In-Hospital Risk Factors for Reintervention and Amputation in Brachial Arterial Trauma.

Introduction: Brachial artery trauma is a rare but potentially devastating injury. There is little data regarding risk factors for reintervention and amputation prevention in this population, as well as anticoagulant (AC) and antiplatelet (AP) regimens and outcomes after discharge in trauma patients with vascular injuries requiring repair. This study aims to identify in-hospital risk factors for reintervention and amputation and stratify outcomes of follow-up by discharge AC or AP regimen.

AAST multicenter prospective analysis of prehospital tourniquet use for extremity trauma.

Background: Tourniquet use for extremity hemorrhage control has seen a recent increase in civilian usage. Previous retrospective studies demonstrated that tourniquets improve outcomes for major extremity trauma (MET). No prospective study has been conducted to date.

Screening for Harassment, Abuse, and Discrimination among Surgery Residents: An EAST Multicenter Trial.

Estimating the prevalence of harassment, verbal abuse, and discrimination among residents is difficult as events are often under-reported. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of discrimination and abuse among surgical residents using the HITS (Hurt, Insulted, Threatened with harm or Screamed at) screening tool. A multicenter, cross-sectional, survey-based study was conducted at five academic teaching hospitals.

Validation of a Geriatric Trauma Prognosis Calculator: A P.A.L.Li.A.T.E. Consortium Study.

Background/objectives: The P.A.L.

Is routine tube thoracostomy necessary after prehospital needle decompression for tension pneumothorax?

Background: Thoracic needle decompression is lifesaving in tension pneumothorax. However, performance of subsequent tube thoracostomy is questioned. The needle may not enter the chest, or the diagnosis may be wrong.

Comparison of hemodynamic measurements from invasive and noninvasive monitoring during early resuscitation.

Background: Measurements obtained from the insertion of a pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) in critically ill and/or injured patients have traditionally assisted with resuscitation efforts. However, with the recent utilization of ultrasound in the intensive care unit setting, transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) has gained popularity. The purpose of this study is to compare serial PAC and TTE measurements and document levels of serum biomarkers during resuscitation.

Impact of splenic injury guidelines on hospital stay and charges in patients with isolated splenic injury.

Background: The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of care guidelines for patients with isolated blunt splenic trauma on length of stay (LOS) and patient charges.

Methods: We conducted a review of the hospital trauma registry and identified patients admitted with blunt splenic injury from 2000 to 2007. Splenic injury guidelines were initiated in November 2004.

Neurologic outcomes with cerebral oxygen monitoring in traumatic brain injury.

Background: Optimizing cerebral oxygenation is advocated to improve outcome in head-injured patients. The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes in brain-injured patients treated with 2 types of monitors.

Methods: Patients with traumatic brain injury and a Glasgow Coma Scale score<8 were identified on admission.

Comparison of a DNA based PCR method with conventional methods for the detection of M. tuberculosis in Jos, Nigeria.

Background: To achieve early diagnosis and effective treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis, simple and sensitive methods that enhance the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) from clinical specimens are needed. This study compared the effectiveness and suitability of an insertion sequence (IS 6110) based polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay with conventional methods for the detection of M.

A prospective randomized study of clinical assessment versus computed tomography for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis.

Background: The objective of this study was to determine if routine use of computed tomography (CT) for the diagnosis of appendicitis is warranted.

Methods: During a one-year study period, all patients who presented to the surgical service with possible appendicitis were studied. One hundred eighty-two patients with possible appendicitis were randomized to clinical assessment (CA) alone, or clinical evaluation and abdominal/pelvic CT.

The impact of a repealed motorcycle helmet law in Miami-Dade County.

Objective: To study the impact of helmet nonuse in motorcycle crashes after the repeal of a mandatory helmet law in the state of Florida.

Methods: We prospectively studied all patients evaluated at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Medical Center from July 1, 2000, through December 31, 2000, involved in motorcycle crashes, and compared them with those seen during the same time period the year before the helmet law change.

Results: In 1999, before the repeal of the helmet law, there were 52 cases evaluated at our center compared with 94 after the law change.