Older females have increased mortality after trauma as compared to younger females and males, associated with increased fibrinolysis.

INTRODUCTION: Female sex may provide a survival benefit after trauma, possibly attributable to protective effects of estrogen. This study aims to compare markers of coagulation between male and female trauma patients across different ages. METHODS: Secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study at six trauma centers. Trauma patients presenting with full trauma team activation were eligible for inclusion. Patients with a penetrating trauma or traumatic brain injury were excluded. Upon hospital arrival, blood was drawn for measurement of endothelial and coagulation markers and for rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) measurement.Trauma patients were divided into four categories: males <45 years, males ≥45 years, females <45 years and females ≥45 years. In a sensitivity analysis, patients between 45 - 55 years were excluded to control for menopausal transitioning. Groups were compared with a Kruskall-Wallis test with Bonferroni correction. A logistic regression was performed to assess whether the independent effect of sex and age on mortality. RESULTS: 1345 patients were available for analysis. Compared to the other groups, mortality was highest in females ≥45, albeit not independent from injury severity and shock. In the group of females ≥45 there was increased fibrinolysis, demonstrated by increased levels of plasmin-antiplasmin complexes with a concomitant decrease in α2-antiplasmin. Also, a modest decrease in coagulation factors II and X was observed. Fibrinogen levels were comparable between groups. The sensitivity analysis in 1104 patients demonstrated an independent relationship between female sex and age ≥ 55 years and mortality. ROTEM profiles did not reflect the changes in coagulation tests. CONCLUSION: Female trauma patients past their reproductive age have an increased risk of mortality compared to younger females and males, associated with augmented fibrinolysis and clotting factor consumption. ROTEM parameters did not reflect coagulation differences between groups. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III prognostic and epidemiological data.

Age-related injury patterns resulting from knife violence in an urban population.

Interpersonal violence involving knives is a major public health problem. The majority of patients are young people in urban areas, but little is known about age-specific patterns of injury and recent trends in injury characteristics. We performed a retrospective cohort study of all patients presenting to an urban major trauma centre with stab injuries resulting from assault between 2012 and 2018. A total of 3583 patients were included. Young people (age under 25) were more likely to have sustained multiple stab wounds compared to older people (43% vs 35%, p < 0.001) and had significantly higher rates of stab injuries involving the lower limbs, groin and buttocks. The annual number of injuries increased steadily during the study period in patients aged under 25 (r2 = 0.82, p = 0.005) and those over 25 (r2 = 0.95, p < 0.001). Over time, limb and junctional injuries accounted for an increasing proportion of stab wounds in young people, overtaking torso injuries as most common pattern of injury by the end of the study period. These findings illustrate the influence of age on injury patterns resulting from knife violence, and support the expansion of outreach initiatives promoting bystander-delivered haemorrhage control of extremity wounds.

Viscoelastic haemostatic assay augmented protocols for major trauma haemorrhage (ITACTIC): a randomized, controlled trial.

PURPOSE: Contemporary trauma resuscitation prioritizes control of bleeding and uses major haemorrhage protocols (MHPs) to prevent and treat coagulopathy. We aimed to determine whether augmenting MHPs with Viscoelastic Haemostatic Assays (VHA) would improve outcomes compared to Conventional Coagulation Tests (CCTs). METHODS: This was a multi-centre, randomized controlled trial comparing outcomes in trauma patients who received empiric MHPs, augmented by either VHA or CCT-guided interventions. Primary outcome was the proportion of subjects who, at 24 h after injury, were alive and free of massive transfusion (10 or more red cell transfusions). Secondary outcomes included 28-day mortality. Pre-specified subgroups included patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). RESULTS: Of 396 patients in the intention to treat analysis, 201 were allocated to VHA and 195 to CCT-guided therapy. At 24 h, there was no difference in the proportion of patients who were alive and free of massive transfusion (VHA: 67%, CCT: 64%, OR 1.15, 95% CI 0.76-1.73). 28-day mortality was not different overall (VHA: 25%, CCT: 28%, OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.54-1.31), nor were there differences in other secondary outcomes or serious adverse events. In pre-specified subgroups, there were no differences in primary outcomes. In the pre-specified subgroup of 74 patients with TBI, 64% were alive and free of massive transfusion at 24 h compared to 46% in the CCT arm (OR 2.12, 95% CI 0.84-5.34). CONCLUSION: There was no difference in overall outcomes between VHA- and CCT-augmented-major haemorrhage protocols.

Trends in admission timing and mechanism of injury can be used to improve general surgical trauma training.

INTRODUCTION: The temporal patterns and unit-based distributions of trauma patients requiring surgical intervention are poorly described in the UK. We describe the distribution of trauma patients in the UK and assess whether changes in working patterns could provide greater exposure for operative trauma training. METHODS: We searched the Trauma Audit and Research Network database to identify all patients between 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2016. Operative cases were defined as all patients who underwent laparotomy, thoracotomy or open vascular intervention. We assessed time of arrival, correlations between mechanism of injury and surgery, and the effect of changing shift patterns on exposure to trauma patients by reference to a standard 10-hour shift assuming a dedicated trauma rotation or fellowship. RESULTS: There were 159,719 patients from 194 hospitals submitted to the Network between 2014 and 2016. The busiest 20 centres accounted for 57,568 (36.0%) of cases in total. Of these 2147/57,568 patients (3.7%) required a general surgical operation; 43% of penetrating admissions (925 cases) and 2.2% of blunt admissions (1222 cases). The number of operations correlated more closely with the number of penetrating rather than blunt admissions (r = 0.89 vs r = 0.51). A diurnal pattern in trauma admissions enabled significant increases in trauma exposure with later start times. CONCLUSIONS: Centres with high volume and high penetrating rates are likely to require more general surgical input and should be identified as locations for operative trauma training. It is possible to improve the number of trauma patients seen in a shift by optimising shift start time.

Multiple organ dysfunction after trauma.

BACKGROUND: The nature of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) after traumatic injury is evolving as resuscitation practices advance and more patients survive their injuries to reach critical care. The aim of this study was to characterize contemporary MODS subtypes in trauma critical care at a population level. METHODS: Adult patients admitted to major trauma centre critical care units were enrolled in this 4-week point-prevalence study. MODS was defined by a daily total Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score of more than 5. Hierarchical clustering of SOFA scores over time was used to identify MODS subtypes. RESULTS: Some 440 patients were enrolled, of whom 245 (55·7 per cent) developed MODS. MODS carried a high mortality rate (22·0 per cent versus 0·5 per cent in those without MODS; P < 0·001) and 24·0 per cent of deaths occurred within the first 48 h after injury. Three patterns of MODS were identified, all present on admission. Cluster 1 MODS resolved early with a median time to recovery of 4 days and a mortality rate of 14·4 per cent. Cluster 2 had a delayed recovery (median 13 days) and a mortality rate of 35 per cent. Cluster 3 had a prolonged recovery (median 25 days) and high associated mortality rate of 46 per cent. Multivariable analysis revealed distinct clinical associations for each form of MODS; 24-hour crystalloid administration was associated strongly with cluster 1 (P = 0·009), traumatic brain injury with cluster 2 (P = 0·002) and admission shock severity with cluster 3 (P = 0·003). CONCLUSION: Contemporary MODS has at least three distinct types based on patterns of severity and recovery. Further characterization of MODS subtypes and their underlying pathophysiology may lead to future opportunities for early stratification and targeted interventions.

ANTECEDENTES: La naturaleza del síndrome de disfunción orgánica múltiple (Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome, MODS) resultante de un traumatismo está evolucionando a medida que avanzan las prácticas de reanimación y más pacientes sobrevive a las lesiones y pueden recibir cuidados críticos. El objetivo de este estudio fue caracterizar los subtipos actuales MODS en atención crítica de trauma a nivel poblacional. MÉTODOS: Los pacientes adultos ingresados en unidades de cuidados intensivos de trauma se incluyeron en este estudio de prevalencia puntual de 4 semanas. MODS se definió como una puntuación total diaria de la escala de Evaluación de Fallo Orgánico Secuencial (Sequential Organ Failure Assessment, SOFA) > 5. Se utilizó el agrupamiento jerárquico de las puntuaciones SOFA a lo largo del tiempo para determinar los subtipos MODS. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 440 pacientes, de los cuales 245 (56%) presentaron MODS. MODS conllevó una alta mortalidad (22% versus 1%, P < 0,001) y 24% de las muertes fueron precoces, durante las primeras 48 horas tras el traumatismo. Se identificaron tres patrones de MODS, estando todos presentes al ingreso. En el tipo 1, MODS se resolvió de forma temprana, con una mediana de tiempo de recuperación de 4 días y una mortalidad del 14%. El tipo 2 presentaba un tiempo de recuperación retardado (mediana 13 días) y una mortalidad del 35%. El tipo 3 presentaba un tiempo de recuperación prolongado (mediana 25 días) y una mortalidad asociada alta del 46%. El análisis multivariable reveló asociaciones clínicas diferentes para cada tipo de MODS, con la administración de cristaloides durante 24 horas fuertemente asociada al tipo 1 (P < 0,001); el traumatismo craneal al tipo 2 (P < 0,01); y la gravedad del shock al ingreso al tipo 3 (P < 0,01). CONCLUSIÓN: Los MODS actuales presentan al menos tres tipos distintos basados en patrones de gravedad y recuperación. La caracterización de los subtipos de MODS y su fisiopatología subyacente puede contribuir a futuras oportunidades de estratificación temprana e intervenciones dirigidas.

Mind the gap: 11 years of train-related injuries at the Royal London Hospital Major Trauma Centre.

Introduction This study presents an extensive retrospective database of patients with polytrauma following train-related injuries and highlights the key lessons learnt in this rare clinical presentation. Materials and methods We retrospectively collected data from 127 patients who presented to Royal London Hospital after sustaining train related trauma. We analysed demographics, accident report data, aetiologies and clinical management interventions. All data were screened and injuries were mapped to various anatomical regions. The revised trauma score, injury severity score and new injury severity scores were used to quantify injury extent. Results Mean patient age was 41 years (range 16-81 years) with a 73% to 27% male to female ratio. Deliberate injuries occurred in 71% of patients, with accidental injury accounting for 29%. The mean new injury severity score was 26.48 (range 1-75), with the most common injuries sustained to the chest and the extremities. Pneumothorax, haemothorax or tension pneumothorax occurred in 44% of patients, with 11% suffering a flail chest injury. Traumatic amputations occurred in 33% of patients and 56% of patients required admission to intensive care. Total mortality rates were 19%, with 12% of patients dying at day 0 and 18% at day 7, respectively. Conclusions This study demonstrated the significant impact of train-related polytrauma and provided a comprehensive injury patterns. It was observed that deliberate polytrauma is related to psychiatric deliberate harm but there is no significant difference in the patterns of injuries between accidental and deliberately caused injuries. Overall injuries to the thorax and extremities were the most severe, demonstrating the highest mean injury scores.

Pre-hospital emergency anaesthesia in awake hypotensive trauma patients: beneficial or detrimental?

BACKGROUND: The benefits of pre-hospital emergency anaesthesia (PHEA) are controversial. Patients who are hypovolaemic prior to induction of anaesthesia are at risk of severe cardiovascular instability post-induction. This study compared mortality for hypovolaemic trauma patients (without major neurological injury) undergoing PHEA with a patient cohort with similar physiology transported to hospital without PHEA. METHODS: A retrospective database review was performed to identify patients who were hypotensive on scene [systolic blood pressure (SBP) < 90 mmHg], and GCS 13-15. Patient records were reviewed independently by two pre-hospital clinicians to identify the likelihood of hypovolaemia. Primary outcome measure was mortality defined as death before hospital discharge. RESULTS: Two hundred and thirty-six patients were included; 101 patients underwent PHEA. Fifteen PHEA patients died (14.9%) compared with six non-PHEA patients (4.4%), P = 0.01; unadjusted OR for death was 3.73 (1.30-12.21; P = 0.01). This association remained after adjustment for age, injury mechanism, heart rate and hypovolaemia (adjusted odds ratio 3.07 (1.03-9.14) P = 0.04). Fifty-eight PHEA patients (57.4%) were hypovolaemic prior to induction of anaesthesia, 14 died (24%). Of 43 PHEA patients (42.6%) not meeting hypovolaemia criteria, one died (2%); unadjusted OR for mortality was 13.12 (1.84-578.21). After adjustment for age, injury mechanism and initial heart rate, the odds ratio for mortality remained significant at 9.99 (1.69-58.98); P = 0.01. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest an association between PHEA and in-hospital mortality in awake hypotensive trauma patients, which is strengthened when hypotension is due to hypovolaemia. If patients are hypovolaemic and awake on scene it might, where possible, be appropriate to delay induction of anaesthesia until hospital arrival.

Combined effect of therapeutic strategies for bleeding injury on early survival, transfusion needs and correction of coagulopathy.

BACKGROUND: The combined effects of balanced transfusion ratios and use of procoagulant and antifibrinolytic therapies on trauma-induced exsanguination are not known. The aim of this study was to investigate the combined effect of transfusion ratios, tranexamic acid and products containing fibrinogen on the outcome of injured patients with bleeding. METHODS: A prospective multicentre observational study was performed in six level 1 trauma centres. Injured patients who received at least 4 units of red blood cells (RBCs) were analysed and divided into groups receiving a low (less than 1 : 1) or high (1 or more : 1) ratio of plasma or platelets to RBCs, and in receipt or not of tranexamic acid or fibrinogen products (fibrinogen concentrates or cryoprecipitate). Logistic regression models were used to assess the effect of transfusion strategies on the outcomes 'alive and free from massive transfusion' (at least 10 units of RBCs in 24 h) and early 'normalization of coagulopathy' (defined as an international normalized ratio of 1·2 or less). RESULTS: A total of 385 injured patients with ongoing bleeding were included in the study. Strategies that were independently associated with an increased number of patients alive and without massive transfusion were a high platelet to RBC ratio (odds ratio (OR) 2·67, 95 per cent c.i. 1·24 to 5·77; P = 0·012), a high plasma to RBC ratio (OR 2·07, 1·03 to 4·13; P = 0·040) and treatment with tranexamic acid (OR 2·71, 1·29 to 5·71; P = 0·009). No strategies were associated with correction of coagulopathy. CONCLUSION: A high platelet or plasma to RBC ratio, and use of tranexamic acid were associated with a decreased need for massive transfusion and increased survival in injured patients with bleeding. Early normalization of coagulopathy was not seen for any transfusion ratio, or for use of tranexamic acid or fibrinogen products.

AAGBI guidelines: the use of blood components and their alternatives 2016.

Blood transfusion can be life-saving. Anaesthetists regularly request and administer blood components to their patients. All anaesthetists must be familiar with indications and appropriate use of blood and blood components and their alternatives, but close liaison with haematology specialists and their local blood sciences laboratory is encouraged. Considerable changes in approaches to optimal use of blood components, together with the use of alternative products, have become apparent over the past decade, leading to a need to update previous guidelines and adapt them for the use of anaesthetists working throughout the hospital system.

Mortality from trauma haemorrhage and opportunities for improvement in transfusion practice.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence, patterns of blood use and outcomes of major haemorrhage in trauma. METHODS: This was a prospective observational study from 22 hospitals in the UK, including both major trauma centres and smaller trauma units. Eligible patients received at least 4 units of packed red blood cells (PRBCs) in the first 24 h of admission with activation of the massive haemorrhage protocol. Case notes, transfusion charts, blood bank records and copies of prescription/theatre charts were accessed and reviewed centrally. Study outcomes were: use of blood components, critical care during hospital stay, and mortality at 24 h, 30 days and 1 year. Data were used to estimate the national trauma haemorrhage incidence. RESULTS: A total of 442 patients were identified during a median enrolment interval of 20 (range 7-24) months. Based on this, the national incidence of trauma haemorrhage was estimated to be 83 per million. The median age of patients in the study cohort was 38 years and 73·8 per cent were men. The incidence of major haemorrhage increased markedly in patients aged over 65 years. Thirty-six deaths within 24 h of admission occurred within the first 3 h. At 24 h, 79 patients (17·9 per cent) had died, but mortality continued to rise even after discharge. Patients who received a cumulative ratio of fresh frozen plasma to PRBCs of at least 1 : 2 had lower rates of death than those who received a lower ratio. There were delays in administration of blood. Platelets and cryoprecipitate were either not given, or transfused well after initial resuscitation. CONCLUSION: There is a high burden of trauma haemorrhage that affects all age groups. Research is required to understand the reasons for death after the first 24 h and barriers to timely transfusion support.

Persistent lymphopenia is an independent predictor of mortality in critically ill emergency general surgical patients.

INTRODUCTION: Lymphopenia has been associated with poor outcome following sepsis, burns and trauma. This study was designed to establish whether lymphocyte count was associated with mortality in emergency general surgery (EGS) patients, and whether persistent lymphopenia was an independent predictor of mortality. METHODS: A retrospective review of a prospectively compiled database of adult patients requiring ICU admission between 2002 and 2013 was performed. EGS patients with acute intra-abdominal pathology and organ dysfunction were included. Lymphocyte counts obtained from the day of ICU admission through to day 7 were examined. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine the relationship between persistent lymphopenia and outcome. The primary outcome measure was in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: The study included 173 patients, of whom 135 (78 %) had a low lymphocyte count at admission to ICU and 91 % (158/173) developed lymphopenia on at least one occasion. Lymphocyte counts were lower among non-survivors compared with survivors on each day from day 2 (0.62 vs 0.81, p = 0.03) through to day 7 (0.87 vs 1.15, p < 0.01). Patients with a persistently low lymphocyte count during the study period had significantly higher mortality when compared to patients with other lymphocyte patterns (64 vs 29 %, p < 0.01). On multivariate regression analysis, persistent lymphopenia was independently associated with increased in-hospital mortality [odds ratio 3.5 (95 % CI 1.7-7.3), p < 0.01]. CONCLUSION: Lymphopenia is commonly observed in critically ill EGS patients. Patients with persistent lymphopenia are 3.5 times more likely to die and lymphopenia is an independent predictor of increased mortality in this patient group.

Early cryoprecipitate for major haemorrhage in trauma: a randomised controlled feasibility trial.

BACKGROUND: Low fibrinogen (Fg) concentrations in trauma haemorrhage are associated with poorer outcomes. Cryoprecipitate is the standard source for Fg administration in the UK and USA and is often given in the later stages of transfusion therapy. It is not known whether early cryoprecipitate therapy improves clinical outcomes. The primary aim of this feasibility study was to determine whether it was possible to administer cryoprecipitate, within 90 min of admission to hospital. Secondary aims were to evaluate laboratory measures of Fg and clinical outcomes including thrombotic events, organ failure, length of hospital stay and mortality. METHODS: This was an unblinded RCT, conducted at two civilian UK major trauma centres of adult trauma patients (age ≥16 yrs), with active bleeding and requiring activation of the major haemorrhage protocol. Participants were randomised to standard major haemorrhage therapy (STANDARD) (n=22), or to standard haemorrhage therapy plus two early pools of cryoprecipitate (CRYO) (n=21). RESULTS: 85% (95% CI: 69-100%) CRYO participants received cryoprecipitate within 90 min, median time 60 min (IQR: 57-76) compared with 108 min (67-147), CRYO and STANDARD arms respectively (P=0.002). Fg concentrations were higher in the CRYO arm and were maintained above 1.8 g litre(-1) at all time-points during active haemorrhage. All-cause mortality at 28 days was not significantly different (P=0.14). CONCLUSIONS: Early Fg supplementation using cryoprecipitate is feasible in trauma patients. This study supports the need for a definitive RCT to determine the effect of early Fg supplementation on mortality and other clinical outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRY NUMBER: ISRCTN55509212.

Meta-analysis of prognostic factors for amputation following surgical repair of lower extremity vascular trauma.

BACKGROUND: Lower extremity vascular trauma (LEVT) is a major cause of amputation. A clear understanding of prognostic factors for amputation is important to inform surgical decision-making, patient counselling and risk stratification. The aim was to develop an understanding of prognostic factors for amputation following surgical repair of LEVT. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted to identify potential prognostic factors. Bayesian meta-analysis was used to calculate an absolute (pooled proportion) and relative (pooled odds ratio, OR) measure of the amputation risk for each factor. RESULTS: Forty-five studies, totalling 3187 discrete LEVT repairs, were included. The overall amputation rate was 10·0 (95 per cent credible interval 7·4 to 13·1) per cent. Significant prognostic factors for secondary amputation included: associated major soft tissue injury (26 versus 8 per cent for no soft tissue injury; OR 5·80), compartment syndrome (28 versus 6 per cent; OR 5·11), multiple arterial injuries (18 versus 9 per cent; OR 4·85), duration of ischaemia exceeding 6 h (24 versus 5 per cent; OR 4·40), associated fracture (14 versus 2 per cent; OR 4·30), mechanism of injury (blast 19 per cent, blunt 16 per cent, penetrating 5 per cent), anatomical site of injury (iliac 18 per cent, popliteal 14 per cent, tibial 10 per cent, femoral 4 per cent), age over 55 years (16 versus 9 per cent; OR 3·03) and sex (men 7 per cent versus women 8 per cent; OR 0·64). Shock and nerve or venous injuries were not significant prognostic factors for secondary amputation. CONCLUSION: A significant proportion of patients who undergo lower extremity vascular trauma repair will require secondary amputation. This meta-analysis describes significant prognostic factors needed to inform surgical judgement, risk assessment and patient counselling.

Impact on outcome of a targeted performance improvement programme in haemodynamically unstable patients with a pelvic fracture.

We describe the impact of a targeted performance improvement programme and the associated performance improvement interventions, on mortality rates, error rates and process of care for haemodynamically unstable patients with pelvic fractures. Clinical care and performance improvement data for 185 adult patients with exsanguinating pelvic trauma presenting to a United Kingdom Major Trauma Centre between January 2007 and January 2011 were analysed with univariate and multivariate regression and compared with National data. In total 62 patients (34%) died from their injuries and opportunities for improved care were identified in one third of deaths. Three major interventions were introduced during the study period in response to the findings. These were a massive haemorrhage protocol, a decision-making algorithm and employment of specialist pelvic orthopaedic surgeons. Interventions which improved performance were associated with an annual reduction in mortality (odds ratio 0.64 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.44 to 0.93), p = 0.02), a reduction in error rates (p = 0.024) and significant improvements in the targeted processes of care. Exsanguinating patients with pelvic trauma are complex to manage and are associated with high mortality rates; implementation of a targeted performance improvement programme achieved sustained improvements in mortality, error rates and trauma care in this group of severely injured patients.

The incidence and magnitude of fibrinolytic activation in trauma patients.

BACKGROUND: Trauma is a global disease, with over 2.5 million deaths annually from hemorrhage and coagulopathy. Overt hyperfibrinolysis is rare in trauma, and is associated with massive fatal injuries. Paradoxically, clinical trials suggest a much broader indication for antifibrinolytics. OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence and magnitude of fibrinolytic activation in trauma patients and its relationship to clot lysis as measured by thromboelastometry. METHODS: A prospective cohort study of 303 consecutive trauma patients admitted between January 2007 and June 2009 was performed. Blood was drawn on arrival for thromboelastometry (TEM) and coagulation assays. Follow-up was until hospital discharge or death. TEM hyperfibrinolysis was defined as maximum clot lysis of > 15%. Fibrinolytic activation (FA) was determined according to plasmin-antiplasmin (PAP) complex and D-dimer levels. Data were collected on demographics, mechanism, severity of injury, and baseline vital signs. The primary outcome measure was 28-day mortality. The secondary outcome measures were 28-day ventilator-free days and 24-h transfusion requirement. RESULTS: Only 5% of patients had severe fibrinolysis on TEM, but 57% of patients had evidence of 'moderate' fibrinolysis, with PAP complex levels elevated to over twice normal (> 1500 µg L(-1)) without lysis on TEM. TEM detected clot lysis only when PAP complex levels were increased to 30 times normal (P < 0.001) and antiplasmin levels were < 75% of normal. Patients with FA had increased 28-day mortality as compared with those with no FA (12% vs. 1%, P < 0.001), fewer ventilator-free days, and longer hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS: FA occurs in the majority of trauma patients, and the magnitude of FA correlates with poor clinical outcome. This was not detected by conventional TEM, which is an insensitive measure of endogenous fibrinolytic activity.

Can residents be effective trauma team leaders in a major trauma centre?

OBJECTIVE: The overall objective of this study was to compare senior Emergency Department (ED) trainees (residents) with consultant trauma team leaders, assessing their influence on trauma team performance and patient outcomes. We aimed to identify the effect of seniority of leader on time-based performance measures and clinical outcomes. METHODS: This retrospective study of prospectively collected data was conducted in an urban Major Trauma Centre which has a well-established trauma team. For the period covered by this study the trauma team was led by either an ED consultant or specialist registrar having completed a local trauma team leader development programme. Data from all adult trauma team activations for seriously injured trauma patients (ISS - Injury Severity Score >15) presenting between 1st January 2008 and 31st October 2009 were included. Performance measures included time to FAST, time to CT scan and time to haemorrhage control. Patient outcomes were mortality, critical care and hospital length of stay. RESULTS: There were 579 patients seriously injured in the study period. Trainees led 126 (22%) of the trauma teams. Significant differences in times to diagnostics or haemorrhage control between trainees and consultants were only seen in patients presenting with shock. Compared with trainees, consultant team leaders were significantly more likely to achieve targets for diagnostic imaging (FAST <15 min: consultants 97% vs. 33% trainees, p<0.01; CT scan <60 min: 76% vs. 50%, p<0.01) and haemorrhage control (surgery or angiography <60 min: 82% vs. 54%, p<0.001). There was no significant difference in overall mortality between consultants and trainees (consultants 25% vs. trainees 27%, p 1.00). Critical care length of stay was also the same for both (consultants median 5 days vs. trainees median 5 days). CONCLUSIONS: Consultant team leaders improve team performance, resulting in shorter times to diagnostic imaging, and faster transfer to haemorrhage control. The greatest benefit seems to be for bleeding patients. Clinical outcomes were similar for trainees and consultants in our major trauma centre.