Effect of trauma center establishment to clinical outcome of severe pediatric trauma patients: retrospective single center study

Objective@#Trauma death is one of the most preventable deaths by various efforts in the healthcare sector. The establishment of a regional trauma center will aid in efforts to reduce mortality. On the other hand, the effects of trauma centers on pediatric trauma in Korea are not fully understood. This study compared the clinical outcomes of severe pediatric trauma patients before and after the regional trauma center was set into action. @*Methods@#A cross-sectional, retrospective analysis was performed on the medical records in a single regional emergency and trauma center from November 2014 to October 2016 and from January 2017 to December 2018. The general demographic information, injury details, and clinical outcome data were collected. The cases were divided into two groups, the before and after groups, and comparisons were made. @*Results@#Seventy-three patients were included in the study. Thirty-seven patients were in the before group, and 36 were in the after group. The mortality (21.6% to 5.6%, P=0.04) and interhospital transfer rate (27.0% to 8.3%, P=0.03) were lower in after group than in the before group. On the other hand, the time to receive a transfusion, operation, and intensive care unit (ICU) admission did not differ significantly. The lengths of the emergency department, ICU, and hospital stay were also similar in the two groups. @*Conclusion@#For severe pediatric trauma patients, the mortality and transfer rates decreased after implementing the trauma center. On the other hand, the implementation itself was not identified as a major factor, and the time required to receive a definite treatment or length of stay did not change significantly.

Comparison of the new and conventional injury severity scoring systems for predicting mortality in severe geriatric trauma

Objective@#This study compared the prognostic performance of the following five injury severity scores: the Geriatric Trauma Outcome Score (GTOS), the Injury Severity Score (ISS), the New Injury Severity Score (NISS), the Revised Trauma Score (RTS), and the Trauma and Injury Severity Score (TRISS) for in-hospital mortality in severe geriatric trauma patients. @*Methods@#A retrospective, cross-sectional, observational study was conducted using a database of severe geriatric trauma patients (age ≥65 years and ISS ≥16) who presented to a single regional trauma center between November 2016 and October 2018. We compared the baseline characteristics between the survivor and mortality groups and the predictive ability of the five scoring systems. @*Results@#A total of 402 patients were included in the analysis; the in-hospital mortality rate was 25.6% (n=103). The TRISS had the highest area under the curve of 0.953 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.927-0.971); followed by RTS, 0.777 (95% CI, 0.733-0.817); NISS, 0.733 (95% CI, 0.687-0.776); ISS, 0.660 (95% CI, 0.612-0.707); and GTOS, 0.660 (95% CI, 0.611-0.706) in severe geriatric trauma. The TRISS also had the highest area under the curve of 0.961 (0.919-0.985) among the injury severity scoring systems in polytrauma. The predictive ability of TRISS was significantly higher than the other four scores with respect to overall trauma and polytrauma (P<0.001). @*Conclusion@#The TRISS showed the highest prognostic performance for predicting in-hospital mortality among all the injury severity scoring systems in severe geriatric trauma.

Comparison of the new and conventional injury severity scoring systems for predicting mortality in severe geriatric trauma

Objective@#This study compared the prognostic performance of the following five injury severity scores: the Geriatric Trauma Outcome Score (GTOS), the Injury Severity Score (ISS), the New Injury Severity Score (NISS), the Revised Trauma Score (RTS), and the Trauma and Injury Severity Score (TRISS) for in-hospital mortality in severe geriatric trauma patients. @*Methods@#A retrospective, cross-sectional, observational study was conducted using a database of severe geriatric trauma patients (age ≥65 years and ISS ≥16) who presented to a single regional trauma center between November 2016 and October 2018. We compared the baseline characteristics between the survivor and mortality groups and the predictive ability of the five scoring systems. @*Results@#A total of 402 patients were included in the analysis; the in-hospital mortality rate was 25.6% (n=103). The TRISS had the highest area under the curve of 0.953 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.927-0.971); followed by RTS, 0.777 (95% CI, 0.733-0.817); NISS, 0.733 (95% CI, 0.687-0.776); ISS, 0.660 (95% CI, 0.612-0.707); and GTOS, 0.660 (95% CI, 0.611-0.706) in severe geriatric trauma. The TRISS also had the highest area under the curve of 0.961 (0.919-0.985) among the injury severity scoring systems in polytrauma. The predictive ability of TRISS was significantly higher than the other four scores with respect to overall trauma and polytrauma (P<0.001). @*Conclusion@#The TRISS showed the highest prognostic performance for predicting in-hospital mortality among all the injury severity scoring systems in severe geriatric trauma.

Does the placement of automated external defibrillators affect first responders' willingness to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation in high-rise residential buildings?

OBJECTIVE: The increasing number of people living in high-rise apartments may result in a delayed response from emergency medical technicians called out for an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, making the role of apartment managers as the first responders extremely important. This study investigated whether automated external defibrillator (AED) placement influences the willingness of apartment managers to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and use an AED. METHODS: A cross-sectional target population-based survey was conducted in Daegu, July 2016. Questionnaires were sent to apartment managers working in apartments with more than 500 households. The general characteristics of the respondents, status of CPR education, and knowledge about and willingness to perform CPR and use an AED were investigated. RESULTS: Of the 1,445 respondents, 758 (52.5%) worked in apartments with AEDs, of which 77.8% and 70.8% were willing to perform CPR and use an AED, respectively, compared with 68.1% and 60.0% of respondents who worked in apartments without AEDs. After adjusting for potential confounders, AED placement was associated with the willingness to perform CPR (odds ratio [OR], 1.33; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04–1.71) and use an AED (OR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.10–1.75). Prior CPR training and accurate knowledge of CPR skills were also associated with the willingness to perform CPR and use an AED. CONCLUSION: Placing AEDs in high-rise apartment buildings and providing refresher CPR education for maintaining CPR skills will be necessary to support apartment managers in their role as first responders.

Effects of chest compression only cardiopulmonary resuscitation training on retention of correct cardiopulmonary resuscitation knowledge

OBJECTIVE: Performing high quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is important for improving the survival rate with a good neurological outcome and fewer complications. The retention of accurate CPR knowledge is essential for providing high quality CPR. This study examined the effects of chest compression only CPR training on the retention of correct CPR knowledge. METHODS: In December 2016, an interview survey to target the study population was conducted by trained interviewers, using a structured questionnaire. The respondents' general characteristics, status of CPR education, and knowledge and willingness regarding CPR were investigated. Pearson's chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine which education-related factors affected the correct skill knowledge of performing CPR. RESULTS: Among the respondents, there are 80 persons (17.4%) who answered correctly in the questions regarding the skills of performing CPR. The respondents who had a willingness to perform CPR to family and strangers were 90.2% and 44.9% respectively. Through multivariable analysis, the factors related to correct skill knowledge in performing CPR in the didactic with practice group were people who had undergone CPR training within 2 years (odds ratio [OR], 2.293; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.311–4.009), and person who had undergone chest compression only CPR training (OR, 2.044; 95% CI, 1.033–4.042). CONCLUSION: Chest compression only type of CPR training and the experience of CPR education within 2 years were associated with accurate skill knowledge of performing CPR.

Relationship between emergency department crowding and initial management, mortality of severe trauma patients

OBJECTIVE: This study examined whether emergency department (ED) crowding influences the timing of the initial assessment and treatment in severe trauma patients, as well as their mortality rates. METHODS: This retrospective, observational study was conducted between January 2015 and October 2016, and included adult severe trauma patients who presented to the ED. The emergency department occupancy rate (EDOR) was used to measure ED crowding. The patients were divided into four groups using the EDOR quartile. The timeliness of the initial assessment and treatment in the four groups as well as the mortality rates were compared. RESULTS: This study investigated 307 patients. The timing of the first computed tomography (CT) and laboratory test order, CT and laboratory test result acquisition, first transfusion, and patient transfer from the ED to the operating room were similar in the four groups. Multivariable logistic regression analysis did not show a significant difference in mortality between the groups. CONCLUSION: ED crowding was not associated with delays in the initial assessment and treatment of severe trauma patients, or in their mortality rates.

Validation of critical administration threshold and massive transfusion for mortality prediction in patients with adult severe trauma

OBJECTIVE: A massive transfusion (MT) of 10 or more units of packed red blood cells (PRCs) focuses on the summation volumes over 24 hours. This traditional concept promotes survivor bias and fails to identify the “massively” transfused patient. The critical administration threshold (≥3 units of PRCs per hour, CAT+) has been proposed as a new definition of MT that includes the volume and rate of blood transfusion. This study examined the CAT in predicting mortality in adult patients with severe trauma, compared to MT. METHODS: Retrospective data of adult major trauma patients (age≥15 years, Injury Severity Score [ISS]≥16) from a regional trauma center collected between May 2016 and June 2017 were used to identify the factors associated with trauma-related death. Univariate associations were calculated, and multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the parameters associated with in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: A total of 540 patients were analyzed. The median ISS was 22, and the hospital mortality rate was 30.9% (n=92). Forty-two (7.8%) and 23 (4.3%) patients were CAT+ and traditional MT+, respectively. Severe brain injury, CAT+, acidosis, and elderly age were significant variables in multivariate analysis. CAT+ was associated with a fourfold increased risk of death (odds ratio, 4.427; 95% confidence interval, 1.040–18.849), but MT+ was not associated (odds, 1.837; 95% confidence interval, 0.376–8.979). CONCLUSION: The new concept of CAT for transfusion was a more useful validation concept of mortality in adult severe trauma patients on admission than traditional MT. Encompassing both the rate and volume of transfusion, CAT is a more sensitive tool than common MT definitions.

Descending necrotizing mediastinitis after a trigger point injection

Descending necrotizing mediastinitis (DNM) is a rare form of mediastinal infection. Most cases are associated with esophageal rupture. DNM after a trigger point injection in the upper trapezius has not been described previously. We present a case of DNM after a trigger point injection in the upper trapezius. A 70-year-old man visited the emergency department with chest discomfort and fever after a trigger point injection in the left upper trapezius. Chest computed tomography showed evidence of DNM, and antibiotic therapy was immediately administered intravenously. Because of the risk of sudden death, poor prognosis due to underlying disease, and his age, he declined surgical treatment and died of septic shock. Although trigger point injections are generally considered safe, caution should be used in patients with an underlying disease or in the elderly. Early diagnosis, broad-spectrum antibiotics, and aggressive surgical management are essential to improve the prognosis.

General Characteristics for Poisoning-Induced Transient or Sustained Hyperammonemia

PURPOSE: In patients with altered mentality caused by drugs or unknown causes, ammonia is checked to facilitate differential diagnosis or diagnose hepatic coma. This helps early prevention and treatment of brain damage due to hyperammonemia. This study was conducted to evaluate clinical characteristics of intoxicated adult patients with hyperammonemia. METHODS: We evaluated 95 patients with hyperammonemia among intoxicated patients above the age of 15 who visited our ED from January 2013 to December 2015. We analyzed the demographic characteristics and type of poisoning substance, reason for ingestion, toxicological characteristics such as elapsed time from ingestion to hospital visit, lab, clinical progression and complications. Data were evaluated using the student's t test or Mann-Whitney U test for continuous variables, and Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test for frequency analysis of categorical variables. RESULTS: When compared to healthy individuals, patients with hyperammonemia showed statistical significance on their SOFA score (p=0.016) and poison severity score (p<0.001). Additionally, patients with hyperammonemia showed significantly different initial serum AST level (p=0.012) and maximum serum AST level during the hospital stay (p=0.026) when compared to healthy individuals. Moreover, individuals with sustained hyperammonemia compared to transient hyperammonemia showed clinically significant SOFA scores (p<0.001), poison severity scores (p=0.007), mortality rates in the ICU (p=0.021), as well as different duration of hospital stay (p=0.037), serum creatinine level (p=0.002), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (p=0.025), and serum myoglobin (p=0.015). CONCLUSION: Most poisoning-induced hyperammonemia cases were transient and recovered without special treatment. Therefore, hyperammonemia is almost non-specific among poisoning patients.

Usefulness of New Berlin Definition of Polytrauma for Mortality Prediction in Adult Patients with Major Trauma

PURPOSE: The terminology that represented major trauma was vague, inconsistent, and lacked validation. The objective of this study is to investigate the new definition of polytrauma in adult patients of major trauma. METHODS: A retrospective data of adult major trauma patients [Age≥15, 16≤Injury Severity Score (ISS)<75] from a regional trauma center were collected in period between July 2011 and December 2013 and divided into two groups: polytrauma and non-polytrauma. We compared the demographic, laboratory characteristics, and outcomes in patients with major trauma, polytrauma and non-polytrauma. Univariate associations were calculated, and a multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine the parameters associated with in-hospital mortality and early death. RESULTS: A total of 662 patients met the inclusion criteria for major trauma. Of these, 150 (22.7%) met the new polytrauma definition. In the major trauma group, the mean ISS was 22, in-hospital mortality rate was 23.4%, and early death rate was 20.7%. In the polytrauma group, ISS was 27, in-hospital mortality rate was 44.7%, and early death rate was 38.7%. In the non-polytrauma group, ISS was 20, in-hospital mortality rate was 17.2%, and early death rate was 15.4%. Of the five physiologic parameters (systolic blood pressure≤90 mmHg, Glasgow Coma Scale≤8, base deficit≥6, international normalized ratio≥1.4/activated partial thromboplastin time≥40 seconds, age≥70 years), the lowest in-hospital mortality was found when one parameter was involved (2.5%), and the highest mortality was found when all parameters were involved (100%). CONCLUSION: Based on “The new Berlin definition”, polytrauma was associated more with in-hospital mortality and early death than non-polytrauma in adults. The five physiologic parameters were correlated with in-hospital mortality.

Usefulness of Initial Red Cell Distribution Width for Predicting Mortality in Severe Trauma Patients Admitted to the Emergency Department

PURPOSE: This study investigated the association between the initial red cell distribution width (RDW) and mortality in patients with severe trauma. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis between January and December 2014. Severe adult trauma patients (age≥18, Injury Severity Score≥16), who were treated in our emergency department, were included in this study. We classified patients into four groups in accordance with their RDW (group 1: RDW≤12.3%, group 2: 12.4%≤RDW≤12.6%, group 3: 12.7%≤RDW≤13.2%, group 4: 13.3%≤RDW). They were compared based on the characteristics of their groups. We also compared the baseline characteristics of patients who survived and did not survive. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard analyses were performed to determine the association between mortality and each variable. RESULTS: We enrolled 364 severe trauma adult patients. The mortality rate was 8.9%, 16.2%, 12.6%, and 20.4% for RDW groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively; there was no statistical significance. The RDW of patients who survived (n=311) and did not survive (n=53) were 12.7% (12.4-13.3%) and 12.9% (12.5-13.6%), respectively, but this was also not statistically significant (p=0.075). Univariate Cox proportional hazard analysis showed a significant difference between the mortality and initial RDW, but a multivariate analysis did not show an independent association between initial RDW and mortality (hazard ratio, 0.729; confidence interval, 0.508-1.047; p=0.087). Moreover, multivariate analysis did not also show a significant difference between RDW quartile groups according to route of hospital visit. CONCLUSION: There was no independent association between the initial RDW and mortality in patients with severe trauma.

Characteristics and Risk Factors of Pediatric Eye Injury Patients in Emergency Department: Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study

PURPOSE: This study was conducted in order to determine the characteristics and risk factors of pediatric eye injury patients in the emergency department and to offer strategies for prevention of pediatric eye injury. METHODS: This prospective study was conducted by use of a standardized eye injury survey of patients under the age of 16 years who were treated for ocular injury at nine emergency medical centers, from March to September of 2010. The following data were collected; general characteristics of the study population, type and location of injury, causative activities, and materials of injury. Risk factors associated with open-globe injury were analyzed by logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 1,151 patients were enrolled in the study; 75% were male. The highest incidence was observed between the age of 11 and 16 years (34.5%); 79.2% of patients had closed globe injury. The most common type of injury was contusion (65.4%) in closed globe injury and penetration (5.1%) in open-globe injury. Eye injury occurred most commonly at home (48.6%), followed by school/institution (19.4%). The most common causative activity and material were play (42.4%) and person/animal/plant (17%). Application of eye protective equipment (odds ratio: 24.33; 95% CI: 11.32~52.29) was found to be a statistically significant factor for occurrence of an open-globe injury. CONCLUSION: Establishment of safety measures considering gender and age is important since characteristics of pediatric eye injury differ based on such risk factors. The risk of open-globe eye injury increased with application of personal protective equipment, therefore, public education and promotion to use protective equipment of adequate level would be considered important.

Outcome and Current Status of Therapeutic Hypothermia Following Out-of-hospital Cardiac Arrest in Korea from the Korea Hypothermia Network Registry

PURPOSE: Therapeutic hypothermia (TH) has become a standard strategy for reducing brain damage in the postresuscitation period. The aim of this study is to investigate the outcomes and current performance of TH with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) survivors through the Korean hypothermia network (KORHN) registry. METHODS: We used the KORHN registry, a web-based, multicenter registry that includes 24 participating hospitals throughout the Republic of Korea. Adult comatose OHCA survivors treated with TH from 2007 to 2012 were included. The primary outcomes were neurologic outcome at hospital discharge and in-hospital mortality. The secondary outcomes were TH performance and adverse events during TH. RESULTS: A total of 930 patients were included; of these, 556 (59.8%) patients survived to discharge and 249 (26.8%) were discharged with good neurologic outcomes. The median time from return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) to the start of TH was 101 (interquartile range (IQR): 46-200) minutes. The induction, maintenance, and rewarming durations were 150 (IQR: 80-267) minutes, 1440 (IQR: 1290-1440) minutes, and 708 (IQR: 420-900) minutes, respectively. The time from the ROSC to coronary angiography was 1,045 (IQR: 121-12,051) hours. Hyperglycemia (46.3%) was the most frequent adverse event. CONCLUSION: Over one quarter of OHCA survivors (26.8%) were discharged with good neurologic outcome. TH performance was managed appropriately in terms of the factors related to the timing of TH, which were the start time for cooling and the rewarming duration.

Application of New Trauma Scoring Systems for Mortality Prediction in Patients with Adult Major Trauma

PURPOSE: Various scoring systems have been introduced in grading severity and predicting mortality of trauma patients. The objective of this study is to apply novel trauma scoring systems; BIG score (Base deficit (B), International normalized ratio (I), Glasgow Coma Scale (G)), Emergency Trauma Score (EMTRAS), Probability of Survival score version 12 (PS12), and MGAP (Mechanism, GCS, Age, Arterial pressure) to adults with major trauma, and to compare their performance with traditional systems; Injury Severity System (ISS), Revised Trauma Score (RTS), and Trauma and Injury Severity Score (TRISS). METHODS: Retrospective data collected between January 2011 and June 2012 from a regional trauma center registry on adult major trauma patients (Age> or =18, ISS> or =16) were used to identify factors associated with death. Univariate associations were calculated, and a multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine variables associated with hospital mortality. RESULTS: A total of 298 adult major trauma patients were retrieved in order to validate new trauma scoring systems. The median ISS was 22 [interquartile range (IQR) 17~25], and the hospital mortality rate was 30.9%. Traditional trauma scoring systems were each calculated to have an area under the curve of ISS 0.72 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.67-0.77], TRISS 0.91 (95% CI: 0.88-0.94), and RTS 0.90 (95% CI: 0.86-0.93). New trauma scoring systems were calculated to have an area under the curve of EMTRAS 0.91 (95% CI: 0.87-0.94), BIG score 0.90 (95% CI: 0.86-0.93), PS12 0.91 (95% CI: 0.87-0.94), and MGAP 0.89 (95% CI: 0.85-0.93). CONCLUSION: The new trauma scoring systems (EMTRAS, BIG, MGAP) were good predictors of mortality in adult major trauma patients on admission. They performed well compared to traditional trauma scoring systems (ISS, RTS, TRISS).

Work-related Fatigue, Stress and Depression of the Emergency Department Interns

PURPOSE: An internship is a very generally a stressful period during medical training in general. Working in the Emergency Department (ED) is especially difficult and stressful because of its unique clinical environment. Our goal was to determine the level of the depression, fatigue, sleep disorders and stress of interns in the ED. METHODS: A questionnaire was distributed to 430 interns who are working or had worked in the ED. The questionnaire included questions about general characteristics and scales relating to symptoms of depression, fatigue, sleep disorder and stress. RESULTS: Of the 430 questionnaires given out, 178(41.4%) were returned. The mean age of the participants was 28.4+/-2.9, and 123(69.5%) were male. Also, 112(63.3%) participants were working at an alumni-affiliated hospital or at related hospital. The interns at an unrelated hospital experienced more discrimination than those working at an alumni-related hospital (21.5% vs. 9.8%, respectively, p=0.031). Also, female interns experienced more sexual harassment than male interns (16.7% vs. 2.4%, respectively, p=0.001). The average score for medical outcomes study MOS sleep scale, Beck Depression Inventory, Fatigue Severity Scale and Cohen Perceived Stress Scale were 16.2+/-4.0, 8.0+/-7.8, 4.3+/-1.2 and 19.4+/-5.4, respectively. The degree of participation in treating patients first hand (OR 2.33, 95% CI=1.19-4.57), experiencing discrimination (OR 3.17, 95% CI=1.15-8.73) and long working hours (OR 2.02, 95% CI=1.05-3.86) had a significant effect on stress and depression. CONCLUSION: The interns who worked at an ED had higher fatigue and stress scores compared to ordinary person. Also, participation, discrimination and working hours may be good to mention. Therefore, more research and effort is required to improve the factors that cause fatigue, stress and depression of the interns in ED.

Urban-Rural Gap in the Prehospital Delay of Acute Stroke Patients

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the difference in acute stroke management between urban and rural areas, to investigate the factors affecting these differences, and to acquire basic information for establishing an efficient regional hub and spoke system for stroke patients. METHODS: This retrospective study was based on adult patients diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke from January 2012 to December 2012 at a regional cerebrovascular center. The term "acute" was defined as 24 hours from symptom recognized. The term "urban" was defined as the region within the boundary of a metropolitan area. The distance from the symptom onset location to the stroke center was calculated using a global positioning system. RESULTS: The rate of arriving at a stroke center within 3 hours after stroke recognition for acute ischemic stroke patients was much higher in urban areas compared to rural areas (27.5 vs. 19.2%, respectively; p-value=0.011). In stroke cases in rural areas, the distance from symptom onset location to a stroke center was determined as statistically significant through multivariate logistic regression analysis (Odds ratio (OR), 0.982; 95% Confidence interval (CI) 0.969-0.995). In contrast, the use of a public ambulance (OR, 4.258; 95% CI 2.233-8.118) and inter-hospital transfer (OR, 0.416; 95% CI 0.216-0.800) were the main prehospital delay factors in urban areas. CONCLUSION: For stroke cases in urban areas, it was important to directly visit a stroke center without transfer using a public ambulance. For rural areas, a new hub hospital and policies are necessary for reducing prehospital delay.

Acute Traumatic Coagulopathy in Severe Trauma Patients

PURPOSE: Clinical observation and research findings show that acute traumatic coagulopathy (ATC) is a major factor that must be addressed in the early care of severe trauma patients. ATC is associated with increased transfusion requirements and poor clinical outcomes. This study aimed to correlate the early predictable factors of ATC with the outcomes in severe trauma patients. METHODS: Retrospective data from the trauma registry on severe trauma patients (Injury Severity Score (ISS)> or =16) were used to identify variables independently associated with coagulopathy. Univariate associations were calculated, and a multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine variables independently associated with ATC. RESULTS: Patients were mostly male, aged 51.9+/-17.8 years, with an injury severity score of 24.1+/-12.4. ATC, as diagnosed in the emergency department (ED), occurred in 17% of the severe trauma patients. Using a multivariable logistic regression analysis, early predictable variables independently associated with ATC were base deficit (odds ratio (OR): 13.03; 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.47-48.93), acute liver injury (OR: 4.24; 95% CI: 1.06-17.00), and transfer from another hospital (OR: 21.00; 95% CI: 3.23-136.60). CONCLUSION: ATC is associated with mortality in severe trauma patients, and some variables associated with trauma and shock are an independent predictors of ATC. These variables contribute to the early recognition and management of coagulopathy, which may improve the outcome from trauma resuscitation.

Evaluation of Eye Injury Cases in a Single Emergency Department

PURPOSE: After cataracts, eye injuries are the second leading cause of visual impairment worldwide. But most eye injuries are preventable simply by wearing appropriate eye protection. In this study we evaluate factors leading to eye injury in a sample of emergency department (ED) patients. METHODS: This study was conducted with 424 isolated eye injury patients who visited our ED from January to December of 2008. The following data were reviewed; date of visit, characteristics of subjects, existing use of eyewear, relationship of injury to work, causative activity, location where the injury occurred, type of injury, disposition at ED discharge, length of hospital stay, and the existence of sequelae. Severe eye injuries were classified based on the type of injury, disposition at ED, remaining visual loss, and sequelae. RESULTS: Among the total 424 isolated eye injury patients, 411 cases were analyzed. Eye injuries occurred most frequently at home (22.6%), in a factory workplace (21.2%), or an outdoor agricultural workplace (18.2%). The incidence of eye injuries peaked in the fifth decade of life. Among the 306 (74.5%) cases that were workplace unrelated, the main causative activities were assault (18.0%), injury associated with play (14.1%), sports (11.1%), and lawn mowing (9.2%). CONCLUSION: The most common location where the eye injury occurred was at home. Eye injuries prevention in the workplace is well promoted, but in fact, eye injuries were more common at home and during non-occupational activities. We suggest that public education programs which highlight non-occupational eye injury risk and prevention measures should be instituted to reduce preventable eye injuries.

Morning Hypertension in Treated Hypertensives: Baseline Characteristics and Clinical Implications

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Morning hypertension is closely related to target organ damage and cardiovascular events. Little data is available concerning the baseline characteristics and comprehensive blood pressure analysis of hypertensive patients on treatment with morning hypertension. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We evaluated 1,087 hypertensive patients who had taken stable anti-hypertensive medication at least 6 months. The enrolled patients measured their home blood pressure for 7 days. Baseline characteristics and the laboratory data were analyzed. Morning hypertension was defined as a morning blood pressure > or =135/85 mm Hg and systolic or diastolic blood pressure difference between morning and evening exceeding 10 mm Hg. RESULTS: One hundred seventy three patients with morning hypertension showed a preponderance of males, older patients, alcohol consumers, and greater waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio despite the same body mass index. Impaired fasting glucose and metabolic syndrome were more prevalent in the patients with morning hypertension. The morning hypertensives took more anti-hypertensive drugs and displayed higher blood pressure in the clinic and at home. CONCLUSION: The worse clinical variables and relatively poorly controlled blood pressure of those with morning hypertension supports a potential relationship of morning hypertension with poor cardiovascular outcome. Morning blood pressure should be monitored at home for the optimal treatment of hypertension.

A Case of Crohn's Disease Associated with Turner Syndrome / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Turner syndrome is a chromosomal disorder in which of all or part one of the X chromosomes is absent, and this syndrome affects females. The syndrome leads to a constellation of physical findings that often includes congenital lymphedema, a short stature and gonadal dysgenesis. The prevalence of inflammatory bowel diseases in the general population is estimated to be 150~250 per 100,000 population. A 2-fold increase in the risk of developing inflammatory bowel diseases has been reported in women with Turner syndrome. We describe here a case of Turner syndrome with Crohn's disease.