Hypertonic saline infusion does not improve the chance of primary fascial closure after damage control laparotomy: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Previous observational studies showed higher rates of abdominal wall closure with the use of hypertonic saline in trauma patients with abdominal injuries. However, no randomized controlled trials have been performed on this matter. This double-blind randomized clinical trial assessed the effect of 3% hypertonic saline (HS) solution on primary fascial closure and the timing of abdominal wall closure among patients who underwent damage control laparotomy for bleeding control.

Risk factors for posttraumatic empyema in diaphragmatic injuries.

Background: Penetrating diaphragmatic injuries are associated with a high incidence of posttraumatic empyema. We analyzed the contribution of trauma severity, specific organ injury, contamination severity, and surgical management to the risk of posttraumatic empyema in patients who underwent surgical repair of diaphragmatic injuries at a level 1 trauma center.

Methods: This is a retrospective review of the patients who survived more than 48 h.

Acute kidney injury in severely injured patients admitted to the intensive care unit.

Background: Our objective was to identify possible associations between clinical and laboratory variables and the risk of developing acute kidney injury (AKI) in severely injured patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for whom creatine kinase (CK) levels were available.

Methods: For this retrospective observational study, we analyzed adult trauma patients admitted to the ICU from 2011 to 2015 at Fundación Valle del Lili (FVL) University Hospital. Our primary outcome was the incidence of AKI.

The tenets of intrathoracic packing during damage control thoracic surgery for trauma patients: a systematic review.

Purpose: Although Damage Control Thoracic Surgery (DCTS) has become a provocative alternative to treat patients with chest injuries who are critically ill and physiologically depleted, the management approaches of chest-packing and the measurement of clinically relevant outcomes are not well established. In this paper, we systematically reviewed the available knowledge and evidence about intra-thoracic packing during DCTS for trauma patients. We furthermore inform on the management approaches, surgical strategies, and mortality associated with this intervention.

Effect of abdominal negative-pressure wound therapy on the measurement of intra-abdominal pressure.

Background: In critically ill surgical patients undergoing abdominal negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT), it remains uncertain whether or not intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) measurements should be obtained when NPWT is activated. We aimed to determine agreement between IAP measured with and without NPWT.

Methods: In this analytic cross-sectional study, critically ill surgical adults (≥18 y) requiring abdominal NPWT for temporary abdominal closure after a damage control laparotomy were selected.

Analysis of combat casualties admitted to the emergency department during the negotiation of the comprehensive Colombian process of peace.

Aim: Our objective was to describe the variations in casualties admitted to the emergency department during the period of the negotiation of the comprehensive peace agreement in Colombia between 2011 and 2016.

Methods: A retrospective study of all hostile military casualties managed at a regional Level I trauma center from January 2011 to December 2016. Patients were subsequently divided into two groups: those seen before the declaration of the process of peace truce (November 2012) and those after (negotiation period).

Could resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta improve survival among severely injured patients with post-intubation hypotension?

Current literature shows the association of post-intubation hypotension and increased odds of mortality in critically ill non-trauma and trauma populations. However, there is a lack of research on potential interventions that can prevent or ameliorate the consequences of endotracheal intubation and thus improve the prognosis of trauma patients with post-intubation hypotension. This review paper hypothesizes that the deployment of REBOA among trauma patients with PIH, by its physiologic effects, will reduce the odds of mortality in this population.

Prophylactic use of resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta in women with abnormal placentation: A systematic review, meta-analysis, and case series.

Background: We describe intraoperative and postdischarge outcomes of a case series after the prophylactic use of resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) during elective cesarean delivery in pregnant women with morbidly adherent placenta (MAP). We furthermore performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the safety and effectiveness of the use of REBOA during elective cesarean delivery in pregnant women with MAP.

Methods: Descriptive case series of REBOA (December 2015 to June 2017) used during elective cesarean delivery in pregnant women with MAP.

Casualties of peace: an analysis of casualties admitted to the intensive care unit during the negotiation of the comprehensive Colombian process of peace.

Background: After 52 years of war in 2012, the Colombian government began the negotiation of a process of peace, and by November 2012, a truce was agreed. We sought to analyze casualties who were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) before and during the period of the negotiation of the comprehensive Colombian process of peace.

Methods: Retrospective study of hostile casualties admitted to the ICU at a Level I trauma center from January 2011 to December 2016.

A meta-analysis of resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) or open aortic cross-clamping by resuscitative thoracotomy in non-compressible torso hemorrhage patients.

Background: The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the effect of REBOA, compared to resuscitative thoracotomy, on mortality and among non-compressible torso hemorrhage trauma patients.

Methods: Relevant articles were identified by a literature search in MEDLINE and EMBASE. We included studies involving trauma patients suffering non-compressible torso hemorrhage.