Clinical features of and therapeutic analysis on 54 transferred patients with open injuries combined with infection in Chinese Wenchuan earthquake / 中华创伤杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To analyze the clinical features of patients with open injuries combined with infections in Chinese Wenchuan earthquake and summarize the therapeutic experience. Methods An analysis was done on 54 patients with open injuries combined with infection transferred to our depart-ment from May 13, 2008 to June 10, 2008. Thorough debridement was performed based on general sup-porting management and anti-bacterial thempies done on the basis of results of bacteria culture and sus-ceptibility test. In the meantime, other managements including high-pressure oxygen therapy and external fixation were done for open fractures. Results Infection could be found in all open injuries, primarily combined infections with G+ coccus and G- bacillus or anaerobic. Moreover, most of the patients were infected by anaerobia. Of all, 1 patient with amputation received multiple debridement and repair because of severe infection of the amputation site and no death occurred. All patients recovered uneventfully, with sound wound healing, except for 2 patients. External fixation was stable and in good position. Conclu-sions The repeated and thorough debridement and the timely closure of wounds on the basis of energeti-cally anti-infection measures are key to diminishing the mortality rate and mutilation rate. Appropriate ad-junctive therapy can dramatically improve the curative effect.