Absence of calvarial fracture could predict the need for tracheostomy in traumatic brain injury.

Aim: Tracheostomy is a common procedure for intubated patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the intensive care unit (ICU) but optimal timing and the predictors of tracheostomy are still unclear. The aim of our study was to explore whether the traumatic variables of head injury predict the need for tracheostomy in intubated TBI patients.

Methods: A single-center, retrospective observational study including a series of TBI patients admitted to Fukui Prefectural Hospital from April 1, 2004 to March 31, 2020 was carried out.

Point-of-care procalcitonin may predict the need for surgical treatment in patients with small bowel obstruction.

Background: The early identification of patients with small bowel obstruction who require surgical treatment could potentially lead to improved patient outcomes. We evaluated the efficacy of point-of-care procalcitonin for predicting surgical treatment among patients with small bowel obstruction.

Methods: This was a prospective observational study.