Early Detection of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia from Exhaled Breath in ICU Patients.

OBJECTIVES: Evaluate associations between volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in heat and moisture exchange (HME) filters and the presence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Clinical diagnostic criteria for VAP have poor inter-observer reliability, and cultures are slow to result. Exhaled breath contains VOCs related to Gram-negative bacterial proliferation, the most identified organisms in VAP. We hypothesized that exhaled VOCs on HME filters can predict nascent VAP in mechanically ventilated ICU patients. METHODS: Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to analyze 111 heat and moisture exchange (HME) filters from 12 intubated patients who developed VAP. Identities and relative amounts of VOCs were associated with dates of clinical suspicion and culture confirmation of VAP. Matched pairs t-tests were performed to compare VOC abundances in HME filters collected within three days pre- and post-clinical suspicion of VAP (pneumonia days), versus outside of these days (non-pneumonia days). A ROC curve was generated to determine the diagnostic potential of VOCs. RESULTS: Carbon disulfide, associated with the proliferation of certain Gram-negative bacteria, was found in samples collected during pneumonia days for 11 of 12 patients. Carbon disulfide levels were significantly greater (P=0.0163) for filters on pneumonia days. The AUROC for carbon disulfide was 0.649 (95%CI 0.419-0.88). CONCLUSIONS: Carbon disulfide associated with Gram-negative VAP can be identified on HME filters up to three days prior to the initial clinical suspicion, and approximately a week prior to culture confirmation. This suggests VOC sensors may have potential as an adjunctive method for early detection of VAP.

Optimal Timing for Initiation of Thromboprophylaxis After Hepatic Angioembolization.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the optimal timing of thromboprophylaxis (TPX) initiation after hepatic angioembolization in trauma patients. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: TPX after hepatic trauma is complicated by the risk of bleeding, but the relative risk after hepatic angioembolization is unknown. METHODS: Patients who underwent hepatic angioembolization within 24 hours were retrospectively identified from the 2017-19 ACS TQIP datasets. Cases with <24-hour length of stay and other serious injuries were excluded. VTE included DVT and PE. Bleeding complications included hepatic surgery, additional angioembolization, or blood transfusion after TPX initiation. Differences were tested with univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Of 1,550 patients, 1,370 had initial angioembolization. Bleeding complications were higher in those with TPX initiation within 24 hours (20.0% vs 8.9%, P<0.001) and 48 hours (13.2% vs 8.4%, P=0.013). However, VTE was higher in those with TPX initiation after 48 hours (6.3%vs 3.3%, P=0.025). In the 180 patients with hepatic surgery prior to angioembolization, bleeding complications were higher in those with TPX initiation within 24 hours (72% vs 20%, P <0.001), 48 hours (50% vs 17%, P<0.001), and 72 hours (37% vs 14%, P=0.001). Moreover, DVT was higher in those with TPX initiation after 96 hours (14.3% vs 3.1%, P =0.023). CONCLUSION: This is the first study to address timing of TPX after hepatic angioembolization in a national sample of trauma patients. For these patients, initiation of TPX at 48- 72 hours achieves the safest balance in minimizing bleeding while reducing the risk of VTE. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III - Retrospective Cohort Study.

Minimally Invasive Beaded Electrosurgical Dissectors, Basic Science, and Pilot Studies.

Background: Minimally invasive beaded electrosurgical dissectors ("BEED devices") provide simultaneous sharp dissection, blunt dissection, and electrosurgical coagulation while performing 100 cm2 porcine tissue plane dissections in 0.8 to 3 min with minimal bleeding and no perforations. Objectives: The aim of the study was to report the basic science and potential clinical applications and to video document the speed and quality of planar dissections in in vivo and ex vivo porcine models with thermal damage quantified by thermal and histopathologic measurements. Additionally, in vivo porcine specimens were followed for 90 days to show whether adverse events occurred on a gross or macroscopic basis, as evidenced by photography, videography, physical examination, and dual ultrasonography. Methods: Ex vivo porcine models were subjected to 20, 30, and 50 W in single-stroke passages with BEED dissectors (granted FDA 510(k) clearance (K233002)) with multichannel thermocouple, 3 s delay recordation combined with matching hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) histopathology. In vivo porcine models were subjected to eight 10 × 10 cm dissections in each of 2 subjects at 20, 30, and 50 W and evaluated periodically until 90 days, wherein histopathology for H&E, collagen, and elastin was taken plus standard and Doppler ultrasounds prior to euthanasia. Results: Five to 8 mm width dissectors were passed at 1 to 2 cm/s in ex vivo models (1-10 cm/s in vivo models) with an average temperature rise of 5°C at 50 W. Clinically evidenced seromas occurred in the undressed, unprotected wounds, and resolved well prior to 90 days, as documented by ultrasounds and histopathology. Conclusions: In vivo and ex vivo models demonstrated thermal values that were below levels known to damage subcutaneous adipose tissue or skin. Tissue histopathology confirmed healing parameters while Doppler ultrasound demonstrated normal blood flow in posttreatment tissues.

Development of a predictive algorithm for patient survival after traumatic injury using a five analyte blood panel.

Severe trauma can induce systemic inflammation but also immunosuppression, which makes understanding the immune response of trauma patients critical for therapeutic development and treatment approaches. By evaluating the levels of 59 proteins in the plasma of 50 healthy volunteers and 1000 trauma patients across five trauma centers in the United States, we identified 6 novel changes in immune proteins after traumatic injury and further new variations by sex, age, trauma type, comorbidities, and developed a new equation for prediction of patient survival. Blood was collected at the time of arrival at Level 1 trauma centers and patients were stratified based on trauma level, tissues injured, and injury types. Trauma patients had significantly upregulated proteins associated with immune activation (IL-23, MIP-5), immunosuppression (IL-10) and pleiotropic cytokines (IL-29, IL-6). A high ratio of IL-29 to IL-10 was identified as a new predictor of survival in less severe patients with ROC area of 0.933. Combining machine learning with statistical modeling we developed an equation ("VIPER") that could predict survival with ROC 0.966 in less severe patients and 0.8873 for all patients from a five analyte panel (IL-6, VEGF-A, IL-21, IL-29, and IL-10). Furthermore, we also identified three increased proteins (MIF, TRAIL, IL-29) and three decreased proteins (IL-7, TPO, IL-8) that were the most important in distinguishing a trauma blood profile. Biologic sex altered phenotype with IL-8 and MIF being lower in healthy women, but higher in female trauma patients when compared to male counterparts. This work identifies new responses to injury that may influence systemic immune dysfunction, serving as targets for therapeutics and immediate clinical benefit in identifying at-risk patients.

Mental Health Support Is an Unmet Need for Long-Term Burn Survivors: A Web-Based Survey.

A National Trauma Research Action Plan identified the involvement of burn survivors as critical informants to determine the direction of research. This study employed a web-based survey to identify care gaps in a sample of burn survivors. We surveyed burn survivors from around the United States through social media and email contact with the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors. We elicited demographic info, burn history, and unmet needs. Statistical analysis was performed to test our hypothesis that lack of access to mental health support/professionals would be identified as an unmet need in long-term burn survivors. Of 178 survey respondents, most were at least ten years removed from the date of their burn injury (n=94, 53%). Compared to those less than 3 years from their burn injury, individuals greater than 10 years were at least 5 times more likely to note lack of access to mental health support [11-20 years OR 8.7, p< 0.001; >20 years OR5.7, p=0.001]. 60% of Spanish speakers reported lack of support group access was among their greatest unmet needs, compared to 37% of English speakers (p=0.184). This study highlights the need for ongoing access to mental health resources in burn survivors. Our findings emphasize that burn injury is not just an acute ailment, but a complex condition that evolves into a chronic disease. Additional studies should focus on the experiences of Spanish-speaking burn survivors, given small sample size leading to a likely clinically significant but not statistically different lack of access to support groups.

Advanced Surgical Skills for Exposure in Trauma (ASSET) course improves military surgeon confidence.

OBJECTIVE: Active duty military surgeons often have limited trauma surgery experience prior to deployment. Consequently, military-civilian training programs have been developed at high-volume trauma centers to evaluate and maintain proficiencies. Advanced Surgical Skills for Exposure in Trauma (ASSET) was incorporated into the predeployment curriculum at the Army Trauma Training Detachment in 2011. This is the first study to assess whether military surgeons demonstrated improved knowledge and increased confidence after taking ASSET. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Quaternary care hospital. PATIENTS AND PARTICIPANTS: Attending military surgeons who completed ASSET between July 2011 and October 2020. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Pre- and post-course self-reported comfort level with procedures was converted from a five-point Likert scale to a percentage and compared using paired t-tests. RESULTS: In 188 military surgeons, the median time in practice was 3 (1-8) years, with specialties in general surgery (52 percent), orthopedic surgery (29 percent), trauma (7 percent), and other disciplines (12 percent). The completed self-evaluation response rate was 80 percent (n = 151). The self-reported comfort level for all body regions improved following course completion (p < 0.001): chest (27 percent), neck (23 percent), upper extremity (22 percent), lower extremity (21 percent), and abdomen/pelvis (19 percent). The overall score on the competency test improved after completion of ASSET, with averages increasing from 62 ± 18 percent pretest to 71 ± 13 percent post-test (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: After taking the ASSET course, military surgeons demonstrated improved knowledge and increased confidence in the operative skills taught in the course. The ASSET course may provide sustainment of knowledge and confidence if used at regular intervals to maintain trauma skills and deployment readiness.

Survival of In-Hospital Cardiopulmonary Arrest in Trauma Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Relative to other hospitalized patients, trauma patients are younger with fewer comorbidities, but the incidence and outcomes of in-hospital cardiopulmonary arrest (IHCA) with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in this population is unknown. Therefore, we aimed to investigate factors associated with survival in trauma patients after IHCA to test the hypothesis that compared to other hospitalized patients, trauma patients with IHCA have improved survival. METHODS: Retrospective review of the Trauma Quality Improvement Program database 2017 to 2019 for patients who had IHCA with CPR. Primary outcome was survival to hospital discharge. Secondary outcomes were in-hospital complications, hospital length of stay, intensive care unit length of stay, and ventilator days. Data were compared with univariate and multivariate analyses at P < 0.05. RESULTS: In 22,346,677 admitted trauma patients, 14,056 (0.6%) received CPR. Four thousand three hundred seventy-seven (31.1%) survived to discharge versus 26.4% in a national sample of all hospitalized patients (P < 0.001). In trauma patients, median age was 55 y, the majority were male (72.2%). Mortality was higher for females versus males (70.3% versus 68.3%, P = 0.026). Multivariate regression showed that older age 1.01 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01-1.02), Hispanic ethnicity 1.21 (95% CI 1.04-1.40), and penetrating trauma 1.51 (95% CI 1.32-1.72) were risk factors for mortality, while White race was a protective factor 0.36 (95% CI 0.14-0.89). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to show that the incidence of IHCA with CPR is approximately six in 1000 trauma admissions and 31% survive to hospital discharge, which is higher than other hospitalized patients. Age, gender, racial, and ethnic disparities also influence survival.

When is it safe to start thromboprophylaxis after splenic angioembolization?

BACKGROUND: Thromboprophylaxis after blunt splenic trauma is complicated by the risk of bleeding, but the risk after angioembolization is unknown. We hypothesized that earlier thromboprophylaxis initiation was associated with increased bleeding complications without mitigating venous thromboembolism events. METHODS: All blunt trauma patients who underwent splenic angioembolization within 24 hours of arrival were identified from the American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program datasets from 2017 to 2019. Cases with <24-hour length of stay, other serious injuries, and surgery before angioembolization were excluded. Venous thromboembolism was defined as deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. Bleeding complications were defined as splenic surgery, additional embolization, or blood transfusion after thromboprophylaxis initiation. Data were compared with χ2 analysis and multivariate logistic regression at P < .05. RESULTS: In 1,102 patients, 84% had American Association for the Surgery of Trauma grade III to V splenic injuries, and 73% received thromboprophylaxis. Splenic surgery after angioembolization was more common in those with thromboprophylaxis initiation within the first 24 hours (5.7% vs 1.7%, P = .007), whereas those with the initiation of thromboprophylaxis after 72 hours were more likely to have a pulmonary embolism (2.3% vs 0.2%, P = .001). Overall, venous thromboembolism increased considerably when thromboprophylaxis was initiated after day 3. In multivariate analysis, time to thromboprophylaxis initiation was associated with bleeding (odds ratio 0.74 [95% confidence interval 0.58-0.94]) and venous thromboembolism complications (odds ratio 1.5 [95% confidence interval 1.20-1.81]). CONCLUSION: This national study evaluates bleeding and thromboembolic risk to elucidate the specific timing of thromboprophylaxis after splenic angioembolization. Initiation of thromboprophylaxis between 24 and 72 hours achieves the safest balance in minimizing bleeding and venous thromboembolism risk, with 48 hours particularly serving as the ideal time for protocolized administration.

Nationwide Analysis of Firearm Injury Versus Other Penetrating Trauma: It's Not All the Same Caliber.

INTRODUCTION: Ballistic injuries cause both a temporary and permanent cavitation event, making them far more destructive and complex than other penetrating trauma. We hypothesized that global injury scoring and physiologic parameters would fail to capture the lethality of gunshot wounds (GSW) compared to other penetrating mechanisms. METHODS: The 2019 American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Programs participant use file was queried for the mortality rate for GSW and other penetrating mechanisms. A binomial logistic regression model ascertained the effects of sex, age, hypotension, tachycardia, mechanism, Glasgow Coma Scale, ISS, and volume of blood transfusion on the likelihood of mortality. Subgroup analyses examined isolated injuries by body regions. RESULTS: Among 95,458 cases (82% male), GSW comprised 46.4% of penetrating traumas. GSW was associated with longer hospital length of stay (4 [2-9] versus 3 [2-5] days), longer intensive care unit length of stay (3 [2-6] versus 2 [2-4] days), and more ventilator days (2 [1-4] versus 2 [1-3]) compared to stab wounds, all P < 0.001. The model determined that GSW was linked to increased odds of mortality compared to stab wounds (odds ratio 4.19, 95% confidence interval 3.55-4.93). GSW was an independent risk factor for acute kidney injury, acute respiratory distress syndrome, venous thromboembolism, sepsis, and surgical site infection. CONCLUSIONS: Injury scoring systems based on anatomical or physiological derangements fail to capture the lethality of GSW compared to other mechanisms of penetrating injury. Adjustments in risk stratification and reporting are necessary to reflect the proportion of GSW seen at each trauma center. Improved classification may help providers develop quality processes of care. This information may also help shape public discourse on this highly lethal mechanism.

Burn excision within 48 hours portends better outcomes than standard management: A nationwide analysis.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have debated the optimal time to perform excision and grafting of second- and third-degree burns. The current consensus is that excision should be performed before the sixth hospital day. We hypothesize that patients who undergo excision within 48 hours have better outcomes. METHODS: The American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Programs data set was used to identify all patients with at least 10% total body surface area second- and third-degree burns from years 2017 to 2019. Patients with other serious injuries (any Abbreviated Injury Scale, >3), severe inhalational injury, prehospital cardiac arrest, and interhospital transfers were excluded. International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision , procedure codes were used to ascertain time of first excision. Patients who underwent first excision within 48 hours of admission (early excision) were compared with those who underwent surgery 48 to 120 hours from admission (standard therapy). Propensity score matching was performed to control for age and total body surface area burned. RESULTS: A total of 2,270 patients (72% male) were included in the analysis. The median age was 37 (23-55) years. Early excision was associated with shorter hospital length of stay (LOS), and intensive care unit LOS. Complications including deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, ventilator-associated pneumonia, and catheter-associated urinary tract infection were significantly lower with early excision. There was no significant difference in mortality. CONCLUSION: Performance of excision within 48 hours is associated with shorter hospital LOS and fewer complications than standard therapy. We recommend taking patients for operative debridement and temporary or, when feasible, permanent coverage within 48 hours. Prospective trials should be performed to verify the advantages of this treatment strategy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic/Care Management; Level III.

Improved survival for severely injured patients receiving massive transfusion at US teaching hospitals: A nationwide analysis.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown improved survival for patients treated at American College of Surgeons (ACS)-verified level I trauma centers compared with level II, level III, and undesignated centers. This mortality difference is more pronounced in severely injured patients. However, a survival benefit for severely injured trauma patients has not been established at teaching institutions compared with nonteaching centers. Because massive transfusion (MT) is associated with high mortality, we hypothesize that patients receiving MT have lower mortality at teaching hospitals than at nonteaching hospitals. METHODS: All adult ACS Trauma Quality Improvement Program-eligible patients who underwent MT, defined as >10 U of packed red blood cells in the first 4 hours after arrival, in the 2019 ACS Trauma Quality Programs participant use file were eligible. Patients with severe head injury (head Abbreviated Injury Scale score, ≥3), prehospital cardiac arrest, and interhospital transfers were excluded. Logistic regression models were used to assess the effects of trauma center hospital teaching status on the adjusted odds of 3-hour, 6-hour, and 24-hour mortality. RESULTS: A total of 1,849 patients received MT (81% male; median Injury Severity Score, 26 [18-35]), 72% were admitted to level I trauma centers, and 28% were admitted to level II centers. Overall hospital mortality was 41%; 17% of patients died in 3 hours, 25% in 6 hours, and 33% in 24 hours. Teaching hospitals were associated with decreased 3-hour (odds ratio [OR], 0.45; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.27-0.75), 6-hour (OR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.24-0.56), 24-hour (OR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.34-0.75), and overall mortality (OR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.44-0.98), compared with nonteaching hospitals, controlling for sex, age, heart rate, injury severity, injury mechanism, and trauma center verification level. CONCLUSION: Severely injured patients requiring MT experience significantly lower mortality at teaching hospitals compared with nonteaching hospitals, independently of trauma center verification level. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic/Care Management; Level III.

Model to Inhibit Contraction in Third-Degree Burns Employing Split-Thickness Skin Graft and Administered Bone Marrow-Derived Stem Cells.

Third-degree burns typically result in pronounced scarring and contraction in superficial and deep tissues. Established techniques such as debridement and grafting provide benefit in the acute phase of burn therapy, nevertheless, scar and contraction remain a challenge in deep burns management. Our ambition is to evaluate the effectiveness of novel cell-based therapies, which can be implemented into the standard of care debridement and grafting procedures. Twenty-seven third-degree burn wounds were created on the dorsal area of Red Duroc pig. After 72 h, burns are surgically debrided using a Weck knife. Split-thickness skin grafts (STSGs) were then taken after debridement and placed on burn scars combined with bone marrow stem cells (BM-MSCs). Biopsy samples were taken on days 17, 21, and 45 posttreatment for evaluation. Histological analysis revealed that untreated control scars at 17 days are more raised than burns treated with STSGs alone and/or STSGs with BM-MSCs. Wounds treated with skin grafts plus BM-MSCs appeared thinner and longer, indicative of reduced contraction. qPCR revealed some elevation of α-SMA expression at day 21 and Collagen Iα2 in cells derived from wounds treated with skin grafts alone compared to wounds treated with STSGs + BM-MSCs. We observed a reduction level of TGFß-1 expression at days 17, 21, and 45 in cells derived from wounds treated compared to controls. These results, where the combined use of stem cells and skin grafts stimulate healing and reduce contraction following third-degree burn injury, have a potential as a novel therapy in the clinic.

The effect of mesenchymal stem cells improves the healing of burn wounds: a phase 1 dose-escalation clinical trial.

Background: Stem cell therapy holds promise to improve healing and stimulate tissue regeneration after burn injury. Preclinical evidence has supported this; however, clinical studies are lacking. We examined the application of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSC) to deep second-degree burn injuries using a two-dose escalation protocol. Methods: Ten individuals aged 18 years or older with deep second-degree burn wounds were enrolled. The first five patients were administered 2.5 × 10³ BM-MSC/cm2 to their wounds. After safety of the initial dose level was assessed, a second group of five patients was treated with a higher concentration of 5 × 10³ allogeneic BM-MSC/cm2. Safety was assessed clinically and by evaluating cytokine levels in mixed recipient lymphocyte/donor BM-MSC reactions (INFγ, IL-10 and TNFα). At each visit, we performed wound measurements and assessed wounds using a Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS). Results: All patients responded well to treatment, with 100% closure of wounds and minimal clinical evidence of fibrosis. No adverse reactions or evidence of rejection were observed for both dose levels. Patients receiving the first dose concentration had a wound closure rate of 3.64 cm2/day. Patients receiving the second dose concentration demonstrated a wound closure rate of 10.47 cm2/day. The difference in healing rates between the two groups was not found to be statistically significant (P = 0.17). Conclusion: BM-MSC appear beneficial in optimising wound healing in patients with deep second-degree burn wounds. Adverse outcomes were not observed when administering multiple doses of allogeneic BM-MSC. Lay Summary: Thermal injuries are a significant source of morbidity and mortality, constituting 5%-20% of all injuries and 4% of all deaths. Despite overall improvements in the management of acutely burned patients, morbidities associated with deeper burn injuries remain commonplace. Burn patients are too often left with significant tissue loss, scarring and contractions leading to physical loss of function and long-lasting psychological and emotional impacts.In previous studies, we have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of administering bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSC) to chronic wounds with substantial improvement in healing and evidence of tissue regeneration. In this report, we have examined the application of BM-MSC to deep second-degree burn injuries in patients.The aim of the present phase I/II clinical trial was to examine the safety and efficacy of administering allogeneic BM-MSC to deep second-degree burns. We utilised two different dose levels at concentrations 2.5 × 103 and 5 × 103 cells/cm2. Patients with deep second-degree burn wounds up to 20% of the total body surface area were eligible for treatment. Allogeneic BM-MSC were applied to burn wounds topically or by injection under transparent film dressing <7 days after injury. Patients were followed for at least six months after treatment.Using two dose levels allowed us to gain preliminary information as to whether different amounts of BM-MSC administered to burn wounds will result in significant differences in safety/ clinical response. Once the safety and dose-response analysis were completed, we evaluated the efficacy of allogeneic stem cell therapy in the treatment of deep second-degree burn wounds.In this study, we examined the role of allogeneic BM-MSC treatment in patients with deep second-degree burn injuries, in a dose-dependent manner. No significant related adverse events were reported. Safety was evaluated both clinically and by laboratory-based methods. Efficacy was assessed clinically through evidence of re-pigmentation, hair follicle restoration and regenerative change. While these findings are encouraging, more studies will be needed to better establish the benefit of BM-MSC in the treatment of burn injuries.

Simulation-based education improves military trainees' skill performance and self-confidence in tourniquet placement: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) is the standard of care for stabilization and treatment of military trauma patients. The Department of Defense has mandated that all service members receive role-based TCCC training and certification. Simulation education can increase procedural skills by providing opportunities for deliberate practice in safe, controlled environments. We developed and evaluated the effectiveness of a simulation-based TCCC training intervention to improve participants' skill performance and self-confidence in tourniquet placement. METHODS: This study was a single-blinded, randomized trial with waitlist controls. Army Reserve Officers Training Corp cadets from a single training battalion comprised the study population. After randomization and baseline assessment of all participants, group A alone received focused, simulation-based TCCC tourniquet application training. Three months later, all participants underwent repeat testing, and after crossover, the waitlist group B received the same intervention. Two months later, all cadets underwent a third/final assessment. The primary outcome was tourniquet placement proficiency assessed by total score achieved on a standardized eight-item skill checklist. A secondary outcome was self-confidence in tourniquet application skill as judged by participants' Likert scale ratings. RESULTS: Forty-three Army Reserve Officers Training Corp cadets completed the study protocol. Participants in both group A (n = 25) and group B (n = 18) demonstrated significantly higher performance from baseline to final assessment at 5 months and 2 months, respectively, following the intervention. Mean total checklist score of the entire study cohort increased significantly from 5.53 (SD = 2.00) at baseline to 7.56 (SD = 1.08) at time 3, a gain of 36.7% ( p < 0.001). Both groups rated their self-confidence in tourniquet placement significantly higher following the training. CONCLUSION: A simulation-based TCCC curriculum resulted in significant, consistent, and sustained improvement in participants' skill proficiency and self-confidence in tourniquet placement. Participants maintained these gains 2 months to 5 months after initial training. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic/care management; Level II.

SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence and Drug Use in Trauma Patients from Six Sites in the United States.

In comparison to the general patient population, trauma patients show higher level detections of bloodborne infectious diseases, such as Hepatitis and Human Immunodeficiency Virus. In comparison to bloodborne pathogens, the prevalence of respiratory infections such as SARS-CoV-2 and how that relates with other variables, such as drug usage and trauma type, is currently unknown in trauma populations. Here, we evaluated SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity and antibody isotype profile in 2,542 trauma patients from six Level-1 trauma centers between April and October of 2020 during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. We found that the seroprevalence in trauma victims 18-44 years old (9.79%, 95% confidence interval/CI: 8.33 - 11.47) was much higher in comparison to older patients (45-69 years old: 6.03%, 4.59-5.88; 70+ years old: 4.33%, 2.54 - 7.20). Black/African American (9.54%, 7.77 - 11.65) and Hispanic/Latino patients (14.95%, 11.80 - 18.75) also had higher seroprevalence in comparison, respectively, to White (5.72%, 4.62 - 7.05) and Non-Latino patients (6.55%, 5.57 - 7.69). More than half (55.54%) of those tested for drug toxicology had at least one drug present in their system. Those that tested positive for narcotics or sedatives had a significant negative correlation with seropositivity, while those on anti-depressants trended positive. These findings represent an important consideration for both the patients and first responders that treat trauma patients facing potential risk of respiratory infectious diseases like SARS-CoV-2.

Acute Kidney Injury Risk in Patients Treated with Vancomycin Combined with Meropenem or Cefepime.

Background: No previous studies have determined the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) in trauma patients treated with vancomycin + meropenem (VM) versus vancomycin + cefepime (VC). The purpose of this study was to fill this gap. Methods: A series of 99 patients admitted to an American College of Surgeons-verified level 1 trauma center over a two-year period who received VC or VM for >48 hours were reviewed retrospectively. Exclusion criteria were existing renal dysfunction or on renal replacement therapy. The primary outcome was AKI as defined by a rise in serum creatinine (SCr) to 1.5 times baseline. Multi-variable analysis was performed to control for factors associated with AKI (age, obesity, gender, length of stay [LOS], nephrotoxic agent(s), and baseline SCr), with significance defined as p < 0.05. Results: The study population was 50 ± 19 years old, 76% male, with a median LOS of 21 [range 15-39] days, and baseline SCr of 0.9 ± 0.2 mg/dL. Antibiotics, diabetes mellitus, and Injury Severity Score were independent predictors of AKI (odds ratio [OR] 4.4; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.4-12; OR 9.3; 95% CI 1-27; OR 1.2; 95% CI 1.023-1.985, respectively). The incidence of AKI was higher with VM than VC (10/26 [38%] versus 14/73 [19.1%]; p = 0.049). Conclusions: The renal toxicity of vancomycin is potentiated by meropenem relative to cefepime in trauma patients. We recommend caution when initiating vancomycin combination therapy, particularly with meropenem.

Using Telemedicine in Mass Casualty Disasters.

OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study is to test an implementation and examine users' perceptions about the usefulness of telemedicine in mass casualty and disaster settings and to provide recommendations for using telemedicine in these settings. METHODS: Ninety-two US Army Forward Surgical Team (FST) members participated in a high-fidelity mass casualty simulation at the Army Trauma Training Center (ATTC). Telemedicine was implemented into this simulation. RESULTS: Only 10.9% of participants chose to use telemedicine. The most common users were surgeons and nurses. Participants believed it somewhat improved patient care, attainment of expert resources, decision-making, and adaptation, but not the timeliness of patient care. Participants reported several barriers to using telemedicine in the mass casualty setting, including (1) confusion around team roles, (2) time constraints, and (3) difficultly using in the mass casualty setting (eg, due to noise and other conditions). CONCLUSIONS: There appear to be barriers to the use and usefulness of telemedicine in mass casualty and disaster contexts. Recommendations include designating a member to lead the use of telemedicine, providing telemedical resources whose benefits outweigh the perceived cost in lost time, and ensuring telemedicine systems are designed for the conditions inherent to mass casualty and disaster settings.

Experimental Models of COVID-19.

COVID-19 is the most consequential pandemic of the 21st century. Since the earliest stage of the 2019-2020 epidemic, animal models have been useful in understanding the etiopathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 infection and rapid development of vaccines/drugs to prevent, treat or eradicate SARS-CoV-2 infection. Early SARS-CoV-1 research using immortalized in-vitro cell lines have aided in understanding different cells and receptors needed for SARS-CoV-2 infection and, due to their ability to be easily manipulated, continue to broaden our understanding of COVID-19 disease in in-vivo models. The scientific community determined animal models as the most useful models which could demonstrate viral infection, replication, transmission, and spectrum of illness as seen in human populations. Until now, there have not been well-described animal models of SARS-CoV-2 infection although transgenic mouse models (i.e. mice with humanized ACE2 receptors with humanized receptors) have been proposed. Additionally, there are only limited facilities (Biosafety level 3 laboratories) available to contribute research to aid in eventually exterminating SARS-CoV-2 infection around the world. This review summarizes the most successful animal models of SARS-CoV-2 infection including studies in Non-Human Primates (NHPs) which were found to be susceptible to infection and transmitted the virus similarly to humans (e.g., Rhesus macaques, Cynomolgus, and African Green Monkeys), and animal models that do not require Biosafety level 3 laboratories (e.g., Mouse Hepatitis Virus models of COVID-19, Ferret model, Syrian Hamster model). Balancing safety, mimicking human COVID-19 and robustness of the animal model, the Murine Hepatitis Virus-1 Murine model currently represents the most optimal model for SARS-CoV-2/COVID19 research. Exploring future animal models will aid researchers/scientists in discovering the mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 infection and in identifying therapies to prevent or treat COVID-19.

Trauma, Teams, and Telemedicine: Evaluating Telemedicine and Teamwork in a Mass Casualty Simulation.

INTRODUCTION: Mass casualty events (MASCAL) are on the rise globally. Although natural disasters are often unavoidable, the preparation to respond to unique patient demands in MASCAL can be improved. Utilizing telemedicine can allow for a better response to such disasters by providing access to a virtual team member with necessary specialized expertise. The purpose of this study was to examine the positive and/or negative impacts of telemedicine on teamwork in teams responding to MASCAL events. METHODS: We introduced a telemedical device (DiMobile Care) to Forward Surgical Teams during a MASCAL simulated training event. We assessed teamwork-related attitudes, behaviors, and cognitions during the MASCAL scenario through pre-post surveys and observations of use. Analyses compare users and nonusers of telemedicine and pre-post training differences in teamwork. RESULTS: We received 50 complete responses to our surveys. Overall, clinicians have positive reactions toward the potential benefits of telemedicine; further, participants report a significant decrease in psychological safety after training, with users rating psychological safety as significantly higher than non-telemedicine users. Neither training nor telemedicine use produced significant changes in cognitive and behavioral-based teamwork. Nonetheless, participants reported perceiving that telemedicine improved leadership and adaptive care plans. CONCLUSIONS: Telemedicine shows promise in connecting Forward Surgical Teams with nuanced surgical expertise without harming quality of care metrics (i.e., teamwork). However, we advise future iterations of DiMobile Care and other telemedical devices to consider contextual features of information flow to ensure favorable use by teams in time-intensive, high-stakes environments, such as MASCAL.