Removal of erythropoietin from anaemia trauma practice guideline does not increase red blood cell transfusions and decreases hospital utilization costs.

Introduction: We previously demonstrated that utilization of erythropoietin (r-EPO) did not significantly reduce blood utilization in trauma patients. We undertook this study to analyze blood utilization 1 year after r-EPO removal from our trauma service anaemia practice management guideline.

Methods: Electronic records of patients admitted to the trauma service were retrospectively reviewed for units of packed red blood cells (pRBCs) transfused and for units of r-EPO administered 12 months before the initiation of an anaemia practice guideline (PRE), 12 months during the use of an anaemia guideline (GUIDE), and 12 months following removal of r-EPO from the guideline (POST).

Factors affecting length of stay following colonic resection.

Introduction: In-hospital length of stay (LOS) has become a valuable measure of outcomes following any operation, which also directly impacts cost. The aim of this study was to identify the factors that affect LOS after colonic resection.

Materials And Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed of adult patients who underwent colonic resection over an 8-y period at a tertiary institution.

Timing of pulmonary emboli after trauma: implications for retrievable vena cava filters.

Background: Four recent reports of the retrieval of optional vena cava filters (VCF) in trauma patients had average implant durations of 10, 19, and 19 days (one not specified). Two patients in these studies had pulmonary emboli after VCF removal. No evidence-based guidelines exist on the appropriate time to remove optional VCF.