Shifting Perspectives: Equal Blunt Cerebrovascular Risk in Low-Versus High-Energy Cervical Fracture.

INTRODUCTION: Clinical implications of screening for blunt cerebrovascular injury (BCVI) after low-energy mechanisms of injury (LEMI) remain unclear. We assessed BCVI incidence and outcomes in LEMI versus high-energy mechanisms of injury (HEMI) patients. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, blunt trauma adults admitted between July 2015 and June 2021 with cervical spine fractures, excluding single spinous process, osteophyte, and chronic fractures were included. Demographics, comorbidities, injuries, screening and treatment data, iatrogenic complications, and mortality were collected. Our primary end point was to compare BCVI rates between LEMI and HEMI patients. RESULTS: Eight hundred sixty patients (78%) were screened for BCVI; 120 were positive for BCVI. LEMI and HEMI groups presented similar BCVI rates (12.6% versus 14.4%; P = 0.640). Compared to HEMI patients (n = 95), LEMI patients (n = 25) were significantly older (79 ± 14.9 versus 54.3 ± 17.4, P < 0.001), more likely to be on anticoagulants before admission (64% versus 23.2%, P < 0.001), and less severely injured (LEMI injury severity score 10.9 ± 6.6 versus HEMI injury severity score 18.7 ± 11.4, P = 0.001). All but one LEMI and 90.5% of the HEMI patients had vertebral artery injuries with no significant difference in BCVI grades. One HEMI patient developed acute kidney injury because of BCVI screening. Eleven HEMI patients developed BCVI-related stroke with two related mortalities. One LEMI patient died of a BCVI-related stroke. CONCLUSIONS: BCVI rates were similar between HEMI and LEMI groups when screening based on cervical spine fractures. The LEMI group exhibited no screening or treatment complications, suggesting that benefits may outweigh the risks of screening and potential bleeding complications from treatment.

Perception of Treatment Success and Impact on Function with Antibiotics or Appendectomy for Appendicitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial with an Observational Cohort.

OBJECTIVE: To compare secondary patient reported outcomes of perceptions of treatment success and function for patients treated for appendicitis with appendectomy vs. antibiotics at 30 days. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: The Comparison of Outcomes of antibiotic Drugs and Appendectomy trial found antibiotics noninferior to appendectomy based on 30-day health status. To address questions about outcomes among participants with lower socioeconomic status, we explored the relationship of sociodemographic and clinical factors and outcomes. METHODS: We focused on 4 patient reported outcomes at 30 days: high decisional regret, dissatisfaction with treatment, problems performing usual activities, and missing >10 days of work. The randomized (RCT) and observational cohorts were pooled for exploration of baseline factors. The RCT cohort alone was used for comparison of treatments. Logistic regression was used to assess associations. RESULTS: The pooled cohort contained 2062 participants; 1552 from the RCT. Overall, regret and dissatisfaction were low whereas problems with usual activities and prolonged missed work occurred more frequently. In the RCT, those assigned to antibiotics had more regret (Odd ratios (OR) 2.97, 95% Confidence intervals (CI) 2.05-4.31) and dissatisfaction (OR 1.98, 95%CI 1.25-3.12), and reported less missed work (OR 0.39, 95%CI 0.27-0.56). Factors associated with function outcomes included sociodemographic and clinical variables for both treatment arms. Fewer factors were associated with dissatisfaction and regret. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, participants reported high satisfaction, low regret, and were frequently able to resume usual activities and return to work. When comparing treatments for appendicitis, no single measure defines success or failure for all people. The reported data may inform discussions regarding the most appropriate treatment for individuals. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT02800785.

A Randomized Trial Comparing Antibiotics with Appendectomy for Appendicitis.

BACKGROUND: Antibiotic therapy has been proposed as an alternative to surgery for the treatment of appendicitis. METHODS: We conducted a pragmatic, nonblinded, noninferiority, randomized trial comparing antibiotic therapy (10-day course) with appendectomy in patients with appendicitis at 25 U.S. centers. The primary outcome was 30-day health status, as assessed with the European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) questionnaire (scores range from 0 to 1, with higher scores indicating better health status; noninferiority margin, 0.05 points). Secondary outcomes included appendectomy in the antibiotics group and complications through 90 days; analyses were prespecified in subgroups defined according to the presence or absence of an appendicolith. RESULTS: In total, 1552 adults (414 with an appendicolith) underwent randomization; 776 were assigned to receive antibiotics (47% of whom were not hospitalized for the index treatment) and 776 to undergo appendectomy (96% of whom underwent a laparoscopic procedure). Antibiotics were noninferior to appendectomy on the basis of 30-day EQ-5D scores (mean difference, 0.01 points; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.001 to 0.03). In the antibiotics group, 29% had undergone appendectomy by 90 days, including 41% of those with an appendicolith and 25% of those without an appendicolith. Complications were more common in the antibiotics group than in the appendectomy group (8.1 vs. 3.5 per 100 participants; rate ratio, 2.28; 95% CI, 1.30 to 3.98); the higher rate in the antibiotics group could be attributed to those with an appendicolith (20.2 vs. 3.6 per 100 participants; rate ratio, 5.69; 95% CI, 2.11 to 15.38) and not to those without an appendicolith (3.7 vs. 3.5 per 100 participants; rate ratio, 1.05; 95% CI, 0.45 to 2.43). The rate of serious adverse events was 4.0 per 100 participants in the antibiotics group and 3.0 per 100 participants in the appendectomy group (rate ratio, 1.29; 95% CI, 0.67 to 2.50). CONCLUSIONS: For the treatment of appendicitis, antibiotics were noninferior to appendectomy on the basis of results of a standard health-status measure. In the antibiotics group, nearly 3 in 10 participants had undergone appendectomy by 90 days. Participants with an appendicolith were at a higher risk for appendectomy and for complications than those without an appendicolith. (Funded by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute; CODA ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02800785.).

Stepping On Fall Prevention Program Reduces Falls in Older Adults: An Observational Prospective Study.

The purpose of the current study was to assess the impact of the Stepping On fall prevention program on the incidence of falls and frailty measures in older adults. Participants completed pre- and post-fall prevention program questionnaires and the Frail Scale Assessment at baseline and post-program. They also completed a follow-up questionnaire and Frail Scale Assessment at 6- and 12-month intervals post-program. Univariate analysis was performed comparing robust (n = 11), pre-frail (n = 29), and frail (n = 7) participants. Frail participants were significantly older (mean age = 77.7 years [SD = 4.9 years] vs. 74 years [SD = 5.9 years] vs. 70.4 [SD = 3.9], respectively; p = 0.026) and more likely to live alone (71.4% vs. 65.5% vs. 18.2%, respectively; p = 0.017) compared to pre-frail and robust participants. At 12-month post-program, reported falls and frailty scores decreased compared to baseline (12.8% vs. 29.8%, p = 0.044 and 0.91 [SD = 1.1] vs. 1.3 [SD = 1.082], respectively; p = 0.009). Data show that 41.4% of pre-frail participants at baseline improved to robust. Participation in Stepping On led to a decrease in reported falls and frailty scores 12 months post-program, suggesting that participation in the program may help delay frailty progression. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 49(8), 43-50.].

Professionalism of Admitting and Consulting Services and Trauma Patient Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether trauma patients managed by an admitting or consulting service with a high proportion of physicians exhibiting patterns of unprofessional behaviors are at greater risk of complications or death. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Trauma care requires high-functioning interdisciplinary teams where professionalism, particularly modeling respect and communicating effectively, is essential. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study used data from 9 level I trauma centers that participated in a national trauma registry linked with data from a national database of unsolicited patient complaints. The cohort included trauma patients admitted January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2017. The exposure of interest was care by 1 or more high-risk services, defined as teams with a greater proportion of physicians with high numbers of patient complaints. The study outcome was death or complications within 30 days. RESULTS: Among the 71,046 patients in the cohort, 9553 (13.4%) experienced the primary outcome of complications or death, including 1875 of 16,107 patients (11.6%) with 0 high-risk services, 3788 of 28,085 patients (13.5%) with 1 high-risk service, and 3890 of 26,854 patients (14.5%) with 2+ highrisk services (P < 0.001). In logistic regression models adjusting for relevant patient, injury, and site characteristics, patients who received care from 1 or more high-risk services were at 24.1% (95% confidence interval 17.2% to 31.3%; P < 0.001) greater risk of experiencing the primary study outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Trauma patients who received care from at least 1 service with a high proportion of physicians modeling unprofessional behavior were at an increased risk of death or complications.

Tourniquet Application for Bleeding Control in a Rural Trauma System: Outcomes and Implications for Prehospital Providers.

Introduction: Uncontrolled bleeding is a preventable cause of death in rural trauma. Herein, we examined the appropriateness, effectiveness, and safety of tourniquet application for bleeding control in a rural trauma system.Methods: Medical records of adult patients admitted to our academic Level I trauma center between July 2015 and December 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographics (age, gender), injury (Injury severity score, Glascow Coma scale, mechanism of injury), tourniquet (type, tourniquet application site, tourniquet duration, place of application and removal, indication), and outcome data (complications such as amputation, acute kidney injury, rhabdomyolysis, or nerve palsy and mortality) were collected. Tourniquet indications, effectiveness, and complications were evaluated. Data were compared to those in urban settings.Results: Ninety-two patients (94 tourniquets) were identified, of which 58.7% incurred penetrating injuries. Eighty-seven tourniquets (92.5%) were applied in the prehospital setting. Twenty tourniquets (21.3%) were applied to patients without an appropriate indication. Two of these tourniquets were applied in a hospital setting, while 18 occurred in the prehospital setting (p = 0.638). Patients with a non-indicated tourniquet presented with a higher hemoglobin level on admission, received less packed red blood cell units within the first 24 hours of hospitalization, and were less likely to require surgery for hemostasis. None of the non-indicated tourniquets led to a complication. Indicated tourniquets were deemed ineffective in seven cases (9.5%); they were all applied in the prehospital setting. The average tourniquet time was 123 min in rural vs. 48 min in urban settings, p < 0.001. There was no significant difference in mortality, amputation rates and incidence of nerve palsy between the rural and urban settings.Conclusion: Even with long transport times, early tourniquet application for hemorrhage control in rural settings is safe with no significant attributable morbidity and mortality compared to published studies on urban civilian tourniquet use. The observed rates of non-indicated and ineffective tourniquets indicate suboptimal tourniquet usage and application. Opportunity exists for standardized hemorrhage control training on the use of direct pressure and pressure dressings, indications for tourniquet use, and effective tourniquet application.

Firework injuries remain high in years after legalisation: its impact on children.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the impact of Senate Bill 489 passed in May 2017, allowing the sale and use of fireworks in Iowa 1 June to 8 July and 10 December to 3 January, on hospital presentations for firework injuries in the state. To identify the public health implications of this law, we conducted a detailed subanalysis of hospital presentations to the two level I trauma centres. METHODS: Hospital presentations for firework injuries from 1 June 2014 to 31 July 2019 were identified using the Iowa Hospital Admission database and registries and medical records of Iowa's two level 1 trauma centres. Trauma centres' data were reviewed to obtain demographics, injury information and hospital course. Prefirework and postfirework legalisation state data were compared using negative binomial regression analysis. Trauma centre data detailing injuries were compared using χ2 and Mann-Whitney U tests as appropriate. RESULTS: Emergency department (ED) visits and hospital admissions for firework injuries increased in Iowa post-legalisation (B-estimate=0.598±0.073, p<0.001 and B-estimate=0.612±0.322, p=0.058, respectively). ED visits increased postlegalisation in July (73.6% vs 64.5%; p=0.008), reflecting an increase in paediatric admissions (81.8% vs 62.5%; p=0.006). Trauma centres' data showed similar trends. The most common injury site across both study periods was the hands (48.5%), followed by the eyes (34.3%) and face (28.3%). Amputations increased from 0 prelegalisation to 16.2% postlegalisation. CONCLUSION: Firework legalisation led to an increase in the number of admissions and more severe injuries.

Geriatric clinical screening tool for cervical spine injury after ground-level falls.

BACKGROUND: A consistent approach to cervical spine injury (CSI) clearance for patients 65 and older remains a challenge. Clinical clearance algorithms like the National Emergency X-Radiography Utilisation Study (NEXUS) criteria have variable accuracy and the Canadian C-spine rule excludes older patients. Routine CT of the cervical spine is performed to rule out CSI but at an increased cost and low yield. Herein, we aimed to identify predictive clinical variables to selectively screen older patients for CSI. METHODS: The University of Iowa's trauma registry was interrogated to retrospectively identify all patients 65 years and older who presented with trauma from a ground-level fall from January 2012 to July 2017. The relationship between predictive variables (demographics, NEXUS criteria and distracting injuries) and presence of CSI was examined using the generalised linear modelling (GLM) framework. A training set was used to build the statistical models to identify clinical variables that can be used to predict CSI and a validation set was used to assess the reliability and consistency of the model coefficients estimated from the training set. RESULTS: Overall, 2312 patients ≥65 admitted for ground-level falls were identified; 253 (10.9%) patients had a CSI. Using the GLM framework, the best predictive model for CSI included midline tenderness, focal neurological deficit and signs of trauma to the head/face, with midline tenderness highly predictive of CSI (OR=22.961 (15.178-34.737); p<0.001). The negative predictive value (NPV) for this model was 95.1% (93.9%-96.3%). In the absence of midline tenderness, the best model included focal neurological deficit (OR=2.601 (1.340-5.049); p=0.005) and signs of trauma to the head/face (OR=3.024 (1.898-4.815); p<0.001). The NPV was 94.3% (93.1%-95.5%). CONCLUSION: Midline tenderness, focal neurological deficit and signs of trauma to the head/face were significant in this older population. The absence of all three variables indicates lower likelihood of CSI for patients≥65. Future observational studies are warranted to prospectively validate this model.

A Prospective Comparison of Frailty Scores and Fall Prediction in Acutely Injured Older Adults.

BACKGROUND: Elderly (65 and older) fall-related injuries are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Although frailty predicts poor outcomes in geriatric trauma, literature comparing frailty scoring systems remains limited. Herein, we evaluated which frailty scoring system best predicts falls over time in the elderly. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Acute surgical patients 65 y and older were enrolled and prospectively observed. Demographics and frailty, assessed using the FRAIL Scale, Trauma Specific Frailty Index (TSFI), and Canadian Frailty Scale (CSHA-CFS), were collected at enrollment and 3 mo intervals following discharge for 1 y. Surveys queried the total number and timing of falls. Changes in frailty over time were assessed by logistic regression and area under the curve (AUC). RESULTS: Fifty-eight patients were enrolled. FRAIL Scale and CSHA-CFS scores did not change over time, but TSFI scores did (P ≤ 0.01). Worsening frailty was observed using TSFI at 6 (P ≤ 0.01) and 12 mo (P ≤ 0.01) relative to baseline. Mortality did not differ based on frailty using any frailty score. Increasing frailty scores and time postdischarge was associated with increased odds of a fall. AUC estimates with 95% CI were 0.72 [0.64, 0.80], 0.81 [0.74, 0.88], and 0.76 [0.68, 0.84] for the FRAIL Scale, TSFI, and CSHA-CFS, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of falls postdischarge were associated with increased age, time postdischarge, and frailty in our population. No scale appeared to significantly outperform the other by AUC estimation. Further study on the longitudinal effects of frailty is warranted.

Common Injuries Associated with Falls from Tree Stands in Iowa.

INTRODUCTION: Tree stand falls are a common injury among hunters. This study was designed to identify specific injury patterns and local and regional factors affecting access to and care for this unique trauma cohort in Iowa. METHODS: The University of Iowa trauma registry was retrospectively queried from 2004 to 2014 for patients with a mechanism of injury of fall from tree stands. Data are presented as mean±SD, median, and range, or raw number and percentages as appropriate. Correlation analyses were performed using the Spearman coefficient. RESULTS: Fifty-three patients were identified. Age was 44±14 (17-78) y. Median fall height was 4.6 m (15 ft), ranging from 1.5 to 12 m (5 to 40 ft). Transport times varied from <1 h to >7 h. Hypothermia was observed in 6 patients (11%). Two patients (4%) tested positive for alcohol. Three patients (6%) tested positive for drugs. Soft tissue injuries (32 [60%]; ie, lacerations and abrasions) were the most common, followed by 30 spine fractures (57%, including 11 lumbar and 10 thoracic fractures), 16 other bone fractures (30%), and 11 rib fractures (21%). Twenty-two patients underwent surgery. Median hospital length of stay was 4 d, ranging from 0 to 20 d. CONCLUSIONS: Tree stand falls lead to significant injuries. Hypothermia represents a significant risk for these patients, and remote location resulted in long transportation time. Improper use or poor condition of safety equipment contributed to falls and injuries in a few of our patients.

Safety and effectiveness of Factor Eight Inhibitor Bypassing Activity for direct oral anticoagulant-related hemorrhage reversal.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of patients who present with life-threatening bleeding complications has been increasing as the use of direct oral anticoagulation (DOAC) has increased. Therefore, effective reversal agents are urgently needed. Current guidelines recommend the use of prothrombin complex concentrates (PCCs) and activated PCCs (aPCC) for reversal of DOAC anticoagulant activity in the setting of traumatic and non-traumatic intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). However, little data is available. OBJECTIVE: Herein, we investigated the safety and effectiveness of Factor Eight Inhibitor Bypassing Activity [FEIBA (an aPCC)] in a population of patients who required emergent reversal of DOAC for hemorrhage or urgent surgical interventions. METHODS: This is a case series study. Medical records from patients who required emergent reversal of DOAC for life threatening hemorrhage or urgent surgical interventions were collected from February 1, 2014, to April 1, 2017 and reviewed. Data, including demographics as well as safety, outcomes, and dosing of FEIBA for reversal of DOAC effects were collected and descriptive statistics were obtained. RESULTS: Forty-two patients who received FEIBA were included in the study. The rates of thrombotic events (10%), hemorrhage progression (10%), and observed mortality (29%) were similar to rates previously published in the limited literature evaluating aPCC use in this population. CONCLUSION: This case series suggests that FEIBA administration is relatively safe and effective to reverse DOACs in the setting of hemorrhage or need for urgent surgical procedures. Until target-specific reversal agents are available, future studies are warranted to evaluate the effectiveness of aPCC administration for DOAC-associated hemorrhagic complications.

Patient education and recall regarding postsplenectomy immunizations.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the rates of initial vaccinations after splenectomy for trauma, assess the effectiveness of patient education on reimmunizations, and evaluate patients' utilization of their knowledge regarding immunization after discharge. METHODS: From June 1996-December 2011, 144 patients underwent splenectomy after traumatic injury. A telephone survey was completed in 100 of 144 splenectomized patients (69%) at a mean of 7.9 y after their splenectomy. Questions were directed to determine the quality of patients' recall of the implications of splenectomy, the need for vaccinations, and the quality of the health information administered. Research electronic data capture tool was used for collecting data, and data were analyzed with Stata 11.2. RESULTS: Only 27% of participants recall receiving education on postsplenectomy vaccination and 41% of those patients rated their education as poor or minimal. Ninety-one percent of patients indicated that they would like more information in the form of a brochure. Our overall initial vaccination rates among patients who had splenectomy from 1996-2011 were 76%, 75%, and 68% for Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Hemophilus influenza type b, respectively. Since 2004, 95% of those who had splenectomy between 2004 and 2007 received all three vaccines. Since 2008, our institution has maintained 100% initial vaccination rates for all three vaccines. The revaccination rates in this group of patients (from 1996-2007) were 39% and 15% for pneumococcal and meningococcal vaccines, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Patients had poor recall of the information provided during hospitalization for splenectomy. There were low revaccination rates in our patient cohort. Specific educational and vaccination surveillance strategies are required to improve vaccination rates.

The effect of damage control laparotomy on surgical-site infection risks after emergent intestinal surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Damage-control laparotomy has been widely used in general surgery. However, associated surgical-site infection risks have rarely been investigated. Damage-control laparotomy allows for additional opportunities for decontamination. We hypothesized that damage-control laparotomy would be associated with lower surgical-site infection risks compared with laparotomy with only primary fascial closure or with primary fascial and skin closure. METHODS: Patients admitted for emergent intestinal surgery from 2006 to 2021 were included. Multivariate analyses were performed to identify surgical-site infection-associated risk factors. Although variables like laparotomy type (damage-control laparotomy, primary fascial closure, and primary fascial and skin closure) were provided by National Surgical Quality Improvement Program, other variables such as number of operations were retrospectively collected. P < .05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Overall, 906 patients were included; 213 underwent damage-control laparotomy, 175 primary fascial closure, and 518 primary fascial and skin closure. Superficial, deep, and organ-space surgical-site infection developed in 66, 6, and 97 patients, respectively. Compared with primary fascial and skin closure, both damage-control laparotomy (odds ratio, 0.30 [95% CI, 0.13-0.73], P = .008) and primary fascial closure (odds ratio, 0.09 [95% CI, 0.02-0.37], P = .001) were associated with lower superficial incisional surgical-site infection but not organ-space surgical-site infection risk (odds ratio, 0.80 [95% CI, 0.29-2.19] P = .667 and odds ratio, 0.674 [95% CI, 0.21-2.14], P = .502, respectively). Body mass index was associated with increased risk of superficial incisional surgical-site infection (odds ratio, 1.06 [95% CI, 1.03-1.09], P < .001) whereas frailty was associated with organ space surgical-site infection (odds ratio, 3.28 [95% CI, 1.29-8.36], P = .013). For patients who underwent damage-control laparotomy, the number of operations did not affect risk of either superficial incisional surgical-site infection or organ space SSI. CONCLUSION: Herein, compared with primary fascial and skin closure, both damage-control laparotomy and primary fascial closure were associated with lower superficial but not organ space surgical-site infection risks. For patients who underwent damage-control laparotomy, number of operations did not affect surgical-site infection risks.

A core outcome set for appendicitis: A consensus approach utilizing modified Delphi methodology.

BACKGROUND: Appendicitis is one of the most common pathologies encountered by general and acute care surgeons. The current literature is inconsistent, as it is fraught with outcome heterogeneity, especially in the area of nonoperative management. We sought to develop a core outcome set (COS) for future appendicitis studies to facilitate outcome standardization and future data pooling. METHODS: A modified Delphi study was conducted after identification of content experts in the field of appendicitis using both the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma (EAST) landmark appendicitis articles and consensus from the EAST ad hoc COS taskforce on appendicitis. The study incorporated three rounds. Round 1 utilized free text outcome suggestions, then in rounds 2 and 3 the suggests were scored using a Likert scale of 1 to 9 with 1 to 3 denoting a less important outcome, 4 to 6 denoting an important but noncritical outcome, and 7 to 9 denoting a critically important outcome. Core outcome status consensus was defined a priori as >70% of scores 7 to 9 and <15% of scores 1 to 3. RESULTS: Seventeen panelists initially agreed to participate in the study with 16 completing the process (94%). Thirty-two unique potential outcomes were initially suggested in round 1 and 10 (31%) met consensus with one outcome meeting exclusion at the end of round 2. At completion of round 3, a total of 17 (53%) outcomes achieved COS consensus. CONCLUSION: An international panel of 16 appendicitis experts achieved consensus on 17 core outcomes that should be incorporated into future appendicitis studies as a minimum set of standardized outcomes to help frame future cohort-based studies on appendicitis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic Test or Criteria; Level V.

Use and Outcomes of Dexamethasone in the Management of Malignant Small Bowel Obstruction.

Objective: To describe rates of dexamethasone use in the nonoperative management of malignant small bowel obstruction (mSBO) and their outcomes. Background: mSBO is common in patients with advanced abdominal-pelvic cancers. Management includes prioritizing quality of life and avoiding surgical intervention when possible. The use of dexamethasone to restore bowel function is recommended in the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines for mSBO. Yet, it is unknown how often dexamethasone is used for mSBO and whether results from nonresearch settings support its use. Methods: This is a multicenter retrospective cohort study including unique admissions for mSBO from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2021. Dexamethasone use and management outcomes were summarized with descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression. Results: Among 571 admissions (68% female, mean age 63 years, 85% history of abdominal surgery) that were eligible and initially nonoperative, 26% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 23%-30%] received dexamethasone treatment (69% female, mean age 62 years, 87% history of abdominal surgery). Dexamethasone use by site ranged from 13% to 52%. Among dexamethasone recipients, 13% (95% CI = 9%-20%) subsequently required nonelective surgery during the same admission and 4 dexamethasone-related safety-events were reported. Amongst 421 eligible admissions where dexamethasone was not used, 17% (95% CI = 14%-21%) required nonelective surgery. Overall, the unadjusted odds ratio (OR) for nonelective surgery with dexamethasone use compared to without its use was 0.7 (95% CI = 0.4-1.3). Using multiple logistic regression, OR after adjusting for site, age, sex, history of abdominal surgery, nasogastric tube, and Gastrografin use was 0.6 (95% CI = 0.3-1.1). Conclusion: Dexamethasone was used in about 1 in 4 eligible mSBO admissions with high variability of use between tertiary academic centers. This multicenter retrospective cohort study suggested an association between dexamethasone use and lower rates of nonelective surgery, representing a potential opportunity for quality improvement.

A pediatric cervical spine clearance protocol to reduce radiation exposure in children.

BACKGROUND: To minimize radiation exposure in children and reduce resource use, we implemented an age-specific algorithm to evaluate cervical spine injuries at a Level 1 trauma center. The effects of protocol implementation on computed tomography (CT) use in children (≤ 10 y) were determined. METHODS: With institutional review board approval, we conducted a retrospective review using the institutional trauma registry. All pediatric patients (≤ 10 y) (n = 324) between January 2007 and present were reviewed. We excluded cases in which no imaging or outside imaging was performed. Patients were evaluated by physical exam alone, with the aid of plain radiograms or with cervical spine CT. All patients who required head CT also had CT of cervical spine to C3. We analyzed demographic, injury, and outcome data using STATA to perform chi-square and t-test, and to determine P value. P < 0.05 was defined as significant. We used the WinDose program to calculate the radiation-effective dose used in cervical spine CT. RESULTS: There were 123 and 124 patients in the pre-protocol and post-protocol groups, respectively. Demographics, GCS, and injury analysis, specifically head-neck and face Injury Severity Scores showed no significant difference between groups. There was a 60% (P < 0.001) decrease in the use of full CTs after protocol implementation. We estimated that the protocol reduced the exposed area by 50% and decreased the radiation dose to the thyroid by > 80%. We extrapolated the combined effect results in a threefold reduction in radiation exposure. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of a cervical spine protocol led to a significant reduction in radiation exposure among children.

Frailty as a predictor of negative outcomes in trauma patients with rib fractures.

BACKGROUND: In patients with rib fractures, adverse outcomes are associated with number of rib fractures; however, studies suggest an association with frailty. We assessed whether frailty, measured using the Canadian Study of Health and Aging clinical frailty scale, was associated with adverse outcomes in this population. METHODS: Patients ≥50 years admitted for rib fractures from July 2015 to June 2020 were retrospectively scored for frailty. Demographics, comorbidities, injury information, hospital course, and complications were collected. Univariate analyses were performed to assess significant differences between the fit, prefrail, and frail groups. The association between number of rib fractures and frailty with outcomes was determined. RESULTS: Controlling for age, sex, Injury Severity Score, preadmission anticoagulant, injury mechanism, and comorbidities and nonchest Abbreviated Injury Scores showing significant differences, the number of rib fractures was associated with developing pneumonia (odds ratio = 1.197 [1.076-1.332]; P = .001), hospital length of stay (odds ratio = 1.066 [1.033-1.100], P < .001), mortality (odds ratio = 1.157 [1.048-1.278], P = .004), and discharge to long-term acute care facilities (odds ratio = 1.295 [1.084-1.546], P = .004). Frailty was associated with hospital length of stay (odds ratio = 1.659 [1.059-2.598], P = .027) and discharge to skilled nursing facilities (odds ratio = 5.282 [1.567-17.802], P = .007). CONCLUSION: In our population, the number of rib fractures was associated with respiratory complications and mortality. Frailty was associated with longer hospitalization and discharge to higher level of care.

Surgical stabilization of critical abdominal injuries in a mature rural trauma system: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Worse outcomes following injuries are more likely in rural versus urban areas. In 2001, our state established an inclusive trauma system to improve mortality. In 2015, the trauma system had a consultation visit from the American College of Surgeons' Committee on Trauma, who made several recommendations. We hypothesized that continued maturation of this system would lead to more laparotomies prior to transfer to a higher level of care and better outcomes. METHODS: Our trauma registry was queried to identify all patients transferred between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2020, who underwent laparotomy either before transfer or within 4 hours of arrival. The preconsultation (2010-2015) and postconsultation periods (2016-2020) were compared. Categorical and continuous variables were compared using χ2 and Mann-Whitney U tests, respectively. RESULTS: We included 213 patients; 63 had laparotomy before transfer and 150 within 4 hours after transfer. Age, injury severity scores, systolic blood pressure, and mechanism of injury were not different between periods. Proportions of laparotomy before and after transfer and outcomes (mortality, hospital length of stay, intensive care unit length of stay, ventilator days) were also similar (p = 0.368 for laparotomy, p = 0.840, 0.124, 0.286, 0.822 for outcomes). Compared with the preconsultation period, the proportion of laparotomy performed before transfer for severe injuries (abdominal Abbreviated Injury Scale score >3) significantly increased postconsultation (57.1% vs. 30.6%, p = 0.011). Incidence of damage-control laparotomies (43.9% vs. 23.6%; p = 0.020) and transfusion of plasma and platelets (33.6% vs. 13.2%; p < 0.001, 22.4% vs. 8.5%, p = 0.007, respectively) significantly increased. CONCLUSION: Identification and surgical stabilization of critical patients at the non-Level I facilities prior to transfer, as well as blood product use and damage-control techniques, improved postconsultation, suggesting a shift in the approaches to surgical stabilization and resuscitation efforts in our trauma system. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic/Care Management; Level IV.

Frailty in mid-life predicts outcome following trauma.

PURPOSE: Midlife adults (50-64 y) are at risk for falls and subsequent injury; yet current guidance on fall screening only pertains to older adults (> 65 y). Herein, we evaluated whether frailty was predictive of readmission for falls in midlife trauma patients. STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective cohort study of trauma midlife patients admitted for traumatic injuries from 2010 to 2015. Demographics, injury data, fall history, and post-index readmission for falls were collected from medical records. Frailty scores were calculated retrospectively using the Canadian Study of Health and Aging Clinical Frailty Scale (CSHA-CFS). The association between frailty and outcomes was assessed. p < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: A total of 326 midlife patients were included, 54% were considered fit, 33.7% pre-frail, and 12.3% frail. Compared to their fit and pre-frail counterparts, frail patients were more likely to be female (67.5% vs. 46.3% vs. 36.3%, p < 0.001), have a history of fall (22.5% vs. 15.5% vs. 6.2%, p < 0.001), and to have suffered a ground level fall on index admission (52.5% vs. 20% vs. 5.7%, p < 0.001). Controlling for age, BMI, gender, race, and fall history, frailty was associated with readmission of midlife adults for falls (OR = 1.82 [1.23-2.69]; p = 0.003) and discharge to skilled nursing facilities (OR = 26.86 [8.03-89.81], p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Pre-injury frailty may be an effective tool to predict risk of readmission for fall and discharge disposition in midlife trauma patients.