Early management of severe pelvic injury (first 24 hours).

OBJECTIVE: Pelvic fractures represent 5% of all traumatic fractures and 30% are isolated pelvic fractures. Pelvic fractures are found in 10 to 20% of severe trauma patients and their presence is highly correlated to increasing trauma severity scores. The high mortality of pelvic trauma, about 8 to 15%, is related to actively bleeding pelvic injuries and/or associated injuries to the head, abdomen or chest. Regardless of the severity of pelvic trauma, diagnosis and treatment must proceed according to a strategy that does not delay the management of the most severely injured patients. To date, in France, there are no guidelines issued by healthcare authorities or professional societies that address this subject. DESIGN: A consensus committee of 22 experts from the French Society of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine (Société Française d'Anesthésie et de Réanimation; SFAR) and the French Society of Emergency Medicine (Société Française de Médecine d'Urgence; SFMU) in collaboration with the French Society of Radiology (Société Française de Radiologie; SFR), French Defence Health Service (Service de Santé des Armées; SSA), French Society of Urology (Association Française d'Urologie; AFU), the French Society of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery (Société Française de Chirurgie Orthopédique et Traumatologique; SOCFCOT), and the French Society of Digestive Surgery (Société Française de Chirurgie digestive; SFCD) was convened. A formal conflict-of-interest (COI) policy was developed at the onset of the process and enforced throughout. The entire guidelines process was conducted independently from any industry funding. The authors were advised to follow the principles of the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system to guide assessment of quality of evidence. The potential drawbacks of making strong recommendations in the presence of low-quality evidence were emphasised. METHODS: Population, intervention, comparison, and outcomes (PICO) questions were reviewed and updated as needed, and evidence profiles were generated. The analysis of the literature and the recommendations were then conducted according to the GRADE® methodology. RESULTS: The SFAR Guideline panel provided 22 statements on prehospital and hospital management of the unstable patient with pelvic fracture. After three rounds of discussion and various amendments, a strong agreement was reached for 100% of recommendations. Of these recommendations, 11 have a high level of evidence (Grade 1 ± ), 11 have a low level of evidence (Grade 2 ± ). CONCLUSIONS: Substantial agreement exists among experts regarding many strong recommendations for management of the unstable patient with pelvic fracture.

Safety of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in mechanically ventilated patients.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the epidemiology of patients who require mechanical ventilation during hyperbaric oxygen therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One-hundred-fifty patients who required mechanical ventilation during hyperbaric oxygen therapy were prospectively studied during a 6-year period in a French university hyperbaric centre. We analysed the indication of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, agent used for sedation, presence of a chest tube, need for vasopressor agents and tolerance and appearance of side effects. Finally, we compared the outcomes of patients according to the presence or absence of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). RESULTS: Eleven children and 139 adult patients were included (n = 150) in the study. In both populations, carbon monoxide poisoning (51%) and iatrogenic gas embolism (33%) were the two main causes of intubation and mechanical ventilation. The combination of midazolam and sufentanil was used in 85 (67%) patients. All of the patients were given a bolus of a neuromuscular blocker during the hyperbaric session, despite the presence of ARDS in 35 patients. Patient-ventilator asynchrony was the most frequent side effect in 6 (5%) patients and was often the consequence of suboptimal sedation. Mortality was higher in the group with ARDS (23%). CONCLUSIONS: Carbon monoxide poisoning and iatrogenic gas embolism are the two main diseases of the patients who required mechanical ventilation during hyperbaric oxygen therapy in this study. Mechanical ventilation is a safe method for patients during hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Sedation needs to be perfected to avoid patient-ventilator asynchrony.

Epidemiology of unintentional drowning in a metropolis of the French Mediterranean coast: a retrospective analysis (2000-2011).

Drowning affects more than 500,000 people worldwide and is responsible for at least 350,000 deaths each year. In France, 1235 drowning resulting in 496 deaths were recorded in the summer 2012. This retrospective study has investigated the epidemiology of drowning in the city of Marseille (South of France) between 2000 and 2011. We identified 449 cases of unintentional drowning. The highest incidence was found among males with a median age of 36 years. The incidence was 5.3 victims per 10,000 inhabitants with a mortality rate of 1.2 per 10,000. These accidents occurred mainly at sea (89%) and during the summer season. A majority of drowning victims (69%) were admitted in a hospital. This is the only study in France to analyse data on drowning throughout the year and over a long period. Drowning is a serious condition burdened by 22% of victims who die.

COMparison of Platelet reactivity following prAsugrel and ticagrelor loading dose in ST-Segment elevation myocardial infarctION patients: The COMPASSION study.

Prasugrel and ticagrelor are potent P2Y12-ADP receptor antagonists which are superior to clopidogrel in acute coronary syndromes. To date no clinical trial directly compared these two drugs. Platelet reactivity correlates with ischemic and bleeding events in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. Recent pharmacological studies have observed a delayed onset of action of these two drugs in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). We provide the first adequately powered pharmacological study comparing PR following ticagrelor and prasugrel loading dose (LD) in STEMI patients when the maximal biological effect is reached. In the present study, ticagrelor was associated with a lower rate of high on-treatment PR compared to prasugrel.

Glossopharyngeal insufflation and breath-hold diving: the more, the worse?

OBJECTIVE: The glossopharyngeal insufflation maneuver (lung packing) is largely performed by competitive breath-hold divers to improve their performance, despite observational evidence of fainting and loss of consciousness in the first seconds of apnea. METHODS: We describe here the time course of hemodynamic changes, induced by breath-holding with and without lung packing, in 2 world-class apnea competitors. RESULTS: When compared with apnea performed after a deep breath (100% vital capacity), lung packing leads to a decrease in cardiac output, blood pressure, and cerebral blood flow during the first seconds after the beginning of apnea. The major hemodynamic disorders were observed in diver 1, who exhibited the greater increase in pulmonary volume after lung packing (+22% for diver 1 vs +10% for diver 2). After the initial drop in both cardiac output and blood pressure, the time course of hemodynamic alterations became quite similar between the two apneas. CONCLUSIONS: Some recommendations, such as limiting the number of maneuvers and performing lung packing in the supine position, should be expressed to avoid injuries secondary to the use of glossopharyngeal insufflation.

2-point ultrasonography to confirm correct position of the gastric tube in prehospital setting.

UNLABELLED: X-ray remains the "gold standard" test to control the gastric tube (GT) position. The aim of this study is to estimate the diagnostic accuracy of a 2-point ultrasonography to confirm GT placement in the prehospital setting. METHOD: The emergency physician performed an ultrasound examination during GT insertion. The aim was to determine whether or not the GT could be viewed in the esophagus and/or in the stomach. RESULTS: Thirty-two intubated patients were included. In 100% of cases, the GT was instantly identified by ultrasound at esophagus and in 62.5% at stomach. In 6 cases, the GT was not seen in the stomach, but the injection of air through the GT allowed to confirm intragastric position in 2 cases. In the 4 other cases, no dynamic fogging was observed. In hospital X-ray control confirmed the correct positioning of 28/32. CONCLUSION: The 2-point ultrasonographic live control of the GT position has a better sensitivity and a much higher specificity than the syringe test but similar to the xiphoid ultrasound control. However, our method allows to show the GT in the esophagus and to use the dynamic ultrasound fogging to reveal an intragastric position that was not obvious with the common techniques.

Prehospital ultrasound thoracic examination to improve decision making, triage, and care in blunt trauma.

Prehospital acute blunt thoracic trauma care remains difficult. Among then, diagnosis of atelectasis with ultrasound remains rare and unusual. We report the case of a worker who had a sharp chest pain currently after using a jackhammer. First clinical examination suspected a left tension pneumothorax but ruled out by sliding sign in left hemithorax ultrasound (US) examination. The right upper thoracic scan showed a well-defined lung point, a "hepatization" appearance with static air bronchograms, a diaphragm elevation and a dextrocardia in B mode, and a pseudobarcode with no lung pulse in Time Motion (TM) mode. A "rip's organ absent sign" excluded the hypothesis of an acute diaphragmatic rupture. An atelectasis was at once suspected and confirmed at hospital by tomodensitometry. Diaphragmatic injury can be suspected when "rip's absent organ sign," diaphragm poor movement or elevation, liver sliding sign, subphrenic effusion, or spleen or liver intrathoracic presence. Unusually, these signs can put diagnosis in a wrong track as described in our case report. Lung pulse, absent sliding sign, or hemidiaphragm standstill is highly suspect of atelectasis but cannot be established formally. However, in patients with alveolar consolidation displaying air bronchograms, the dynamic air bronchograms indicated lung contusion, distinguishing it from atelectasis. Static air bronchograms were seen in most atelectases and one-third of cases of contusion or pneumonia. Fast scan can be useful to evoke atelectasis in blunt trauma. Differential diagnoses such as diaphragmatic rupture or consolidation could be discarded. Ultrasound examination could justify a precise semiological description.

Stay and play eFAST or scoop and run eFAST? That is the question!

UNLABELLED: The concept that ultrasonography could be interesting in the prehospital setting and during the transfer of traumatized patients is not new. Paradoxically, there is a lack of description of routine use of ultrasonography in emergency ambulances. The aim of this study was to compare the feasibility and efficiency of an extended focused assessment sonography for trauma (eFAST) examination performed on-site, during the patient's transfer, or both. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From February 2010 to June 2012, 30 prehospital emergency physicians were divided randomly into 3 groups. Group 1 performed an ultrasound examination on-site; group 2, during patient transfer; and group 3, in both settings. The eFAST examination was systematically performed in all severe traumas. RESULTS: Ninety-eight patients were included. Forty-four eFAST examinations were performed on-site only; 33, only during transport; and 21, in both settings. The feasibility was 95.4%, 93.9%, and 95.2%, respectively, and efficiency, 95%, 97%, and 100%, respectively. There was no significant difference in performance or duration whether the examination was performed on-site, during the transfer, or both (w = 0.68). Last but not least, in 2 cases in group 3, the second examination carried out during transfer showed new results with the occurrence of intraperitoneal effusion in one case and a pleural effusion in the other. CONCLUSIONS: The eFAST examination can provide reliable and important information in the initial evaluation of traumatized patients. It can be completed either on-site or during patient transfer. Its feasibility and efficiency are similar to that done in intensive units, especially if the examination is repeated.

Ticagrelor versus prasugrel in diabetic patients with an acute coronary syndrome. A pharmacodynamic randomised study.

Optimal P2Y12 receptor blockade is critical to prevent ischaemic recurrence in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We aimed to compare the level of platelet reactivity (PR) inhibition achieved by prasugrel and ticagrelor loading dose (LD) in diabetic acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients undergoing PCI. We performed a single-center prospective open-label randomised trial. Patients with diabetes mellitus undergoing PCI for an ACS were randomised to receive prasugrel 60 mg or ticagrelor 180 mg. The primary endpoint of the study was the level of platelet reactivity (PR) assessed between 6 and 18 hours post-LD using the VASP index. We randomised 100 diabetic patients undergoing PCI for an ACS. No difference was observed in baseline characteristics between the two groups. In particular, the rate of patient receiving insulin therapy was identical (25 vs 28.6%; p =0.7). Ticagrelor achieved a significantly lower PR compared to prasugrel loading dose (17.3 ± 14.2 vs 27.7 ± 23.3%; p=0.009). In addition the rate of high on-treatment platelet reactivity, defined by a VASP ≥50%, tend to be lower in the ticagrelor group although the difference did not reach statistical significance (6 vs 16%; p=0.2). The rate of low on treatment PR was identical (60 vs 54%; p=0.8). The present study demonstrates that ticagrelor LD is superior to prasugrel LD to reduce PR in ACS patients with diabetes mellitus. Whether the higher potency of ticagrelor could translate into a clinical benefit should be investigated.

Assessing post-treatment platelet reactivity: a focus on patient selection and setting.

Dual antiplatelet therapy is critical to inhibit platelet reactivity in order to prevent ischemic recurrences in stented patients. However, studies have observed a variable blockade of the P2Y12 adenosine diphosphate receptor between patients following clopidogrel intake. This interindividual variability in the biological response is not uncommon with clopidogrel (about 50%) and even prasugrel (20%). High on-treatment platelet reactivity (HTPR) is correlated with thrombotic events following percutaneous coronary intervention. Several studies suggested that tailoring of antiplatelet therapy based on platelet reactivity (PR) monitoring could safely reduce the rate of major adverse cardiovascular events in HTPR patients. In addition, low on-treatment PR was recently associated with bleeding events both in patients treated with prasugrel and clopidogrel. Of importance, bleedings are associated with a poor prognosis in stented patients. Overall, the potential of PR monitoring to individualize antiplatelet therapy might benefit stented patients by reducing both ischemic and bleeding risks. However, such strategies remain to be evaluated in adequately designed large-scale randomized clinical trials.

A randomized trial of platelet reactivity monitoring-adjusted clopidogrel therapy versus prasugrel therapy to reduce high on-treatment platelet reactivity.

BACKGROUND: Peri-procedural platelet reactivity (PR) inhibition is critical in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). High on-treatment PR (HTPR) was associated with recurrent ischemic events in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients undergoing PCI. We aimed to compare a strategy of clopidogrel loading dose-adjustment (CDA) according to PR monitoring with standard prasugrel therapy to reduce the rate of patients exhibiting HTPR. METHODS: We enrolled 177 ACS patients in a prospective multicentre randomized trial comparing CDA according to PR monitoring and prasugrel therapy. The VASP index was used to measure PR and a VASP ≥ 50% defined HTPR. The primary endpoint of the study was the rate of HTPR on discharge. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics of the CDA group (n = 88) and of the prasugrel group (n = 89) were similar. CDA significantly reduced PR and the rate of HTPR compared to a single LD of clopidogrel (30.9 ± 13.9%; p < 0.0001 and 43 to 2.3%; p < 0.001, respectively). Following CDA the rate of patients with HTPR was significantly lower in the CDA group compared to the prasugrel group on discharge (2.3 vs 15.7%; p = 0.005). In addition fewer patients in the CDA group had a VASP < 16% on discharge (14.7 vs 50.5%; p <0.0001). CONCLUSION: In the present study, PR monitoring was superior to standard prasugrel therapy to reduce the rate of HTPR in ACS patients. In addition such strategy reduced the number of patients with very low PR.

Platelet reactivity evaluated with the VASP assay following ticagrelor loading dose in acute coronary syndrome patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

BACKGROUND: The level of platelet reactivity (PR) inhibition obtained after P2Y12-ADP receptor antagonist loading dose (LD) is associated with the ischemic and bleeding risk following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in acute coronary syndromes (ACS). OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the level of PR inhibition achieved by a 180 mg LD of ticagrelor and the rate of high on-treatment platelet reactivity (HTPR) in ACS patients undergoing PCI. METHODS: We performed a multicentre prospective observational study enrolling ACS patients undergoing PCI. Patients were included if they were admitted for ST-elevation myocardial infarction or non ST-elevation ACS. To assess PR, a VASP index was measured at least 6 and within 24 hours following a 180 mg LD of ticagrelor. HTPR was defined as a VASP index ≥50%. RESULTS: One hundred and fifteen patients were included: 31.3% of STEMI, 49.6% of NSTEMI and 19.1% of unstable angina. Following ticagrelor LD the mean VASP index was 17±14%. However the response to ticagrelor was not uniform with a small inter-individual variability: inter quartile range: 7.6-22.8% and a rate of HTPR of 3.5%. A high number of patients, 65.6%, had a VASP index <16%. None of the baseline characteristics of the study population was associated with PR. In addition, PR was similar in STEMI, NSTEMI and unstable angina (p=0.9). CONCLUSION: In ACS patients the level of PR inhibition achieved by a 180 mg loading dose of ticagrelor is not uniform and the rate of HTPR is 3.5%. A high proportion of patients exhibited a VASP index <16%.