Early pharmacological venous thromboembolism prophylaxis is safe after operative fixation of traumatic spine fractures.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. OBJECTIVE: To examine the impact of early (<48 hr) versus late (≥48 hr) initiation of pharmacological venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis on outcomes and complications among trauma patients undergoing operative fixation of spine fractures. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: VTE complications are associated with poor outcomes after trauma. Although pharmacological prophylaxis decreases the risk of VTE after trauma, concerns regarding bleeding-related complications among certain patient subgroups persist. At present, there are limited data regarding the safety of early VTE prophylaxis in trauma patients undergoing operative fixation of spine fractures. METHODS: We performed a 5-year retrospective analysis of our level 1 trauma center registry to identify consecutive patients undergoing operative fixation of spine fractures. Demographics, injury patterns and severity, details of operative procedures, timing of administration of VTE prophylaxis, and outcomes were analyzed. Patients receiving early VTE prophylaxis were compared with patients receiving late VTE prophylaxis. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of VTE. RESULTS: Of 1432 patients with spine fractures, 206 patients (14.4%) underwent operative fixation. Forty-eight (23.3%) received early VTE prophylaxis and 158 (76.7%) received late VTE prophylaxis. No patient developed an epidural hematoma or postoperative bleeding necessitating intervention in either group. Thirteen patients (6.2%) developed VTE, of which 12 occurred in the late VTE prophylaxis group. Age 45 years or more (odds ratio = 5.12, 95% confidence interval = 1.01-25.94, P = 0.048) and traumatic brain injury (odds ratio = 6.94, 95% confidence interval = 1.19-40.35, P = 0.031) were independently associated with an increased risk for VTE. CONCLUSION: Pharmacological VTE prophylaxis initiated within 48 hours of operative fixation of traumatic spine fractures seems to be safe and is not associated with an increased risk of bleeding or neurological complications. Large, multicenter prospective studies are required to further define the efficacy and safety of an early pharmacological VTE prophylaxis strategy in this at-risk patient population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Determining injuries from posterior and flank stab wounds using computed tomography tractography.

Unlike anterior stab wounds (SW), in which local exploration may direct management, posterior SW can be challenging to evaluate. Traditional triple contrast computed tomography (CT) imaging is cumbersome and technician-dependent. The present study examines the role of CT tractography as a strategy to manage select patients with back and flank SW. Hemodynamically stable patients with back and flank SW were studied. After resuscitation, Betadine- or Visipaque®-soaked sterile sponges were inserted into each SW for the estimated depth of the wound. Patients underwent abdominal helical CT scanning, including intravenous contrast, as the sole abdominal imaging study. Images were reviewed by an attending radiologist and trauma surgeon. The tractogram was evaluated to determine SW trajectory and injury to intra- or retroperitoneal organs, vascular structures, the diaphragm, and the urinary tract. Complete patient demographics including operative management and injuries were collected. Forty-one patients underwent CT tractography. In 11 patients, tractography detected violation of the intra- or retroperitoneal cavity leading to operative exploration. Injuries detected included: the spleen (two), colon (one), colonic mesentery (one), kidney (kidney), diaphragm (kidney), pneumothorax (seven), hemothorax (two), iliac artery (one), and traumatic abdominal wall hernia (two). In all patients, none had negative CT findings that failed observation. In this series, CT tractography is a safe and effective imaging strategy to evaluate posterior torso SW. It is unknown whether CT tractography is superior to traditional imaging modalities. Other uses for CT tractography may include determining trajectory from missile wounds and tangential penetrating injuries.

Development of a preliminary risk index to identify trauma patients at risk for an unplanned intubation.

BACKGROUND: The development of respiratory failure requiring an emergent unplanned intubation (UI) is a potentially preventable complication associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to develop a clinical risk index for UI based on readily available clinical data to assist in the identification of trauma patients at risk for this complication. We also sought to determine the impact of UI on patient outcomes. METHODS: This is a 3-year retrospective analysis of our Level 1 trauma center registry to identify all patients requiring a UI. Patients who required a UI were compared with patients who were never intubated. An additive risk index consisting of 10 clinical variables was created using the final significant variables from a stepwise logistic regression model. The sensitivity and specificity of every possible index score were calculated and added together to calculate the "gain in certainty" values. RESULTS: During the 3-year period, 7,552 patients were admitted, of whom 967 (12.8%) required intubation. Of these, 55 (5.7%) underwent a UI. The final risk index consisted of 10 variables as follows: age 55 years to 64 years, age 65 years or older, male sex, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 9 to 13, seizures, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, traumatic brain injury, four or more rib fractures, spine fractures, and long-bone fractures. Gain in certainty was maximized at an index score of 4, with the highest combined sensitivity and specificity of 86.0% and 74.9%, respectively. The probability of UI increased from 0.9% at a score of 1 to 2.9% at 4 and 43% at 9. UI was associated with increased overall complications, length of stay, and mortality (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: UI is a potentially preventable adverse event associated with poor outcomes. Identification of patients at risk for this complication may be possible through the development of an additive risk index. Prospective validation of the risk index is potentially warranted. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic study, level III.

Dose adjusting enoxaparin is necessary to achieve adequate venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in trauma patients.

BACKGROUND: Standard venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis with enoxaparin results in inadequate protection in certain patients, with subtherapeutic plasma anti-Xa levels associated with elevated VTE rates. We hypothesized that many trauma patients would be subtherapeutic on the standard prophylactic dose of enoxaparin. Our goal was to adjust the enoxaparin dose to achieve target anti-Xa levels to take advantage of the drug based on its pharmacologic properties. METHODS: Patients admitted to the trauma service were included if they received at least three doses of prophylactic enoxaparin and underwent at least two screening venous duplex. Peak plasma anti-Xa levels of 0.2 IU/mL or less were considered low, and the dose was increased by 10 mg twice daily until adequate anti-Xa levels were obtained. A strict screening venous duplex protocol was followed. Patients were excluded if they were diagnosed with a deep venous thrombosis before beginning enoxaparin or did not have correctly timed anti-Xa levels. RESULTS: Sixty-one trauma patients met inclusion criteria. There were three patients diagnosed with VTE (4.9%). Patients had a mean age of 45.9 years and were predominantly male (70.5%). Of the 61 patients, 18 (29.5%) had therapeutic anti-Xa levels on standard enoxaparin 30 mg twice daily. Compared with patients who had therapeutic anti-Xa levels on enoxaparin 30 mg twice daily, the 43 patients (70.5%) who were subtherapeutic were more likely to be male, have greater body weight, and larger body surface area. There were no significant bleeding events in the group that received an enoxaparin dose adjustment. CONCLUSION: Most patients had subtherapeutic anti-Xa levels while on enoxaparin 30 mg twice daily, suggesting inadequate VTE prophylaxis. The need for routine use of a higher dose of prophylactic enoxaparin in trauma patients and the effects of routinely dose adjusting enoxaparin on VTE rates should be the study of future prospective, randomized trials. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic study, level IV.

Venous thromboembolism in the elderly: the result of comorbid conditions or a consequence of injury?

BACKGROUND: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common complication in trauma patients. Several risk factors have been identified that may place patients at in increased risk for VTE including preexisting medical conditions, iatrogenic factors, and injury-related factors. Advanced age has also been implicated as a risk factor for VTE. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence and outcomes of VTE in geriatric trauma patients as well as to identify risk factors for VTE in this population. METHODS: We performed a 10-year retrospective review of all trauma patients aged 65 years or older discharged with a diagnosis of VTE. Demographic data, injuries, mechanism, Injury Severity Score, Abbreviated Injury Score, Glasgow Coma Scale, length of stay, and mortality were collected. RESULTS: : Of 2,521 trauma patients aged 65 years or older, 82 (3.2%) were diagnosed with VTE. Seventy-two of 82 patients were diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism was found in 8 patients. Two patients had both a deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Independent predictors of VTE included traumatic brain injury (p < 0.05); chest Abbreviated Injury Score ≥ 3 (p < 0.001); mechanical ventilation (p < 0.001); major operation (p < 0.001); and history of VTE (p = 0.05). Other comorbid conditions were not significantly associated with VTE. Preinjury anticoagulation had a trend toward a protective effect. Although length of stay was longer in patients with VTE (adjusted mean difference 14.7 days, p < 0.001), mortality for patients with and without VTE was 8.5% and 7.0%, respectively (p = 0.59). CONCLUSION: VTE is associated with prolonged length of stay and duration of mechanical ventilation as well as continued medical dependence after discharge. Several risk factors place the elderly trauma patient at an increased risk for VTE, and trauma or injury-related risk factors seem to have a greater impact on the development of VTE in comparison to underlying conditions or increasing patient age (>65 years). LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II, prognostic study.

Vena cava filters: a decade of experience in a level I trauma center.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the data on the use of vena cava filter in the Division of Trauma, UCSD Medical Center - San Diego, CA / USA. METHODS: A descriptive study was conducted at the Division of Trauma to evaluate the cumulated experience and the therapeutic approach in patients attended by the staff of the Division of Trauma and submitted to placement of a vena cava filter as a method of prevention or treatment of Pulmonary Thromboembolism (PTE) from January 1999 to December 2008. RESULTS: The study comprised 512 patients, mostly males (73%). As to the cause, automobile accident injuries predominated, followed by injuries caused by falls. The male / female ratio was 3:1. The most affected age group was the one between 21 to 40 years, representing 36% of patients. The percentage of prophylactic vena cava filters was 82%, whilst 18% had treatment purposes. Head trauma was the main cause for the indication of prophylactic filters followed by spinal cord trauma. The rate of pos-filter deep vein thrombosis (DVT) was 11%. CONCLUSION: In the presence of contraindications to the use of anticoagulants in patients who suffered severe trauma, the inferior vena cava filters have proven to be an effective and safe option. However, one should apply rigorous clinical judgment to all indications, even after the advent of retrievable filters.

Predicting adverse outcomes following trauma in pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To identify variables predicting adverse maternal or fetal outcome following trauma and to establish a composite morbidity model to predict poor obstetrical outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study of pregnant women following major and minor trauma from a single institution from 1985-2007 was performed. Abstracted data included maternal demographics, Injury Severity Score (ISS), laboratory and radiology studies,fetal monitoring and delivery information. Linear algorithm and logistic regression analysis estimated predictors of adverse obstetrical outcomes. Accuracy of composite morbidity models was tested using receiver operating characteristic. RESULTS: A total of 292 pregnant trauma patients were analyzed. Forty-eight (13%) women had an ISS > or = 10. Adverse pregnancy outcomes occurred in 71 patients (24%). Predictors of poor outcomes included trauma in the third trimester, length of stay (LOS) >2 days, abdominal trauma, ISS >2 and a positive Kleihauer-Betke (KB) test. Composite morbidity models resulted in sensitivity and specificity ranging from 54.3% to 70.4% and 59.5% to 87.5%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Predicting adverse perinatal outcomes following major trauma remains challenging. Composite morbidity models using a combination of third trimester trauma, LOS > 2 days, abdominal trauma, ISS >2 or a positive KB test improves identification of those at risk for adverse perinatal outcomes.

Is contrast exposure safe among the highest risk trauma patients?

BACKGROUND: Despite improvements in the diagnosis and management of acute kidney injury (AKI), posttraumatic renal dysfunction continues to be associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Intravenous (IV) contrast is known to induce AKI in high-risk groups including the elderly and critically ill. We sought to determine whether IV contrast exposure among high-risk trauma patients resulted in renal dysfunction as defined by the Acute Kidney Injury Network criteria. METHODS: We performed a 3-year retrospective analysis of all patients admitted to our Level I trauma center surgical intensive care unit for >48 hours. Patients with preexisting chronic renal dysfunction were excluded. We performed univariate and bivariate analyses to identify risk factors for AKI. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified independent predictors for AKI. Subgroup analysis was undertaken among high-risk groups to include elderly patients (aged ≥65 years) with admission hypotension (systolic blood pressure <90 mm Hg) and an Injury Severity Score (ISS) ≥25. RESULTS: Of the 6,317 patients, 571 (9.0%) patients met the inclusion criteria; 170 (29.8%) patients developed AKI. Age ≥65 years (odds ratio [OR] 2.26, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.06-4.80, p <0.034) and ISS ≥25 (OR 1.86, 95% CI = 1.12-3.07, p <0.015) were determined to be independent predictors of AKI. IV contrast was not identified to be a predictor of AKI. Upon subgroup analysis, IV contrast exposure was not a predictor of AKI among the elderly, hypotensive, or severely injured patients (ISS ≥25). CONCLUSION: A complete trauma workup including studies requiring IV contrast exposure should be considered safe even among high-risk trauma patients.

Computerized insulin infusion programs are safe and effective in the burn intensive care unit.

Glucose control has repeatedly been shown to influence favorable outcomes in the surgical intensive care unit (ICU). Intensive insulin therapy has recently been associated with reduced infections complications in burn patients. However, traditional protocols are associated with rates of severe hypoglycemia as high as 19%. Two commercial computer glucose control programs have reported rates of severe hypoglycemia (glucose <50 mg/dl) of 0.6 and 0.4%. Recently, the authors' burn ICU adopted an intensive insulin computer-based protocol created at their institution and already successfully in use in their surgical ICU. The authors hypothesized that their protocol can be used effectively in the burn patient population without an increase risk of severe hypoglycemia. All patients admitted to the burn ICU have blood glucose (BG) values checked routinely. With two consecutive hyperglycemic values >200 mg/dl, patients are placed on a computer-based protocol intravenous insulin drip. Once initiated, BGs are tested hourly with adjustments made according to the computer protocol. Values recorded from January to December 2008 were abstracted from the database and analyzed. Thirty-one patients were treated using the computer glucose control protocol and 12,699 measurements were performed. There were eight measurements <50 mg/dl (0.07%). Seventy-six percent of values were within the target range of 90 to 150 mg/dl. Few patients had severe hyperglycemia with BG >300 mg/dl (0.2%). There were no adverse events associated with the hypoglycemic episode. The computer-based protocol is more effective than those previously used at the institution and provides safe, reliable results in the burn patients.

Filtro de veia cava: uma década de experiência em um centro de trauma nível I / Vena cava filters: a decade of experience in a level I trauma center

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os dados relativos à utilização de filtro de veia cava na Divisão de Trauma do Centro Médico da UCSD San Diego, CA/EUA. MÉTODOS: Estudo descritivo realizado na Divisão de Trauma visando avaliar a experiência acumulada e a conduta terapêutica nos doentes atendidos pela equipe da Divisão de Trauma e submetidos à colocação de filtro de veia cava como método de prevenção ou tratamento do TEP no período de janeiro de 1999 a dezembro de 2008. RESULTADOS: O estudo compreendeu 512 doentes, destacando-se o sexo masculino (73%). Quanto à causa do traumatismo predominou o acidente automobilístico, seguido por lesões provocadas por quedas. A relação homem/mulher foi 3:1. A faixa etária mais atingida foi 21 a 40 anos, representando 36% dos doentes. O percentual de filtros de cava profiláticos foi de 82% contra 18% de filtros terapêuticos. O traumatismo craniano foi a principal causa para indicação de filtros profiláticos seguido dos traumas raquimedulares. O índice de TVP pós-filtro foi 11%. CONCLUSÃO: Na presença de contraindicação ao uso de anticoagulantes em doentes vítimas de trauma grave, os filtros de veia cava inferior demonstraram ser uma opção efetiva e segura. Entretanto, deve-se aplicar rigor ao julgamento clínico para todas as indicações, mesmo após o advento de filtros "recuperáveis".

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the data on the use of vena cava filter in the Division of Trauma, UCSD Medical Center - San Diego, CA / USA. METHODS: A descriptive study was conducted at the Division of Trauma to evaluate the cumulated experience and the therapeutic approach in patients attended by the staff of the Division of Trauma and submitted to placement of a vena cava filter as a method of prevention or treatment of Pulmonary Thromboembolism (PTE) from January 1999 to December 2008. RESULTS: The study comprised 512 patients, mostly males (73%). As to the cause, automobile accident injuries predominated, followed by injuries caused by falls. The male / female ratio was 3:1. The most affected age group was the one between 21 to 40 years, representing 36% of patients. The percentage of prophylactic vena cava filters was 82%, whilst 18% had treatment purposes. Head trauma was the main cause for the indication of prophylactic filters followed by spinal cord trauma. The rate of pos-filter deep vein thrombosis (DVT) was 11%. CONCLUSION: In the presence of contraindications to the use of anticoagulants in patients who suffered severe trauma, the inferior vena cava filters have proven to be an effective and safe optio n. However, one should apply rigorous clinical judgment to all indications, even after the advent of retrievable filters.

Combat versus civilian open tibia fractures: the effect of blast mechanism on limb salvage.

BACKGROUND: This study compares open tibia fractures in US Navy and US Marine Corps casualties from the current conflicts with those from a civilian Level I trauma center to analyze the effect of blast mechanism on limb-salvage rates. METHODS: Data from the 28,646 records in the University of California San Diego Trauma Registry from 1985 to 2006 was compared with 2,282 records from the US Navy and US Marine Corps Combat Trauma Registry Expeditionary Medical Encounter Database for the period of March 2004 to August 2007. Injuries were categorized by Gustilo-Anderson (G-A) open fracture classification. Independent variables included age, gender, mechanism of injury including blast mechanisms, shock, blood loss, prehospital time, procedures, Injury Severity Score, length of stay, and Mangled Extremity Severity Score (MESS). Dependent variables included early or late amputation and mortality. RESULTS: The civilian group had 850 open tibia fractures with 45 amputations; the military group had 21 amputation patients (3 bilateral) in 115 open tibia fractures. Military group patients were more severely injured, more likely have hypotension, and had a higher amputation rate for G-A IIIB and IIIC fractures then civilian group patients. Blast mechanism was seen in the majority of military group patients and was rare in the civilian group. MESS scores had poor sensitivity (0.46, 95% confidence interval: 0.29-0.64) in predicting the need for amputation in the civilian group; in the military group sensitivity was better (0.67, 95% confidence interval: 0.43-0.85), but successful limb salvage was still possible in most cases with an MESS score of ≥7 when attempted. CONCLUSION: Despite current therapy, limb salvage for G-A IIIB and IIIC grades are significantly worse for open tibia fractures as a result of blast injury when compared with typical civilian mechanisms. MESS scores do not adequately predict likelihood of limb salvage in combat or civilian open tibia fractures.

The unrecognized danger of a new transportation mechanism of injury--pedicabs.

OBJECTIVE: Pedicabs are a new and controversial transportation innovation for tourists in congested areas in several U.S. cities. Scant literature on this trauma mechanism exists. The purpose of this study is to identify the incidence, demographics, morbidity, mortality, and potential for injury prevention of pedicab incidents amongst major trauma admissions at an urban, academic Level I Trauma Center. PATIENTS & METHODS: Researchers conducted a retrospective review of the Trauma Registry from 2000 to 2009. All patients identified as being injured in a pedicab incident were reviewed. Demographics, diagnoses, toxicology, treatments, and injury severity scale (ISS) were collected. Outcomes included mortality, ICU, and hospital length of stay (LOS), discharge disposition, and hospital charges. A photographic survey of 50 local pedicabs was examined for the presence and use of safety equipment. RESULTS: During the period of January 2000 to July 2009 there were 15 major trauma victims from identified pedicab incidents. Falling from the pedicab was the mechanism of injury in 14 of 15 cases. There were two fatalities in victims following severe traumatic brain injury. Traumatic brain injury, skull fracture, or loss of consciousness was seen in 11/15 victims. Ethanol ingestion was detected in blood tests of 10 of the 14 adult victims. Median charges of hospitalization due to a pedicab related injury was US$29,956 ± 77,482. A photographic survey of 50 local pedicabs reveals very limited use of safety belts by passengers despite existing city ordinances. CONCLUSIONS: Major trauma victims of pedicab incidents in the United States suffer significant injuries and death. Most cases occurred in passengers falling from the pedicab at night after alcohol ingestion. There is an opportunity for implementation of strategies toward improved injury prevention with this new form of transport.

A new clopidogrel (Plavix) point-of-care assay: rapid determination of antiplatelet activity in trauma patients.

INTRODUCTION: An increasing proportion of trauma patients are on anticoagulation or antiplatelet therapy. Unlike warfarin, where measuring international normalized ratio can help direct management, measuring platelet inhibition from clopidogrel (Plavix) is not standardized. We report the use of a new P2Y12 point-of-care assay (VerifyNow; Accumetrics, San Diego, CA) to determine the magnitude of platelet inhibition in trauma patients using clopidogrel. METHODS: Trauma patients in 2009 were queried for clopidogrel use by prehospital personnel and the trauma team. Blood was obtained on admission for patients reportedly taking clopidogrel and was assayed for platelet inhibition using the VerfiyNow-P2Y12 device that measures P2Y12 reaction units and photometrically determines platelet inhibition percentage within 30 minutes. Patient demographics including age, Injury Severity Score, mechanism of injury, and complications from hemorrhage were also analyzed. RESULTS: In the time studied, 46 patients taking clopidogrel were assayed for platelet inhibition. The mean age was 75.9 years±11.8 years, and the most common mechanism of injury was fall (86.9%). Platelet inhibition ranged from 0% to 89%. There were no deaths, and only two patients, from the 0% and>30% inhibition group, had hemorrhagic complications (increased intracranial hemorrhage). CONCLUSIONS: The P2Y12 point-of-care assay determined that a large percentage of patients had undetectable or low platelet inhibition despite reportedly being on clopidogrel therapy. These patients may be clopidogrel nonresponders or noncompliant. It is unlikely that clopidogrel reversal therapies, such as platelet transfusions or Desmopressin, would be beneficial in this group. Further studies stratifying the percent platelet inhibition needed to increase bleeding complications is warranted to optimize management strategies.

Arterial embolization for pelvic fractures after blunt trauma: are we all talk?

BACKGROUND: We hypothesized that arterial embolization for bleeding after pelvic fracture is used relatively infrequently. We sought to identify the true need for arterial embolization and define injury patterns associated with successful therapeutic angiographic embolization. METHODS: A retrospective review identified patients admitted to our urban, Level 1 trauma center with pelvic fractures from 2001 to 2009. Patients requiring pelvic arterial angiogram and embolization of pelvic bleeding were reviewed for pelvic fracture pattern and pelvic injury mechanism. RESULTS: There were 819 patients diagnosed with pelvic fractures, with only 31 patients (3.8%) undergoing diagnostic pelvic angiography. Of those, 18 patients (58.1%) had active bleeding requiring arterial embolization. Complex pelvic fracture patterns were common in patients undergoing angiogram. Patients undergoing pelvic angiography with an anteroposterior compression mechanism were more likely to have negative findings on angiogram. CONCLUSIONS: The actual need for angiography and therapeutic embolization is quite small in patients sustaining pelvic fracture. Although factors associated with the need for pelvic angiography frequently are debated, we may discuss angiography for pelvic fractures more often than it actually is performed.

The U.S.-Mexico border: a time-trend analysis of border-crossing injuries.

BACKGROUND: Policies over the past 15 years have resulted in changes to the physical border between the U.S. and Mexico, as well as increases in the number of border patrol agents. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to characterize the trends and epidemiology of physically traumatic border-crossing injuries sustained over an 8-year period in San Diego County. METHODS: This is a time-series study using existing data collected by the University of California, San Diego Level 1 Trauma Center between 2000 and 2007. This study includes data for individuals traumatically injured owing to a jump or fall in an attempt to cross over the border fence. Time-trend analysis was conducted using Poisson regression. A multiple linear regression was conducted to determine whether there was an increase in the severity of injuries to border crossers between 2000 and 2007. RESULTS: Analysis demonstrated a significant increase in the number of those injured each year specifically as a result of jumping or falling from the border fence, from 13 in 2000 to 52 in 2007, even though there was a decrease in the number of apprehensions for illegal entry into the U.S. On average, each year, the injury severity decreased by 0.38 between the years 2000 and 2007. CONCLUSIONS: Jumping and falling injuries at the San Diego-Mexico border increased during a time when apprehensions were decreasing. Further studies are needed to identify strategies to mitigate this problem.

Redefining renal dysfunction in trauma: implementation of the Acute Kidney Injury Network staging system.

BACKGROUND: Acute renal failure (ARF) in trauma patients is associated with high mortality rates. There is currently no consensus definition for renal failure, however, the American College of Surgeons' Committee on Trauma (ACSCOT) defines ARF as a serum creatinine > or =3.5, blood urea nitrogen > 100, or renal replacement therapy. We hypothesize that by using the Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN) staging system we would identify smaller changes in renal function that may impact outcome, and may serve as a marker for mortality and other organ dysfunction. METHODS: We retrospectively identified all trauma patients admitted to the surgical intensive care unit (SICU) for >48 hours during a 3-year period ending December 2007. Hourly urine output, serum creatinine, demographic data, trauma scores, admission vital signs, ICU and hospital length of stay, need for renal replacement therapy, organ failure, and death were collected and were stratified according to AKIN and ACSCOT renal dysfunction criteria. Trauma patients admitted to the SICU who did not develop renal dysfunction were used as controls. RESULTS: A total of 571 patients were studied. Of those, only 17 patients (3.0%) were classified as having ARF by the ACSCOT criteria, whereas 170 (29.8%) had kidney injury using the AKIN criteria (146, stage 1; 15, stage 2; 9, stage 3). Compared with patients admitted to the ICU for > or =48 hours with normal renal function, patients meeting AKIN criteria had longer hospital and ICU length of stay (p < 0.001). Patients meeting AKIN criteria also had an increased incidence of multiple organ failure and death (p < 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Stratification using the AKIN criteria for acute kidney injury identifies an increased number of patients with renal dysfunction compared with the current ACSCOT criteria. Importantly, these patients have an increased risk of multiple organ failure and death. Inclusion into the AKIN criteria may be a marker for later morbidity and mortality.

Hemorrhage is More Prevalent than Brain Injury in Early Trauma Deaths: The Golden Six Hours.

INTRODUCTION: Under the trimodal distribution, most trauma deaths occur within the first hour. Determination of cause of death without autopsy review is inaccurate. The goal of this study is to determine cause of death, in hourly intervals, in trauma patients who died in the first 24 h, as determined by autopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Trauma deaths that occurred within 24 h at a Level I trauma center were reviewed over a six-year period ending December 2005. Timing of death was separated into 0-1, 1-3, 3-6, 6-12 and 12-24 h intervals. Cause of death was determined by clinical course and AIS scores, and was confirmed by autopsy results. RESULTS: Overall, 9,388 trauma patients were admitted, of which 185 deaths occurred within 24 h, with 167 available autopsies. Blunt and penetrating were the injury mechanisms in 122 (73%) and 45 (27%) patients, respectively. Of 167 deaths, 73 (43.7%) occurred within the first hour. Brain injury, when compared to other body areas, was the most likely cause of death in all hourly intervals, but hemorrhage was as or more important than brain injury as the cause of death during the first 3 h and up to 6 h. No deaths were attributable to hemorrhage after 12 h. CONCLUSIONS: The temporal distribution of the cause of death varies in the first 24 h after admission. Hemorrhage should not be overlooked as the cause of death, even after survival beyond 1 h. Understanding the temporal relationship of causes of early death can aid in the targeting of management and surgical training to optimize patient outcome.

A 21-year history of all-terrain vehicle injuries: has anything changed?

BACKGROUND: All-terrain vehicle (ATV)-related injuries have increased. The purpose of this study was to determine if the increase in injuries correlates with the expiration of government mandates. METHODS: ATV-injured patients admitted to a level I trauma center were reviewed over the years 1985-1999 and 2000-2005. Several demographic variables and injuries sustained were analyzed. RESULTS: There were a total of 433 injuries, which increased from 164 between 1985 and 1999, to 269 between 2000 and 2005. By comparing the time periods we observed a decrease in closed-head injury (53.6% vs 27.5%; P < .001), spinal cord injury (11.6% vs 5.2%; P < .05), and soft-tissue injury (62.8% vs 45.3%; P < .01), but an increase in long-bone fractures (18.9% vs 33.0%; P < .05). No differences were observed in other injuries. CONCLUSIONS: The number of patients sustaining ATV-related injuries has increased and correlates with the expiration of government mandates. Even though ATVs remain dangerous, injury prevention strategies such as helmet laws may be having a positive impact.

Significant injury in cruise ship passengers a case series.

BACKGROUND: The attention placed on cruise ship infectious epidemics has helped create important preventive strategies in improving food handling, sanitation, and overall cruise ship medical care. However, the incidence of serious injury in cruise ship passengers has never been fully described. In 2006, there was an increase in the number of cruise ship passengers receiving medical care at a Level I trauma center. This report provides a case series analysis of eight patients identified as suffering from significant cruise ship-related injuries. METHODS: A retrospective, descriptive study design was used. Data on trauma patients transported directly from cruise ships and admitted to a university Level I trauma center in 2003-2006 were reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 2,132 patients were admitted as major trauma resuscitations in 2006. Eight were identified as being injured on a major cruise ship compared to an average of 1.7 patients/year in the preceding 3 years. All but one patient was female. Three patients had significant medical comorbidities. All eight patients suffered injuries from falls, five of which were in stairwells. Concussions were the most common injury. Five patients were discharged to home, two to extended rehabilitation facilities, and one died. CONCLUSIONS: In this case series, falls were the sole cause of major injury among cruise ship passengers. Improved surveillance and characterization of injuries among cruise ship passengers is needed to inform safety policies and develop programs to prevent passenger injury.

Patient factors and operating room resuscitation predict mortality in traumatic abdominal aortic injury: a 20-year analysis.

BACKGROUND: Injuries to the abdominal aorta are rare and remain one of the most lethal causes of early death in trauma. The purposes of this study were to identify primary predictors of mortality and to examine the impact of a well-established operating room resuscitation protocol on survival in patients with traumatic aortic injury. METHODS: A 20-year retrospective review was performed of medical records and autopsy reports of trauma patients admitted with confirmed injury to the abdominal aorta. Data on patient demographics, admission characteristics, operative findings, and the initial location of resuscitation were collected. The main outcome measure was death. RESULTS: Abdominal aortic injuries were diagnosed in 60 patients. Their average age was 26.5 years, and the mean transport time was 10 minutes. The overall mortality rate (MR) was 73%. With the exclusion of 18 patients considered dead on arrival, the MR decreased to 61%. The mechanism of injury was blunt in 20% (MR 92%) and penetrating in 80% (MR 68%). Acidosis, defined as a pH <7.2 (MR 81%) or a base deficit >10 (MR 77%), was a predictor of death (P < .0001). Patients resuscitated directly in the operating room had a significantly lower MR (40%) than those resuscitated in the trauma room (MR 78%; P < .02). The lack of retroperitoneal tamponade (P < .02), the presence of associated intra-abdominal injuries (P < .001), and the location of aortic injury at the subdiaphragmatic (18%; MR 90%) or suprarenal location (37%; MR 71%; P < .005) at exploration resulted in significantly higher patient mortality. Surgical management consisted of primary repair in 26, end-to-end repair in 1, interposition graft in 8, or patch in 1. Resuscitative thoracotomy was performed in 27 patients (45%), with an overall MR of 92%. CONCLUSION: Despite advances in fluid resuscitation, operative strategy, and transport during the past 20 years, the mortality of traumatic injury to the abdominal aorta remains high. Shock, acidosis, suprarenal aortic injury, and a lack of retroperitoneal tamponade all independently contribute to mortality and should raise the suspicion for a potentially lethal aortic injury in a severely injured patient. Rapid identification and resuscitation in the operating room may therefore be the only factors to improve current survival rates in such devastating injuries.