Serum Magnesium Levels and Neurological Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Targeted Temperature Management After Cardiac Arrest.

INTRODUCTION: Magnesium plays a neuroprotective role at the physiologic level, but its neuroprotective role in patients undergoing targeted temperature management for cardiac arrest is not well established. We performed multiple logistic regression analysis to evaluate whether magnesium levels can predict neurological outcomes in patients undergoing targeted temperature management after cardiac arrest. METHODS: We retrospectively investigated data on 86 patients who had undergone targeted temperature management after cardiac arrest between December 2015 and November 2017. The primary outcome was to determine whether magnesium levels predict unfavorable neurological outcomes for patients with return of spontaneous circulation after targeted temperature management. Cerebral Performance Category 3, 4, or 5 indicated unfavorable neurological outcomes. We performed multiple logistic regression to evaluate the primary outcome, adjusting for the time to return of spontaneous circulation, motor score of the Glasgow Coma Scale, first-recorded cardiac rhythm, pH, and magnesium levels. RESULTS: Of the 86 patients, 58 had unfavorable neurological outcomes. The mean hospital stay was 19 days. Multivariable analysis indicated that magnesium levels were not associated with an unfavorable neurological outcome. In contrast, a time to return of spontaneous circulation greater than 30 minutes and Glasgow Coma Scale motor score of 1 were significantly associated with an unfavorable neurological outcome. DISCUSSION: Magnesium levels were not associated with an unfavorable neurological outcome according to multivariable analysis. We found that a time to return of spontaneous circulation greater than 30 minutes and Glasgow Coma Scale motor score of 1 might predict an unfavorable neurological outcome.

Implant salvage in patients with severe post-fracture fixation surgical site infection using negative pressure wound therapy with intramedullary and subcutaneous antibiotic perfusion.

INTRODUCTION: Post-fracture fixation surgical site infection (SSI) is a devastating complication, and the standard-of-care therapeutic regimen is ineffective in managing it. Negative pressure wound therapy with instillation and dwell time (NPWTi-d) can be used to salvage orthopedic fixation hardware in the setting of infection; moreover, NPWTi-d can be used effectively in the management of superficial post-fracture fixation SSI. CASE REPORT: Two cases were treated with NPWTi-d. Because of difficulties disrupting the deep dead space biofilm in a deep post-fracture fixation SSI (and because of the risk for bone infection), a double-lumen tube was used for subcutaneous antibiotic perfusion and dead space suction drainage, and bone marrow needles were used for intramedullary antibiotic perfusion to manage or prevent early osteomyelitis. The 2 patients with severe SSI after below-knee fracture fixation were treated with continuous intramedullary and subcutaneous antibiotic perfusion with NPWT to salvage the orthopedic implant. The debrided wounds of the lower leg and heel were reconstructed with free flaps and incisional NPWT, followed by administration of continuous intramedullary and subcutaneous antibiotic perfusion to preserve the titanium plates. In both patients, the wounds healed without complications and remained healed after more than 7 months. CONCLUSIONS: Continuous local antibiotic perfusion around infected orthopedic fixation hardware can be an ideal treatment for patients with SSI after fracture fixation. Although this technique can be improved further, it is more effective than conventional therapy in the management of severe post-fracture fixation SSI with a dead space.

Stomal stenosis during gradual closure of a traumatic abdominal wall hernia.

INTRODUCTION: Traumatic abdominal wall hernias are often accompanied by intra-abdominal injuries, and a stoma may be required. Although rare, stomal stenosis can develop after the repair of a traumatic abdominal wall hernia. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 65-year-old woman was in a head-on collision with a truck and was brought by ambulance to our facility. The findings of a physical examination and computed tomography scan suggested bowel perforation for which exploratory surgery was performed. The lacerated small bowel and sigmoid colon were resected and an ileostomy and colostomy were created. Abdominal wall reconstruction was impossible because of the large defect size. Repair of the abdominal wall was achieved by gradual closure of the fascia after surgery in combination with negative pressure wound therapy. Stenosis of the ileostomy occurred during this process and was surgically repaired. DISCUSSION: We reconstructed the abdominal wall using negative pressure wound therapy in combination with sutures while minimizing the risk of abdominal compartment syndrome. This approach did not increase the intra-abdominal pressure, but it deformed the abdominal wall, resulting in unexpected stenosis of the ostomy. CONCLUSION: Gradual postoperative closure of a traumatic abdominal wall hernia with an ostomy in place may result in stomal stenosis. Stomal patency must be carefully evaluated during this process.