Ventilatory improvement with mechanical ventilator versus bag in non-traumatic out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: SYMEVECA study, phase 1.

AIM: To analyze differences in ventilatory parameters and outcome with different ventilatory methods during CPR. METHODS: Pragmatic prospective quasi-experimental study in out-of-hospital urban environment. Patients over 18 years of age in non-traumatic cardiac arrest, attended by an emergency medical service between April 2021 and September 2022, were included. Two groups were compared according to the ventilatory method: mechanical ventilator (IPPV, tidal volume 7 ml/kg, frequency 10-12 bpm) or manual resuscitator bag. The main variables of interest are those of gasometry performed 15 minutes after intubation or when spontaneous circulation is recovered and final outcome. Patients were followed up to hospital discharge. RESULTS: Of the 359 patients attended, 150 were included (71 in IPPV and 79 with a bag). In patients with arterial blood gases, pCO2 was 67.8 ± 21.1 in the IPPV group vs 95.9 ± 39.0 mmHg in the bag group (p = 0.006) and pH was 7.00 ± 0.18 vs 6.92 ± 0.18 (p = 0.18). With a venous sample, the pCO2 was 68.1 ± 18.9 vs 89.5 ± 26.5 mmHg (p < 0.001) and the pH was 7.03 ± 0.15 vs 6.94 ± 0.17 (p = 0.005), respectively. Survival with CPC 1-2 to hospital discharge was 15.6% with IPPV and 11.3% with bag (p = 0.44). CONCLUSION: The use of a mechanical ventilator in IPPV was associated with a better ventilatory status during CPR compared to the use of the bag, without conclusive data regarding its clinical repercussion with the sample collected.

Prognostic value of metabolic parameters measured by first responders attending patients with severe trauma: associations with the New Injury Severity Score and mortality. / Valor pronóstico de los parámetros metabólicos medidos en la asistencia inicial a pacientes con trauma grave: asociación con la puntuación de la escala NISS y la mortalidad.

OBJECTIVES: Patients with severe or potentially severe trauma must be identified early, a challenge in prehospital settings. This study aimed to analyze the possible diagnostic and prognostic usefulness of analytical markers recorded in the early moments of care. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational study of information extracted from the prospective multicenter Code Trauma database for 2016-2019, excluding data for isolated head injuries. Using the New Injury Severity Score (NISS), we classified cases into 4 levels of severity. NISS and mortality were considered the dependent variables in inferential analyses. We calculated the areas under receiver operating characteristic curves, identified optimal cutoff points (Youden index), and calculated positive (PPV) and negative predictive values.. RESULTS: Of the 1039 trauma patients in the registry, 709 were included in the study. Their mean (SD) age was 40.4 (17.3) years, and 77.3% were men. Motorcycle accidents were the most common causes of trauma (in 21%), and mortality was 12.1%. Lactate concentration, pH, PCO2, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, and blood sugar were significantly associated with severity and mortality. The PPVs corresponding to pH for the 4 NISS score groups (34-41, 42-49, 50-59, and $ 60) and mortality, respectively, were 61.2, 64.1, 70.7, 62.2, and 66.6. The PPVs of traditionally used clinical variables were lower. CONCLUSION: Patients with more severe trauma had lower pH values and higher PCO2, lactate, and base excess values. PCO2, pH, and blood sugar findings were the best predictors of severity. Metabolic variables are better predictors than traditionally recorded hemodynamic variables.

OBJETIVO: En entornos de emergencia prehospitalarios, la detección temprana de un paciente con trauma grave o potencialmente crítico es un desafío. El objetivo es analizar las posibilidades diagnósticas y pronóstico de los parámetros analíticos obtenidos en los primeros momentos de la asistencia inicial. METODO: Estudio observacional multicéntrico de la base de datos prospectiva "Código Trauma" de 2016-2019 excluyendo el trauma craneoencefálico aislado. La evaluación de las lesiones se realizó utilizando el New Injury Severity Score (NISS). Los pacientes fueron clasificados en 4 grupos según nivel de gravedad. Para el análisis inferencial, las puntuaciones NISS y el resultado de mortalidad se consideraron variables dependientes. Se realizó el análisis de la curva ROC, puntos de corte óptimos mediante el índice de Youden y se calcularon los valores predictivos positivo (VPP) y negativo. RESULTADOS: De los 1.039 pacientes traumatizados del registro, 709 fueron incluidos en el estudio, con una edad media de 40,4 años (DE 17,3), 77,3% eran varones, el mecanismo lesional principal accidentes de moto (21%) y la mortalidad del 12,1%. El pH, lactato, pCO2, hemoglobina, hematocrito y glucemia influyeron significativamente en gravedad y mortalidad. El VPP de mortalidad para pH fue 61,2, 64,1, 70,7, 62,2 y 66,6 para los grupos de NISS 34- 41, 42-49, 50-59 y $ 60 puntos la mortalidad, respectivamente. Las variables clínicas clásicas obtuvieron valores más bajos. CONCLUSIONES: Los pacientes con mayor gravedad presentaron menor pH y concentraciones más altas de pCO2, lactato y exceso de bases. El pH, la pCO2 y la glucemia tuvieron la mayor capacidad predictiva de gravedad. La capacidad predictiva de los valores metabólicos es superior a la de los valores hemodinámicos clásicos.

Valor pronóstico de los parámetros metabólicos medidos en la asistencia inicial a pacientes con trauma grave: asociación con la puntuación de la escala NISS y la mortalidad / Prognostic value of metabolic parameters measured by first responders attending patients with severe trauma: associations with the New Injury Severity Score and mortality

Objetivos. En entornos de emergencia prehospitalarios, la detección temprana de un paciente con trauma grave o potencialmente crítico es un desafío. El objetivo es analizar las posibilidades diagnósticas y pronóstico de los parámetros analíticos obtenidos en los primeros momentos de la asistencia inicial. Métodos. Estudio observacional multicéntrico de la base de datos prospectiva “Código Trauma” de 2016-2019 excluyendo el trauma craneoencefálico aislado. La evaluación de las lesiones se realizó utilizando el New Injury Severity Score (NISS). Los pacientes fueron clasificados en 4 grupos según nivel de gravedad. Para el análisis inferencial, las puntuaciones NISS y el resultado de mortalidad se consideraron variables dependientes. Se realizó el análisis de la curva ROC, puntos de corte óptimos mediante el índice de Youden y se calcularon los valores predictivos positivo (VPP) y negativo. Resultados. De los 1.039 pacientes traumatizados del registro, 709 fueron incluidos en el estudio, con una edad media de 40,4 años (DE 17,3), 77,3% eran varones, el mecanismo lesional principal accidentes de moto (21%) y la mortalidad del 12,1%. El pH, lactato, pCO2, hemoglobina, hematocrito y glucemia influyeron significativamente en gravedad y mortalidad. El VPP de mortalidad para pH fue 61,2, 64,1, 70,7, 62,2 y 66,6 para los grupos de NISS 34-41, 42-49, 50-59 y $ 60 puntos la mortalidad, respectivamente. Las variables clínicas clásicas obtuvieron valores más bajos. Conclusiones. Los pacientes con mayor gravedad presentaron menor pH y concentraciones más altas de pCO2, lactato y exceso de bases. El pH, la pCO2 y la glucemia tuvieron la mayor capacidad predictiva de gravedad. La capacidad predictiva de los valores metabólicos es superior a la de los valores hemodinámicos clásicos. (AU)

Background and objective: Patients with severe or potentially severe trauma must be identified early, a challenge in prehospital settings. This study aimed to analyze the possible diagnostic and prognostic usefulness of analytical markers recorded in the early moments of care. Methods: Observational study of information extracted from the prospective multicenter Code Trauma database for 2016-2019, excluding data for isolated head injuries. Using the New Injury Severity Score (NISS), we classified cases into 4 levels of severity. NISS and mortality were considered the dependent variables in inferential analyses. We calculated the areas under receiver operating characteristic curves, identified optimal cutoff points (Youden index), and calculated positive (PPV) and negative predictive values. Results: Of the 1039 trauma patients in the registry, 709 were included in the study. Their mean (SD) age was 40.4 (17.3) years, and 77.3% were men. Motorcycle accidents were the most common causes of trauma (in 21%), and mortality was 12.1%. Lactate concentration, pH, PCO2, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, and blood sugar were significantly associated with severity and mortality. The PPVs corresponding to pH for the 4 NISS score groups (34-41, 42-49, 50-59, and $ 60) and mortality, respectively, were 61.2, 64.1, 70.7, 62.2, and 66.6. The PPVs of traditionally used clinical variables were lower. Conclusions: Patients with more severe trauma had lower pH values and higher PCO2, lactate, and base excess values. PCO2, pH, and blood sugar findings were the best predictors of severity. Metabolic variables are better predictors than traditionally recorded hemodynamic variables. (AU)

El reto de una UCI en un recinto ferial / The challenge of an ICU in a fairground

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Documento de consenso de la Sociedad Española de Medicina Intensiva, Crítica, y Unidades Coronarias (SEMICYUC), la Sociedad Española de Otorrinolaringología y Cirugía de Cabeza y Cuello (SEORL-CCC) y la Sociedad Española de Anestesiología y Reanimación (SEDAR) sobre la traqueotomía en pacientes con COVID-19 / Consensus documentof the Spanish Society of Intensive and Critical Care Medicine and Coronary Units (SEMICYUC), the Spanish Society of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery (SEORL-CCC) and the Spanish Society of Anesthesiology and Resuscitation (SEDAR) on tracheotomy in patients with COVID-19 infection

La alta incidencia de insuficiencia respiratoria aguda en el contexto de la pandemia por COVID-19 ha conllevado el uso de ventilación mecánica hasta en un 15%. Dado que la traqueotomía es un procedimiento quirúrgico frecuente, este documento de consenso, elaborado por tres Sociedades Científicas, la SEMICYUC, la SEDAR y la SEORL-CCC, tiene como objetivo ofrecer una revisión de las indicaciones y contraindicaciones de traqueotomía, ya sea por punción o abierta, esclarecer las posibles ventajas y exponer las condiciones ideales en que deben realizarse y los pasos que considerar en su ejecución. Se abordan situaciones regladas y urgentes, así como los cuidados posoperatorios

The current COVID-19 pandemic has rendered up to 15% of patients under mechanical ventilation. Because the subsequent tracheotomy is a frequent procedure,the three societies mostly involved (SEMICYUC, SEDAR and SEORL-CCC) have setup a consensus paper that offers an overview about indications and contraindications of tracheotomy, be it by puncture or open, clarifying its respective advantages and enumerating the ideal conditions under which they should be performed, as well as the necessary steps. Regular and emergency situations are displayed together with the postoperative measures

Documento de consenso de la Sociedad Española de Medicina Intensiva, Crítica, y Unidades Coronarias (SEMICYUC), la Sociedad Española de Otorrinolaringología y Cirugía de Cabeza y Cuello (SEORL-CCC) y la Sociedad Española de Anestesiología y Reanimación (SEDAR) sobre la traqueotomía en pacientes con COVID-19 / Consensus document of the Spanish Society of Intensive and Critical Care Medicine and Coronary Units (SEMICYUC), the Spanish Society of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery (SEORL-CCC) and the Spanish Society of Anesthesiology and Resuscitation (SEDAR) on tracheotomy in patients with COVID-19 infection

La alta incidencia de insuficiencia respiratoria aguda en el contexto de la pandemia por COVID-19 ha conllevado el uso de ventilación mecánica hasta en un 15%. Dado que la traqueotomía es un procedimiento quirúrgico frecuente, este documento de consenso, elaborado por tres Sociedades Científicas, la SEMICYUC, la SEDAR y la SEORL-CCC, tiene como objetivo ofrecer una revisión de las indicaciones y contraindicaciones de traqueotomía, ya sea por punción o abierta, esclarecer las posibles ventajas y exponer las condiciones ideales en que deben realizarse y los pasos que considerar en su ejecución. Se abordan situaciones regladas y urgentes, así como los cuidados posoperatorios

The current COVID-19 pandemic has rendered up to 15% of patients under mechanical ventilation. Because the subsequent tracheotomy is a frequent procedure,the three societies mostly involved (SEMICYUC, SEDAR and SEORL-CCC) have setup a consensus paper that offers an overview about indications and contraindications of tracheotomy, be it by puncture or open, clarifying its respective advantages and enumerating the ideal conditions under which they should be performed, as well as the necessary steps. Regularand emergency situations are displayed together with the postoperative measures

Recomendaciones de "hacer" y "no hacer" en el tratamiento de los pacientes críticos ante la pandemia por coronavirus causante deCOVID-19 de los Grupos de Trabajo de la Sociedad Española de Medicina Intensiva, Crítica y Unidades Coronarias (SEMICYUC) / Recommendations of the Working Groups from the Spanish Society of Intensive and Critical Care Medicine and Coronary Units (SEMICYUC) for the management of adult critically ill patients in the coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

El 11 de marzo de 2020 el director general de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) declaró la enfermedad causada por el SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) como una pandemia. La propagación y evolución de la pandemia está poniendo a prueba los sistemas sanitarios de decenas de países y ha dado lugar a una miríada de artículos de opinión, planes de contingencia, series de casos e incipientes ensayos. Abarcar toda esta literatura es complejo. De forma breve y sintética, en la línea de las anteriores recomendaciones de los Grupos de Trabajo, la Sociedad Española de Medicina Intensiva, Crítica y Unidades Coronarias (SEMICYUC) ha elaborado esta serie de recomendaciones básicas para la asistencia a pacientes en el contexto de la pandemia

On March 11, 2020, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) as a pandemic. The spread and evolution of the pandemic is overwhelming the healthcare systems of dozens of countries and has led to a myriad of opinion papers, contingency plans, case series and emerging trials. Covering all this literature is complex. Briefly and synthetically, in line with the previous recommendations of the Working Groups, the Spanish Society of Intensive, Critical Medicine and Coronary Units (SEMICYUC) has prepared this series of basic recommendations for patient care in the context of the pandemic

Consenso en el transporte interhospitalario ante la pandemia de COVID-19 / Consensus on interhospital transfers during the COVID-19 pandemic

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[Consensus document of the Spanish Society of Intensive and Critical Care Medicine and Coronary Units (SEMICYUC), the Spanish Society of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery (SEORL-CCC) and the Spanish Society of Anesthesiology and Resuscitation (SEDAR) on tracheotomy in patients with COVID-19 infection]. / Documento de consenso de la Sociedad Española de Medicina Intensiva, Crítica, y Unidades Coronarias (SEMICYUC), la Sociedad Española de Otorrinolaringología y Cirugía de Cabeza y Cuello (SEORL-CCC) y la Sociedad Española de Anestesiología y Reanimación (SEDAR) sobre la traqueotomía en pacientes con COVID-19.

The current COVID-19 pandemic has rendered up to 15% of patients under mechanical ventilation. Because the subsequent tracheotomy is a frequent procedure, the three societies mostly involved (SEMICYUC, SEDAR and SEORL-CCC) have setup a consensus paper that offers an overview about indications and contraindications of tracheotomy, be it by puncture or open, clarifying its respective advantages and enumerating the ideal conditions under which they should be performed, as well as the necessary steps. Regular and emergency situations are displayed together with the postoperative measures.

Prognostic value of venous blood analysis at the start of CPR in non-traumatic out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: association with ROSC and the neurological outcome.

BACKGROUND: The knowledge of new prognostic factors in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) that can be evaluated since the beginning of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) manoeuvres could be helpful in the decision-making process of prehospital care. We aim to identify metabolic variables at the start of advanced CPR at the scene that may be associated with two main outcomes of CPR (recovery of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and neurological outcome). METHODS: Prospective observational study of all non-traumatic OHCA in patients older than 17 years assisted by emergency medical services (EMS), with doctor and nurse on board, between January 2012 and December 2017. Venous blood gases were sampled upon initially obtaining venous access to determine the initial values of pH, pCO2, HCO3-, base excess (BE), Na+, K+, Ca2+ and lactate. ROSC upon arrival at the hospital and neurological status 30 days later (Cerebral Performance Categories (CPC) scale) were recorded. RESULTS: We included 1552 patients with OHCA with blood test data in a 6-year period. ROSC was achieved in 906 cases (58.4%), and good neurological recovery at 30 days (CPC I-II) occurred in 383 cases (24.68%). In multivariate analysis, we found a significant relationship between non-recovery of spontaneous circulation (no-ROSC) and low pH levels (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 0.03 (0.002-0.59), p = 0.020), high pCO2 levels (adjusted OR 1.03 [1.01-1.05], p = 0.008) and high potassium levels (adjusted OR 2.28 [1.43-3.61], p = 0.008). Poor neurological outcomes were associated with low pH levels (adjusted OR 0.06 [0.02-0.18], p < 0.001), high pCO2 (adjusted OR 1.05 [1.03-1.08], p < 0.001), low HCO3- (adjusted OR 0.97 [0.94-0.999], p = 0.044), low BE (adjusted OR 0.96 [0.93-0.98], p < 0.001) and high potassium levels (adjusted OR 1.37 [1.16-1.60], p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: There is a significant relationship between severe alterations of venous blood-gas variables and potassium at the start of CPR of non-traumatic OHCA and low-ROSC rate and neurological prognosis.

Successful treatment of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa breakthrough bacteremia with ceftolozane/tazobactam.

INTRODUCTION: Ceftolozane/tazobactam is a novel antibiotic approved for the treatment of complicated intra-abdominal and complicated urinary tract infections. CASE DESCRIPTION: We describe the use of off-label ceftolozane/tazobactam in the management of a multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteremia that was already being treated with colistin and amikacin, the only active antibiotics according to the antibiogram.

Evolution and prognosis of long intensive care unit stay patients suffering a deterioration: A multicenter study.

PURPOSE: The prognosis of a patient who deteriorates during a prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stay is difficult to predict. We analyze the prognostic value of the serialized Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score and other variables in the early days after a complication and to build a new predictive score. MATERIALS AND METHODS: EPIPUSE (Evolución y pronóstico de los pacientes con ingreso prolongado en UCI que sufren un empeoramiento, Evolution and prognosis of long intensive care unit stay patients suffering a deterioration) study is a prospective, observational study during a 3-month recruitment period in 75 Spanish ICUs. We focused on patients admitted in the ICU for 7 days or more with complications of adverse events that involve organ dysfunction impairment. Demographics, clinical variables, and serialized SOFA after a supervening clinical deterioration were recorded. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed, and a predictive model was created with the most discriminating variables. RESULTS: We included 589 patients who experienced 777 cases of severe complication or adverse event. The entire sample was randomly divided into 2 subsamples, one for development purposes (528 cases) and the other for validation (249 cases). The predictive model maximizing specificity is calculated by minimum SOFA + 2 * cardiovascular risk factors + 2 * history of any oncologic disease or immunosuppressive treatment + 3 * dependence for basic activities of daily living. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve is 0.82. A 14-point cutoff has a positive predictive value of 100% (92.7%-100%) and negative predictive value of 51% (46.4%-55.5%) for death. CONCLUSIONS: EPIPUSE model can predict mortality with a specificity and positive predictive value of 99% in some groups of patients.

Do men perform better than women in trauma?

In recent decades, numerous studies have compared survival according to gender of patients admitted to general hospitals and particularly to intensive care units. In a previous issue of Critical Care, Schoeneberg and colleagues presented the results of a German observational study on a sample from a 10 year registry in a Level 1 trauma center. The conclusion is that there is a trend towards a higher mortality in women than in men.

[Injury pattern in all-terrain vehicle accidents]. / Patrón lesional por accidentes de quad (vehículos todoterreno).

OBJECTIVE: To define the epidemiological and injury profile of patients severely injured due to all-terrain vehicle accidents admitted to the Trauma ICU of a tertiary hospital. METHODS: Descriptive observational study including all patients admitted to our ICU who suffered an all-terrain vehicle accident in the last three years, included prospectively in our data base. We recorded demographic variables, clinical condition at admission, outcome, injury pattern, severity scores and survival probability by TRISS. RESULTS: Between 2004 and 2006 twelve patients who suffered an all-terrain vehicle accident were admitted. All of them were male and had a median age of 28.5 years (18-37.75). The median ISS was 25 points (17-27). Cranium and brain (AIS region 1) were present in 75% of the patients, face (AIS 2) in 41.6%, upper limbs (AIS 7) in 33%, thorax (AIS 4) in 25%, spine (AIS 6) and lower limbs (AIS 8) in 16.7% and there were no injures in AIS region 3 (neck) and 5 (abdomen-pelvis). Mortality at ICU and at day 28 was 16.7% and hospital mortality was 25%. Median ICU stay was 8 days (1.75-17) and median hospital stay was 21.5 days (8.25-27). ICU stay was shorter in patients without traumatic brain injury (1 [1-1.5] vs 12 [5-23]; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: All-terrain vehicle use is a growing source of high morbidity and mortality accidents. Injury patterns associated to these accidents are described. Traumatic brain injuries are common and have a poorer prognosis. New epidemiological and clinical studies are needed for a better knowledge of the problem.

Patrón lesional por accidentes de quad (vehículos todoterreno) / Injury pattern in all-terrain vehicle accidents

Objetivos. Definir el perfil epidemiológico y lesional de los pacientes graves atendidos por accidente de quad en la UCI de traumatología de un hospital terciario de referencia. Métodos. Estudio observacional descriptivo que incluye a todos los pacientes ingresados por accidente de quad en los últimos 3 años, recogidos prospectivamente en la base de datos de nuestra UCI de traumatología. Se registraron variables relativas a datos demográficos, situación al ingreso, evolución, lesiones por regiones corporales, índices de gravedad y probabilidad de supervivencia por TRISS. Resultados. Entre 2004 y 2006 se recibió a 12 pacientes accidentados por quad, todos varones, con una mediana de edad de 28,5 (18-37,75) años. La mediana del ISS fue de 25 (17-27) puntos. En cuanto a las lesiones, el 75% de los pacientes presentaron lesiones craneales y encefálicas (región AIS 1); el 41,6%, faciales (AIS 2); el 33%, en las extremidades superiores (AIS 7); el 25%, torácicas (AIS 4); el 16,7%, raquimedulares (AIS 6) y en extremidades inferiores (AIS 8), y ninguno cervicales y abdominales (AIS 3 y 5). La mortalidad en UCI y a los 28 días alcanzó el 16,7%, y la mortalidad hospitalaria fue del 25%. La mediana de la estancia en UCI fue 8 (1,75-17) días y la estancia hospitalaria fue de 21,5 (8,25-27) días. La estancia en UCI fue menor en los pacientes sin traumatismo craneoencefálico (TCE) que en los pacientes con TCE (1 [1-1,5] frente a 12 [5-23]; p < 0,05). Conclusiones. El uso de quad es una fuente de accidentes con alta morbimortalidad y está en aumento. Se describen los patrones lesionales relaciona-dos con estos accidentes. El TCE es frecuente y empeora el pronóstico. Se necesitan nuevos estudios epidemiológicos y clínicos para definir mejor el problema The increased use of biomaterials for the repair of abdominal wall hernias has achieved a significant reduction in recurrences and consequently improved the quality of life of patients. However, the appearance of complications such as infection may require the implanted prosthetic material to be removed in a considerable number of patients. A possible treatment option in areas compromised by infection is the implant a biocompatible prosthetic material to generate, or induce the formation of a support tissue so that, in a second stage, the definitive repair of the parietal defect may be undertaken. This is the main goal of bioprostheses. These implants are composed of collagen of animal (usually porcine) or human origin. They should be acellular and fully biocompatible so that they induce a minimal foreign body reaction and immune response (AU)

Objective. To define the epidemiological and injury profile of patients severely injured due to all-terrain vehicle accidents admitted to the Trauma ICU of a tertiary hospital. Methods. Descriptive observational study including all patients admitted to our ICU who suffered an all-terrain vehicle accident in the last three years, included prospectively in our data base. We recorded demographic variables, clinical condition at admission, outcome, injury pattern, severity scores and survival probability by TRISS. Results. Between 2004 and 2006 twelve patients who suffered an all-terrain vehicle accident were admitted. All of them were male and had a median age of 28.5 years (18-37.75). The median ISS was 25 points (17-27). Cranium and brain (AIS region 1) were present in 75% of the patients, face (AIS 2) in 41.6%, upper limbs (AIS 7) in 33%, thorax (AIS 4) in 25%, spine (AIS 6) and lower limbs (AIS 8) in 16.7% and there were no injures in AIS region 3 (neck) and 5 (abdomen-pelvis). Mortality at ICU and at day 28 was 16.7% and hospital mortality was 25%. Median ICU stay was 8 days (1.75-17) and median hospital stay was 21.5 days (8.25-27). ICU stay was shorter in patients without traumatic brain injury (1 [1-1.5] vs 12 [5-23]; p < 0.05). Conclusions. All-terrain vehicle use is a growing source of high morbidity and mortality accidents. Injury patterns associated to these accidents are described. Traumatic brain injuries are common and have a poorer prognosis. New epidemiological and clinical studies are needed for a better knowledge of the problem The increased use of biomaterials for the repair of abdominal wall hernias has achieved a significant reduction in recurrences and consequently improved the quality of life of patients. However, the appearance of complications such as infection may require the implanted prosthetic material to be removed in a considerable number of patients. A possible treatment option in areas compromised by infection is the implant a biocompatible prosthetic material to generate, or induce the formation of a support tissue so that, in a second stage, the definitive repair of the parietal defect may be undertaken. This is the main goal of bioprostheses. These implants are composed of collagen of animal (usually porcine) or human origin. They should be acellular and fully biocompatible so that they induce a minimal foreign body reaction and immune response (AU)

[Levosimendan for postoperative ventricular dysfunction following heart transplantation]. / Utilidad de levosimendán en la disfunción ventricular postoperatoria del injerto en el trasplante cardiaco.

The development of postoperative ventricular dysfunction immediately after heart transplantation is a serious complication that leads to low-output syndrome and which necessitates circulatory support. It is one of the most common causes of early morbidity and mortality. We present our experience with 6 heart transplant patients who were treated with intravenous levosimendan, a calcium sensitizer with inodilator properties, after regular hemodynamic therapy with sympathomimetic amines failed to result in a satisfactory hemodynamic status. Use of this drug was well tolerated and brought about hemodynamic improvements that were sufficient to enable patients to be weaned from inotropic support with amines and which led to clinical recovery, with 5 of the 6 patients being discharged from the intensive care unit.