Bone Anchor Fixation in the Repair of Blunt Traumatic Abdominal Wall Hernias: A Western Trauma Association Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND: Blunt traumatic abdominal wall hernias (TAWHs) are rare but require a variety of operative techniques to repair including bone anchor fixation (BAF) when tissue tears off bony structures. This study aimed to provide a descriptive analysis of BAF technique for blunt TAWH repair. Bone anchor fixation and no BAF repairs were compared, hypothesizing increased hernia recurrence with BAF repair. METHODS: A secondary analysis of the WTA blunt TAWH multicenter study was performed including all patients who underwent repair of their TAWH. Patients with BAF were compared to those with no BAF with bivariate analyses. RESULTS: 176 patients underwent repair of their TAWH with 41 (23.3%) undergoing BAF. 26 (63.4%) patients had tissue fixed to bone, with 7 of those reinforced with mesh. The remaining 15 (36.6%) patients had bridging mesh anchored to bone. The BAF group had a similar age, sex, body mass index, and injury severity score compared to the no BAF group. The time to repair (1 vs 1 days, P = .158), rate of hernia recurrence (9.8% vs 12.7%, P = .786), and surgical site infection (SSI) (12.5% vs 15.6%, P = .823) were all similar between cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: This largest series to date found nearly one-quarter of TAWH repairs required BAF. Bone anchor fixation repairs had a similar rate of hernia recurrence and SSI compared to no BAF repairs, suggesting this is a reasonable option for repair of TAWH. However, future prospective studies are needed to compare specific BAF techniques and evaluate long-term outcomes including patient-centered outcomes such as pain and quality of life.

Structural Racism, Residential Segregation, and Exposure to Trauma: The Persistent Impact of Redlining.

INTRODUCTION: As part of New Deal era federal housing policy, the Home Owners Loan Corporation (HOLC) developed maps grading US neighborhoods by perceived financial security. Neighborhoods with high concentrations of racial and ethnic minorities were deemed financially unstable and denied federal investment, a practice colloquially known as redlining. The aim of this study was to assess the association of historical redlining within Austin, Texas to spatial patterns of penetrating traumatic injury. METHODS: Retrospective cross sectional study utilizing data from violent penetrating trauma admissions between January 1, 2014 - December 31, 2021, at the single Level 1 trauma center in Austin, Texas. Using ArcGIS, addresses where the injury took place were geocoded and spatial joining was used to match them to their corresponding census tract, for which 1935 HOLC financial designations are classified as: "Hazardous", "Definitely Declining", "Still Desirable", "Best", or "Non HOLC Graded". Tracts with designations of "Hazardous" and "Definitely Declining" were categorized as Redlined. The adjusted incidence rate ratio comparing rates of penetrating trauma among historically Redlined vs. Not Redlined and Not Graded census tracts was calculated. RESULTS: 1,404 violent penetrating trauma admissions were identified for the study period, of which 920 occurred within the county of interest. Among these, 5% occurred in census tracts that were Not Redlined, 13% occurred in Redlined tracts, and 82% occurred in non HOLC graded tracts. When adjusting for differences in current census tract demographics and social vulnerability, historically Redlined areas experienced a higher rate of penetrating traumatic injury (Not Redlined IRR = 0.42, 95% CI 0.19-0.94, p = 0.03; Not Graded IRR = 0.15, 95% CI 0.07-0.29, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Neighborhoods unfavorably classified by HOLC in 1935 continue to experience a higher incidence rate of violent penetrating trauma today. These results underscore the persistent impacts of structural racism and of historical residential segregation policies on exposure to trauma. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Prognostic and Epidemiological.

Barriers to Breastfeeding During Surgery Residency.

OBJECTIVE: Breastfeeding is a highly demanding experience, especially for surgical residents who pump after returning to work. We believe that there are obstacles to pumping and opportunities exist to improve support for this group. The objective of this study was to understand the experience of breastfeeding surgery residents and find opportunities for increased support. DESIGN: Surveys were sent out through the Association of Program Directors in Surgery for distribution among current residents. A survey was also conducted in a private group of surgeon mothers to identify those who had previously been breastfeeding during residency. SETTING: All surveys were performed online with results collected in a REDCap web-based application. PARTICIPANTS: Participants were those who gave birth during their surgical residency. RESULTS: 67% of the 246 survey respondents stated that they did not have adequate time for pumping and 56% rarely had access to a lactation room. 69% of mothers reported a reduction in milk supply and 64% stated that the time constraints of residency shortened the total duration they breastfed. 59% of women did not feel comfortable asking to pump. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical residents reported a lack of space, resources, and dedicated time for pumping. These deficiencies contribute to shorter breastfeeding duration. It is crucial to provide lactation rooms and to foster a supportive culture.

Nonoperative Management for Low-Grade Blunt Thoracic Aortic Injury.

BACKGROUND: Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is the standard of care for the treatment of blunt thoracic aortic injury (BTAI) requiring intervention. Data suggest that low-grade BTAI (grade I [intimal tears] or grade II [intramural hematoma]) will resolve spontaneously if treated with nonoperative management (NOM) alone. There has been no comparison specifically between the use of NOM vs TEVAR for low-grade BTAI. We hypothesize that these low-grade injuries can be safely managed with NOM alone. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of all patients with a low-grade BTAI in the Aortic Trauma Foundation Registry from 2016 to 2021 was performed. The study population was 1 primary outcome was mortality. Secondary outcomes included complications, ICU length of stay, and ventilator days. RESULTS: A total of 880 patients with BTAI were enrolled. Of the 269 patients with low-grade BTAI, 218 (81%) were treated with NOM alone (81% grade I, 19% grade II), whereas 51 (19%) underwent a TEVAR (20% grade I, 80% grade II). There was no difference in demographic or mechanism of injury in patients with low-grade BTAI who underwent NOM vs TEVAR. There was a difference in mortality between NOM alone and TEVAR (8% vs 18%, p = 0.009). Aortic-related mortality was 0.5% in the NOM group and 4% in the TEVAR group (p = 0.06). Hospital and ICU length of stay and ventilator days were not different between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: NOM alone is safe and appropriate management for low-grade BTAI, with lower mortality and decreased rates of complication when compared with routine initial TEVAR.

Temporal changes in the prehospital management of trauma patients: 2014-2021.

INTRODUCTION: Aggressive prehospital interventions (PHI) in trauma may not improve outcomes compared to prioritizing rapid transport. The aim of this study was to quantify temporal changes in the frequency of PHI performed by EMS. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of adult patients transported by EMS to our trauma center from January 1, 2014 to 12/31/2021. PHI were recorded and annual changes in their frequency were assessed via year-by-year trend analysis and multivariate regression. RESULTS: Between the first and last year of the study period, the frequency of thoracostomy (6% vs. 9%, p â€‹= â€‹0.001), TXA administration (0.3% vs. 33%, p â€‹< â€‹0.001), and whole blood administration (0% vs. 20%, p â€‹< â€‹0.001) increased. Advanced airway procedures (21% vs. 12%, p â€‹< â€‹0.001) and IV fluid administration (57% vs. 36%, p â€‹< â€‹0.001) decreased. ED mortality decreased from 8% to 5% (p â€‹= â€‹0.001) over the study period. On multivariate regression, no PHI were independently associated with increased or decreased ED mortality. CONCLUSION: PHI have changed significantly over the past eight years. However, no PHI were independently associated with increased or decreased ED mortality.

A western trauma association multicenter comparison of mesh versus non-mesh repair of blunt traumatic abdominal wall hernias.

BACKGROUND: Blunt traumatic abdominal wall hernias (TAWH) occur in <1 % of trauma patients. Optimal repair techniques, such as mesh reinforcement, have not been studied in detail. We hypothesize that mesh use will be associated with increased surgical site infections (SSI) and not improve hernia recurrence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A secondary analysis of the Western Trauma Association blunt TAWH multicenter study was performed. Patients who underwent TAWH repair during initial hospitalization (1/2012-12/2018) were included. Mesh repair patients were compared to primary repair patients (non-mesh). A logistic regression was conducted to assess risk factors for SSI. RESULTS: 157 patients underwent TAWH repair during index hospitalization with 51 (32.5 %) having mesh repair: 24 (45.3 %) synthetic and 29 (54.7 %) biologic. Mesh patients were more commonly smokers (43.1 % vs. 22.9 %, p = 0.016) and had a larger defect size (10 vs. 6 cm, p = 0.003). Mesh patients had a higher rate of SSI (25.5 % vs. 9.5 %, p = 0.016) compared to non-mesh patients, but a similar rate of recurrence (13.7 % vs. 10.5%, p = 0.742), hospital length of stay (LOS), and mortality. Mesh use (OR 3.66) and higher ISS (OR 1.06) were significant risk factors for SSI in a multivariable model. CONCLUSION: Mesh was used more frequently in flank TAWH and those with a larger defect size. Mesh use was associated with a higher incidence and risk of SSI but did not reduce the risk of hernia recurrence. When repairing TAWH mesh should be employed judiciously, and prospective randomized studies are needed to identify clear indications for mesh use in TAWH.

Effects of gender on work-life balance satisfaction among trauma surgeons: A survey study.

BACKGROUND: Physician burnout rates are rising. Because dissatisfaction with work-life balance (WLB) is associated with burnout, improving this balance is a key solution. This cross-sectional survey study aims to evaluate factors associated with WLB in trauma surgeons, stratified by gender. METHODS: This is a secondary analysis, studying gender, of a AAST survey evaluating predictors of WLB in trauma surgeons. Survey topics include demographics, clinical practice, family, lifestyle, and emotional support. Subgroups were analyzed independently; primary outcome was WLB satisfaction. RESULTS: 292 AAST members completed the survey. Responses were stratified by gender (29% females, 71% males). Independent predictors of WLB satisfaction are: Females: more awake hours at home, having a job well-suited for them, better about meeting deadlines. Males: comfortable declining new tasks, fair compensation, healthy diet, workplace emotional support. CONCLUSION: Factors associated with WLB satisfaction in trauma surgeons are different based on gender. This information may help trauma surgeons mitigate burnout.

The more you have, the more you lose: Muscle mass changes in trauma patients with prolonged hospitalizations.

INTRODUCTION: Sarcopenia is a clinically relevant loss of muscle mass with implications of increased morbidity and mortality in adult trauma populations.  Our study aimed to evaluate loss of muscle mass change in adult trauma patients with prolonged hospital stays. METHODS: Retrospective analysis using institutional trauma registry to identify all adult trauma patients with hospital length of stay >14 days admitted to our Level 1 center between 2010 and 2017. All CT images were reviewed, and cross-sectional area (cm2) of the left psoas muscle was measured at the level of the third lumbar vertebral body to determine total psoas area (TPA) and Total Psoas Index (TPI) normalized for patient stature.  Sarcopenia was defined as a TPI on admission below gender specific thresholds of 5.45(cm2/m2) in men and 3.85(cm2/m2) in women.  TPA, TPI, and rates of change in TPI were then evaluated and compared between sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic adult trauma patients. RESULTS: There were 81 adult trauma patients who met inclusion criteria. The average change in TPA was -3.8 cm2 and TPI was -1.3 cm2. On admission, 23% (n = 19) of patients were sarcopenic while 77% (n = 62) were not. Non-sarcopenic patients had a significantly greater change in TPA (-4.9 vs. -0.31, p<0.0001), TPI (-1.7 vs. -0.13, p<0.0001), and rate of decrease in muscle mass (p = 0.0002). 37% of patients who were admitted with normal muscle mass developed sarcopenia during admission.  Older age was the only risk factor independently associated with developing sarcopenia (OR: 1.04, 95%CI 1.00-1.08, p = 0.045). CONCLUSION: Over a third of patients with normal muscle mass at admission subsequently developed sarcopenia with older age as the primary risk factor. Patients with normal muscle mass at admission had greater decreases in TPA and TPI, and accelerated rates of muscle mass loss compared to sarcopenic patients.

Nonoperative Management of Blunt Hepatic Trauma: Comparison of Level I and II Trauma Centers.

INTRODUCTION: Most blunt liver injuries are treated with nonoperative management (NOM), and angiointervention (AI) has become a common adjunct. This study evaluated the use of AI, blood product utilization, pharmacological venous thromboembolic prophylaxis (VTEp), and outcomes in severe blunt liver trauma managed nonoperatively at level I versus II trauma centers. METHODS: American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program (TQIP) study (2013-2016), including adult patients with severe blunt liver injuries (AIS score>/= 3) treated with NOM, was conducted. Epidemiological and clinical characteristics, severity of liver injury (AIS), use of AI, blood product utilization, and VTEp were collected. Outcomes included survival, complications, failure of NOM, blood product utilization, and length of stay (LOS). RESULTS: Study included 2825 patients: 2230(78.9%) in level I and 595(21.1%) in level II centers. There was no difference in demographics, clinical presentation, or injury severity between centers. Angiointervention was used in 6.4% in level I and 7.2% in level II centers (P=.452). Level II centers were less likely to use LMWH for VTEp (.003). There was no difference in mortality or failure of NOM. In level II centers, there was a significantly higher 24-hour blood product utilization (PRBC P = .015 and platelets P = .002), longer ventilator days (P = .012), and longer ICU (P< .001) and hospital LOS (P = .024). The incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia was significantly higher in level II centers (P = .003). CONCLUSION: Utilization of AI and NOM success rates is similar in level I and II centers. However, the early blood utilization, ventilator days, and VAP complications are significantly higher in level II centers.

Risk factors for recurrence in blunt traumatic abdominal wall hernias: A secondary analysis of a Western Trauma association multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have investigated risk factors for recurrence of blunt traumatic abdominal wall hernias (TAWH). METHODS: Twenty trauma centers identified repaired TAWH from January 2012 to December 2018. Logistic regression was used to investigate risk factors for recurrence. RESULTS: TAWH were repaired in 175 patients with 21 (12.0%) known recurrences. No difference was found in location, defect size, or median time to repair between the recurrence and non-recurrence groups. Mesh use was not protective of recurrence. Female sex, injury severity score (ISS), emergency laparotomy (EL), and bowel resection were associated with hernia recurrence. Bowel resection remained significant in a multivariable model. CONCLUSION: Female sex, ISS, EL, and bowel resection were identified as risk factors for hernia recurrence. Mesh use and time to repair were not associated with recurrence. Surgeons should be mindful of these risk factors but could attempt acute repair in the setting of appropriate physiologic parameters.

If at First You Do Not Succeed: Consideration of Attempts in Patients With Trauma.

INTRODUCTION: Failed extubation in critically ill patients is associated with poor outcomes. In critically ill trauma patients who have failed extubation, providers must decide whether to proceed with tracheostomy or attempt extubation again. The aim of this study was to describe the natural history of failed extubation in trauma patients and determine whether tracheostomy or a second attempt at extubation is more appropriate. METHODS: Trauma patients admitted to our level I trauma center from 2013 to 2019 were identified. Patients who failed extubation, defined as an unplanned reintubation within 48 h of extubation, were included. Patients who immediately underwent tracheostomy were compared with those who had subsequent attempts at extubation. The primary outcome was mortality, and the secondary outcomes were intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS), ventilator days, and hospital LOS. RESULTS: The population included 93 patients who failed extubation and met inclusion criteria. A total of 53 patients were ultimately successfully extubated, whereas 40 patients underwent a tracheostomy. There was no statistically significant difference in demographics or injury patterns. Patients who underwent tracheostomy had a longer ICU LOS and more ventilator days. There was no difference in mortality or hospital LOS between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: In trauma patients, those who underwent subsequent attempts at extubation did not experience higher rates of mortality than those who received a tracheostomy. Tracheostomy was associated with longer ICU LOS and ventilator days. In certain situations, it is appropriate to consider subsequent attempts at extubation in trauma patients who fail extubation rather than proceeding directly to tracheostomy.

Racial and Ethnic Disparity in Prehospital Pain Management for Trauma Patients.

BACKGROUND: Although evidence suggests that racial and ethnic minority (REM) patients receive inadequate pain management in the acute care setting, it remains unclear whether these disparities also occur during the prehospital period. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of race and ethnicity on prehospital analgesic use by emergency medical services (EMS) in trauma patients. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review of adult trauma patients aged 18 to 89 years old transported by EMS to our American College of Surgeons-verified level 1 trauma center from 2014 to 2020. Patients who identified as Black, Asian, Native American, or Other for race and/or Hispanic or Latino or Unknown for ethnicity were considered REM. Patients who identified as White, non-Hispanic were considered White. Groups were compared in univariate and multivariate analysis. The primary outcome was prehospital analgesic administration. RESULTS: A total of 2,476 patients were transported by EMS (47% White and 53% REM). White patients were older on average (46 years vs 38 years; p < 0.001) and had higher rates of blunt trauma (76% vs 60%; p < 0.001). There were no differences in Injury Severity Score (21 vs 20; p = 0.22). Although REM patients reported higher subjective pain rating (7.2 vs 6.6; p = 0.002), they were less likely to get prehospital pain medication (24% vs 35%; p < 0.001), and that difference remained significant after controlling for baseline characteristics, transport method, pain rating, prehospital hypotension, and payor status (adjusted odds ratio [95% CI], 0.67 [0.47 to 0.96]; p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Patients from racial and ethnic minority groups were less likely to receive prehospital pain medication after traumatic injury than White patients. Forms of conscious and unconscious bias contributing to this inequity need to be identified and addressed.

Cefepime Versus Piperacillin-Tazobactam for the Treatment of Intra-Abdominal Infections Secondary to Potential AmpC Beta-Lactamase-Producing Organisms.

Background: Recent studies have established cefepime as an effective treatment option for AmpC beta-lactamase (AmpC) Enterobacterales; however, the efficacy of beta-lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitors is unclear. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine if piperacillintazobactamis an appropriate alternative to cefepime for the treatment of intra-abdominal infections (IAIs) secondary to AmpC-producing organisms. Methods: This multicenter, retrospective cohort study was conducted in hospitalized adults with an IAI caused by an AmpC-producing organism and received either cefepime or piperacillin-tazobactam for definitive treatment after a source control procedure. The primary outcome was a composite of surgical site infections, recurrent IAIs, or in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included the individual components of the composite outcome, hospital length of stay (LOS), microbiologic failure, study antibiotic duration, time to clinical resolution, and incidence of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI). Results: This study included 119 patients. There was no difference in the primary outcome between the cefepime and piperacillin-tazobactam groups (35% vs 27%, P = 0.14). Microbiological failure was the only secondary outcome with an observed difference between groups (17% vs 0%, P = 0.01): hospital LOS (15 vs 13 days, P = 0.09), days of therapy (7 vs 7 days, P = 0.87), time to clinical resolution (7 vs 4 days, P = 0.30), and CDI (1% vs 2%, P = 0.58) were all similar.

Chest and Pelvis X-Rays as a Screening Tool for Abdominal Injury in Geriatric Blunt Trauma Patients.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluates the utility of chest (CXR) and pelvis (PXR) X-ray, as adjuncts to the primary survey, in screening geriatric blunt trauma (GBT) patients for abdominal injury or need for laparotomy. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients 65-89 years in the 2014 National Trauma Data Bank. X-ray injuries were identified by ICD9 codes and defined as any injury felt to be readily detectable by a non-radiologist. X-ray findings were dichotomized as "both negative" (no injury presumptively apparent on CXR or PXR) or "either positive" (any injury presumptively apparent on CXR or PXR). Rates of abdominal injuries and laparotomy were compared and used to calculate sensitivity and specificity. The primary outcomes were abdominal injury and laparotomy. The secondary outcomes included mortality, ventilator days, and hospital days. RESULTS: A total of 202 553 patients met criteria. Overall, 9% of patients with either positive X-rays had abdominal injury and 2% laparotomy vs. 1.1% and .3% with both negative (P < .001). The specificity for any positive X-ray was 79% for abdominal injury and 78% for laparotomy. The sensitivity was 69% for abdominal injury and laparotomy. The either positive group had fewer ventilator days (.3 vs. .8, P < .0001), longer length of stay (7 vs. 5, P < .0001), and higher mortality (6% vs. 4%, P < .0001) vs both negative. CONCLUSION: CXR and PXR can be used to assess for intra-abdominal injury and need for laparotomy. GBT patients with either positive X-rays should continue workup regardless of mechanism due to the high specificity of this tool for abdominal injury and need for laparotomy.

Management of blunt traumatic abdominal wall hernias: A Western Trauma Association multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Blunt traumatic abdominal wall hernias (TAWH) occur in approximately 15,000 patients per year. Limited data are available to guide the timing of surgical intervention or the feasibility of nonoperative management. METHODS: A retrospective study of patients presenting with blunt TAWH from January 2012 through December 2018 was conducted. Patient demographic, surgical, and outcomes data were collected from 20 institutions through the Western Trauma Association Multicenter Trials Committee. RESULTS: Two hundred and eighty-one patients with TAWH were identified. One hundred and seventy-six (62.6%) patients underwent operative hernia repair, and 105 (37.4%) patients underwent nonoperative management. Of those undergoing surgical intervention, 157 (89.3%) were repaired during the index hospitalization, and 19 (10.7%) underwent delayed repair. Bowel injury was identified in 95 (33.8%) patients with the majority occurring with rectus and flank hernias (82.1%) as compared with lumbar hernias (15.8%). Overall hernia recurrence rate was 12.0% (n = 21). Nonoperative patients had a higher Injury Severity Score (24.4 vs. 19.4, p = 0.010), head Abbreviated Injury Scale score (1.1 vs. 0.6, p = 0.006), and mortality rate (11.4% vs. 4.0%, p = 0.031). Patients who underwent late repair had lower rates of primary fascial repair (46.4% vs. 77.1%, p = 0.012) and higher rates of mesh use (78.9% vs. 32.5%, p < 0.001). Recurrence rate was not statistically different between the late and early repair groups (15.8% vs. 11.5%, p = 0.869). CONCLUSION: This report is the largest series and first multicenter study to investigate TAWHs. Bowel injury was identified in over 30% of TAWH cases indicating a significant need for immediate laparotomy. In other cases, operative management may be deferred in specific patients with other life-threatening injuries, or in stable patients with concern for bowel injury. Hernia recurrence was not different between the late and early repair groups. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic/care management, Level IV.

A national trauma data bank analysis of large animal-related injuries.

INTRODUCTION: Large animal-related injuries (LARI) are relatively uncommon, but, nevertheless, a public hazard. The objective of this study was to better understand LARI injury patterns and outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of the 2016 National Trauma Data Bank and used ICD-10 codes to identify patients injured by a large animal. The primary outcome was severe injury pattern, while secondary outcomes included mortality, hospital length of stay, ICU admission, and mechanical ventilation usage. RESULTS: There were 6,662 LARI included in our analysis. Most LARI (66%) occurred while riding the animal, and the most common type of LARI was fall from horse (63%). The median ISS was 9 and the most severe injuries (AIS ≥ 3) were to the chest (19%), head (10%), and lower extremities (10%). The overall mortality was low at 0.8%. Compared to non-riders, riders sustained more severe injuries to the chest (21% vs. 16%, p<0.001) and spine (4% vs. 2%, p<0.001). Compared to motor vehicle collisions (MVC), riders sustained fewer severe injuries to the head (10% vs. 12%, p<0.001) and lower extremity (10% vs. 12%, p=0.01). Compared to auto-pedestrian accidents, non-riders sustained fewer severe injuries to the head (11% vs. 19%, p<0.001) and lower extremity (10% vs. 20%, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Patients involved in a LARI are moderately injured with more complex injuries occurring in the chest, head, and lower extremities. Fall from horse was the most common LARI mechanism. Overall mortality was low. Compared to non-riders, riders were more likely to sustain severe injuries to the chest and spine. Severe injury patterns were similar when comparing riders to MVC and, given that most LARI are riding injuries, we recommend trauma teams approach LARI as they would an MVC.

Risk scoring models fail to predict pulmonary embolism in trauma patients.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to identify risk factors and risk scoring models to help identify post-traumatic pulmonary embolisms (PE). METHODS: We performed a retrospective review (2014-2019) of all adult trauma patients admitted to our Level I trauma center that received a CT pulmonary angiogram (CTPA) for a suspected PE. A systematic literature search found eleven risk scoring models, all of which were applied to these patients. Scores of patients with and without PE were compared. RESULTS: Of the 235 trauma patients that received CTPA, 31 (13%) showed a PE. No risk scoring model had both a sensitivity and specificity above 90%. The Wells Score had the highest area under the curve (0.65). After logistic regression, no risk scoring model variables were independently associated with PE. CONCLUSIONS: In trauma patients with clinically suspected PE, clinical variables and current risk scoring models do not adequately differentiate patients with and without PE.

Longer Prehospital Time Decreases Reliability of Vital Signs in the Field: A Dual Center Study.

BACKGROUND: Field vital signs are integral in the American College of Surgeons (ASA) Committee on Trauma (COT) triage criteria for trauma team activation (TTA). Reliability of field vital signs in predicting first emergency department (ED) vital signs, however, may depend upon prehospital time. The study objective was to define the effect of prehospital time on correlation between field and first ED vital signs. METHODS: All highest level TTAs at two Level I trauma centers (2008-2018) were screened. Exclusions were unrecorded prehospital vital signs and those dead on arrival. Demographics, prehospital time (scene time + transport time), injury data, and vital signs were collected. Differences between field and first ED vitals were determined using the paired Student's t test. Propensity score analysis, adjusting for age, sex, injury severity score (ISS), and mechanism of injury compared outcomes among patients with ISS ≥16. Multivariate linear regression determined impact of prehospital time on vital sign differences between field and ED among propensity-matched patients. RESULTS: After exclusions, 21 499 patients remained. Mean prehospital time was 32 vs. 41 minutes (P < .001). On propensity score analysis, longer prehospital time was associated with significantly greater differences in systolic blood pressure (SBP) (P < .001), pulse pressure (PP) (P = .003), and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) (P < .001). On multivariate analysis, linear regression that demonstrated longer prehospital time was associated with greater differences in SBP, heart rate (HR), and PP (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Field vital signs are less likely to reflect initial ED vital signs when prehospital times are longer. Given the reliance of trauma triage criteria on prehospital vital signs, medical providers must be cognizant of this pitfall during the prehospital assessment of trauma patients.

A Prospective Study of Family Satisfaction Changes After Tracheostomy Placement in Trauma Patients.

BACKGROUND: Tracheostomy is a commonly performed procedure in surgical intensive care units. Although the indications and benefits of this procedure are well known, little has been studied in the adult surgical/trauma population about patient family satisfaction after tracheostomy placement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a prospective study at our academic level I trauma center from 2015-2016 in patients who underwent elective tracheostomy. Family members were asked to complete an eight-point questionnaire using a forced Likert scale of graded responses. Questionnaires were administered prior to tracheostomy and again at 24-and 72-hour post-tracheostomy placement. Responses were compared using univariate analysis. RESULTS: A total of 26 family members completed all 3 surveys. Family members believed loved ones appeared more comfortable, were more interactive, and were better progressing clinically. After 72 hours, family members felt less anxiety. There was no difference in perceptions of patient distress, ability to provide support, or their worry about scars, or comfort in visiting them. DISCUSSION: Family members believed tracheostomies provided greater patient comfort, increased interactive abilities, better progress in their care, and experienced less anxiety after placement. Family satisfaction may therefore be an additional benefit in support of earlier tracheostomy.