Image of the month--leiomyosarcoma of the breast.
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Breast Neoplasms↗
Biomedical subjects
M Margaret Knudson
Publications and source records attributed to M Margaret Knudson.
An evaluation of the American College of Surgeons' ultrasound education program.
BACKGROUND: Ultrasound has a wide variety of applications in surgery, but until recently few surgeons received any formal training in its use. To facilitate incorporation of ultrasound into surgical practice, the American College of Surgeons (ACoS) developed an ultrasound educational program. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact and effectiveness of the ACoS ultrasound education program. METHODS: A survey was mailed to all surgeons who had completed at least one of several ultrasound courses offered by the ACoS from 1998 to 2002. RESULTS: A total of 1,791 surveys were mailed out and 873 completed surveys were returned. Sixty-five percent (576) of respondents reported using ultrasound in their practices after these educational courses. Of those performing ultrasound examinations, 267 did so in one clinical area and 309 in more than one. The most common examination was breast (369 surgeons); vascular, acute/trauma, abdominal, intraoperative/laparoscopic, and head/neck were utilized fairly equally (100-200 surgeons). The number of examinations performed by surgeons before they felt competent was between 11 and 20 and did not vary by the type of ultrasound examination. Of the 267 surgeons performing ultrasound in one clinical area, 176 performed ultrasound-guided procedures. Most surgeons had access to 2 ultrasound machines, but 386 (67%) were restricted from performing ultrasound in certain locations. CONCLUSIONS: The ACoS ultrasound courses are extremely popular and have contributed to the increasing use of ultrasound in surgical practice. Surgeons successfully use ultrasound in their practices including performance of ultrasound-guided procedures but are restricted from using ultrasound in certain patient care areas. Since many surgeons received prior and/or additional training outside of the ACoS, there is a need to facilitate export of ACoS courses to other venues and to focus on incorporating ultrasound training into surgical residency programs.
Chi-Square Distribution↗
Blood doping in the surgical intensive care unit.
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Blood Transfusion↗
Controlled cortical impact in swine: pathophysiology and biomechanics.
Investigations of the basic pathological, cellular, and molecular mechanisms of traumatic brain injury (TBI) over the past two decades have been carried out primarily in rodents. Unfortunately, these studies have not translated into improved outcome in patients with TBI. To better model human TBI, a swine model of controlled cortical impact (CCI) was developed. A CCI device was used to generate a focal lesion in 23 anesthetized male Yorkshire swine. In 10 swine, CCI parameters of velocity and dwell time were varied to achieve a consistent injury (3.5 m/sec, 400 msec, respectively). In 13 swine, depth of depression was varied from 9 to 12 mm. Physiological data, including heart rate (HR), mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), intracranial pressure (ICP), and cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP), were collected for 10 h after injury. Following injury, ICP and HR increased above baseline values in all swine, with a more pronounced elevation in animals impacted to a depth of depression of 12 mm. An 11-mm depth of depression was found to most closely mimic pathological features of human TBI with edema, infiltration of inflammatory cells, pericapillary hemorrhage, and petechial hemorrhages in the white matter. Injury to a depth of depression of 12 mm resulted in cortical laceration obscuring these features. Immunohistological staining with Neu-N, MAP-2, and Fluoro Jade B revealed evidence of degenerating neurons, axonal disruption, and impending cell death. These results indicate that the swine model of CCI results in a defined and reproducible injury with pathological features similar to human TBI. Physiological parameters after injury are readily monitored in a setting mimicking conditions of an intensive care unit, establishing a more clinically relevant experimental model for future investigations.
Animals↗
Prehospital hypoxia affects outcome in patients with traumatic brain injury: a prospective multicenter study.
BACKGROUND: The goals of this study were to determine the incidence and duration of hypotension and hypoxia in the prehospital setting in patients with potentially survivable brain injuries, and to prospectively examine the association of these secondary insults with mortality and disability at hospital discharge. METHODS: Trauma patients with suspected brain injuries underwent continuous blood pressure and pulse oximetry monitoring during helicopter transport. Postadmission inclusion criteria were (1) diagnosis of acute traumatic brain injury (TBI) confirmed by computed tomography (CT) scan, operative findings, or autopsy findings; and (2) Head Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) score of > or = 3 or Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of < or = 12 within the first 24 hours of admission. Patients were excluded with (1) no abnormal intracranial findings on the patient's CT scan; (2) determination of a nonsurvivable injury (based on an AIS score of 6 for any body region; or, (3) death in less than 12 hours after injury. Primary outcome measures included mortality and Disability Rating Scale score at discharge. RESULTS: We enrolled 150 patients into the study. Fifty-seven patients had at least one secondary insult; 37 had only hypoxic episodes, 14 had only hypotensive episodes, and 6 patients had both. Demographics and injury characteristics did not differ between those with and those without secondary insults. The mortality for patients without secondary insults was 20%, compared with 37% for patients with hypoxic episodes, 8% for patients with hypotensive episodes, and 24% for patients with both. The Disability Rating Scale score at discharge was significantly higher in patients with secondary insults. Using multivariate analysis, the calculated odds ratio of mortality caused by prehospital hypoxia after head injury was 2.66 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Secondary insults after TBI are common, and these insults are associated with disability. Hypoxia in the prehospital setting significantly increases the odds of mortality after brain injury controlled for multiple variables.
Adult↗
Continuous muscle tissue oxygenation in critically injured patients: a prospective observational study.
BACKGROUND: Despite normalization of vital signs, critically injured patients may remain in a state of occult underresuscitation that sets the stage for sepsis, organ failure, and death. A continuous, sensitive, and accurate measure of resuscitation after injury remains elusive. METHODS: In this pilot study, we evaluated the ability of two continuous measures of peripheral tissue oxygenation in their ability to detect hypoperfusion: the Licox polarographic tissue oxygen monitor (PmO2) and the InSpectra near-infrared spectrometer (StO2). We hypothesized that deltoid muscle tissue oxygenation measurements could detect patients in "occult shock" who are at increased risk for post-injury complications. The study was designed to (1) define values for PmO2 and StO2 in patients who by all standard measures appeared to be clinically resuscitated; (2) evaluate the relationship between PmO2, StO2 and other physiologic variables including mean arterial pressure (MAP), lactate and base deficit (BD); and (3) examine the relationship between early low tissue oxygen values and the subsequent development of infections and organ dysfunction. Licox probes were inserted into the deltoid muscle of critically injured patients after initial surgical and radiologic interventions, and transcutaneous StO2 monitors were applied over the same muscle bed. PmO2, StO2, and standard physiologic data were collected continuously using a multimodal bioinformatics system. RESULTS: Twenty-eight critically injured patients were enrolled in this study at admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). For patients who appeared to be well resuscitated (defined as MAP > or = 70 mm Hg, heart rate [HR] < or = 110 bpm, BD > or = -2, and partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2) = 80 and 150 mm Hg), the mean PmO2 was 34 +/- 11 mm Hg and StO2 was 63 +/- 27%. There was a strong relationship between PmO2 and BD (p < 0.001) but no significant relationship between StO2 and BD. The relationship between PmO2 and StO2 was weak but statistically significant. Early low values of both PmO2 and StO2 identified patients at risk for infectious complications or multiple organ failure (MOF). In patients who were well resuscitated by standard continuous parameters (HR and MAP), low PmO2 during the first 24 hours after admission (PmO2 < or = 25 for at least 2 hours) was strongly associated with the development of infectious complications (Odds Ratio = 16.5, 95% CI 1.49 to 183, p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: PmO2 is a responsive, reliable and continuous monitor of changes in base deficit. Initial low values for either PmO2 or StO2 were associated with post-injury complications. PmO2 monitoring may be useful in identifying patients in the state of occult underresuscitation who remain at risk for developing infection and MOF.
Adolescent↗
Mental illness as an independent risk factor for unintentional injury and injury recidivism.
BACKGROUND: Twelve percent of Americans are diagnosed and treated for mental illness annually. The relationship between mental illness and intentional injuries such as assault and suicide has previously been described. However, unintentional injury among mentally ill adults has not been characterized. The purpose of this study was to identify relationships between mental illness diagnosis and unintentional injury. We hypothesized that diagnosed mental illness is an independent risk factor for unintentional injury and it increases the risk of recidivism. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, trauma registry data, medical records, and outpatient mental health care data from the San Francisco Department of Public Health Billing Information System (BIS) were used to identify patients admitted with unintentional injury at a Level I urban trauma center in 2003 and 2004. Data collected included mechanism of injury, patient outcome and disposition, mental health diagnoses, substance abuse history, presence of homelessness, number of repeat injury events, and outpatient mental health treatment history. The incidence of unintentional injury requiring admission to a trauma center and the risk of intentional injury recidivism in subjects with a mental illness diagnosis were compared with those in subjects without a mental illness diagnosis. The risk of recidivism in those who had received publicly funded outpatient treatment before their injury was also evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 1,709 patients admitted for unintentional injury, 20% had a diagnosis of mental illness. Individuals with mental illness had twice the rate of unintentional injury requiring admission (2.2-2.4 people in 1,000 vs. 1.0-1.1 in 1,000) and 4.5 times the odds of injury recidivism (odds ratio [OR] = 4.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.3-6.1) as those who did not have a mental illness diagnosis. Mental illness was a more robust predictor of injury recidivism than substance abuse (OR = 3.2, 95% CI 2.3-4.3) or homelessness (OR = 2.3, 95% CI 1.5-3.4). Compared with the nonmentally ill group, subjects with mental illness had a longer hospital stay and were less likely to be discharged home. Also, their injuries were more likely the result of falling or being hit by cars, and less likely the result of motor vehicle collisions than subjects without mental illness. CONCLUSIONS: Mental illness is an independent risk factor for unintentional injury and injury recidivism. Individuals with mental illness also have a different pattern of injury and hospitalization. They tended to suffer from different mechanisms of injury, stayed in the hospital longer, and were more likely to be discharged to a skilled nursing facility. Recognition of mental illness as a risk factor for injury may prompt re-examination of resource allocation for mental health and injury prevention and highlights the mentally ill as a prime target population for unintentional injury prevention efforts.
Adolescent↗
San Francisco pedestrian injury surveillance: mapping, under-reporting, and injury severity in police and hospital records.
GOALS: Police reports of severely injured pedestrians help identify hazardous traffic areas in San Francisco, but they under-report non-fatal collisions. We set out to: identify injured pedestrians who were missing from police collision reports, see what biases exist in injury reporting and assess the utility of broad categories of police severe injury (including fatal) for mapping and analysis. METHODS: We linked data on injured pedestrians from police collision reports listed in the Statewide Integrated Traffic Reporting System (SWITRS, n = 1991) with records of pedestrians treated at San Francisco General Hospital (SFGH, n = 1323) for 2000 and 2001. Data were analyzed using bivariate statistics, logistic regression and mapping. RESULTS: : We found that police collision reports underestimated the number of injured pedestrians by 21% (531/2442). Pedestrians treated at SFGH who were African-American were less likely then whites (odds ratio = 0.55, p-value < or= 0.01), and females were more likely than males (odds ratio = 1.5, p-value < or = 0.01) to have a police collision report. Over 70% of pedestrians deemed by the police to have a severe injury received treatment at SFGH, regardless of the collision's distance from SFGH. The sensitivity of a police-designated severe injury (including fatal) was 69% and the specificity was 89% when compared with a known SFGH assessment. But, sensitivity declined when we included pedestrians without a SFGH record. CONCLUSION: Though collision reports have demonstrated limitations, broad categories of police severity may be sensitive enough to map locations where numerous severe injuries occur, for timely countermeasure selection.
Accidents, Traffic↗
Profile of mothers at risk: an analysis of injury and pregnancy loss in 1,195 trauma patients.
BACKGROUND: Trauma is the number one cause of maternal death during pregnancy, but incidence of fetal loss exceeds maternal loss by more than 3 to 1. We hypothesized that we could identify women at risk for injury during pregnancy and focus our prevention efforts. STUDY DESIGN: Women of childbearing age in the American College of Surgeon's National Trauma Data Bank served as the study population. Pregnant patients were compared with nonpregnant patients with respect to age, race, mechanism of injury, injury patterns and severity, risk-taking behaviors, and outcomes. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for loss of pregnancy in mothers who survived their trauma. RESULTS: Pregnant trauma patients (n = 1,195) were younger, less severely injured, and more likely to be African American or Hispanic as compared with the nonpregnant cohort (n = 76,126). Twenty percent of injured pregnant patients tested positive for drugs or alcohol, and approximately one-third of those involved in motor vehicle crashes were not using seatbelts. Independent risk factors for fetal loss after trauma included Injury Severity Score > 15; Adjusted Injury Score > or = 3 in the head, abdomen, thorax, or lower extremities; and Glasgow Coma Score < or = 8. CONCLUSIONS: Young, African-American, and Hispanic pregnant women are at higher risk for trauma in pregnancy and are most likely to benefit from primary trauma prevention efforts. Those with severe head, abdominal, thoracic, or lower extremity injuries are at high risk for pregnancy loss. Reduction of secondary insults and early recognition of fetal distress may improve outcomes for both the mother and fetus in this high-risk group.
Adolescent↗
Posttraumatic stress symptoms in children after mild to moderate pediatric trauma: a longitudinal examination of symptom prevalence, correlates, and parent-child symptom reporting.
BACKGROUND: Full recovery from injury may be hindered by both physical ailments and psychologic distress. Little information is available on the psychologic response of children to physical trauma, although long-term dysfunction may result if psychologic needs are not identified and addressed. This study examined the prevalence and correlates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in children and adolescents after an acute traumatic event resulting in mild to moderate physical injury. We were also interested in analyzing the discrepancies between parent/child reporting of the child's PTSD symptomatology. Because of the paucity of research evaluating interventions for pediatric PTSD, and as a secondary objective for this study, we collected preliminary data on the effectiveness of a single-session art therapy intervention designed to reduce PTSD symptoms. METHOD: From July 1998 through October 2000, 83 children/adolescents between the ages of 7 and 17 and their caregivers were interviewed within 24 hours of hospital admission and assessed for PTSD symptomatology, trauma history, and other measures of child and family functioning. Interviews were repeated at 1 month, 6 months, and 18 months after the initial hospitalization. Patients with at least mild symptomatology at the initial interview were randomized to receive either an art therapy intervention or standard hospital services alone. RESULTS: A total of 69% of children were found to have at least mild PTSD symptoms at baseline, 57% at 1 month, 59% at 6 months, and 38% at 18 months postinjury. Younger age and the severity of parental PTSD symptoms were correlated with symptom presence in children. Parents initially underreported their child's symptom severity when compared with the child's report, but assessments converged over time. The art therapy intervention showed no sustained effects on the reduction of PTSD symptoms. CONCLUSION: The presence of PTSD symptoms in children after traumatic injury is very high. Parental distress and characteristics of the family environment appear to be more relevant to the presence of child symptoms than the family make-up, course of hospitalization, or extent of the child's injuries. Parents may not initially recognize the degree to which their children experience such symptoms. The high presence of symptoms in this population underscores the need for treatment efficacy studies and parent/medical staff education in identification of PTSD.
Adolescent↗
Surgeon-performed bedside organ assessment with sonography after trauma (BOAST): a pilot study from the WTA Multicenter Group.
BACKGROUND: Although nonoperative management of solid organ injuries is a well-accepted practice, a rapid method to assess the progression of the injury, the early development of organ-related complications, and the frequency with which follow-up computed tomography (CT) scans are needed has yet to be determined. The use of ultrasound in this setting may provide information that would improve the rate of organ salvage and decrease the patient's morbidity. The objectives of this study were to determine whether surgeons could successfully use a bedside organ assessment with sonography after trauma (BOAST) examination to: (1) detect a solid organ injury; and (2) assess for changes in the size of the organ injury, an increase or decrease in hemoperitoneum, and the development of organ-related complications. METHODS: A prospective, multicenter study was conducted using BOAST to evaluate patients undergoing nonoperative management of their solid organ injuries. Patients had to have: (1) a Focused Assessment for Sonography of Trauma (FAST) examination on admission; (2) a solid organ injury documented by an admission abdominal CT scan; and (3) the criteria for nonoperative management. BOAST was performed within 24 hours of admission and every 3 to 4 days to evaluate for an increase or decrease in hemoperitoneum [Ultrasound (US) heme score: from 0 = none to 3 = large], change in injury size, and organ-specific complications. BOAST results were compared with the radiologists' interpretation of the initial and follow-up CT scans, and with patient outcomes. RESULTS: During a 22 month period, 126 patients sustained 135 solid organ injuries, 46 (34.1%) of these were seen by BOAST (Error rate = 66%). Serial US heme scores = 0 (no hemoperitoneum) were observed in 56 of 126 patients who had a combination of multi-system injury and a dropping Hgb, indicating that there was no further bleeding from the injured organ(s). Surgeons detected 13 of the 15 complications that were confirmed later by conventional imaging. CONCLUSIONS: (1) BOAST has limitations in identifying solid organ injuries, especially those that are lower grade; (2) the US heme score is a valuable adjunct to the clinical examination in following patients with high-grade solid organ injuries and a dropping hemoglobin; and (3) although uncommon, organ-related complications may be identified using BOAST.
Adolescent↗
Motorcycle helmet laws: every surgeon's responsibility.
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Craniocerebral Trauma↗
Venous thromboembolism after trauma.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The trauma population is at increased risk of venous thromboembolic disease, a potentially preventable cause of mortality and morbidity. Although the association between trauma and venous thromboembolism has been recognized for more than a century, there is still great variability in the clinical practices with respect to prophylaxis. This thorough review of recent literature aims to clarify the incidence and risk factors for deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism after trauma, review options and recommendations for detection of deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, and give evidence-based recommendations for prophylaxis. Special attention is paid to patients with spinal cord injury, patients with head injury, and pediatric trauma patients. RECENT FINDINGS: Highlights in this field during the past year include stratification of venous thromboembolism risk factors after trauma using a large national database, the expanded use of venous duplex ultrasound surveillance in the ICU and during rehabilitation, and investigations into the safety of low molecular weight heparins in patients with solid organ and traumatic brain injuries. Additionally, two new classes of anticoagulant drugs have been introduced for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis, and there are some preliminary studies on a temporary vena cava filter for the prevention of pulmonary embolism. SUMMARY: Venous thromboembolism remains an area of active clinical research focusing on evolving diagnostic techniques, newer methods of chemical and mechanical prophylaxis, and improved understanding of the etiologic factors of posttraumatic venous thromboembolism. These efforts will undoubtedly decrease the posttraumatic morbidity and mortality associated with venous thromboembolism.
Algorithms↗
Thromboembolism after trauma: an analysis of 1602 episodes from the American College of Surgeons National Trauma Data Bank.
OBJECTIVE: Venous thromboembolic events (VTE) are potentially preventable causes of morbidity and mortality after injury. We hypothesized that the current clinical incidence of VTE is relatively low and that VTE risk factors could be identified. METHODS: We queried the ACS National Trauma Data Bank for episodes of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and/or pulmonary embolism (PE). We examined demographic data, VTE risk factors, outcomes, and VTE prophylaxis measures in patients admitted to the 131 contributing trauma centers. RESULTS: From a total of 450,375 patients, 1602 (0.36%) had a VTE (998 DVT, 522 PE, 82 both), for an incidence of 0.36%. Ninety percent of patients with VTE had 1 of the 9 risk factors commonly associated with VTE. Six risk factors found to be independently significant in multivariate logistic regression for VTE were age > or = 40 years (odds ratio [OR] 2.01; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.74 to 2.32), lower extremity fracture with AIS > or = 3 (OR 1.92; 95% CI 1.64 to 2.26), head injury with AIS > or = 3 (OR 1.24; 95% CI 1.05 to 1.46), ventilator days >3 (OR 8.08; 95% CI 6.86 to 9.52), venous injury (OR 3.56; 95% CI 2.22 to 5.72), and a major operative procedure (OR 1.53; 95% CI 1.30 to 1.80). Vena cava filters were placed in 3,883 patients, 86% as PE prophylaxis, including in 410 patients without an identifiable risk factor for VTE. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who need VTE prophylaxis after trauma can be identified based on risk factors. The use of prophylactic vena cava filters should be re-examined.
Adolescent↗
Urgent and emergent thoracotomy for penetrating chest trauma.
BACKGROUND: Resuscitative thoracotomy (TCY) after trauma has an overall dismal survival rate, yet patients with isolated penetrating chest wounds have the best chance of meaningful recovery. Although the major factor in outcome is presenting physiology, the site of the TCY may influence survival, with the operating room offering a superior environment to the emergency room. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of location of TCY on outcome after penetrating chest injury. METHODS: This was a multicenter study of patients admitted with either stab (SW) or gunshot wound (GSW) to the chest, with systolic blood pressure < or = 90 mm Hg, and who underwent TCY within 60 minutes of arrival. Time to TCY, Injury Severity Score, location of TCY (emergency room, operating room, or resuscitation room), and detectable systolic pressure at admission were among the factors studied. RESULTS: Over a 4-year period, 78 SW and 140 GSW victims underwent TCY. GSW victims had greater Injury Severity Scores (39.4 +/- 23.1 for GSW vs. 27.2 +/- 15.7 for SW, p < 0.001) and mortality (69% for GSW vs. 37% for SW, p < 0.001). No parameter studied was found to be significantly associated with survival after SW. After GSW, survival was 13.5 times more likely if TCY was performed in the resuscitation room (confidence interval, 3.3-54.6) and 22 times more likely if it was performed in the operating room (confidence interval, 6.7-73.7). CONCLUSION: Although patient selection is the primary factor determining outcome, there may be an independent benefit for performing TCY after GSW in a specialized resuscitation room or the operating room.
Abbreviated Injury Scale↗
Splenic embolization revisited: a multicenter review.
BACKGROUND: Splenic embolization can increase nonoperative salvage. However, complications are not clearly defined. A retrospective multicenter review was performed to delineate the risks and benefits of splenic embolization. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of all patients undergoing splenic embolization from 1997 to 2002 at four separate Level I trauma centers was performed. Reviewed results included patient demographics, admission and follow-up computed tomographic scan results, angiographic technique, and patient outcomes including splenic salvage rate and procedural complications. RESULTS: A total of 140 patients were reviewed. The majority were young male patients involved in motor vehicle crashes. These patients had high abdominal computed tomographic grades of splenic injury and moderate Injury Severity Scores. The splenic salvage rate was 87%, which decreased with increasing injury grade. However, over 80% of splenic injury grades 4 and 5 were successfully managed nonoperatively. Significant hemoperitoneum did not affect success, but the presence of arteriovenous fistula was associated with a high failure rate, even with embolization. Salvage rates were similar between main coil and subselective embolization groups. Patients over 55 years of age did no worse than younger patients. Major complications included bleeding in 16 patients; 6 splenic abscesses, with 5 patients requiring splenectomy; and 1 episode of arterial injury requiring operative repair. CONCLUSION: Splenic embolization remains a valuable technique in splenic salvage, especially in higher grade injuries. Complications are common but do not seem to affect outcome.
Abdominal Injuries↗
Small-volume resuscitation with the hemoglobin substitute HBOC-201: effect on brain tissue oxygenation.
OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of small-volume resuscitation with a hemoglobin based oxygen carrier on brain tissue oxygen tension (PbrO2) in hemorrhaged swine. METHODS: Clark-type electrodes were inserted into the brain tissue of 6 swine to measure PbrO2 directly. Swine were hemorrhaged to a MAP of 40 mm Hg for 20 minutes. Resuscitation was performed with a bolus infusion of HBOC-201 (6 cc/kg; Biopure Corp.) and high-flow oxygen (100%). Swine were observed for an additional 2 hours. RESULTS: PbrO2 prior to hemorrhage was 48.7 +/- 4.7 mm Hg with 100% inspired oxygen. PbrO2 rapidly declined to 7.6 +/- 5.3 mm Hg in response to hemorrhage. Small-volume resuscitation with HBOC-201 and high-flow oxygen resulted in a significant increase (p < 0.001) in PbrO2 to 44.6 +/- 8.1 mm Hg. MAP was also significantly increased to 84% of baseline. These elevations were sustained during the observation period. CONCLUSIONS: Resuscitation with HBOC-201 can restore and sustain cerebral oxygenation and MAP. These results suggest that a small-volume bolus of HBOC-201 may provide adequate oxygen and pressure support during the initial management of hemorrhage.
Animals↗
Fractures in access to and assessment of trauma systems.
BACKGROUND: Trauma is a major public health problem and organized systems of trauma care have been shown to substantially reduce trauma-related mortality. Currently California and many other states have incompletely developed systems of trauma care delivery. This study was undertaken to determine how frequently patients incurring serious trauma in California receive treatment at a trauma center. STUDY DESIGN: Hospital discharge records for 360,743 acute trauma patients for 1995 to 1997 were analyzed. Abbreviated Injury Scale scores were calculated from discharge diagnosis codes. Severity of trauma and the need for trauma center treatment was defined by eight Abbreviated Injury Scale criteria combined with patient age and type of injury. RESULTS: According to study criteria, 67,718 patients needed trauma center care and 56% were treated at a trauma center. Among patients less than 55 years of age, 62% were treated at a trauma center compared with 40% of those aged 55 years or more (p < 0.0001). For patients less than 55 years old with brain injuries, 66% were treated at a trauma center compared with 44% for patients aged 55 years or more (p < 0.0001). Of the 29,849 patients who met Abbreviated Injury Scale criteria but were not treated at trauma centers, 59% were in counties with designated trauma centers and 41% were in counties without trauma centers. CONCLUSIONS: Only 56% of seriously injured patients in California were treated at trauma centers, despite most of the injuries occurring in the catchment areas of designated trauma care systems. Substantial undertriage of serious trauma patients to trauma centers appears to be occurring, especially in older persons and in persons with brain injuries. Efforts to understand why undertriage is occurring so frequently are hampered by fragmentation of the systems of care, inadequate data management systems, and lack of trauma care performance reporting by non-trauma center hospitals.
Abbreviated Injury Scale↗