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Biomedical subjects

John B Kortbeek

Publications and source records attributed to John B Kortbeek.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2007

Practice patterns and outcomes of retrievable vena cava filters in trauma patients: an AAST multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to describe practice patterns and outcomes of posttraumatic retrievable inferior vena caval filters (R-IVCF). METHODS: A retrospective review of R-IVCFs placed during 2004 at 21 participating centers with follow up to July 1, 2005 was performed. Primary outcomes included major complications (migration, pulmonary embolism [PE], and symptomatic caval occlusion) and reasons for failure to retrieve. RESULTS: Of 446 patients (69% male, 92% blunt trauma) receiving R-IVCFs, 76% for prophylactic indications and 79% were placed by interventional radiology. Excluding 33 deaths, 152 were Gunter-Tulip (G-T), 224 Recovery (R), and 37 Optease (Opt). Placement occurred 6 +/- 8 days after admission and retrieval at 50 +/- 61 days. Follow up after discharge (5.7 +/- 4.3 months) was reported in 51%. Only 22% of R-IVCFs were retrieved. Of 115 patients in whom retrieval was attempted, retrieval failed as a result of technical issues in 15 patients (10% of G-T, 14% of R, 27% of Opt) and because of significant residual thrombus within the filter in 10 patients (6% of G-T, 4% of R, 46% Opt). The primary reason R-IVCFs were not removed was because of loss to follow up (31%), which was sixfold higher (6% to 44%, p = 0.001) when the service placing the R-IVCF was not directly responsible for follow up. Complications did not correlate with mechanism, injury severity, service placing the R-IVCF, trauma volume, use of anticoagulation, age, or sex. Three cases of migration were recorded (all among R, 1.3%), two breakthrough PE (G-T 0.6% and R 0.4%) and six symptomatic caval occlusions (G-T 0, R 1%, Opt 11%) (p < 0.05 Opt versus both G-T and R). CONCLUSION: Most R-IVCFs are not retrieved. The service placing the R-IVCF should be responsible for follow up. The Optease was associated with the greatest incidence of residual thrombus and symptomatic caval occlusion. The practice patterns of R-IVCF placement and retrieval should be re-examined.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Management of splenic pseudocysts following trauma: a retrospective case series.

BACKGROUND: Post-traumatic splenic pseudocysts are uncommon. The optimal treatment is not well defined. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted at the three adult hospitals in the Calgary Health Region. RESULTS: Six cases of splenic pseudocysts were found over a 6-year period. One splenic pseudocyst spontaneously resolved. A second splenic cyst was removed by open splenectomy. The remaining 4 patients were all first treated with percutaneous drainage. However, 3 of the 4 cysts recurred. Two of these 3 recurrent cysts were treated with laparoscopic fenestration, and all subsequently recurred; 1 of these patients later developed a splenic abscess. The third patient had a repeat percutaneous drain with subsequent recurrence. The last patient died of sepsis secondary to an iatrogenic punctured colon. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous drainage and laparoscopic fenestration have an unacceptably high rate of failure. Partial or complete splenectomy should be considered for young and otherwise healthy patients who have large symptomatic splenic pseudocysts.

Abdominal Injuries↗
PubMed2006

Are occult pneumothoraces truly occult or simply missed?

BACKGROUND: Nonradiologists typically diagnose pneumothoraces (PTX) based on a visible pleural stripe. PTXs not seen on supine AP chest radiographs (CXR), but appreciated on a computed tomographic (CT) scan, termed occult pneumothoraces (OPTX), are increasingly common. The purpose was to (1) determine whether perceived OPTXs were truly occult or simply missed and (2) address factors that contribute to the poor sensitivity of the supine CXR. METHODS: A previous study of severely injured patients (ISS >or =12) identified 44 patients with OPTXs. JPEG images of these CXRs were randomly arranged with images of 11 injured patients without PTXs (CT proven). Three unique groups of radiologists reviewed the images for signs of PTXs, and determined if a thoracic CT was subsequently required. RESULTS: Retrospective review identified only 12 to 24% of the OPTXs depending on radiology group. The kappa inter-observer agreement value was 0.55 to 0.56 (poor agreement). PTXs were most commonly identified via the deep sulcus sign (75-90%). CXRs were considered inadequate in 16 to 25% of OPTX images and in 0 to 18% of images without OPTXs. Thoracic CT scans were recommended in 18 to 33% of patients with inadequate CXRs, but 67 to 82% of patients with adequate CXRs. CONCLUSIONS: Less than 24% of all OPTXs might have been inferred from subtle radiologic findings, such as the deep sulcus sign. The majority of OPTX cases (50-64%) did not warrant a CT scan based on other findings. Concern for an OPTX after severe trauma is a valid indication for thoracic CT.

Clinical Competence↗
PubMed2006

Long-term mortality outcome associated with prolonged admission to the ICU.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Patients requiring prolonged admission to the ICU consume significant health-care resources and have a high rate of in-hospital death. The long-term mortality outcome of these patients has not been well defined in a nonselected cohort. The objective of this study was to describe the occurrence and factors predictive of prolonged ICU stay at admission, and to define the long-term (>/= 1 year) mortality outcome. DESIGN: Population-based cohort. SETTING: All adult multisystem and cardiovascular surgical ICUs in the Calgary Health Region (CHR) from July 1, 1999, to March 31, 2002. PATIENTS: Adult (>/= 18 years old) residents of the CHR admitted to regional ICUs. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: During the study, 4,845 patients had a median length of stay of 2 days (interquartile range, 1 to 4 days); 2,115 patients (44%) were admitted for < 2 days, 1,496 patients (31%) were admitted for 2 to 3 days; 1,018 patients (21%) were admitted from 4 to 13 days; and 216 patients (4%) had a prolonged (>/= 14 day) admission to the ICU. A higher severity of illness, the presence of shock, and bloodstream infection were independently associated with a prolonged ICU admission, and cardiovascular surgery was associated with a lower risk. Patients with prolonged ICU admissions were nearly twice as likely to die as patients with shorter ICU admissions: 53 of 216 patients (25%) vs 584 of 4,629 patients (13%) [p = 0.0001]. Among the 3,924 survivors to hospital discharge, the rates of mortality during the year following ICU admission were as follows: 59 deaths in 1,758 patients (3%) admitted < 2 days, 74 deaths in 1,267 patients (6%) with 2- to 3-day admissions, 78 deaths in 766 patients (10%) with 4- to 13-day admissions, and 10 deaths in 133 patients (8%) with admissions >/= 14 days. CONCLUSIONS: One in 25 critically ill patients will have prolonged ICU admission and higher ICU-related mortality. However, survivors of prolonged ICU admission have good long-term mortality outcome after acute illness.

Aged↗
PubMed2006

Ventilator-associated pneumonia in severe traumatic brain injury.

INTRODUCTION: Pneumonia is an important cause of morbidity following severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, previous studies have been limited by inclusion of specific patient subgroups or by selection bias. The primary objective of this study was to describe the incidence, risk factors for, and outcome of ventilator-associated pneumonia in an unselected population-based cohort of patients with severe TBI. An additional goal was to define the relationship of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) with nonneurological organ dysfunction. METHODS: A prospective, observational cohort study was performed at Foothills Medical Centre, the sole adult tertiary-care trauma center servicing southern Alberta. All patients with severe TBI requiring ventilation for more than 48 hours between May 1, 2000 and December 30, 2002 were included. RESULTS: A total of 60 patients (45%) acquired VAP for an incidence density of 42.7/1000 ventilator days. Patients with polytrauma were at higher risk (risk ratio 1.7, 95% confidence interval, 0.9-3.1) for development of VAP than those with isolated head injury. Development of VAP was associated with a significantly greater degree of nonneurological organ system dysfunction. Although VAP was not associated with increased hospital mortality, patients who developed VAP had a longer duration of mechanical ventilation (15 versus 8 days, p < 0.0001), longer intensive care unit (17 versus 9 days, p < 0.0001) and hospital (60 versus 28 days, p = 0.003) lengths of stay, and more often required tracheostomy (35 versus 18%, p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: VAP occurs frequently and is associated with significant morbidity in patients with severe TBI.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Factors related to the failure of radiographic recognition of occult posttraumatic pneumothoraces.

PURPOSE: Although posttraumatic pneumothoraces (PTXs) are common and potentially life threatening, the supine chest radiograph (CXR) is an insensitive test for their detection. Computed tomography (CT) often identifies occult pneumothoraces (OPTXs). Previous descriptions of OPTX topography have been poor. Our purpose was to define their distribution and aid in the targeting of thoracic ultrasound. METHODS: Posttraumatic supine CXRs and CTs were reviewed for occult, overt, and residual PTXs. PTXs were compared according to their apical, basal, anterior, lateral, medial, and posterior components. A comparative size index was calculated. RESULTS: Among 761 patients, 338 CT scans revealed 103 PTXs in 89 patients; 55% were OPTXs. OPTXs were apical (57%), basal (41%), anterior (84%), lateral (24%), and medial (27%), with 0% posterior. CONCLUSIONS: CXR missed over half of all PTXs. OPTXs had a greater anterior versus lateral (nearly 4-fold) and both basal and apical versus lateral (2-fold) distribution. OPTXs are often located at easily accessible sonographic windows.

Female↗
PubMed2005

A population-based assessment of major trauma in a large Canadian region.

BACKGROUND: The cause of major trauma has not been well defined using population-based methodologies. METHODS: We performed a population-based surveillance of major traumatic injuries in adult residents of the Calgary Health Region over a period of 3 years. RESULTS: A total of 1,475 victims of major trauma were identified (69.5 per 100,000/y). Males were at significantly higher risk as compared with females (104.5 vs. 35.2 per 100,000; relative risk = 3.0, 95% confidence interval = 2.64-3.35), as were urban as compared with rural residents (70.7 vs. 49.0 per 100,000; relative risk = 1.4; 95% confidence interval = 1.11-1.91). A strikingly high incidence rate of major trauma was observed among those aged 85 years or more at 242.3 per 100,000 per year; elderly men were at 16.8-fold (95% confidence interval = 11.04-24.79) higher risk than young females. The majority were unintentional (53.9 per 100,000/y). Suicide, assault, and homicide occurred at annualized rates of 8.5, 4.8, and 1.6 per 100,000, respectively. Motor vehicle-related injuries (39%), falls or jumps (33%), and being struck by an object or animal (10%) were responsible for the majority of traumas. Firearm injuries were relatively uncommon (2.0 per 100,000/y). The annual mortality rate was 20.0 per 100,000. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides rigorous, population-based data on the cause of severe injury in the Calgary Health Region. It is hoped that ongoing work in this area will be useful in the development of effective injury prevention and health resource allocation strategies.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Severe traumatic brain injury in a large Canadian health region.

BACKGROUND: Although severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) is a devastating condition with tremendous public health implications, the epidemiology of this disease has not previously been described in Canada. We sought to define the incidence, risk factors and outcome of patients suffering sTBI in a large Canadian region. METHODS: A population-based surveillance cohort design was utilized to identify all Calgary Heath Region residents who were victims of trauma with an injury severity score > or = 12. Subsequent application of a specific sTBI case definition defined the final cohort. RESULTS: The annual incidence of sTBI was 11.4 per 100,000 population. The incidence of sTBI was significantly higher for males as compared to females [17.1 vs. 5.9 per 100,000; relative risk (RR) = 2.91, 95% confidence interval; 2.17, 3.94; p<0.0001]. There was a striking increase in the annual age specific population incidence of sTBI observed among those older than 74 years of age. The relative risk among the highest risk group of elderly (>85 years) males as compared to the lowest risk female group (50-64 years) was 19.78 (95% CI; 6.27, 62.3; p<0.0001). One hundred and eight patients died prior to hospital discharge for a mortality rate of 5.1 per 100,000 per year. CONCLUSIONS: Severe traumatic brain injury is common among residents of the Calgary Health Region and is associated with a high mortality rate. Males and the elderly are at the highest risk for acquiring sTBI and may represent target groups for preventive efforts.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Non-neurologic organ dysfunction in severe traumatic brain injury.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the incidence of non-neurologic organ dysfunction and its association with outcome in patients with severe traumatic brain injury admitted to intensive care. DESIGN: Observational cohort study. SETTING: Foothills Medical Centre, which is the only neurosurgical service in southern Alberta (population approximately 1.3 million). PATIENTS: Patients were 209 consecutive patients with severe traumatic brain injury. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Non-neurologic organ dysfunction was measured by the maximum modified multiple organ dysfunction score. Organ system failure was defined as a component score of >/=3 on any day during the patient's intensive care unit stay. One hundred and eighty-five patients (89%) developed dysfunction of at least one non-neurologic organ system. Ninety-six organ system failures were identified in 74 patients (35%). Respiratory failure was the most common non-neurologic organ system failure, occurring in 23% of patients, whereas cardiovascular failure occurred in 18%. Eight patients (4%) had failure of the coagulation system. One patient had renal failure, whereas no patient developed hepatic failure. In a multivariate model, non-neurologic organ dysfunction was independently associated with hospital mortality (odds ratio for hospital mortality, 1.63; 95% confidence interval, 1.34, 1.98 for one maximum modified multiple organ dysfunction score point). Non-neurologic organ dysfunction was also independently associated with dichotomized Glasgow Outcome Score, as a measure of neurologic outcome (odds ratio for unfavorable neurologic outcome, 1.53; 95% confidence interval, 1.22, 1.98 for one maximum modified multiple organ dysfunction score point). The timing of the organ dysfunction did not appear to be important in the prediction of outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Non-neurologic organ dysfunction is common in patients with severe traumatic brain injury and is independently associated with worse outcome.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Incidence, risk factors, and outcomes for occult pneumothoraces in victims of major trauma.

BACKGROUND: The supine anteroposterior chest radiograph (CXR) is an insensitive test for posttraumatic pneumothoraces (PTXs). Computed tomographic (CT) scanning often detects PTXs that were not diagnosed on CXR (occult PTXs [OPTXs]). The purpose of this study was to define the incidence, predictors, and outcomes for OPTXs after trauma. METHODS: Thoracoabdominal CT scans and corresponding CXRs of all trauma patients entered into a regional database were reviewed. Patients with OPTXs were compared with those with overt, residual, and no PTXs regarding incidence, demographics, associated injuries, early resuscitative predictors, treatment, and outcomes. RESULTS: Paired CXRs and CT scans were available for 338 of 761 (44%) patients (98.5% blunt trauma). One hundred three PTXs were present in 89 patients, 57 (55%) of which were occult; 6 (11%) were seen only on thoracic CT scan. Age, sex, length of stay, and survival were similar between all groups. OPTXs and PTXs were similar in comparative size index and number of images. Subcutaneous emphysema, pulmonary contusion, rib fracture(s), and female sex were independent predictors of OPTXs. Seventeen (35%) patients with OPTXs were ventilated, of whom 13 (76%) underwent thoracostomy. No complications resulted from observation, although 23% of patients with thoracostomy had tube-related complications or required repositioning. CONCLUSION: OPTXs are commonly missed both by CXR and even abdominal CT scanning in seriously injured patients. Basic markers available early in resuscitation are highly predictive for OPTXs and may guide management before CT scanning. Further study of OPTX detection and management is required.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Population-based study of severe trauma due to electrocution in the Calgary Health Region, 1996-2002.

BACKGROUND: Severe trauma arising from electrocution is uncommon, and we wished to study the incidence, risk factors and outcome to identify potential areas of prevention. We therefore studied an active population of adult victims of severe electrical trauma in a large area of Canada (the Calgary Health Region [CHR]). METHODS: From 3 databases, we collected data on all adult (> or = 18 yr) residents of the CHR who suffered electrical injury associated with an Injury Severity Score of 12 or greater or died as a result of electrocution between Apr. 1, 1996, and Mar. 1, 2002. Of particular interest were the incidence, the age and sex of the victims, the mechanism, the type of electrical power and the outcome. RESULTS: Ten cases of severe electrical trauma were identified (2.4 per 1 million population annually). Victims' ages were a mean (and standard deviation) of 38.2 (10.3) years. All 10 victims were male for an annual sex-specific incidence of 4.9 per 1 million people. Men aged 18-49 years were nearly 3 times more likely to be victims of electrocution than older men, although this result was not statistically significant (6.1 v. 2.1 per 1 million annually; relative risk 2.9; 95% confidence interval 0.4-127.5). All episodes of electrocution were unintentional, and 7 were occupationally related. All 10 electrocutions resulted from domestically generated current, and 9 were related to power-line exposure. Overall, 6 patients died for a death rate due to severe electrical trauma of 1.4 per 1 million people annually. CONCLUSION: This population-based study demonstrates that severe electrocution is rare but is associated with death in the majority of cases in this large Canadian region.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Recent experiences with a multidisciplinary approach to complex hepatic trauma.

BACKGROUND: The selection of an appropriate time to terminate damage control efforts when faced with haemorrhagic shock from severe hepatic trauma can be challenging. At our centre, trauma surgeons have increasingly been favouring an operative approach simply involving early perihepatic packing (without extensive use of intraoperative measures aimed at achieving definitive haemostasis) and temporary abdominal closure. This is often followed by hepatic arteriography with angioembolization, resuscitation, and early re-exploration under more optimal physiological conditions. This study describes the initial outcomes of this approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients with high-grade liver injury requiring operative intervention due to refractory haemodynamic instability, presenting to our trauma centre between 1995 and 2001 were reviewed. Two treatment groups: definitive laparotomy (DL), and early packing (EP) with angioembolization and re-exploration were compared, using a retrospective audit. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients were identified with severe liver injuries requiring operative intervention (DL 30, EP 7). Patient demographics between groups were similar. The EP group was found to have lower mortality (0% versus 36.7%), but increased length of hospital stay, transfusion requirements, and complication rates. CONCLUSIONS: A multidisciplinary approach to complex hepatic trauma involving brief damage control laparotomy with perihepatic packing only, followed by angioembolization, and early re-exploration may confer a survival benefit over early operative attempts at definitive haemostasis but is associated with complications.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Endovascular stent grafts for acute blunt aortic injury.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular stent grafting (EVSG) has emerged as a new treatment for aortic disease and has recently been applied to the treatment of acute blunt aortic injury (BAI). The purpose of this study was to determine the outcome of EVSG for patients with BAI at two tertiary (Level I) trauma centers. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients treated between January 1, 1999, and February 1, 2003, at two centers, Calgary Health Region (Calgary, Alberta) and Harborview Medical Center (Seattle, WA), with EVSG for acute BAI is reported. Variables assessed included age, sex, Injury Severity Score, total length of stay (LOS), intensive care unit LOS, operative technique, complications, technical success, mortality, and follow-up data. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients treated with EVSG for BAI were identified during this period. Twelve patients were excluded because injuries occurred more than 30 days before grafting (n = 7) or under a different protocol (n = 4), or the procedure was performed in a different center (n = 1). Sixteen patients with acute BAI were reviewed. The mean Injury Severity Score was 36.9 (SD, 17.0), with a median intensive care unit LOS of 7.5 days (interquartile range, 1-17 days) and total LOS of 24.5 days (interquartile range, 7-41 days). Mean follow-up was 10.7 months (range, 3-30 months). Technical success was achieved in all patients, no graft-related complications have been detected during follow-up, and no patient developed postoperative paraplegia. One postoperative mortality occurred secondary to severe comorbid injury. A single patient with a preoperative traumatic carotid dissection demonstrated a postoperative stroke, and one patient required thoracentesis for a pleural effusion. CONCLUSION: Repair of BAI with EVSG can be performed safely in patients with BAI. Mortality, morbidity, and especially paraplegia are reduced. Further long-term studies are required to support the routine use of EVSG technology for BAI.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2004

Prospective evaluation of computed tomographic scanning for the spinal clearance of obtunded trauma patients: preliminary results.

BACKGROUND: Screening methods for detecting cervical spine injury in obtunded ventilated patients continue to evolve. This study compared the use of plain radiography to computed tomographic (CT) scanning of cervical spines in the obtunded blunt trauma patient. The accuracy of plain radiography and CT scanning in detecting clinically significant cervical spine injury in the obtunded blunt trauma patient was evaluated. METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study with a 3-year convenience sample. The study population consisted of a high-risk subpopulation of severely injured patients, intubated or with a Glasgow Coma Scale score < 9 at presentation. Patients were assessed with a three-view cervical spine series and a CT scan of their cervical spines from the skull base to T1. Independent-blinded review of plain radiographs and CT scans was performed by two radiologists. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of plain films were compared with CT scanning. Sensitivity of CT scanning was compared with discharge diagnosis of cervical spine or cord injury. RESULTS: One hundred two patients were eligible and underwent three-view plain radiography and CT scanning. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of plain films compared with CT scanning were 39%, 98%, and 88%, respectively. CT scanning was 100% sensitive in detecting cervical spine injury. CONCLUSION: CT scanning in conjunction with plain films enhances the number of cervical spine injuries seen radiographically. Application of a protocol of plain radiographs and CT scanning may be used to clear cervical spines in the obtunded trauma patient. Ongoing evaluation of this protocol is required.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Bloodstream infection complicating trauma.

BACKGROUND: Bloodstream infection (BSI) is recognized as an important infectious complication of major trauma. However, its occurrence, the risk factors contributing to its development, and its outcomes have not been well described. DESIGN: Cohort with linkage of regional trauma and microbiology databases. PATIENTS: Adult trauma patients with injury severity score (ISS) > or = 12 admitted to a regional trauma centre during a 33-month period. RESULTS: Of 1797 victims of acute trauma identified (median ISS 20; interquartile range [IQR] 16-25), 71 (4%) had 77 episodes of BSI, for an overall rate of 2.9 per 1000 hospital days. BSI in the majority of patients (37 of 72, or 52%) had onsets within the first week of hospitalization; 7 (10%) patients had community-acquired BSI (onset within 2 d). Independently associated with the development of nosocomial BSI were higher ISSs (odds ratio [OR] 1.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02-1.07); requirement for ICU admission (OR 7.06, CI 3.38-14.75); and burns (OR 5.75, CI 2.16-15.30). Although trauma-related BSI was a predictor of increased in-hospital case fatality (15/71 v. 208/1726; relative risk 1.75, CI 1.10-2.78), it was not an independent predictor of death. CONCLUSION: In our series, 1 in 25 major trauma cases was complicated by BSI. The infection occurred within the first week after injury in over half of our cases. Knowledge of the epidemiology of these infections will be important for planning preventive or early therapeutic efforts.

Alberta↗
PubMed2003

Adopting the pre-hospital index for interfacility helicopter transport: a proposal.

BACKGROUND: Interfacility helicopter transport is expensive without proven outcome benefit in trauma patients. Our objectives were to determine the fastest method of rural to urban interfacility transport, and develop a triage tool to identify patients most in need of rapid transport. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study. Adults ISS > or = 12 transported from January 1996 to December 1998. Transport time variables were compared between geographical zones. A pre-transport index (PTI) identified two patient cohorts in which outcome was assessed. RESULTS: Air ambulance was faster than ground transport, with helicopter overall superior to fixed-wing (< 225 km range). Seventy-two percent of patients with PTI < 4 (n = 196) had no outcome indicating severe injury versus 29% of the PTI > or = 4 cohort (n=151). Mortality for PTI<4 was 1.4% versus 22% for PTI > or = 4. CONCLUSION: Interfacility helicopter transport of severely injured rural trauma patients was the overall fastest method within a 225 km range. PTI > 4 identifies patients most in need of this fast but expensive method of transport.

Adult↗