Retrospective study of polytrauma patients's medical records that presented abdominal trauma, comperad to abdominal trauma and extra-abdominal injuries

This study sought to retrospectively assess the relationship between intra and extra-abdominal injuries in polytrauma patients undergoing laparotomy at the Regional University Hospital of Maringá between 2017 and 2018.This study was based on 111 electronic medical records from the Brazilian public health system "SUS", admitted to the hospital due to trauma and undergoing laparotomy, comparing two groups: abdominal injury without extra-abdominal injury (WoEI) and abdominal injury with extra-abdominal injury (WiEI).A total of 111 medical records were analyzed, 57 from 2017 and 54 from 2018. Of these 111records, 43 (39%) were trauma victims with only abdominal injuries and 68 (61%) trauma victims with abdominal and extra-abdominalinjuries. Most patients were male (85%), with an average age of 33 years, ranging from 14 to 87 years. In statistical analysis, according to the T-test, there was significance (p > 0.05) between the WoEI and WiEI groups for data collected regarding death rates and hospitalization days. As for the morbidity rate and difference between genders (male and female), there was no statistical significance (p < 0.05).Polytraumapatients are exposed to greater kinetic energy, with more severe conditions and therefore required more in-hospital care.

Factor tiempo en la atención inicial del paciente politraumatizado / Factor time in the initial attention of the poly-traumatized patient

RESUMEN Introducción: el politraumatismo por si solo constituye uno de los problemas más grandes de la sociedad moderna. Las lesiones traumáticas en Cuba aparecen en el quinto lugar entre las causas globales de muerte para todas las edades. Objetivo: determinar cómo incidió el factor tiempo en la organización de las acciones para la atención de urgencia al paciente politraumatizado. Materiales y método: se realizó un estudio observacional, conformado por 183 pacientes politraumatizados, atendidos en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Emergentes del Hospital Provincial". José R. López Tabrane " de Matanzas, durante el año 2014. Las variables a considerar fueron: edad, sexo, tiempo en que recibieron las primeras acciones, tiempo de llegada al Hospital, factores asociados que influyeron en la aparición de injuria secundaria. Se utilizó la técnica estadística de análisis de distribución de frecuencias. Resultados: el mayor porcentaje de los pacientes (82,6 %) acudieron 4-6 h después de sufrido el traumatismo. Aparecieron factores como la hipotensión, la hipoxia (66,1 y 50,2 %) respectivamente, que tuvieron lesiones asociadas y fueron valoradas en la primera hora del traumatismo. Conclusiones: el trauma severo es una de las entidades prevenibles que más vida cobra en la sociedad. El sexo masculino y edades más productivas de la vida fueron los que más morbimortalidad presentaron. El hecho de que la mayor cantidad de estos pacientes arribaron al Hospital después de la hora dorada, propició un mayor número de complicaciones por el no control a tiempo de los elementos que forman la injuria secundaria (AU).

ABSTRACT Introduction: polytrauma, by itself, is one of the biggest problems of the modern society. Trauma lesions in Cuba are in the fifth place among the death global causes for all age groups. Objective: to determine how time factor had an impact in the actions organization for the emergency care to polytrauma patient. Materials and method: an observational study was performed in 183 poly-trauma patients who attended the Intensive Care Unit of the Provincial Hospital "Jose Ramón López Tabrane" of Matanzas during 2014. The considered variables were: age; sex; time of receiving the first actions; time of arrival to the hospital; associated factors influencing in the appearance of secondary injury. The authors used the statistic technique of analysis of frequency distribution. Results: the highest percent of patients (82.6 %) assisted the consultation 4-6 hours after suffering the trauma. There were found factors like hypotension and hypoxia (66.1 and 50.2 % respectively that had associated lesions and were assessed in the first hour of the trauma. Conclusions: acute trauma is one of the preventable entities taking more lives in the society. Male sex predominated and the more productive ages of life were the ones presenting more morbid-mortality. The fact that the biggest quantity of these patients arrived to the hospital after the golden hour favored a higher number of complications due to the untimely control of the elements forming the secondary injury (AU).

Implementation of a new Single-Pass Whole-Body Computed Tomography Protocol: Is it safe, effective and efficient in patients with severe trauma? / Implementación de un nuevo protocolo de Tomografía Computarizada Corporal Total de un solo pase: ¿Es seguro, efectivo y eficiente en pacientes con trauma severo?

Abstract Purpose: The objective of this study was to evaluate the implementation of a new single-pass whole-body computed tomography Protocol in the management of patients with severe trauma. Methods: This was a descriptive evaluation of polytrauma patients who underwent whole-body computed tomography. Patients were divided into three groups: 1. Blunt trauma hemodynamically stable 2. Blunt trauma hemodynamically unstable and 3. Penetrating trauma. Demographics, whole-body computed tomography parameters and outcome variables were evaluated. Results: Were included 263 patients. Median injury severity score was 22 (IQR: 16-22). Time between arrival to the emergency department and completing the whole-body computed tomography was under 30 minutes in most patients [Group 1: 28 minutes (IQR: 14-55), Group 2: 29 minutes (IQR: 16-57), and Group 3: 31 minutes (IQR: 13-50; p= 0.96)]. 172 patients (65.4%) underwent non-operative management. The calculated and the real survival rates did not vary among the groups either [Group 1: TRISS 86.4% vs. real survival rate 85% (p= 0.69); Group 2: TRISS 69% vs. real survival rate 74% (p= 0.25); Group 3: TRISS 93% vs. real survival rate 87% (p= 0.07)]. Conclusion: This new single-pass whole-body computed tomography protocol was safe, effective and efficient to decide whether the patient with severe trauma requires a surgical intervention independently of the mechanism of injury or the hemodynamic stability of the patient. Its use could also potentially reduce the rate of unnecessary surgical interventions of patients with severe trauma including those with penetrating trauma.

Resumen Introducción: El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la implementación de un nuevo protocolo de tomografía computarizada corporal total para el manejo de pacientes con trauma severo. Métodos: Este estudio es una evaluación descriptiva de pacientes que recibieron tomografía computarizada corporal total. Los pacientes fueron divididos en 3 grupos: 1. Trauma cerrado hemodinámicamente estables, 2. Trauma cerrado hemodinámicamente inestables y 3. Trauma penetrante. Se evaluaron las características demográficas, parámetros relacionados con la técnica y los desenlaces de los pacientes. Resultados: Se incluyeron 263 pacientes. La mediana del puntaje de severidad de la lesión fue 22 (RIQ: 16-22). El tiempo entre el ingreso a urgencias y completar la tomografía corporal total fue menor a 30 minutos en la mayoría de pacientes [Grupo 1: 28 minutos (RIQ: 14-55), Grupo 2: 29 minutos (RIQ: 16-57), y Grupo 3: 31 minutos (RIQ: 13-50; p= 0.96). 172 pacientes (65.4%) recibieron manejo no operatorio. Las tasas de supervivencia calculadas y reales no difirieron entre ninguno de los grupos [Grupo 1: TRISS 86.4% vs. Tasa real de supervivencia 85% (p= 0.69); Grupo 2: TRISS 69% vs. Tasa real de supervivencia 74% (p= 0.25); Grupo 3: TRISS 93% vs. Tasa real de supervivencia 87% (p= 0.07)]. Conclusión: Este nuevo protocolo de tomografía corporal total de un solo pase fue seguro, efectivo y eficiente para definir si los pacientes con trauma severo requieren o no una intervención quirúrgica. Su uso podría reducir la tasa de intervenciones quirúrgicas innecesarias en estos pacientes incluyendo los que se presentan con trauma penetrante.

Hemocomponentes en urgencias: tratamiento vital para los pacientes politraumatizados / Blood products in the emergency room: vital treatment for polytraumatized patients

Introducción: La principal causa de mortalidad temprana en pacientes politraumatizados es la hipovolemia secundaria a hemorragia masiva. La terapia con hemocomponentes y cristaloides constituye un mecanismo esencial y salvavidas en estas situaciones como medida de reemplazo de volumen. De la misma manera los pacientes con lesiones traumáticas graves tienen una disminución aguda significativa en el recuento de plaquetas circulantes que los hace candidatos a la transfusión de componentes plaquetarios; sin embargo, el uso de estos componentes sanguíneos puede traer consigo desenlaces no deseados como aumento en la mortalidad. Si bien muchos estudios revelan un aumento de la mortalidad como desenlace asociado al uso de hemocomponentes, otros establecen su uso como una medida reductora de este desenlace. Objetivo: Exponer las principales indicaciones de hemocomponentes en los pacientes politraumatizados, así como relacionar los eventos adversos asociados a su uso que influyen sobre la mortalidad y el tiempo de hospitalización de estos pacientes. Desarrollo: La mortalidad asociada al uso de hemocomponentes aún es un tema controvertido. En la hemorragia masiva el apoyo transfusional rápido y eficiente es esencial en el tratamiento y la atención de politraumatismos, de ahí que sea necesario contar con protocolos de transfusión que mejoren los resultados y disminuyan las complicaciones. Además, se identificó la necesidad de nuevos estudios sobre el tema para mejorar estos protocolos y reducir las complicaciones.(AU)

Introduction: The main cause of early mortality in polytrauma patients is hypovolemia secondary to massive hemorrhage. Hemocomponent and crystalloid therapy is an essential and life-saving mechanism in these situations as a measure of volume replacement. In the same way, patients with severe traumatic injuries have a significant acute decrease in circulating platelet counts that makes them candidates for transfusion of platelet components; However, the use of these blood components can lead to unwanted outcomes such as increased mortality. Although many studies reveal an increase in mortality as an outcome associated with the use of blood components, others establish its use as a reducing measure of this outcome. Objective: to present the main indications of blood components in polytrauma patients, as well as to relate the adverse events associated with their use that influence the mortality and hospitalization time of these patients. Devlopment: Mortality associated with the use of blood components is still a controversial issue. In massive hemorrhage, rapid and efficient transfusion support is essential in the treatment and care of polytrauma, hence it is necessary to have transfusion protocols that improve results and reduce complications. In addition, the need for new studies on the subject to improve these protocols and reduce complications was identified(AU)

Factores de riesgo de mortalidad en pacientes politraumatizados / Risk factor for mortality in polytraumatized patients

Introducción: El trauma es considerado un problema de salud pública a nivel mundial. También es causa importante de morbilidad y mortalidad en el mundo. Objetivo: Identificar factores de riesgo y causas de mortalidad en pacientes politraumatizados. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, longitudinal y retrospectivo en pacientes politraumatizados mayores de 18 años intervenidos quirúrgicamente en la unidad de urgencias del Hospital Universitario General Calixto García durante un año de observación. Se describieron variables sociodemográficas, se estimaron los tiempos de atención médica inicial y se describió la condición clínica del paciente al llegar al quirófano. Igualmente se relacionó la aparición de muerte con el trauma predominante y otros factores perioperatorios. Se utilizaron procederes estadísticos univariados para factores de riesgo y análisis multivariado para predecir factores pronósticos de mortalidad. Resultados: Hubo una asociación significativa entre mortalidad y presencia de diabetes mellitus e hipertensión arterial como enfermedades asociadas; entre el trauma múltiple con trauma craneoencefálico, la presencia de shock hipovolémico, uso de aminas y Glasgow por debajo de ocho al llegar al quirófano, así como la respuesta inflamatoria sistémica, hipertensión endocraneal e insuficiencia respiratoria aguda como complicaciones perioperatorias. Como factores pronósticos de muerte se identificaron el shock hipovolémico, la respuesta inflamatoria sistémica y el menor Glasgow. Conclusiones: Se identificaron nueve factores de riesgo con significación estadística y tres factores pronósticos de riesgo independiente para mortalidad en pacientes politraumatizados(AU)

Introduction: Trauma is considered a public health problem worldwide. It is also an important cause of morbidity and mortality in the world. Objective: To identify risk factors and causes of death in polytraumatized patients. Methods: A descriptive, longitudinal and retrospective study was carried out in polytraumatized patients aged more than 18 years and surgically treated in the emergency unit of General Calixto García University Hospital during one year of observation. Sociodemographic variables were described, initial medical attention times were estimated, and the patient's clinical condition was described upon arrival at the operating room. The occurrence of death was considered based on its association with the predominant trauma and other perioperative factors. Univariate statistical procedures were used for risk factors. Multivariate analysis was used to predict prognostic factors for mortality. Results: There was a significant association between mortality and presence of diabetes mellitus and hypertension as associated diseases; as well as between multiple trauma with cranioencephalic trauma, the presence of hypovolemic shock, use of amines and Glasgow score below eight on arrival at the operating room, as well as the systemic inflammatory response, intracranial hypertension and acute respiratory failure as perioperative complications. Prognostic factors for death were hypovolemic shock, the systemic inflammatory response and lower Glasgow score. Conclusions: We identified nine risk factors with statistical significance and three prognostic factors of independent risk for mortality in polytraumatized patients(AU)

Independent early predictors of mortality in polytrauma patients: a prospective, observational, longitudinal study

OBJECTIVES: Trauma is an important public health issue and associated with substantial socioeconomic impacts and major adverse clinical outcomes. No single study has previously investigated the predictors of mortality across all stages of care (pre-hospital, emergency room, surgical center and intensive care unit) in a general trauma population. This study was designed to identify early predictors of mortality in severely injured polytrauma patients across all stages of care to provide a better understanding of the physiologic changes and mechanisms by which to improve care in this population. METHODS: A longitudinal, prospective, observational study was conducted between 2010 and 2013 in São Paulo, Brazil. Patients submitted to high-energy trauma were included. Exclusion criteria were as follows: injury severity score <16, <18 years old or insufficient data. Clinical and laboratory data were collected at four time points: pre-hospital, emergency room, and 3 and 24 hours after hospital admission. The primary outcome assessed was mortality within 30 days. Data were analyzed using tests of association as appropriate, nonparametric analysis of variance and generalized estimating equation analysis (p<0.05). ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01669577. RESULTS: Two hundred patients were included. Independent early predictors of mortality were as follows: arterial hemoglobin oxygen saturation (p<0.001), diastolic blood pressure (p<0.001), lactate level (p<0.001), Glasgow Coma Scale score (p<0.001), infused crystalloid volume (p<0.015) and presence of traumatic brain injury (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that arterial hemoglobin oxygen saturation, diastolic blood pressure, lactate level, Glasgow Coma Scale, infused crystalloid volume and presence of traumatic brain injury are independent early mortality predictors.

LACTATE AS PREDICTOR OF MORTALITY IN POLYTRAUMA / LACTATO COMO PREDITOR DE MORTALIDADE EM POLITRAUMATIZADO

Background:The lactate is a product of anaerobic metabolism; it can be used as a marker on demand and availability of oxygen. Changes in lactate levels can be effectively used as a marker in resuscitation maneuvers, even in patients with stable vital signs.Aim:To verify the lactate clearance as a predictor of mortality in trauma patients, in need of intensive care.Method:A total of 851 patients were admitted in ICU, in which 146 were victims of multiple trauma; due to the exclusion criteria, were included 117.Results: Patients were 87% male, mean age 32.4 years, motorcycle drivers, Glasgow coma scale between 3-8, affected by cranial trauma, followed by abdominal trauma. Was verified mortality up to 48 h and global mortality, that did not show statistical relationship between lactate clearance and mortality (p=0.928).Conclusion:There is no correlation between admission lactate or lactate clearance and mortality in patients treated with multiple trauma.

Racional:O lactato, produto do metabolismo anaeróbio, pode ser utilizado como marcador entre a demanda e disponibilidade do oxigênio. Mudanças nos níveis de lactato podem ser utilizadas como marcador de efetividade nas manobras de ressuscitação, mesmo em pacientes com sinais vitais estáveis.Objetivo:Verificar o clearance de lactato como preditor da mortalidade entre vítimas de politraumatismo com necessidade de tratamento intensivo.Método:Um total de 851 pacientes foram admitidos em UTI, sendo que 146 vítimas de politraumatismo, e destes foram incluídos 117 indivíduos, os demais excluídos. As amostras eram homogêneas entre os grupos de sobreviventes e óbitos.Resultados:Os pacientes eram 87% homens, idade media 32,4 anos, motociclistas, Glasgow entre 3 a 8, acometidos por traumatismo crânio encefálico, seguido de trauma abdominal. Verificada a mortalidade, foi ela dividida em precoce (até e inclusive 48 h) e tardia (após 48 h), sem demonstrar relação estatística entre clearance de lactato e mortalidade (p=0,928).Conclusão:Não há correlação entre lactato de admissão ou clearance de lactato e mortalidade nos pacientes atendidos com politraumatismo.

Triada mortal en pacientes politraumatizados, relación conmortalidad y severidad / Prognostic value of the lethal triad among patients with multiple trauma

Background: Patients who have suffered multiple traumatic injuries, have a serious risk for death. Hypothermia, acidosis and coagulopathy are three complications in these patients, whose presence is known as lethal triad and indicates bad prognosis.Aim: To determine if the lethal triad in multiple trauma patients is associated withhigher mortality and Injury Score Severity (ISS). Material and Methods: Onehundred multiple trauma patients aged 26 to 56 years (90 males), admitted toan emergency room, were studied. Body temperature, prothrombin time, partialthromboplastin time, platelet count and blood gases were determined on admission.Results: Twenty six patients had the lethal triad and 15% died in the emergencyroom within the first 6 hours. No death was recorded among the 74 patients withoutthe lethal triad. The mean ISS among patients with and without the lethal triad was31.7 and 25.6, respectively (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The presence of the lethal triadamong patients with multiple trauma is associated with a higher mortality and ISS.

Valor pronóstico de los pacientes politraumatizados, según la aplicación de la Escala de Trauma Modificada (RTS) en el Servicio de Shock Trauma del Hospital Daniel Alcides Carrión. Enero 2012-Agosto 2012 / Prognostic value of the polytraumatized patients, according to the application of Modified Trauma Scale (RTS) in the Shock Trauma Service at the Hospital Daniel Alcides Carrion. January-August 2012

La presente investigación se realizó con el objetivo de demostrar el valor pronóstico de los pacientes poli traumatizados según la aplicación de la Escala de Trauma Modificada (RTS) en el servicio de Shock Trauma del Hospital Daniel Alcides Carrión de la Provincia Constitucional del Callao, en el periodo comprendido de Enero 2012-Agosto 2012 además de establecer los aspectos epidemiológicos y demostrar las características generales observadas en este grupo de pacientes durante el periodo de investigación. Para el logro del objetivo propuesto se realizó un estudio Observacional y transversal con un periodo mínimo de ocho meses en pacientes de ambos sexos mayores de 15 años ingresados con diagnóstico de Poli traumatizados en el Servicio de Shock Trauma, en el momento de la admisión. Resultados: El trauma afectó más a la población joven (El promedio de edad fue de 20 años, la Mediana de 30 años y la Moda de 27 años) y a los hombres (77.9 por ciento). El tipo de trauma más frecuente fue el accidente de tránsito (49 por ciento). Los pacientes con 11 puntos o menos, según la Escala de Trauma Modificada (RTS), tuvieron la mortalidad más elevada en relación con los pacientes que tenían más de 11 puntos. El índice mostró una sensibilidad de 95 por ciento, una especificidad de 86 por ciento con un valor predictivo positivo de 77.8 por ciento y un valor predictivo negativo de 95.7 por ciento. Conclusiones: La Escala de Trauma Modificada (RTS) puede ser utilizado rutinariamente en la evaluación pronóstica de los pacientes poli traumatizados, ya que presenta una alta especificidad y sensibilidad.

This research was conducted with the aim of demonstrating the prognostic value of poly traumatized patients by application of Modified Trauma Scale (RTS) in the Shock Trauma Service Hospital Daniel Alcides Carrion of the Constitutional Province of Callao, in the period January 2012-August 2012 and to establish the epidemiological and demonstrate the general features observed in these patients during the period of investigation. To achieve the proposed objective and conducted a cross-sectional observational with a minimum of eight months in patients of both sexes aged 15 admitted with a diagnosis of poly traumatized Shock Trauma Service at the time of admission. Results: The trauma affected more young people (the average age was 24.5 years, the Median Fashion 26 and 28 years) and men (78.2 per cent). The most common type of trauma was traffic accidents (42.3 per cent) patients 11 points or less, as Modified Trauma Scale (RTS) had the highest mortality relative to patients who had more than 11 points. The index showed a sensitivity of 95 per cent, a specificity of 86 per cent with a positive predictive value of 77.8 per cent and a negative predictive value of 95.7 per cent. Conclusions: Modified Trauma Scale (RTS) can be routinely used forecast evaluation of poly traumatized patients, since it has a high specificity and sensitivity.

What types of unintentional injuries kill our children? Do infants die of the same types of injuries? A systematic review

The objective of this study was to review mortality from external causes (accidental injury) in children and adolescents in systematically selected journals. This was a systematic review of the literature on mortality from accidental injury in children and adolescents. We searched the Pubrvled, Latin-American and Caribbean Health Sciences and Excerpta Medica databases for articles published between July of 2001 and June of 2011. National data from official agencies, retrieved by manual searches, were also reviewed. We reviewed 15 journal articles, the 2011 edition of a National Safety Council publication and 2010 statistical data from the Brazilian National Ministry of Health Mortality Database. Most published data were related to high-income countries. Mortality from accidental injury was highest among children less than 1 year of age. Accidental threats to breathing (non-drowning threats) constituted the leading cause of death among this age group in the published articles. Across the pediatric age group in the surveyed studies, traffic accidents were the leading cause of death, followed by accidental drowning and submersion. Traffic accidents constitute the leading external cause of accidental death among children in the countries understudy. However, infants were vulnerable to external causes, particularly to accidental non-drowning threats to breathing, and this age group had the highest mortality rates for external causes. Actions to reduce such events are suggested. Further studies investigating the occurrence of accidental deaths in low-income countries are needed to improve the understanding of these preventable events.

Missed bullet: a case report

A 27-year old Iraqi male patient with no known chronic illnesses presented with pain in the lower abdomen associated with frequency of micturition and blood in the urine with bouts of fever of about six years' duration. He gave a history that when he was 10years old during the war in Basrah, Iraq 1991,while he was playing football in the street one of his friends pointed out a red stain on the side of his T-Shirt. Removal of the shirt showed a small bloody wound over the left side of his back. No surgery was done at that time and the wound was treated by cleaning and dressing. Physical examination was normal apart from suprapubic tenderness. Blood test normal. Urine analysis-red blood cell 6-8/H.P.F. KUB: full size bullet in the pelvis. CT-Scan: Intravesical metallic foreign body [bullet] with right lateral wall linear calcification likely related to the site of entrance. Operation was done under spinal anesthesia and the bullet extracted from the urinary bladder. The post-operative period was uneventful and the patient was discharged after two days in a good condition and the stitches removed after eight days

Mortalidade por acidentes de trânsito e ocorrência de fraturas maxilofaciais / Mortality due to traffic accidents and occurrence of maxillofacial fractures

O objetivo deste artigo foi avaliar a mortalidade por acidentes de trânsito e ocorrência de fraturas maxilofaciais em Campina Grande, Paraíba. Efetuou-se um estudo transversal, por meio da análise de laudos médicos de adultos vitimados por acidentes de trânsito, sendo os dados coletados no Núcleo de Medicina Legal (Numol). A amostra foi composta por 273 laudosde vítimas por acidentes automotivos no ano de 2005. Foram analisadas as variáveis: sexo, idade, dia e horário, tipo de causa, quantificação das lesões, região da lesão (cabeça e face), fratura maxilofacial, avulsão dentária e ossos faciais fraturados. Concluiu-se que as mortes nos acidentes de trânsito envolvem jovens do sexo masculino vítimas de acidentes com motocicletas que apresentam múltiplas lesões. As regiões da cabeça e face são frequentemente envolvidas, sendo comuns as fraturas dos ossos maxilares.

Efeito da ingestão protéica nos marcadores nutricionais e complicações clínicas em pacientes politraumatizados / Efecto de la ingesta de proteínas en los marcadores nutricionales y las complicaciones clínicas en los pacientes politraumatizados / Effect of protein intake on nutritional markers and clinical complications in polytrauma patients

Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito da ingestão protéica nos níveis de albumina sérica, na prevalência de complicações clínicas relacionadas à dieta, no estado nutricional e na mortalidade de pacientes politraumatizados. Método: Pacientes politraumatizados atendidos na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva entre janiero e setembro de 2006 foram divididos em 2 grupos, sendo o grupo 1 composto por aqueles que ingeriram diariamente quantidade de proteínas=1g/kg e o grupo 2 por aqueles que ingeriram diariamente quantidade de proteínas>1g/Kg, com suplementação protéica. Foram coletados semanalmente albumina sérica, leucócitos e bastonetes, dados clínicos das fichas médicas, e escore da avaliação subjetiva global, e compararam-se os dados iniciais e finais. Resultados: Pacientes do grupo 2 demonstraram tendência em apresentar níveis mais elevados de albumina sérica do que os indivíduos do grupo 1. As complicações clínicas relacionadas à dieta apresentadas pelos pacientes dos grupos 1 e 2, respectivamente, foram diarréia (41,37% vs. 30%; p>0,05), hiperglicemia (68,96% vs. 55%;p>0,05) e estase gástrica (58,6% vs.25%; p=0,04), sendo somente a última com diferença estatística significativa entre os grupos. No grupo 1,8% dos pacientes apresentaram desnutrição grave, e a prevalência de infecção foi maior que no grupo 2 (18,7% vs. 11,1%, respectivamente; p=0,02). Conclusões: Este estudo sugere que a ingestão protéica acima de 1g/kg/dia, associada à quantidades adequadas de energia, diminui a suscetibilidade às infecções, e pode estar relacionada com melhora do estado nutricional e dos níveis séricos de albumina.

Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto de la ingesta de proteínas de suero de los niveles de albúmina, la prevalencia de complicaciones clínicas relacionadas con la dieta, el estado nutricional y la mortalidad de los pacientes politraumatizados. Método: Los pacientes politraumatizados atendidos en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos entre septiembre de 2006 y Janiero se dividieron en dos grupos, un grupo que está compuesto por aquellos que consumían la cantidad diaria de proteínas y el grupo 2 = 1g/kg por los que tomaron la cantidad diaria de proteínas > 1g/kg con suplementos de proteína. Semanalmente, se recolectaron suero leucocitos albúmina, y las barras, los datos clínicos de los registros médicos, y la puntuación subjetiva de evaluación global, y compararon los datos iniciales y finales. Resultados: Los pacientes en el grupo 2 tienden a presentar niveles más altos de albúmina de suero de los pacientes en el grupo 1. La dieta de complicaciones relacionadas con la clínica que presentan los pacientes en los grupos 1 y 2, respectivamente, fueron: diarrea (41,37% frente al 30%, p> 0,05), hiperglucemia (68,96% frente al 55%, p> 0 , 05) y la estasis gástrica (58,6% vs.25%, p = 0,04), y sólo este último con una diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre los grupos. En el grupo de 1,8% de los pacientes padecían de desnutrición severa, y la prevalencia de infección fue superior en el grupo 2 (18,7% vs 11,1%, respectivamente, p = 0,02). Conclusiones: Este estudio sugiere que la ingesta de proteínas por encima de 1g/kg/day, junto con cantidades adecuadas de energía, disminuye la susceptibilidad a las infecciones, y pueden estar relacionados con la mejora del estado nutricional y la albúmina sérica.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of protein intake on serum albumin levels, the prevalence of clinical complications related to diet, nutritional status and mortality of polytrauma patients. Method: polytrauma patients treated at the Intensive Care Unit between September 2006 and janiero were divided into two groups, one group being composed of those who ate the daily amount of protein and group 2 = 1g/kg by those who took daily amount of protein > 1g/kg with protein supplementation. Were collected weekly serum albumin, leukocytes and rods, clinical data from medical records, and subjective global assessment score, and compared the initial and final data. Results: Patients in group 2 tended to present higher levels of serum albumin than patients in group 1. The diet-related clinical complications presented by patients in groups 1 and 2, respectively, were diarrhea (41.37% vs. 30%, p> 0.05), hyperglycemia (68.96% vs. 55%, p> 0 , 05) and gastric stasis (58.6% vs.25%, p = 0.04), and only the latter with a statistically significant difference between groups. In group 1.8% of patients had severe malnutrition, and prevalence of infection was higher than in group 2 (18.7% vs. 11.1%, respectively, p = 0.02). Conclusions: This study suggests that protein intake above 1g/kg/day, coupled with adequate amounts of energy, decreases the susceptibility to infections, and may be related with improvement of nutritional status and serum albumin.

Scapular fracture: lower severity and mortality / Fratura escapular: menor gravidade e mortalidade

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: The presence of scapular fracture is believed to be associated with high rates of other injuries and accompanying morbidities. The aim was to study injury patterns and their overall outcomes in patients with scapula fractures. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study of trauma patients treated at six general hospitals in Tehran. METHODS: One-year trauma records were obtained from six general hospitals Among these, forty-one had sustained a scapular fracture and were included in this study. RESULTS: Scapular fracture occurred predominantly among 20 to 50-year-old patients (78 percent). Road traffic accidents (RTAs) were the main cause of injury (73.2 percent; 30/41). Pedestrians accounted for 46.7 percent (14/30) of the injuries due to RTAs. Falls were the next most common cause, accounting for seven cases (17.1 percent). Body fractures were the most common type of scapular fractures (80 percent). Eighteen patients (43.9 percent) had isolated scapular fractures. Limb fracture was the most common associated injury, detected in 18 cases (43.9 percent). Three patients (7.3 percent) had severe injuries (injury severity score, ISS > 16) which resulted in one death (2.4 percent). The majority of the patients were treated conservatively (87.8 percent). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with scapula fractures have more severe underlying chest injuries and clavicle fractures. However, this did not correlate with higher rates of injury severity score, intensive care unit admission or mortality.

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: Acredita-se que a presença de fraturas escapulares esteja associada a alta freqüência de outras lesões e morbidades relacionadas. O objetivo foi avaliar o padrão de lesões e os desfechos gerais em pacientes com fraturas escapulares. DESENHO E LOCAL: Trabalho transversal com pacientes apresentando trauma, tratados em seis hospitais gerais em Teerã. MÉTODOS: Registros de trauma foram obtidos em seis hospitais gerais no período de um ano. Entre estes pacientes, 41 sofreram fratura escapular e foram incluídos no estudo. RESULTADOS: A faixa etária predominante para fratura escapular foi 20-50 anos, sendo 78 por cento. Acidentes automobilísticos (AAs) foram a maior causa de lesão, em 73,2 por cento (30/41). Observou-se também que os acidentes com pedestres correspondiam a 46,7 por cento (14/30) das lesões devidas a AAs. Quedas foram a segunda causa mais freqüente, com sete casos (17,1 por cento). Fraturas do corpo estavam o tipo mais freqüente das fraturas escapulares (80 por cento). Dezoito pacientes (43,9 por cento) apresentaram apenas fratura escapular. Fraturas de extremidades foram as lesões mais comumente associadas, observadas em 18 (43,9 por cento). Três pacientes (7,3 por cento) tiveram lesões graves (escala de gravidade das lesões > 16), o que resultou em um caso (2,4 por cento) de óbito. A maioria dos pacientes foi tratada de forma conservadora (87,8 por cento). CONCLUSÕES: Pacientes com fraturas escapulares tiveram lesões torácicas e fraturas de clavícula basicamente mais graves. Porém, não houve correlação com maiores índices da escala de gravidade das lesões, admissão na unidade de terapia intensiva ou mortalidade.

Factores causales del daño múltiple de órganos en 11 307 autopsias realizadas en el Instituto Superior de Medicina Militar Dr Luis Díaz Soto / Causal factors of multiple organ damage in 11 307 autopsies performed in Dr Luis Díaz Soto Higher Institute of Military Medicine

El daño múltiple de órganos es un conjunto de trastornos morfológicos frecuentes en pacientes críticos, asociado con diversos factores causales donde primordialmente ocurre un daño inmunológico que se concatena con un daño sistémico, y que de acuerdo con su intensidad puede evolucionar hacia la muerte inmediata, regresar o manifestarse evolutivamente con un síndrome de daño múltiple de órganos. Se realizó este trabajo con el propósito de identificar el comportamiento y la relación de los factores causales del daño múltiple de órganos en las autopsias de adultos del Instituto Superior de Medicina Militar Dr Luis Díaz Soto. Se estudiaron retrospectivamente 13 910 fallecidos entre el año 1962 y 2004, de ellos 11 307 mayores de 16 años de edad según la base de datos SARCAP, divididos en grupos de estudios en relación con los factores causales. Para el diagnóstico se consideró la presencia del factor causal, 3 o más órganos afectados; se excluyeron estos cuando presentaban lesiones previas relacionadas con el daño múltiple de órganos, y se valoró la sepsis, solo la severa. El trabajo muestra cómo el daño múltiple de órganos se relaciona con los factores causales que lo desencadenan y se analiza que evitar la acción de los factores causales contribuiría a prolongar la vida de los pacientes si se aplican medidas terapéuticas que atenúen la respuesta inflamatoria sistémica y el daño múltiple de órganos, por lo que su prevención salva vidas.

The multiple organ damage is a set of frequent morphological disorders in critical patients, associated with causal factors, where it mainly occurs an immunological damage that concatenates with a systemic damage and that according to its intensity it may evolve towards immediate death, recurs or manifest with a syndrome of multiple organ damage. This paper was aimed at identifying the behavior and the relation of the causal factors of the multiple organ damage in the autopsies of adults performed in Dr Luis Díaz Soto Higher Institute of Military Medicine. 13 910 deceased were retrospectively studied between 1962 and 2004, of them 11 307 were over 16 according to the SARCAP database. They were divided into study groups according to the causal factors. For the diagnosis, it was considered the presence of causal factors, 3 or more affected organs that were excluded when they presented previous lesions related to multiple organ damage, and only severe sepsis was assessed. It was proved how the multiple organ damage was related to the causal factors triggering them, and it was also concluded that avoiding the action of the causal factors would contribute to prolong the patients' life if therapeutical measures attenuating the systemic inflammatory response and the multiple organ damage were taken, since their prevention may save lives.

Ventilator-associated pneumonia in surgical emergency intensive care unit

To investigate the incidence, risk factors and the etiology of ventilator-associated pneumonia [VAP] in surgical emergency intensive care unit [ICU] patients. We conducted this prospective cohort study in the surgical emergency ICU of Istanbul Medical Faculty between December 1999 and May 2001. We included 100 mechanically ventilated patients in this study. We diagnosed VAP according to the current diagnostic criteria. We identified the etiology of VAP cases by both quantitative cultures of endotracheal aspiration and blood cultures. To analyze the predisposing factors for the development of VAP, we recorded the following variables: age, gender, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation [APACHE] II score, Glasgow coma scale [GCS], sequential organ failure assessment [SOFA] score, serum albumin level, duration of mechanical ventilation [MV] prior to the development of VAP, and underlying diseases. We determined the VAP incidence rate as 28%. We found the APACHE II score and the duration of MV to be statistically significant variables for the development of VAP. There were no significant differences regarding age, gender, GCS, SOFA score, albumin level, or underlying diseases for the development of VAP. The isolated bacteria among VAP cases were as follows: Staphylococcus aureus [n=12, 43%], Acinetobacter spp. [n=6, 21%], coagulase-negative Staphylococci [n=4, 15%], Pseudomonas aeruginosa [n=3, 10.7%] and Klebsiella pneumoniae [n=3, 10.7%]. Ventilator-associated pneumonia is a common infection, and certain interventions might affect the incidence of VAP. The ICU clinicians should be aware of the risk factors for VAP, which could prove useful in identifying patients at high risk for VAP, and modifying patient care to minimize the risk of VAP

Impacto del proyecto itersocietario de trauma en Rafaela: período 1996-2003 / Impact of trauma project in Rafaela city since 1996 to 2003

Antecedentes: El trauma o lesiones por causas extremas constituyen la primera causa de muerte en Argentina entre el primer año de vida y los 44. Objetivo: presentar la experiencia obtenida en la aplicación y desarrollo en Rafaela del Proyecto Intersocietario de Trauma (PIT) y su impacto en la comunidad. Diseño: Método operativo de investigación epidemiológico con transferencia de estrategias basadas en el análisis de circunatancias de ocurrencia. Lugar: Ciudad de Rafaela, Provincia de Santa Fé, Argentina. Población: 3040 víctimas politraumatizadas internadas en las instituciones médicas de Rafaela. Método: Incorporación y análisis de datos de pacientes, adultos y niños politraumatizados incorporados a un sistema de información durante el periodo octubre 1996-septiembre 1997. Elaboración de estrategias de prevención primaria basadas en el informe epidemiológico. Resultados: Promedio de edad 21,8 años (amplitud 0 a 98 años). El 73,4 por ciento de las víctimas tenia menos de 30 años de edad. Género: 65,2 por ciento fueron varones. De acuerdo a la Clasificación Internacional C10, las lesiones no intencionales representan el 95 por ciento del total. El 60 por ciento de los lesionados correspondieron a lesiones por "Otras causas externas de morbilidad y mortalidad" y dentro de éstas las caídas representaron el 43,3 por ciento. Los "Accidentes de Transporte" generaron el 35,6 por ciento de las lesiones. Las víctimas fallecidas por accidentes vehículares fueron 16 durante el año 1998, 13 en 1999, 12 en 2000, 13 en 2001, 6 en 2002 y 7 durante 2003. El número de internaciones de niños con lesiones por quemaduras fue de 68 durante el periodo 1993-1997 y de 50 para el período 1998-2001. Comentarios: El Proyecto Intersocietarios de Trauma (P.I.T.) en Rafaela, desarrolló un plan para la transferencia de conocimiento de las entidades científicas, mediante un proceso de autogestión comunitaria, destinado a generar programas de prevención primaria en lesiones de causa externas. La comunidad de Rafaela eligió realizar acciones de prevención sobre los accidentes de tránsito, tanto niños como en adultos. La detección del problema relacionado al aumento progresivo del número de niños internados por quemaduras generó medidas de prevención relacionadas con este tema. Los resultados obtenidos son muy estimulantes ya que se observó la franca disminución del número de accidentes...

Mortality and morbidity of abdominal inferior vena-caval injuries

To evaluate the outcome of abdominal inferior vena-caval [IVC] injuries in patients presented to Accident and Emergency Department, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar. Design: An observational study. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at Postgraduate Medical Institute [PGMI]/Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, from January 1995 to January 2003, Patients and Case records of all patients operated within specified period for vascular trauma having injuries to the abdominal inferior vena cava. In all cases vascular trauma management was done mainly on clinical assessment in a low equipped set up. Data on age, gender, mechanism, nature and location of inferior vena-caval injuries, other vascular and non-vascular injuries were recorded. There were 22 patients, 77.27% male and 22.72% female. Age ranged from 10 to 40 years with mean age of 25.09 years. Majority of injuries were caused by penetrating injury [77.27%], blunt injury in 04.54% and 18.87% were iatrogenic. Majority [95.45%] were having single laceration of inferior vena cava and 04.54% were having more than one laceration. Associated vascular injuries involved aortic 9.09%, internal iliac in 4.54% and renal vein in 4.54%. Most common associated non-vascular injury involved small intestine [72.72%] and large gut [50%]. Inferior vena-caval injuries carries high mortality rate. When associated with multiple organ injuries and retrohepatic inferior vena-caval injuries are almost fatal

Ectodermal dysplasia with acanthosis nigricans [Lelis' syndrome]

A 32-year-old Saudi male was referred with a long-standing history of abnormal hair of the scalp, dystrophic nails and dry skin with palmoplantar hyperkeratosis. He had a twin brother with similar but milder manifestations on clinical examination who refused to be photographed. The parents were not related to each other but belonged to the same tribe. General physical examination showed a normal height and weight, low-set ears, and narrow face with prominent forehead and lips. He had saddle nose with an increased nose width. Cutaneous examination revealed dry, hypochromic wrinkled skin with thick lips. The scalp hairs were sparse, dry and lusterless, beard and pubic hairs were also scanty. There was hyperkeratosis of the skin of the hands and feet. The patient also had acanthosis nigricans in the axillary region. Nails were thick, yellow in color, dystrophic and hyper convex. Oral examination revealed hypodontia with peg-shaped anterior teeth. The patient reported fragile temporary teeth with early loss. There was delayed neurological development and the patient had mild mental retardation. Investigations including blood counts, chemistry, thyroid studies, testosterone and estradiol were all within normal limits. Chromosomal analysis on peripheral blood lymphocytes with G'banding technique showed a normal male constituency. Skeletal survey and examination of the hair from the scalp under the light microscope were normal. Skin from the palm was taken for histopathology which showed reduction in number of eccrine sweat glands, sebaceous glands and hair follicles, also the epidermis was thin and flattened. Biopsy taken from the axilla revealed acanthosis nigricans