Traumatic Thoracic Aortic Coarctation after Blunt Thoracic Aortic Injury Mandates Emergent Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair.

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to elucidate clinical and imaging findings predictive for malperfusion syndrome after blunt thoracic aortic injury (BTAI). SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: There is limited literature on malperfusion syndrome after BTAI and the timing of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in patients with this condition has not been defined. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of patients with BTAI treated between January 2021 and October 2023. Clinical and thoracic aortic (TA) imaging data, time to TEVAR, in-hospital death, and malperfusion/reperfusion sequelae (paraplegia, renal/visceral/limb ischemia, and compartment syndromes) were assessed. Correlations between clinical and imaging findings, time to TEVAR, and outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 19,203 trauma patients evaluated, 13,717 (71%) had blunt injuries and 77 (0.6%) had BTAI. The majority (67.5%) were male with a median age of 40 years (IQR:33-55). TEVAR was performed in 42 (54.5%) patients. Seven (9.1%) patients presented with clinical and TA imaging criteria for traumatic thoracic aortic coarctation (TTAC), including diminished/absent femoral pulses and TA luminal narrowing of 50-99%. The median time to TEVAR was 9 (IQR:5-32), 11, and 4 hours for all non-TTAC and TTAC BTAI patients, respectively (P=0.037). Only TTAC patients presented/developed malperfusion/reperfusion sequelae. In-hospital mortality rates were 7.8%, 5.8%, and 29% for all non-TTAC and TTAC BTAI patients, respectively (P=0.09). Aortic-related mortality occurred in only two (2.6%) TTAC patients.. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with clinical and TA imaging manifestations of TTAC are predisposed to malperfusion/reperfusion sequelae if TEVAR is delayed. We recommend the emergent repair of all BTAIs with TTAC.

Contemporary Management and Outcomes of Injuries to the Inferior Vena Cava: A Prospective Multicenter Trial From PROspective Observational Vascular Injury Treatment.

INTRODUCTION: Injuries to the inferior vena cava (IVC), while uncommon, have a high mortality despite modern advances. The goal of this study is to describe the diagnosis and management in the largest available prospective data set of vascular injuries across anatomic levels of IVC injury. METHODS: The American Association for the Surgery of Trauma PROspective Observational Vascular Injury Treatment (PROOVIT) registry was queried from November 2013 to January 2019. Demographics, diagnostic modalities, injury patterns, and management strategies were recorded and analyzed. Comparisons between anatomic levels were made using non-parametric Wilcoxon rank-sum statistics. RESULTS: 140 patients from 19 institutions were identified; median age was 30 years old (IQR 23-41), 75% were male, and 62% had penetrating mechanism. The suprarenal IVC group was associated with blunt mechanism (53% vs 32%, P = .02), had lower admission systolic blood pressure, pH, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), and higher ISS and thorax and abdomen AIS than the infrarenal injury group. Injuries were managed with open repair (70%) and ligation (30% overall; infrarenal 37% vs suprarenal 13%, P = .01). Endovascular therapy was used in 2% of cases. Overall mortality was 42% (infrarenal 33% vs suprarenal 66%, P<.001). Among survivors, there was no difference in first 24-hour PRBC transfusion requirement, or hospital or ICU length of stay. CONCLUSIONS: Current PROOVIT registry data demonstrate continued use of ligation extending to the suprarenal IVC, limited adoption of endovascular management, and no dramatic increase in overall survival compared to previously published studies. Survival is likely related to IVC injury location and total injury burden.

Impact of Chemoprophylaxis on Thromboembolism Following Operative Fixation of Pelvic Fractures.

BACKGROUND: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common cause of serious morbidity and mortality. While chemoprophylaxis decreases VTE, there is the theoretical risk of increased hemorrhagic complications. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of preoperative anticoagulation on VTE and bleeding complications in patients with blunt pelvic fractures requiring operative fixation. METHODS: Patients with blunt pelvic fractures requiring operative fixation over 10.5 years were identified. Patients were stratified by age, severity of shock, operative management, and timing and duration of anticoagulation. Outcomes were evaluated to determine risk factors for bleeding complications and VTE. RESULTS: 310 patients were identified: 212 patients received at least one dose of preoperative anticoagulation and 98 received no preoperative anticoagulation. 68% were male with a mean injury severity score and Glasgow Coma Scale of 26 and 13, respectively. Bleeding complications occurred in 24 patients and 21 patients suffered VTE. Patients with VTE had a greater initial severity of shock (resuscitation transfusions, 4 vs. 2 units, P = .02). Despite longer time to mobilization (4 vs. 3 days, P = .001), patients who received their scheduled preoperative doses within 48 hours of arrival had no significant differences in the number of deep vein thrombosis events (5.2% vs. 5.7%, P = .99), but fewer episodes of pulmonary embolism (PE) (1.5% vs. 6.8%, P = .03) with no difference in bleeding complications (7.5% vs. 8%, P = .87) compared to either patients who had their doses held until after 48 hours of arrival or received no preoperative anticoagulation. DISCUSSION: Preoperative anticoagulation prior to pelvic fixation reduced the risk of PE without increasing bleeding complications. Preoperative anticoagulation is safe and beneficial in this group of patients.

Blunt cerebrovascular injuries: Outcomes from the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma PROspective Observational Vascular Injury Treatment (PROOVIT) multicenter registry.

BACKGROUND: Administering antithrombotics (AT) to the multiply injured patient with blunt cerebrovascular injury (BCVI) requires a thoughtful assessment of the risk of stroke and death associated with nontreatment. Large, multicenter analysis of outcomes stratified by injury grade and vessel injured is needed to inform future recommendations. METHODS: Nine hundred and seventy-one BCVIs were identified from the PROspective Vascular Injury Treatment registry in this retrospective analysis. Using multivariate analysis, we identified predictors of BCVI-related stroke and death. We then stratified these risks by injury grade and vessel injured. We compared the risk of adverse outcomes in the nontreatment group with those treated with antiplatelet agents and/or anticoagulants. RESULTS: Stroke was identified in 7% of cases. Overall mortality was 12%. Both increased with increasing BCVI grade. Treatment with ATs was associated with lower mortality and was not significantly affected by the choice of agent. Withholding ATs was associated with an increased risk of stroke and/or death across all subgroups (Grade I/II: odds ratio [OR], 4.66; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.48-8.75; Grade III: OR, 7.0; 95% CI, 2.01-24.5; Grade IV: OR, 4.43; 95% CI, 1.76-11.1) even after controlling for covariates. Predictors of death included more severe trauma, Grade IV injury, and the occurrence of stroke. Arterial occlusion, hypotension, and endovascular intervention were significant predictors of stroke. Patients that experienced a BCVI-related stroke were at a 4.2× increased risk of death. The data set lacked the granularity necessary to evaluate AT timing or dosing regimen, which limited further analysis of stroke prevention strategies. CONCLUSION: Stroke and death remain significant risks for all BCVI grades regardless of the vessel injured. Antithrombotics represent the only management strategy that is consistently associated with a lower incidence of stroke and death in all BCVI categories. In the multi-injured BCVI patient with a high risk of bleeding on anticoagulation, antiplatelet agents are an efficacious alternative. Given the 40% mortality rate in patients who survived their initial trauma and developed a BCVI-related stroke, nontreatment may no longer be a viable option. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Epidemiological III; Therapeutic IV.

Radiographic predictors of therapeutic operative intervention after blunt abdominal trauma: the RAPTOR score.

PURPOSE: Bowel and mesenteric injuries are rare in patients following blunt abdominal trauma. Computed tomography (CT) imaging has become a mainstay in the work-up of the stable trauma patient. The purpose of this study was to identify radiographic predictors of therapeutic operative intervention for mesenteric and/or bowel injuries in patients after blunt abdominal trauma. METHODS: All patients with a discharge diagnosis of bowel and/or mesenteric injury after blunt trauma were identified over a 5-year period. Admission CT scans were reviewed to identify potential predictors of bowel and/or mesenteric injury. Patients were then stratified by operative intervention [therapeutic laparotomy (TL) vs. non-therapeutic laparotomy (NTL)] and compared. All potential predictors included in the initial regression model were assigned one point and a score based on the number of predictors was calculated: the radiographic predictors of therapeutic operative intervention (RAPTOR) score. RESULTS: 151 patients were identified. 114 (76%) patients underwent operative intervention. Of these, 75 patients (66%) underwent TL. Multifocal hematoma, acute arterial extravasation, bowel wall hematoma, bowel devascularization, fecalization, pneumoperitoneum and fat pad injury, identified as potential predictors on univariable analysis, were included in the initial regression model and comprised the RAPTOR score. The optimal RAPTOR score was identified as ≥ 3, with a sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value of 67%, 85% and 86%, respectively. Acute arterial extravasation (OR 3.8; 95% CI 1.2-4.3), bowel devascularization (OR 14.5; 95% CI 11.8-18.4) and fat pad injury (OR 4.5 95% CI 1.6-6.2) were identified as independent predictors of TL (AUC 0.91). CONCLUSIONS: CT imaging remains vital in assessing for potential bowel and/or mesenteric injuries following blunt abdominal trauma. The RAPTOR score provides a simplified approach to predict the need for early therapeutic operative intervention.

Group A emergency-release plasma in trauma patients requiring massive transfusion.

BACKGROUND: Both groups A and AB plasma have been approved for emergency-release transfusion in acutely bleeding trauma patients before blood grouping being performed. The safety profile associated with this practice has not been well characterized, particularly in patients requiring massive transfusion. METHODS: This secondary analysis of the Pragmatic, Randomized, Optimal Platelet and Plasma Ratios trial examined whether exposure to group A emergency-release plasma (ERP) was noninferior to group AB ERP. We also examined patients whose blood groups were compatible with group A ERP versus patients whose blood groups were incompatible with group A ERP. Outcomes included 30-day mortality and complication rates including systemic inflammatory response syndrome, infection, renal injury, pulmonary dysfunction, and thromboembolism. RESULTS: Of the 680 patients predicted to receive a massive transfusion, 584 (85.9%) received at least 1 U of ERP. Of the 584 patients analyzed, 462 (79.1%) received group AB and 122 (20.9%) received group A ERP. Using a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.35 as the noninferiority margin, transfusion with group A versus group AB ERP was not associated with increased thromboembolic rates (HR, 0.52; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.31-0.90). Mortality (HR, 1.15; 95% CI, 0.91-1.45) and nonfatal complication rates (HR, 1.24; 95% CI, 0.87-1.77) were inconclusive. In the subgroup analysis, transfusion with incompatible ERP (group B or AB patients receiving group A ERP) was not associated with increased nonfatal complications (HR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.80-1.30). There were no reported hemolytic transfusion reactions. CONCLUSION: The use of ERP is common in patients requiring massive transfusion and facilitates the rapid balanced resuscitation of patients who have sustained blood loss. Group A ERP is an acceptable option for patients requiring massive transfusion, especially if group AB ERP is not readily available. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic/Care Management, level IV; Prognostic, level III.

Long-Term Analysis of Functional Outcomes in Traumatic Brain Injury Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study is to examine outcomes after discharge and identify factors from the index admission that may contribute to long-term mortality. METHODS: The study population is composed of patients who survived to discharge from a previously published study examining TBI. Demographics, injury severity, and length of stay were abstracted from the index study. Phone surveys of surviving patients were performed to evaluate each patient's Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (GOSE). Patients who were deceased at the time of the survey were compared with those who were alive. RESULTS: 1615 patients were alive at the end of the first study period and 211 (13%) comprised the study population. Overall, the median age was 54 years, and the majority were male (74%). The median time to follow-up was 80 months. The population was severely injured, with a median injury severity score (ISS) of 25 and a median head abbreviated injury score (AIS) of 4. Overall mortality was 57%. The group that survived at the time of the survey was younger, more injured, less likely to have received beta-blockers (BB) during the index admission, and had a longer time to follow-up. After adjusting for ISS, age, base deficit, and BB, age was the only variable predictive of mortality (HR 1.03; HL 1.02-1.04). CONCLUSION: Despite being more severely injured, younger patients were more likely to survive to follow-up. Further investigation is needed to determine if aggressive care in older TBI patients in the acute phase leads to good long-term outcomes.

How soon is too soon?: Optimal timing of split-thickness skin graft following polyglactin 910 mesh closure of the open abdomen.

BACKGROUND: Various management strategies exist for the abdomen that will not close. At our institution, these patients are managed with polyglactin 910 mesh followed 14 days later (LATE) by split-thickness skin graft (STSG) or, in some cases, earlier (EARLY, <14 days), if the wound is judged to be adequately granulated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of STSG timing for wounds felt ready for grafting on STSG failure. METHODS: Consecutive patients over a 3-year period managed with polyglactin 910 mesh followed by STSG were identified. Patient characteristics, severity of injury and shock, time to STSG, and outcomes, including STSG failure, were recorded and compared. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of graft failure. RESULTS: Sixty-one patients were identified: 31 EARLY and 30 LATE. There was no difference in severity of injury or shock between the groups. Split-thickness skin graft failure occurred in 11 patients (9 EARLY vs. 2 LATE, p < 0.0001). Time to STSG was significantly less in patients with graft failure (11 days vs. 15 days, p = 0.012). In fact, after adjusting for age, injury severity, severity of shock, and time to STSG, multivariable logistic regression identified EARLY STSG (odds ratio, 1.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-1.8, p = 0.020) as the only independent predictor of graft failure. CONCLUSION: Appearance of the open abdomen can be misleading during the first 2 weeks following polyglactin 910 mesh placement. EARLY STSG was the only modifiable risk factor associated with graft failure. Thus, for optimal results, STSG should be delayed at least 14 days after polyglactin 910 mesh placement. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic study, level IV.

Separating Truth from Alternative Facts: 37 Years of Guns, Murder, and Violence Across the US.

BACKGROUND: Gun violence remains a significant public health problem that is both understudied and underfunded, and plagued by inadequate or inaccessible data sources. Over the years, numerous trauma centers have attempted to use local registries to study single-institutional trends, however, this approach limits generalizability to our national epidemic. In fact, even easily accessible, health-centered data from the CDC lack national relevance because they are limited to those enrolled states only. We sought to examine how publicly available law enforcement data from all 50 states might complement our understanding of circumstances and demographics surrounding national firearm death and help forge the first step in partnering law enforcement with trauma centers. METHODS: All homicide that occurred in the US during a 37-year period ending in 2016 was analyzed. Primary data files were obtained from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and comprised the database. Data analyzed included homicide type, situation, circumstance, firearm type, and demographic characteristics of victims and offenders. The proportion of firearm-related homicide was stratified by year and compared over time using simple linear regression. RESULTS: There were 485,288 incidents of firearm homicide analyzed (64% of 752,935 total homicides). Most victims were male (85%), black (53%), and a mean age of 33 years; offenders were predominantly male (67%), black (39%), and a mean age of 30 years. Fifty-four percent of all homicide involved a single victim and single offender, followed by a single victim and unknown offender(s) (31%); 4% of firearm homicide had multiple victims. Overall, handguns, shotguns, and rifles accounted for 76%, 7%, and 5% of all firearm homicide, respectively; 11% had no firearm type listed and <1% were other gun or unknown. Linear regression analysis identified a significant increase in the proportion of firearm-related homicide from 61% in 1980 to 71% in 2016 (ß = 0.25; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Gun violence represents an ongoing public health concern, with the proportion of firearm homicide steadily and significantly increasing from 1980 to 2016. Homicide data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation can serve to supplement trauma registry data by helping to define gun violence patterns. However, stronger partnerships between local law enforcement agencies and trauma centers are necessary to better characterize firearm type and resultant injury patterns, direct prevention efforts and firearm policy, and reduce gun-related deaths.

Does lack of thoracic trauma attenuate the severity of pulmonary failure? An 8-year analysis of critically injured patients.

PURPOSE: Patients with thoracic trauma are presumed to be at higher risk for pulmonary dysfunction, but adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) may develop in any patient, regardless of associated chest injury. This study evaluated the impact of thoracic trauma and pulmonary failure on outcomes in trauma patients admitted to the intensive-care unit (ICU). METHODS: All trauma patients admitted to the ICU over an 8-year period were identified. Patients that died within 48 h of arrival were excluded. Patients were stratified by baseline characteristics, injury severity, development of ARDS, and infectious complications. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine variables significantly associated with the development of ARDS. RESULTS: 10,362 patients were identified. After exclusions, 4898 (50%) patients had chest injury and 4975 (50%) did not. 200 (2%) patients developed ARDS (3.6% of patients with chest injury and 0.5% of patients without chest injury). Patients with ARDS were more likely to have chest injury than those without ARDS (87% vs 49%, p < 0.001). However, of the patients without chest injury, the development of ARDS still led to a significant increase in mortality compared to those patients without ARDS (58% vs 5%, p < 0.001). Multiple logistic regression found ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) to be the only independent predictor for the development of ARDS in ICU patients without chest injury. CONCLUSIONS: ARDS development was more common in patients with thoracic trauma. Nevertheless, the development of ARDS in patients without chest injury was associated with a tenfold higher risk of death. The presence of VAP was found to be the only potentially preventable and treatable risk factor for the development of ARDS in ICU patients without chest injury.

Long-term functional outcomes after traumatic popliteal artery injury: A 20-year experience.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic popliteal arterial injury (TPAI) is associated with a risk of both limb loss and long-term morbidity due to prolonged ischemia and the often-associated musculoskeletal injuries. Long-term functional outcome following this injury has not been adequately studied. We evaluated patients with TPAI to determine if there was an improvement in functional outcome over time. We hypothesized that both the initial severity of ischemia and the associated injuries limited the ability of patients to improve functional outcome. METHODS: Patients with TPAI for 20 years were identified. All patients had at least a 2-year follow-up. Functional outcomes were measured using the Boston University Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care to assess basic mobility (BM) and daily activity (DA). Multiple linear regression, adjusted for age, severity of injury and shock, operative complexity, associated injuries, ischemic time, and length of follow-up were used to identify predictors of functional outcome after TPAI. RESULTS: A total of 214 patients were identified: 123 penetrating (57%) and 91 blunt (43%). Overall mortality was 1.9% (all in-hospital), and amputation occurred in 10%. Of the 210 survivors, follow-up was obtained in 145 patients (69%). Median follow-up was 9.2 years (interquartile range, 5.7-15.7 years). Mean Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care scores for BM and DA were 78 and 75, respectively, both signifying mild impairment (normal, >84). Multiple linear regression failed to identify increasing length of follow-up as a predictor of improved functional outcomes. Only age, lower extremity fracture, and ischemic time were identified as predictors of decreased BM and DA. CONCLUSION: Increasing age, lower extremity fracture, and prolonged ischemic time worsened long-term functional outcomes. Functional outcome did not improve over time, suggesting that maximal recovery may be achieved within the first 2 years postinjury. Thus, early and effective revascularization remains the only potentially modifiable risk factor for improving functional outcomes following TPAI. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic, level III.

Beta-adrenergic blockade for attenuation of catecholamine surge after traumatic brain injury: a randomized pilot trial.

BACKGROUND: Beta-blockers have been proven in multiple studies to be beneficial in patients with traumatic brain injury. Few prospective studies have verified this and no randomized controlled trials. Additionally, most studies do not titrate the dose of beta-blockers to therapeutic effect. We hypothesize that propranolol titrated to effect will confer a survival benefit in patients with traumatic brain injury. METHODS: A randomized controlled pilot trial was performed during a 24-month period. Patients with traumatic brain injury were randomized to propranolol or control group for a 14-day study period. Variables collected included demographics, injury severity, physiologic parameters, urinary catecholamines, and outcomes. Patients receiving propranolol were compared with the control group. RESULTS: Over the study period, 525 patients were screened, 26 were randomized, and 25 were analyzed. Overall, the mean age was 51.3 years and the majority were male with blunt mechanism. The mean Injury Severity Score was 21.8 and median head Abbreviated Injury Scale score was 4. Overall mortality was 20.0%. Mean arterial pressure was higher in the treatment arm as compared with control (p=0.021), but no other differences were found between the groups in demographics, severity of injury, severity of illness, physiologic parameters, or mortality (7.7% vs. 33%; p=0.109). No difference was detected over time in any variables with respect to treatment, urinary catecholamines, or physiologic parameters. Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), Sequential Organ Failure Assessment, and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation scores all improved over time. GCS at study end was significantly higher in the treatment arm (11.7 vs. 8.9; p=0.044). Finally, no difference was detected with survival analysis over time between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Despite not being powered to show statistical differences between groups, GCS at study end was significantly improved in the treatment arm and mortality was improved although not at a traditional level of significance. The study protocol was safe and feasible to apply to an appropriately powered larger multicenter study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 2-therapeutic.

Evolution of Firearm Violence over 20 Years: Integrating Law Enforcement and Clinical Data.

BACKGROUND: Data linking ballistics to injury are lacking. To address this data chasm, a partnership with law enforcement was developed to describe clinical outcomes from specific firearms. STUDY DESIGN: A random sample of patients with gunshot wounds over a 20-year period ending in 2015, was identified. Circumstances of incident, firearm type, and/or caliber were extracted from police reports. Data on demographics, mortality, injury severity, and clinical outcomes were collected from the trauma registry, and these datasets were linked. Firearms were stratified by velocity (high > 2,500 ft/sec; low < 1,200 ft/sec) and caliber (large = .40 and .45; small = .20 and .25) and compared over time. RESULTS: Police reports were obtained on 366 patients who had a gun type or caliber documented. The majority were male (82%) with a median age of 28 years. Twenty-one percent of patients had an Injury Severity Score > 25, 60% required immediate operative intervention, and overall mortality was 13%. The use of large caliber firearms increased from 4% (1996 to 2000) to 33% (2011 to 2015); small caliber guns decreased from 33% to 7% over the same time period (p < 0.0001). High velocity firearm usage significantly increased (p = 0.0320). Recovered shell casings doubled from the first decade to the second (2 vs 4; p = 0.0006). Both median New Injury Severity Score (p = 0.0488) and hospital days (p = 0.0321) increased from 1996 to 2015. CONCLUSIONS: Larger caliber and higher velocity firearms have significantly increased over the past 20 years in conjunction with injury severity, hospital days, and mean number of gun-related homicides per year (112 in 1996 to 2000 vs 143 in 2011 to 2015). Robust data sharing partnerships can be built between police and trauma centers to address the dearth of data on firearm crime and resulting injury.

Analysis of over 2 decades of colon injuries identifies optimal method of diversion: Does an end justify the means?

INTRODUCTION: Conflicting evidence exists regarding the definitive management of destructive colon injuries. Although diversion with an end ostomy can theoretically decrease initial complications, it mandates a more extensive reversal procedure. Conversely, anastomosis with proximal loop ostomy diversion, while simplifying the reversal, increases the number of suture lines and potential initial morbidity. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of diversion technique on morbidity and mortality in patients with destructive colon injuries. METHODS: Consecutive patients with destructive colon injuries managed with diversion from 1996 to 2016 were stratified by demographics, severity of shock and injury, operative management, and timing of reversal. Outcomes, including ostomy complications (obstruction, ischemia, readmission) and reversal complications (obstruction, abscess, suture line failure, fascial dehiscence), were compared between patients managed with a loop versus end colostomy. Patients with rectal injuries and who died within 24 hours were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 115 patients were identified: 80 with end colostomy and 35 with loop ostomy. Ostomy complications occurred in 22 patients (19%), and 11 patients (10%) suffered reversal complications. There was no difference in ostomy-related (2.9% vs. 3.8%, p = 0.99) mortality. For patients without a planned ventral hernia (PVH), there was no difference in ostomy complications between patients managed with a loop versus end colostomy (12% vs. 18%, p = 0.72). However, patients managed with a loop ostomy had a shorter reversal operative time (95 vs. 245 minutes, p = 0.002) and reversal length of stay (6 vs. 10, p = 0.03) with fewer reversal complications (0% vs. 36%, p = 0.02). For patients with a PVH, there was no difference in outcomes between patients managed with a loop versus end colostomy. CONCLUSION: For patients without PVH, anastomosis with proximal loop ostomy reduced reversal-related complications, operative time, LOS, and hospital charges without compromising initial morbidity. Therefore, loop ostomy should be the preferred method of diversion, if required, following destructive colon injury. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, level IV.

The impact of hypothermia on outcomes in massively transfused patients.

BACKGROUND: Hypothermia is associated with poor outcomes after injury. The relationship between hypothermia during contemporary large volume resuscitation and blood product consumption is unknown. We evaluated this association, and the predictive value of hypothermia on mortality. METHODS: Patients predicted to receive massive transfusion at 12 level 1 trauma centers were randomized in the Pragmatic Randomized Optimal Platelet and Plasma Ratios (PROPPR) trial and were grouped into those who were hypothermic (<36°C) or normothermic (36-38.5°C) within the first 6 hours of emergency department arrival. The impact of hypothermia or normothermia on the volume of blood product required during the first 24 hours was determined via negative binomial regression, adjusting for treatment arm, injury severity score, mechanism, demographics, pre-emergency department fluid volume, blood administered before becoming hypothermic, pulse and systolic blood pressure on arrival, and the time exposed to hypothermic or normothermic temperatures. RESULTS: Of 680 patients, 590 had a temperature measured during the first 6 hours in hospital, and 399 experienced hypothermia. The mean number of red blood cell (RBC) units given to all patients in the first 24 hours of admission was 8.8 (95% confidence interval [CI], 7.9-9.6). In multivariable analysis, every 1°C decrease in temperature below 36.0°C was associated with a 10% increase (incidence rate ratio, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.89-0.92; p < 0.00) in consumption of RBCs during the first 24 hours of admission. There was no association between RBC administration and a temperature above 36°C. Hypothermia on arrival was an independent predictor of mortality, with an adjusted odds ratio of 2.7 (95% CI, 1.7-4.5; p < 0.00) for 24-hour mortality and 1.8 (95% CI, 1.3-2.4; p < 0.00) for 30-day mortality. CONCLUSION: Hypothermia is associated with increase in blood product consumption and mortality. These findings support the maintenance of normothermia in trauma patients and suggest that further investigation on the impact of cooling or rewarming during massive transfusion is warranted. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic, level III.

Impact of a simplified management algorithm on outcome following exsanguinating pelvic fractures: A 10-year experience.

BACKGROUND: Optimal management of exsanguinating pelvic fractures remains controversial. Our previous experience suggested that management decisions based on a defined algorithm were associated with a significant reduction in transfusion requirements and mortality. Based on these outcomes, a clinical pathway (PW) for the management of exsanguinating pelvic fractures was developed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of this PW on outcomes. METHODS: Consecutive patients over 10 years with blunt pelvic fractures subsequent to the implementation of the clinical PW were identified. Patients with hemodynamically unstable pelvic fractures are managed initially with a pelvic orthotic device. For those with continued hemodynamic instability and no extrapelvic source of hemorrhage, pelvic angiography was performed followed by elective pelvic fixation. Patients managed according to the PW were compared with those patients whose management deviated (DEV) from the PW. RESULTS: There were 3,467 patients identified. Three hundred twelve (9%) met entry criteria: 246 (79%) comprised the PW group and 66 (21%) the DEV group. Injury severity, as measured by Injury Severity Score (35 vs. 36; p = 0.55), admission Glasgow Coma Scale (10 vs. 10; p = 0.58), admission BE (-7.4 vs. -6.4, p = 0.38), admission SBP (107 vs. 104, p = 0.53), and PRBC requirements during initial resuscitation (6.1 units vs. 6.6 units, p = 0.22) were similar between the groups. Pelvic orthotic device use was 48% in the DEV group (p < 0.001). Twenty-four percent of the PW group required angiography compared with 74% of the DEV group (p < 0.001). Forty-eight-hour transfusions (11 vs. 16, p = 0.01) and mortality (35% vs. 48%, p = 0.04) were reduced in the PW group compared with the DEV group. Pathway adherence was identified as an independent predictor of both decreased transfusions (ß = -5.8, p = 0.002) via multiple linear regression and decreased mortality (hazard ratio, 0.74; 95% confidence interval, 0.42-0.98) via multivariable cox proportional hazards analysis. CONCLUSION: Adherence to a defined clinical PW simplified the management of exsanguinating pelvic fractures and contributed to a reduction in both transfusion requirements and mortality. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic, level III.

Propofol Infusion Syndrome: Efficacy of a Prospective Screening Protocol.

Propofol infusion syndrome (PIS) is a potentially lethal complication of propofol marked by rhabdomyolysis, metabolic acidosis, and cardiac arrhythmias or collapse. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a prospective screening protocol to prevent PIS. All trauma patients admitted who received propofol as a continuous infusion were prospectively screened from November 1, 2013 to December 31, 2015. Variables studied included demographics, injury severity, laboratory values, infusion rates, and mortality. Serum creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and lactate were drawn daily. Propofol was stopped for a positive screen defined as an increase in CPK to greater than 5000 IU/L or lactate greater than 4 mmol/L. Positive and negative cohorts were compared. Two hundred and twenty-five patients met the inclusion criteria and 12 patients (5.3%) had propofol stopped because of elevated CPK. No differences were identified in demographics, transfusions, injury severity, hospital length of stay, or propofol dose. The positive screened group had longer intensive care unit length of stay (20 vs 13 days; P = 0.002) and increased vent days (14.5 vs 10 days; P = 0.008). Max serum osmolality (334 vs 305 mosm/kg; P = 0.049) and max serum CPK (6782 vs 1058 IU/L; P < 0.0001) were higher in the positive cohort. No cases of PIS occurred, and mortality (16.7 vs 15.5%; P = 0.999) was not different between the cohorts. The screening protocol was effective in eliminating PIS. Serial CPK evaluations provided an effective screening tool and serum lactate can be dropped from screening.