Amplitude-determined seizure-threshold, electric field modeling, and electroconvulsive therapy antidepressant and cognitive outcomes.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) pulse amplitude, which dictates the induced electric field (E-field) magnitude in the brain, is presently fixed at 800 or 900 milliamperes (mA) without clinical or scientific rationale. We have previously demonstrated that increased E-field strength improves ECT's antidepressant effect but worsens cognitive outcomes. Amplitude-determined seizure titration may reduce the E-field variability relative to fixed amplitude ECT. In this investigation, we assessed the relationships among amplitude-determined seizure-threshold (STa), E-field magnitude, and clinical outcomes in older adults (age range 50 to 80 years) with depression. Subjects received brain imaging, depression assessment, and neuropsychological assessment pre-, mid-, and post-ECT. STa was determined during the first treatment with a Soterix Medical 4×1 High Definition ECT Multi-channel Stimulation Interface (Investigation Device Exemption: G200123). Subsequent treatments were completed with right unilateral electrode placement (RUL) and 800 mA. We calculated Ebrain defined as the 90th percentile of E-field magnitude in the whole brain for RUL electrode placement. Twenty-nine subjects were included in the final analyses. Ebrain per unit electrode current, Ebrain/I, was associated with STa. STa was associated with antidepressant outcomes at the mid-ECT assessment and bitemporal electrode placement switch. Ebrain/I was associated with changes in category fluency with a large effect size. The relationship between STa and Ebrain/I extends work from preclinical models and provides a validation step for ECT E-field modeling. ECT with individualized amplitude based on E-field modeling or STa has the potential to enhance neuroscience-based ECT parameter selection and improve clinical outcomes.

Impact of Pharmacy Students on a Level II Trauma Center.

This study aims to quantify the benefits of allowing advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE) students to make medical interventions while on rotation by analyzing their interventions made and the resulting cost avoidance. This retrospective, observational cohort study was completed using self-reported data of APPE student interventions made at a Level II trauma center, under the supervision of a clinical pharmacist. Interventions were analyzed for their impact on patient care and cost avoidance through a comprehensive literature search and online Quantifi reference. A total of 187 interventions over a 7-month study period resulted in an estimated cost avoidance of $26,175. Advanced pharmacy practice experience students acting as pharmacist extenders resulted in a monthly cost avoidance of $3,739, which corresponds to $44,871 per year. Incorporating student pharmacists as active members of an interprofessional team enhanced patient care by increasing medical interventions, leading to increased cost avoidance by optimizing medication regimens.

Outcomes of Geriatric Trauma Patients on Preinjury Anticoagulation: A Multicenter Study.

Outpatient anticoagulation in the geriatric trauma patient is a challenging clinical problem. The aim of this study is to determine clinical outcomes associated with class of preinjury anticoagulants (PA) used by this population. This is a multicenter retrospective cohort study among four Level II trauma centers. A total of 1642 patients were evaluated; 684 patients were on anticoagulation and 958 patients were not. Patients on PA were compared with those who were not. Drug classes were divided into thromboxane A2 inhibitors, vitamin K factor-dependent inhibitors, antithrombin III activation, platelet P2Y12 inhibitors, and thrombin inhibitors. Multivariate regression was used to adjust for age, gender, race, mechanism of injury, and Injury Severity Score. No single or combination of anticoagulation agents had a significant association with mortality; however, there were positive trends toward increased mortality were noted for all antiplatelet groups involving thromboxane A2 inhibitors and platelet P2Y12 inhibitors classes. The likelihood of complications was significantly higher with platelet P2Y12 inhibitors adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.39 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.32, 4.3]. The likelihood of blood transfusion was increased with vitamin K inhibitors aOR 2.89 (95% CI 1.3, 6.5), P2Y12 inhibitors aOR 2.76 (95% CI 1.12, 6.76), and combined thromboxane A2 and P2Y12 inhibitors aOR 2.89 (95% CI 1.13, 7.46). P2Y12 inhibitors were also more likely associated with traumatic brain injury aOR 2.16 (95% CI 1.01, 4.6). All classes of PA were associated with solid organ injury. There were no significant differences in the use of antiplatelet agents between patients with major indications for PA and those without major indications. Geriatric trauma patients on outpatient anticoagulants have a higher likelihood of developing complications, packed red blood cell transfusions, traumatic brain injury, and solid organ injury. Attention should be paid to patients on platelet P2Y12 inhibitors, vitamin K inhibitors, and thromboxane A2 inhibitor agents combined with platelet P2Y12 inhibitors. Opportunities exist to address the use of antiplatelet agents among patients without major indications to improve patient outcomes.

Benchmarking statewide trauma mortality using Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's patient safety indicators.

BACKGROUND: Improving clinical outcomes of trauma patients is a challenging problem at a statewide level, particularly if data from the state's registry are not publicly available. Promotion of optimal care throughout the state is not possible unless clinical benchmarks are available for comparison. Using publicly available administrative data from the State Department of Health and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) patient safety indicators (PSIs), we sought to create a statewide method for benchmarking trauma mortality and at the same time also identifying a pattern of unique complications that have an independent influence on mortality. METHODS: Data for this study were obtained from State of Florida Agency for Health Care Administration. Adult trauma patients were identified as having International Classification of Disease ninth edition codes defined by the state. Multivariate logistic regression was used to create a predictive inpatient expected mortality model. The expected value of PSIs was created using the multivariate model and their beta coefficients provided by the AHRQ. Case-mix adjusted mortality results were reported as observed to expected (O/E) ratios to examine mortality, PSIs, failure to prevent complications, and failure to rescue from death. RESULTS: There were 50,596 trauma patients evaluated during the study period. The overall fit of the expected mortality model was very strong at a c-statistic of 0.93. Twelve of 25 trauma centers had O/E ratios <1 or better than expected. Nine statewide PSIs had failure to prevent O/E ratios higher than expected. Five statewide PSIs had failure to rescue O/E ratios higher than expected. The PSI that had the strongest influence on trauma mortality for the state was PSI no. 9 or perioperative hemorrhage or hematoma. Mortality could be further substratified by PSI complications at the hospital level. CONCLUSIONS: AHRQ PSIs can have an integral role in an adjusted benchmarking method that screens at risk trauma centers in the state for higher than expected mortality. Stratifying mortality based on failure to prevent PSIs may identify areas of needed improvement at a statewide level.

Geriatric outcomes for trauma patients in the state of Florida after the advent of a large trauma network.

BACKGROUND: Florida State has one of the largest geriatric populations in the United States. However, recent data show that up to the year 2010, geriatric trauma patients were least served by designated trauma centers (TCs). One existing TC and five provisional Level 2 TCs were combined to create a large-scale trauma network (TN). The new TCs were placed in those areas with the lowest ratios of TC to residents based on census data. The aim of this study was to measure the TN impact on the population of geriatric trauma patients. METHODS: Data from the Florida State Agency for Health Care Administration were used to determine mortality, length of stay, and complication rates for geriatric trauma patients (≥ 65 years). The potential effect of the TN was measured by comparing outcomes before and after the initiation of the TN. A total of 165,640 geriatric patients were evaluated. Multivariate regression methods were used to match and adjust for age, injury status (penetrating vs. nonpenetrating), sex, race, comorbidity, and injury severity (DRG International Classification of Diseases-9th Rev. Injury Severity Score). RESULTS: Since the advent of the TN, an additional 1,711 geriatric patients were treated compared with the previous period. The TN was responsible 86% of these new patients. There was a temporal association with a decrease in both mortality (adjusted odds ratio, 0.90; 95% confidence interval, 0.85-0.96) and length of stay (p < 0.0001) for geriatric patients since the advent of the TN. The improved access was associated with a significant decrease in mortality in the regions serviced by the TN. CONCLUSION: Geriatric patients make up a significant proportion of trauma patients within the TN. The temporal improvement in outcomes may be associated with the increased proportion of patients being treated in state-designated TCs as a result of the addition of the TN. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Epidemiologic study, level III.

Traumatismos de páncreas: diagnóstico y tratamiento / Pancreatic trauma: diagnosis and treatment

Los traumatismos de páncreas son infrecuentes; representan, aproximadamente, el 4 porciento de las lesiones abdominales pero conllevan una tasa de morbimortalidad significativa, razón por la cual es primordial su reconocimiento y tratamiento precoz.El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar una descripción de la perspectiva histórica y de la correcta clasificación y manejo de la lesión pancreática. Asimismo, describimos los métodos de diagnóstico a nuestro alcance para la evaluación del traumatismo pancreático, y la importancia de un conocimiento amplio de las técnicas quirúrgicas más utilizadas. Por último, se hace un análisis profundo de los rangos de morbilidad y mortalidad de estas lesiones basándonos en una extensa revisión de la literatura actual, y aportando nuestra experiencia en el manejo de este tipo de lesiones en un centro de trauma urbano de nivel I.

Factores pronósticos del síndrome de exanguinación para el control de lesiones / Factors predicting institution of damage control in the exanguination syndrome

Introducción: El trauma es una epidemia en las sociedades modernas. La causa de muerte más frecuente en pacientes traumatizados es la pérdida masiva de sangre, lo cual puede ocurrir en el lugar mismo del trauma o después de aplicar medidas de reanimación en los servicios de urgencias. El objetivo de este trabajo es la revisión de los pacientes con diagnóstico de pérdida sanguínea masiva atendidos en un servicio de trauma de referencia en Estados Unidos.Materiales y métodos: Se realizó una revisión de los registros clínicos de los pacientes con diagnóstico de pérdida masiva de sangre (sangrado>2000 ml en el intraoperatorio o necesidad de transfusión de más de 1500 ml) en el Centro de Trauma del Hospital del Condado de Los Ángeles de la University of Southern California (Los Angeles County and University of Southern California Medical Center). Se recolectó la información de las variables demográficas, clínicas y de gravedad del trauma, lo mismo que los desenlaces de morbimortalidad. Se realizó un análisis para determinar los factores de riesgo relacionados con la muerte. Resultados: Se incluyeron 548 pacientes...

Lesiones vasculares abdominales. El desafío del cirujano de trauma / Abdominal vascular lesions. The trauma surgeon´s challenge

Introducción: Las lesiones vasculares abdominales presentan los mayores índices de mortalidad y morbilidad entre todas las lesiones que puede sufrir una persona con trauma severo. Método: Revisión de la clínica, diagnóstico, vías de abordaje y tratamiento de los pacientes con lesiones vasculares intraabdominales, con base en la experiencia en el manejo de 302 enfermos...

Intrapleural thrombolysis for the management of undrained traumatic hemothorax: a prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Tube thoracostomy is usually sufficient treatment for traumatic hemothorax. Occasionally, significant residual collections remain undrained. Open thoracotomy and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) have been used to manage undrained traumatic hemothoraces (UTHs). Both techniques are invasive and harbor risks. More recently, intrapleural administration of thrombolytic agents (streptokinase and urokinase) has been reported as an effective nonoperative treatment of residual collections caused by a variety of diseases. The role of intrapleural thrombolysis (IT) for the treatment of an UTH is inadequately explored. METHODS: Patients with an UTH, defined as more than 300 mL of intrathoracic blood estimated by computed tomographic scan on the third day after chest tube insertion, were followed prospectively for 16 months. IT was instituted according to a standardized protocol using streptokinase or urokinase. IT effectiveness, defined by the incidence of successful resolution of the UTH, and IT safety, defined by the incidence of uncomplicated therapy, was calculated. RESULTS: Of 203 patients with a traumatic hemothorax, managed by tube thoracostomy, 25 (12.3%) developed an UTH. Successful resolution of the UTH was achieved in 23 (92%) patients within 3.4+/-1.4 days. No bleeding or other significant complications related to IT were recorded. CONCLUSIONS: IT should be the initial treatment of choice for the management of an UTH.

Toracotomía de emergencia. Evaluación crítica de la técnica / Emergency thoracotomy. Critical evaluation of the technique

Objetivo: Análisis de la literatura y del estado actual de la toracotomía de emergencia. Obtención de los datos: Revisión de la literatura, desde las primeras experiencias en su utilización hasta los estudios más recientes en el área. Resultados: Desde su introducción en la década de los años sesenta, su uso se ha extendido de forma considerable y forma parte de los protocolos de reanimación cardiopulmonar en todos los centros de politraumatizados norteamericanos. En 42 series analizadas analizadas sobre toracotomía de emergencia se hallaron 7.035 procedimientos, de los cuales sobrevivieron 551 (7,8 porciento). Según el mecanismo de lesión, se realizaron 4.482 toracotomías por lesiones penetrantes, sobreviviendo 500 pacientes (11,1 porciento), y 2.193 toracotomías por lesiones contusas, de los cuales sobrevivieron 35 (1,6 porciento). En las 14 series que comunicaban el pronóstico neurológico se registraron 4.520 pacientes con 226 sobrevivientes (5 porciento), de los cuales 34 (15 porciento) presentaban secuelas neurológicas. Además, de 1.165 pacientes se encontraron 363 (31,1 porciento) supervivientes de lesiones cardiacas penetrantes. Por último, de cuatro series sobre población pediátrica se hallaron 142 pacientes, de los cuales 57 fueron por lesiones penetrantes, con una tasa de supervivencia del 12,2 porciento...

Trauma duodenal. Técnica y manejo: [revisión] / Duodenal trauma. Technique and management: [review]

Las lesiones traumáticas del duodeno son infrecuentes, representan aproximadamente el 4 porciento de las lesiones abdominales; pero conllevan una tasa de morbi-mortalidad significativa por lo cual es primordial su reconocimiento y tratamiento precoz. El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar una descripción concisa de la perspectiva histórica y de la anatomía de este órgano. Esta última cobra especial especial interés a la hora de la clasificación y manejo de la lesión duodenal. Asimismo, se describen los métodos de diagnóstico al alcance en la evaluación del traumatismo duodenal y la importancia de un conocimiento amplio de las técnicas quirúrgicas más utilizadas. Por último, se realiza un análisis profundo de los rangos de morbilidad y mortalidad de estas lesiones con base en una extensa revisión de la literatura actual, y el aporte de la experiencia de los autores en el manejo de este tipo de lesiones en un Centro Urbano de TraumaNivel I.

Trauma deaths in a mature urban trauma system: is "trimodal" distribution a valid concept?

BACKGROUND: Trimodal distribution of trauma deaths, described more than 20 years ago, is still widely taught in the design of trauma systems. The purpose of this study was to examine the applicability of this trimodal distribution in a modern trauma system. STUDY DESIGN: A study of trauma registry and emergency medical services records of trauma deaths in the County of Los Angeles was conducted over a 3-year period. The times from injury to death were analyzed according to mechanism of injury and body area (head, chest, abdomen, extremities) with severe trauma (abbreviated injury score [AIS] >/= 4). RESULTS: During the study period there were 4,151 trauma deaths. Penetrating trauma accounted for 50.0% of these deaths. The most commonly injured body area with critical trauma (AIS >/= 4) was the head (32.0%), followed by chest (20.8%), abdomen (11.5%), and extremities (1.8%). Time from injury to death was available in 2,944 of these trauma deaths. Overall, there were two distinct peaks of deaths: the first peak (50.2% of deaths) occurred within the first hour of injury. The second peak occurred 1 to 6 hours after admission (18.3% of deaths). Only 7.6% of deaths were late (>1 week), during the third peak of the classic trimodal distribution. Temporal distribution of deaths in penetrating trauma was very different from blunt trauma and did not follow the classic trimodal distribution. Other significant independent factors associated with time of death were chest AIS and head AIS. Temporal distribution of deaths as a result of severe head trauma did not follow any pattern and did not resemble classic trimodal distribution at all. CONCLUSIONS: The classic "trimodal" distribution of deaths does not apply in our trauma system. Temporal distribution of deaths is influenced by the mechanism of injury, age of the patient, and body area with severe trauma. Knowledge of the time of distribution of deaths might help in allocating trauma resources and focusing research effort.

Lessons learned in the management of thirteen celiac axis injuries.

OBJECTIVES: Celiac axis injuries are rare. The purposes of this study were to (1) review institutional experience, (2) determine additive effect on death of associated vessel injuries, and (3) correlate mortality rates with the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma-Organ Injury Scale (AAST-OIS) for abdominal vascular injury. METHODS: This was a retrospective, 132-month study (January 1992 to December 2002) of patients with celiac axis injuries. RESULTS: Thirteen patients were included in the study. Mean revised trauma score was 5.35+/-2.63; mean injury severity score was 25+/-12. The mechanism was penetrating in 12 (92%) and blunt in 1 (8%); 3 of 13 had Emergency Department thoracotomy (100% mortality rate). Treatment included ligation in 11 and primary repair in 1; 1 exsanguinated. Overall survival was 5 of 13 (38%). Adjusted survival excluding patients who had Emergency Department thoracotomy was 5 of 10 patients (50%). Those surviving with isolated injuries included 57% of patients. Mortality rate versus AAST-OIS was grade III, 43% (3 of 7 patients); grade IV, 50% (1 of 2 patients); and grade V, 100% (4 of 4 patients). CONCLUSIONS: Celiac axis injuries are rare. Patients with isolated injuries have better survival rates. Mortality rate correlates well with AAST-OIS for abdominal vascular injury.

Traumatic ureteral injuries: a single institution experience validating the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma-Organ Injury Scale grading scale.

PURPOSE: Ureteral injuries are uncommon and challenging. In this study we report our institutional experience with ureteral injuries. We evaluated the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma-Organ Injury Scale (AAST-OIS) for ureteral injuries as a predictor of outcomes for complexity of repair, morbidity, mortality and associated injuries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective, 120-month study (January 1992 to December 2002) at an urban, level I trauma center. RESULTS: In the 57 patients mean hospital Admission blood pressure +/- SD was 115 +/- 25 mm Hg, mean Revised Trauma Score was 7.38 +/- 0.84 and mean Injury Severity Score was 15 +/- 1.15. The mechanism of injury was penetrating in 55 cases (96.5%), including gunshot wound in 52 (54.5%) and stab wound in 2 (5.5%), and in blunt 2 of motor vehicle accidents (3.5%). The anatomical location was the left side in 33 cases (58%), right side in 23 (40%) and bilateral in 1 (2%). The distribution of injuries was proximal in 15 cases (26%), mid in 21 (37%) and distal in 21 (37%). Associated injuries were present in 56 patients (98%). An intraoperative diagnosis was made in 44 cases (77%). Of the patients 50 (88%) required complex repairs or an adjunct procedure, including a double pigtail stent in 33 (58%), ureteroureterostomy in 20 (35%), ureteroneocystostomy with a psoas hitch in 10 (18%), external diversion in 9 (16%), suprapubic cystostomy in 8 (14%), nephrostomy in 2 (3.5%), nephrectomy in 2 (3.5%) and ligation in 2 (3.5%). Injury grade was I to V in 5 (8%), 8 (13%), 13 (22.8%), 18 (31.6%) and 13 (22.8%) cases, respectively. Overall 51 patients (89%) survived. No deaths were related to ureteral injury. Renal salvage was achieved in 49 of the 51 surviving patients (96%). CONCLUSIONS: Ureteral injuries are uncommon. The complexity of repair and number of associated injuries increase with AAST-OIS injury grade. Mortality increases with AAST-OIS injury grade but it is not related to the ureteral injury. Excellent results can be achieved with complex techniques of primary repair, leading to renal salvage.

Angiographic embolization for pelvic fractures in older patients.

HYPOTHESIS: Old age predicts reliably the presence of pelvic bleeding, requiring angiographic embolization (AE) among blunt trauma patients with major pelvic fractures. DESIGN: Four-year prospective observational study (April 1, 1999, to May 31, 2003). SETTING: Academic level I trauma center practicing AE liberally. PATIENTS: Regardless of hemodynamic stability or the absence of a blood transfusion, patients with major pelvic fractures or significant pelvic hematomas on computed tomography were offered pelvic angiography with the intent to embolize. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Angiographically confirmed pelvic bleeding, resulting in AE. RESULTS: Of 92 patients who underwent pelvic angiography, 55 (60%) had bleeding found on angiography and underwent AE. Patients 60 years and older had a higher likelihood than younger patients to have bleeding identified and to undergo AE (16 [94%] of 17 patients vs 39 [52%] of 75 patients; P<.001). An age of 60 years or older was the only independent predictor of the need for AE. Of patients in this age group, two thirds had normal vital signs on hospital admission. Bleeding was controlled by AE in all patients (100% efficacy). CONCLUSIONS: Among blunt trauma patients with significant pelvic fractures, those 60 years and older have a high likelihood of active retroperitoneal bleeding. Angiographic embolization should be offered liberally to patients in this age group, regardless of presumed hemodynamic stability.

Toracotomía de emergencia: una evaluación crítica de la técnica / Emergency room thoracotomy: a critical assessment of the technique

Objetivo. Análisis de la bibliografía y del estado actual de la toracotomía de emergencia. Obtención de los datos. Revisión de la bibliografía, desde las primeras experiencias en su utilización hasta los estudios más recientes en el área. Resultados. Desde su introducción en la década de los sesenta, su uso se ha extendido de forma considerable y forma parte de los protocolos de reanimación cardiopulmonar en todos los centros de politraumatizados norteamericanos. En 42 series analizadas sobre toracotomía de emergencia se hallaron 7.035 procedimientos, de los cuales sobrevivieron 551 (7,8 por ciento). Según el mecanismo de lesión, se realizaron 4.482 toracotomías por lesiones penetrantes, de las que sobrevivieron 500 pacientes (11,1 por ciento), y 2.193 toracotomías por lesiones contusas, de las que sobrevivieron 35 (1,6 por ciento). En las 14 series que comunicaban el pronóstico neurológico se registraron 4.520 pacientes con 226 sobrevivientes (5 por ciento), de los que 34 (15 por ciento) presentaban secuelas neurológicas. Además, de 1.165 pacientes con lesiones cardíacas penetrantes hubo 363 (31,1 por ciento) supervivientes. Por último, de 4 series sobre población pediátrica se hallaron 142 pacientes, de los cuales 57 fueron por lesiones penetrantes, con una tasa de supervivencia del 12,2 por ciento. Conclusión. Es una técnica muy útil para el cirujano, que debe emplearse de forma prudente y juiciosa, y con indicaciones muy estrictas, ya que su uso de forma indiscriminada lleva asociada una elevada tasa de mortalidad y morbilidad. A pesar de estos riesgos, es una maniobra útil y con frecuencia la última esperanza para muchos pacientes que llegan a los servicios de urgencias en condiciones extremas, y debe practicarse por cirujanos apropiadamente entrenados en esta técnica (AU)

Necrotizing soft-tissue infections.

It has been more than 130 years since NSTIs were first described. Despite the development of various classification systems and progress in surgical management, these infections continue to have high mortality and pose enormous diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. For optimal outcome, treatment involves rapid institution of appropriate antibiotic coverage and early wide surgical debridement. Recovery requires aggressive resuscitation, postoperative nutritional support and wound care that is similar to the care of burn patients in many respects. The entire therapeutic process requires a well-prepared and coordinated team of health care professionals including EPs, general, orthopedic, and other specialist surgeons, infectious disease consultants, specially trained nursing staff, and physical therapists.

Klüver-Bucy syndrome as a result of minor head trauma.

Klüver-Bucy syndrome (KBS) has been described as a disconnection of the temporal lobes from the remainder of the brain. Its presence in minor head trauma has not been previously reported. We therefore report what we believe to be the first case of KBS due to mild head trauma and unilateral injury to a temporal lobe.