided into four groups of eight animals each: group A - laparotomy and liver manipulation, group B - liver ischemia and reperfusion, group C - HO pretreatment for 60 min followed by liver ischemia and reperfusion, and group D - pretreatment with ambient air at 2.5 absolute atmospheres for 60 min followed by liver ischemia and reperfusion.