Risk and benefit of intravenous contrast in trauma patients with an elevated serum creatinine.

Objective: Assess if the benefits outweigh the risks of intravenous (iv) contrast in trauma patients who present with an elevated serum creatinine (Cr).

Background: Radiologic investigations with iv contrast are often used in trauma patients to rapidly assess for life threatening injuries. However, contrast nephropathy (CNP) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality.

The increasing incidence of severe pelvic injury in motor vehicle collisions.

Background: Pelvic fractures constitute a major cause of death and residual disability in motor vehicle collisions (MVC). To date there has been poor documentation of the epidemiology of severe pelvic injuries. A detailed retrospective examination of all abbreviated injury score (AIS) > or = 4 pelvic fractures sustained in occupants of MVCs seen at this lead trauma hospital over the last 12 years and in the province of Ontario over the last 6 years was completed.

Long-term outcomes after injury in the elderly.

Background: The lasting impact of injury on lifestyle in the elderly remains poorly defined. The purpose of this study was to determine the long-term quality-of-life outcomes in elderly trauma patients.

Methods: The trauma registry at a regional trauma center was used to identify hospital survivors of injury > or = 65 years old discharged from April 1996 to March 1999.