Implementing a bedside assessment of respiratory mechanics in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Despite their potential interest for clinical management, measurements of respiratory mechanics in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are seldom performed in routine practice. We introduced a systematic assessment of respiratory mechanics in our clinical practice. After the first year of clinical use, we retrospectively assessed whether these measurements had any influence on clinical management and physiological parameters associated with clinical outcomes by comparing their value before and after performing the test. METHODS: The respiratory mechanics assessment constituted a set of bedside measurements to determine passive lung and chest wall mechanics, response to positive end-expiratory pressure, and alveolar derecruitment. It was obtained early after ARDS diagnosis. The results were provided to the clinical team to be used at their own discretion. We compared ventilator settings and physiological variables before and after the test. The physiological endpoints were oxygenation index, dead space, and plateau and driving pressures. RESULTS: Sixty-one consecutive patients with ARDS were enrolled. Esophageal pressure was measured in 53 patients (86.9%). In 41 patients (67.2%), ventilator settings were changed after the measurements, often by reducing positive end-expiratory pressure or by switching pressure-targeted mode to volume-targeted mode. Following changes, the oxygenation index, airway plateau, and driving pressures were significantly improved, whereas the dead-space fraction remained unchanged. The oxygenation index continued to improve in the next 48 h. CONCLUSIONS: Implementing a systematic respiratory mechanics test leads to frequent individual adaptations of ventilator settings and allows improvement in oxygenation indexes and reduction of the risk of overdistention at the same time. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The present study involves data from our ongoing registry for respiratory mechanics (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02623192 . Registered 30 July 2015).

Significance of computed tomography finding of intra-abdominal free fluid without solid organ injury after blunt abdominal trauma: time for laparotomy on demand.

BACKGROUND: Optimal management of patients with intra-abdominal free fluid found on computed tomography (CT) scan without solid organ injury remains controversial. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the significance of CT scan findings of free fluid in the management of blunt abdominal trauma patients who otherwise have no indications for laparotomy. METHODS: During the 3-year study period, all patients presenting with blunt abdominal trauma who underwent abdominal CT examination were retrospectively reviewed. All hemodynamically stable patients who presented with abdominal free fluid without solid organ injury on CT scan were analyzed for radiological interpretation, clinical management, operative findings, and outcome. RESULTS: A total of 122 patients were included in the study, 91 % of whom were males. The mean age of the patients was 33 ± 12 years. A total of 34 patients underwent exploratory laparotomy, 31 of whom had therapeutic interventions. Small bowel injuries were found in 12 patients, large bowel injuries in ten, and mesenteric injuries in seven patients. One patient had combined small and large bowel injury, and one had traumatic gangrenous appendix. In the remaining three patients, laparotomy was non-therapeutic. A total of 36 patients had associated pelvic fractures and 33 had multiple lumbar transverse process fractures. CONCLUSION: Detection of intra-peritoneal fluid by CT scan is inaccurate for prediction of bowel injury or need for surgery. However, the correlation between CT scan findings and clinical course is important for optimal diagnosis of bowel and mesenteric injuries.

Recreational-related head injuries in Qatar.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of recreation related-injuries (RRI) among the physically active population is increasing. This study aimed to analyse frequency and characteristics of RRI in Qatar. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted for all patients with head injuries who sustained a RRI and were admitted to the trauma unit between 2008-2011. Patients' demographics, injuries, complications and mortality were analysed. RESULTS: Of 1665 cases of head injury, 107 (6.4%) had RRI. The majority of cases were males with mean age of 27 ± 12, injury severity score of 14 ± 8 and head abbreviated injury score of 3.2 ± 0.9. Mechanisms of injury included All-Terrain Vehicle, Jet-skiing, football and water-boat. Patients sustained RRI mainly had contusion followed by subarachnoid haemorrhage, subdural and epidural haematoma. Upper extremities and the chest were the most frequently associated injuries. Severe head injuries were observed in 18% of patients with Glasgow Coma Score <8. Median length of stay was 4 (1-67) days. The incidence of RRI was highest amongst Asians (66%) and nationals (23%). The overall mortality among patients with RRI was 7%. CONCLUSION: RRI causes significant morbidity and mortality. An urgent need is recommended for legislative amendment and public awareness for safety regulations during recreational activities involving potential risk of trauma.

Traumatic brain injury in Qatar: age matters--insights from a 4-year observational study.

BACKGROUND: Overall traumatic brain injury (TBI) incidence and related death rates vary across different age groups. Objectives. To evaluate the incidence, causes, and outcome of TBI in adolescents and young adult population in Qatar. METHOD: This was a retrospective review of all TBIs admitted to the trauma center between January 2008 and December 2011. Demographics, mechanism of injury, morbidity, and mortality were analyzed in different age groups. RESULTS: A total of 1665 patients with TBI were admitted; the majority were males (92%) with a mean age of 28 ± 16 years. The common mechanism of injury was motor vehicle crashes and falls from height (51% and 35%, resp.). TBI was incidentally higher in young adults (34%) and middle age group (21%). The most frequent injuries were contusion (40%), subarachnoid (25%), subdural (24%), and epidural hemorrhage (18%). The mortality rate was 11% among TBI patients. Mortality rates were 8% and 12% among adolescents and young adults, respectively. The highest mortality rate was observed in elderly patients (35%). Head AIS, ISS, and age were independent predictors for mortality. CONCLUSION: Adolescents and adults sustain significant portions of TBI, whereas mortality is much higher in the older group. Public awareness and injury prevention campaigns should target young population.

Induced hypothermia after cardiac arrest in trauma patients: a case series.

BACKGROUND: Induced hypothermia after cardiac arrest is an accepted neuroprotective strategy. However, its role in cardiac arrest during acute trauma care is not yet defined. To characterize recent experience with this technique at our center, we undertook a detailed chart review of acute trauma patients managed with induced hypothermia after cardiac arrest. PATIENTS: From Trauma Registry records, we identified all adult patients (older than 17 years) admitted to our Level I trauma center from July 1, 2008, through June 30, 2010, who experienced cardiac arrest during acute trauma care and were managed via our induced hypothermia protocol. This requires maintenance of core body temperature between 32°C and 34°C for 24 hours after arrest. Patient clinical records were then reviewed for selected factors. RESULTS: Six acute trauma patients (3 male and 3 female; median age, 53 years) with cardiac arrest managed per protocol were identified. All injuries were due to blunt impact, and five of six injuries were motor-vehicle-associated. Median Injury Severity Score was 27; median prearrest Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score was 15. One patient arrested prehospital and the other 5 in-hospital. Median duration of arrest was 8 minutes. All were comatose after arrest. One death occurred, in the patient with a prehospital cardiac arrest. Two patients were discharged to chronic care facilities with GCS11-tracheostomy; three were discharged to active rehabilitation care facilities with GCS score of 14 to 15. There were no obvious complications related to cooling. CONCLUSIONS: Mild induced hypothermia can be beneficial in a selected group of trauma patients after cardiac arrest. Prospective trials are needed to explore the effects of targeted temperature management on coagulation in this patient group.

Trauma and Endothelial Glycocalyx: The Microcirculation Helmet?

Trauma represents a remarkable social and economical burden, being a leading cause of death and morbidity in the young population. The Endothelial Glycocalyx (EG) is a web of membrane bound to the luminal side of the blood vessels endothelium. Its role includes maintenance of the vascular permeability barrier and mediation of shear response. The contribution of the EG to a number of clinical conditions, sepsis, and ischemia/reperfusion injury among others has been well studied. With this review we initially explore the role of the EG in the microcirculatory dysfunction associated with trauma. Subsequently, we investigate the impact of fluid administration on the EG, including its potential of protecting the microcirculation from the detrimental effects of trauma. Particular emphasis is reserved to the role of inflammatory modulation and sensible fluid resuscitation.

Early and late intramedullary nailing of femur fracture: A single center experience.

BACKGROUND: Femur fracture (FF) is a common injury, and intramedullary nailing (IMN) is the standard surgical fixation. However, the time of intervention remains controversial. We aimed to describe the reamed IMN (rIMN) timing and hospital outcomes in trauma patients presenting with FF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted for all patients admitted with FF and they underwent fixation at level 1 trauma unit between January 2010 and January 2012. Patients were divided into Group I with early rIMN (<12 h) and Group II with late rIMN (≥12 h). Patients' demographics, clinical presentations, mechanism of injury, pulmonary complications, organ failure, length of stay, and mortality were described. RESULTS: A total of 307 eligible patients with FF were identified (156 patients in Group I and 151 patients in Group II). Patients in Group II were older (36 ± 18 vs. 29 ± 9; P = 0.001) and had higher rate of polytrauma (35% vs. 18%, P = 0.001), head injury (5% vs. 12%, P = 0.68) and bilateral FF (10.7% vs. 5.1%; P = 0.07) in comparison to Group I. Group II had longer stay in Intensive Care Unit (7 [1-56] vs. 2 [1-17] days; P = 0.009) and hospital (13 [2-236] vs. 9 [1-367]; P = 0.001). There were no significant differences in outcomes between the two groups in terms of sepsis, renal failure, fat embolism, adult respiratory distress syndrome and death. CONCLUSIONS: Based on this analysis, we believe that early rIMN is safe in appropriately selected cases. In patients with traumatic FFs, early rIMN is associated with low hospital complications and shorter hospital stay. The rate of pulmonary complications is almost the same in the early and late group. Further prospective randomized studies with large sample size would be ideal using the information garnered from the present study.

Prehospital intubation in patients with isolated severe traumatic brain injury: a 4-year observational study.

Objectives. To study the effect of prehospital intubation (PHI) on survival of patients with isolated severe traumatic brain injury (ISTBI). Method. Retrospective analyses of all intubated patients with ISTBI between 2008 and 2011 were studied. Comparison was made between those who were intubated in the PHI versus in the trauma resuscitation unit (TRU). Results. Among 1665 TBI patients, 160 met the inclusion criteria (105 underwent PHI, and 55 patients were intubated in TRU). PHI group was younger in age and had lower median scene motor GCS (P = 0.001). Ventilator days and hospital length of stay (P = 0.01 and 0.006, resp.) were higher in TRUI group. Mean ISS, length of stay, initial blood pressure, pneumonia, and ARDS were comparable among the two groups. Mortality rate was higher in the PHI group (54% versus 31%, P = 0.005). On multivariate regression analysis, scene motor GCS (OR 0.55; 95% CI 0.41-0.73) was an independent predictor for mortality. Conclusion. PHI did not offer survival benefit in our group of patients with ISTBI based on the head AIS and the scene motor GCS. However, more studies are warranted to prove this finding and identify patients who may benefit from this intervention.

Dilemma of blunt bowel injury: what are the factors affecting early diagnosis and outcomes.

Blunt bowel and mesenteric injury (BBMI) is frequently a difficult diagnosis at initial presentation. We aimed to study the predictors for early diagnosis and outcomes in patients with BBMI. Data were collected retrospectively from the database registry between January 2008 and December 2011 in the only Level I trauma unit in Qatar. Patients with BBMI were divided into Group A (surgically treated within 8 hours) and Group B (treated after 8 hours). Data were analyzed and χ2, Student's t test, and multivariate regression analysis were performed appropriately. Among 984 patients admitted with blunt abdominal trauma (BAT), 11 per cent had BBMI with mean age of 35 ± 9.5 years. Polytrauma and isolated bowel injury were identified in 53 and 42 per cent, respectively. Mean Injury Severity Score (ISS) was higher in Group A in comparison to Group B (18 ± 11 vs. 13 ± 8; P = 0.02). Presence of pain and seatbelt sign (P = 0.02) were evident in Group B. Hypotension (P = 0.004) and hypothermia (P = 0.01) were prominent in Group A. The rate of positive Focused Assessment Sonography for Trauma was greater in Group A (P = 0.001). Among operative findings, bowel perforation was more frequent in Group B (P = 0.04), whereas mesenteric full-thickness hematoma was significantly higher in Group A. Pelvic fracture was more frequent finding in Group A (P = 0.005). The overall mortality rate was 15.6 per cent. In patients with BAT, the presence of abdominal pain, hypotension, ISS greater than 16, hypothermia, pelvic fracture, and mesenteric hematoma might help in early diagnosis of BBMI. Moreover, base deficit and mean ISS were independent predictors of mortality. Delayed operative interventions greater than 8 hours increased morbidity rate but had no significant impact on mortality.

Epidemiology of workplace-related fall from height and cost of trauma care in Qatar.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to identify the incidence, injury patterns, and actual medical costs of occupational-related falls in Qatar, in order to provide a reference for establishing fall prevention guidelines and recommendations. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Retrospective database registry review in Level 1 Trauma Center at Tertiary Hospital in Qatar. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During a 12-month period between November 1(st) 2007 and October 31(st) 2008, construction workers who fell from height were enrolled. A database was designed to characterize demographics, injury severity score (ISS), total hospital length of stay, resource utilization, and cost of care. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Data were presented as proportions, mean ± standard deviation or median and range as appropriate. In addition, case fatality rate and cost analysis were obtained from the Biostatistics and finance departments of the same hospital. RESULTS: There were 315 fall-related injuries, of which 298 were workplace related. The majority (97%) were male immigrants with mean age of 33 ± 11 years. The most common injuries were to the spine, head, and chest. Mean ISS was 16.4 ± 10. There was total of 29 deaths (17 pre-hospital and 12 in-hospital deaths) for a case fatality rate of 8.6%. Mean cost of care (rounded figures) included pre-hospital services Emergency Medical Services (EMS), trauma resuscitation room, radiology and imaging, operating room, intensive care unit care, hospital ward care, rehabilitation services, and total cost (123, 82, 105, 130, 496, 3048,434, and 4418 thousand United States Dollars (USD), respectively). Mean cost of care per admitted patient was approximately 16,000 USD. CONCLUSIONS: Falling from height at a construction site is a common cause of trauma that poses a significant financial burden on the health care system. Injury prevention efforts are warranted along with strict regulation and enforcement of occupational laws.