Celiac plexus radiosurgery for pain management in advanced cancer: a multicentre, single-arm, phase 2 trial.

Background: Refractory upper abdominal pain or lower back pain (retroperitoneal pain syndrome) related to celiac plexus involvement characterises pancreatic and other upper gastrointestinal malignancies and is an unmet need. We hypothesised that ablative radiation delivered to the celiac plexus would decrease pain.

Methods: This multicentre, single-arm, phase 2 study was done at eight hospitals in five countries (Israel, Poland, Canada, the USA, and Portugal).

Evaluating the Accuracy and Impact of the ESR-iGuide Decision Support Tool in Optimizing CT Imaging Referral Appropriateness.

Radiology referral quality impacts patient care, yet factors influencing quality are poorly understood. This study assessed the quality of computed tomography (CT) referrals, identified associated characteristics, and evaluated the ESR-iGuide clinical decision support tool's ability to optimize referrals. A retrospective review analyzed 300 consecutive CT referrals from an acute care hospital.

Validation of a cloud-based tele-stroke system reliability in determining national institutes of health stroke scale scores for acute ischemic stroke screening in the emergency department.

Background And Purpose: The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) is the most recommended tool for objectively quantifying the impairment caused by a suspected stroke. Nevertheless, it is mainly used by trained neurologists in the emergency department (ED). To bring forward the NIHSS to the pre-hospital setting, a smartphone-based Telestroke system was developed.

Impact of traumatic events incurred by asylum-seekers on mental health and utilization of medical services.

Background: Asylum-seekers from Africa immigrate to Israel through the Sinai desert and are often exposed to traumatic events.

Objective: To identify the scope and types of medical services required by asylum-seekers and the relationship between delayed medical care to development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and overutilization of medical services.

Methods: Asylum-seekers that entered Israel between 2009 and 2012 who utilized the Open Clinic of Physicians for Human Rights were interviewed to record their experiences in the Sinai, and document the traumatic events they were exposed to, their medical diagnoses, and clinic visits.

Policies for managing emergency medical services in mass casualty incidents.

Introduction: Diverse decision-making is needed in managing mass casualty incidents (MCIs), by emergency medical services (EMS). The aim of the study was to review consensus among international experts concerning policies of EMS management during MCIs.

Methods: Applicability of 21 EMS policies was tested through a 2-cycle modified e-Delphi process, in which 38 multi-disciplinary experts from 10 countries participated.

Maxillofacial Trauma Following Road Accidents and Falls.

Introduction: Motor vehicle accidents (MVA) and falls are major causes of maxillofacial injuries posing real challenges for the medical staff.

Purpose: To describe the demographic and injury characteristics, as well as the treatment procedures of casualties diagnosed with maxillofacial injuries.

Methods: The investigators implemented a multicenter retrospective study composed of hospitalized maxillofacial trauma patients recorded in the Israel Trauma Registry for 2000 to 2011.

Accuracy of initial critical care triage decisions in blast versus non-blast trauma.

Abstract Objective: We investigated the accuracy of initial critical care triage in blast-injured versus non-blast-injured trauma patients, focusing on those inappropriately triaged to the intensive care unit (ICU) for brief (<16 h) stays.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of the Israel National Trauma Registry, applying a predetermined definition of need for initial ICU admission.

Results: A total of 883 blast-injured and 112 185 non-blast-injured patients were categorized according to their need for ICU admission.

Terror attacks increase the risk of vascular injuries.

Objectives: Extensive literature exists about military trauma as opposed to the very limited literature regarding terror-related civilian trauma. However, terror-related vascular trauma (VT), as a unique type of injury, is yet to be addressed.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of the Israeli National Trauma Registry was performed.