Usefulness of the Yokohama Advanced Cardiopulmonary Help Team in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Aim: To evaluate whether establishing an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) specialist team, termed the Yokohama Advanced Cardiopulmonary Help Team (YACHT), affected the outcomes and centralization of patients requiring ECMO in Yokohama-Yokosuka regions. Methods: This retrospective observational study included patients aged ≥18 years and treated with venovenous-ECMO for severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) from 2014 to 2023. The primary outcome was intensive care unit (ICU) mortality. The secondary outcomes included ICU-, mechanical ventilator-, and ECMO-free days and complications during the first 28 days. Results: This study included 46 (12 without- and 34 with-YACHT) patients. Among with-YACHT patients, 24 were transferred to our hospital from other hospitals, 14 were assessed by dispatched ECMO physicians, and 9 were transferred after ECMO introduction. No without-YACHT patients were transferred from other hospitals. With-YACHT patients experienced coronavirus disease 2019-associated respiratory failure more frequently (0 vs. 27, p < 0.001) and had higher Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores (19 vs. 24, p = 0.037) and lower Respiratory Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Survival Prediction scores (4 vs. 2, p = 0.021). ICU mortality was not significantly different between the groups (2 vs. 4, p = 0.67). ICU- (14 vs. 9, p = 0.10), ventilator- (11 vs. 5, p = 0.01), and ECMO-free days (20 vs. 14, p = 0.038) were higher before YACHT establishment. The incidences of complications were not significantly different between the groups. Conclusions: Mortality was not significantly different pre- and post-YACHT establishment; however, it helped promote regionalization and centralization in Yokohama-Yokosuka areas. We will collect more cases to demonstrate YACHT's usefulness.

Risk factors for clinically important traumatic brain injury in minor head injury in older people.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The incidence of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in older individuals is increasing with an increase in the older population. For older people, the required medical interventions and hospitalization following minor head injury have negative impacts, which have not been reported in literature up till now. We aimed to investigate the risk factors for clinically important traumatic brain injury (ciTBI) in older patients with minor head injury. METHODS: This is a retrospective single-center cohort study. Older patients aged ≥65 years presenting with head injury and a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of ≥13 upon arrival at the hospital between January 1, 2018, and October 31, 2021, were included. Patients with an injury duration of ≥24 h were excluded. The primary outcome was defined as ciTBI (including death, surgery, intubation, medical interventions, and hospital stays of ≥2 nights). Multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the risk factors. RESULTS: A total of 296 patients were included initially, and 6 of them were excluded subsequently. ciTBI was identified in 62 cases. According to the results of the multiple logistic regression analysis, GCS scores of ≤14 (OR 3.72, 95% CI 1.89-7.30), high-risk mechanisms of injury (OR 2.80, 95% CI 1.39-5.64), vomiting (OR 5.01, 95% CI 1.19-21.1), and retrograde amnesia (OR 6.90, 95% CI 3.37-14.1) were identified as risk factors. CONCLUSION: In older patients with minor head injury, GCS ≤14, high-risk mechanisms of injury, vomiting, and retrograde amnesia are risk factors for ciTBI.

Laparoscopy for emergency abdominal surgery is associated with reduced physical functional decline in older patients: a cohort study.

BACKGROUND: An increasing number of older patients require emergency abdominal surgery for acute abdomen. They are susceptible to surgical stress and lose their independence in performing daily activities. Laparoscopic surgery is associated with faster recovery, less postoperative pain, and shorter hospital stay. However, few studies have examined the relationship between laparoscopic surgery and physical functional decline. Thus, we aimed to examine the relationship between changes in physical function and the surgical procedure. METHODS: In this was a single-center, retrospective cohort study, we enrolled patients who were aged ≥ 65 years and underwent emergency abdominal surgery for acute abdomen between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2021. We assessed their activities of daily living using the Barthel Index. Functional decline was defined as a decrease of ≥ 20 points in Barthel Index at 28 days postoperatively, compared with the preoperative value. We evaluated an association between functional decline and surgical procedures among older patients, using multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: During the study period, 852 patients underwent emergency abdominal surgery. Among these, 280 patients were eligible for the analysis. Among them, 94 underwent laparoscopic surgery, while 186 underwent open surgery. Patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery showed a less functional decline at 28 days postoperatively (6 vs. 49, p < 0.001). After adjustments for other covariates, laparoscopic surgery was an independent preventive factor for postoperative functional decline (OR, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.05-0.83; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In emergency abdominal surgery, laparoscopic surgery reduces postoperative physical functional decline in older patients. Widespread use of laparoscopic surgery can potentially preserve patient quality of life and may be important for the better development of emergency abdominal surgery.

Association between blood pressure recording in prehospital setting and patient outcome in pediatric trauma patients: A propensity score matching study.

BACKGROUND: Rapid identification of the severity of injuries in the field is important to ensure appropriate hospital care for better outcomes. Vital signs are used as a field triage tool for critically ill or injured patients in prehospital settings. Several studies have shown that recording vital signs, especially blood pressure, in pediatric patients is sometimes omitted in prehospital settings compared with that in adults. However, little is known about the association between the lack of measurement of prehospital vital signs and patient outcomes. In this study, we examined the association between the rate of vital sign measurements in the field and patient outcomes in injured children. METHODS: This study analyzed secondary data from the Japan Trauma Data Bank. We included pediatric patients (0-17 years) with injuries who were transported by emergency medical services. Hospital survival was the primary outcome. We performed a propensity-matched analysis with nearest-neighbor matching without replacement by adjusting for demographic and clinical variables to evaluate the effect of recording vital signs. RESULTS: During the study period, 13,413 pediatric patients were included. There were 9,187 and 1,798 patients with and without prehospital blood pressure records, respectively. After matching, there were no differences in the patient characteristics or disease severity. Hospital mortality was significantly higher in the nonrecorded group than in the recorded group (4.3% vs. 1.1%; p < 0.001). The multiple logistic regression analysis results showed no prehospital record of blood pressure being associated with death (odds ratio [OR], 6.82; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.40-19.33). Glasgow Coma Scale score and Injury Severity Score were also associated with death (OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.63-0.81 and OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.06-11.14, respectively). CONCLUSION: Pediatric patients without any blood pressure records in prehospital settings had higher mortality rates than those with prehospital blood pressure records. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic/Care Management; Level III.

Continuous positive airway pressure treatment from the prehospital field in a Japanese regional Doctor Car system.

Background: Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is an effective treatment for patients with severe heart failure, and certain guidelines recommend its early initiation. However, the current Japanese law strictly prohibits paramedics from administering this treatment. To demonstrate the efficacy and safety of prehospital administration of CPAP therapy, this study was conducted by the Yokohama Medical Control Council (Yokohama MC). Methods: The Yokohama MC established a protocol for CPAP treatment and dispatched Doctor Cars to attend to patients with severe respiratory failure. The Boussignac CPAP system was installed in all Yokohama Doctor Cars, including Workstation-type Doctor Cars and Hospital-type Doctor Cars. Data from this study were collected and recorded in the Yokohama City Doctor Car Registry system from October 2020 to January 2022. Results: The Doctor Car was dispatched 661 times, and CPAP therapy was administered to 13 patients in the prehospital field. It is important to note that the number of CPAP cases was lower than anticipated due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, given concerns about aerosol production. When assessing changes over time in oxygen saturation (SpO2), the median (interquartile range), excluding missing values, was 89% (83%-93%) without oxygen, 95% (94%-99.3%) with oxygen, and 100% (97%-100%) with CPAP. The differences between these groups were statistically significant with a p-value of <0.0001. Respiratory distress was primarily attributed to heart failure in 10 patients (91%) and pneumothorax in 1 patient (9%). Notably, none of the patients' conditions worsened after the use of CPAP. Conclusion: We have detailed the administration of CPAP therapy in the prehospital field within a local city in Japan. To the best of our knowledge, this represents the inaugural report of a prospective observational study on the prehospital administration of CPAP therapy originating from Japan.

Association of obesity paradox with prognosis of veno-venous-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in patients with coronavirus disease 2019.

Aim: Although the obesity paradox is known for various diseases, including cancer and acute respiratory distress syndrome, little is known about veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In this study, we aimed to investigate the association between body mass index (BMI) and prognosis in critical patients with COVID-19 requiring VV-ECMO. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational single-center study at Yokohama City University Civic General Medical Center between March 2020 and October 2021. Participants were patients with COVID-19 who required VV-ECMO. They were classified into two groups: BMI ≤30 kg/m2 and >30 kg/m2. Results: In total, 23 patients were included in the analysis, with a median BMI of 28.7 kg/m2. Overall, 22 patients were successfully weaned from the ECMO. When comparing the two groups, there was a trend toward fewer days from onset to ECMO induction in the BMI >30 kg/m2 group. Moreover, the two groups had a similar prognosis. There were no statistically significant differences in the number of days from onset to hospitalization or the duration of ECMO induction between the groups. Conclusion: VV-ECMO induction for patients with COVID-19 may lead to earlier indications in patients with BMI >30 kg/m2 than in those with BMI ≤30 kg/m2.

Association Between Thrombin-Antithrombin Complex and Acute Kidney Injury After Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Bypass Surgery: A Single-Center Retrospective Observational Study.

Vascular endothelial damage may activate hypercoagulation and contribute to the development of acute kidney injury (AKI). This study aimed to investigate whether early alteration in coagulation was associated with AKI onset following surgeries involving cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in children. This single-center retrospective cohort study included 154 infants and toddlers who underwent cardiovascular surgery with CPB. At admission to the pediatric intensive care unit, the absolute thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT) level in each patient was measured. Moreover, the presence or absence of AKI onset in the early postoperative period was observed. Of the total participants, 55 (35%) developed AKI. A comparison within the toddler group based on the TAT cut-off value showed that both univariate and multivariable associations were found between increased absolute TAT level and AKI onset (odds ratio, 4.70; 95% confidence interval [1.20-17.90]; P = .023). The increase in absolute TAT level in toddlers during the early postoperative period following CPB was associated with AKI onset. However, a further prospective multicenter study with a larger sample size is required for validating these findings.

Predictive value of total psoas muscle index for postoperative physical functional decline in older patients undergoing emergency abdominal surgery.

BACKGROUND: Older individuals increasingly require emergency abdominal surgeries. They are susceptible to surgical stress and loss of independence in performing daily activities. We hypothesized that the psoas muscle volume would be significantly associated with postoperative functional decline (FD) in older patients undergoing emergency abdominal surgery and aimed to evaluate the use of the psoas muscle volume on computed tomography (CT) scans. METHODS: A retrospective, single-center study of patients aged ≥ 65 years who had undergone emergency abdominal surgery between January 2019 and June 2021 was performed. We assessed patients' activities of daily living using the Barthel Index. FD was defined as a ≥ 5-point decrease between preoperative and 28-day postoperative values. The psoas muscle volume was measured by CT, which was used for diagnosis, and normalized by height to calculate total psoas muscle index (TPI). We evaluated associations between FD and TPI using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis and multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Of 238 eligible patients, 71 (29.8%) had clinical postoperative FD. Compared to the non-FD group, the FD group was significantly older and had a higher proportion of females, higher Charlson Comorbidity Index, lower body mass index, higher American Society of Anesthesiology score, lower serum albumin level, and lower TPI. ROC analyses revealed that TPI had the highest area under the curve (0.802; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.75-0.86). A multivariable logistic regression model revealed that low TPI was an independent predictor of postoperative FD (odds ratio, 0.14; 95% CI, 0.06-0.32). CONCLUSIONS: TPI can predict postoperative FD due to emergency abdominal surgery. Identification of patients who are at high risk of FD before surgery may be useful for enhancing the regionalized system of care for emergency general surgery.

Utility of dual-energy computed tomography in the association of COVID-19 pneumonia severity.

Aim: Coronavirus disease 2019 pneumonia differs from ordinary pneumonia in that it is associated with lesions that reduce pulmonary perfusion. Dual-energy computed tomography is well suited to elucidate the etiology of coronavirus disease 2019 pneumonia, because it highlights changes in organ blood flow. In this study, we investigated whether dual-energy computed tomography could be used to determine the severity of coronavirus disease 2019 pneumonia. Methods: Patients who were diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 pneumonia, admitted to our hospital, and underwent dual-energy computed tomography were included in this study. Dual-energy computed tomography findings, plane computed tomography findings, disease severity, laboratory data, and clinical features were compared between two groups: a critical group (18 patients) and a non-critical group (30 patients). Results: The dual-energy computed tomography results indicated that the percentage of flow loss was significantly higher in the critical group compared with the non-critical group (P < 0.001). Additionally, our data demonstrated that thrombotic risk was associated with differences in clinical characteristics (P = 0.018). Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that the percentage of flow loss, evaluated using dual-energy computed tomography, could predict severity in the critical group with 100% sensitivity and 77% specificity. However, there were no significant differences in the receiver operating characteristic values for dual-energy computed tomography and plane computed tomography. Conclusion: Dual-energy computed tomography can be used to associate the severity of coronavirus disease 2019 pneumonia with high accuracy. Further studies are needed to draw definitive conclusions.

Severity predictors of COVID-19 in SARS-CoV-2 variant, delta and omicron period; single center study.

BACKGROUND: The outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) treatment have improved due to vaccination and the establishment of better treatment regimens. However, the emergence of variants of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes COVID-19, and the corresponding changes in the characteristics of the disease present new challenges in patient management. This study aimed to analyze predictors of COVID-19 severity caused by the delta and omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the data of patients who were admitted for COVID-19 at Yokohama City University Hospital from August 2021 to March 2022. RESULTS: A total of 141 patients were included in this study. Of these, 91 had moderate COVID-19, whereas 50 had severe COVID-19. There were significant differences in sex, vaccination status, dyspnea, sore throat symptoms, and body mass index (BMI) (p <0.0001, p <0.001, p <0.001, p = 0.02, p< 0.0001, respectively) between the moderate and severe COVID-19 groups. Regarding comorbidities, smoking habit and renal dysfunction were significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.007 and p = 0.01, respectively). Regarding laboratory data, only LDH level on the first day of hospitalization was significantly different between the two groups (p<0.001). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that time from the onset of COVID-19 to hospitalization, BMI, smoking habit, and LDH level were significantly different between the two groups (p<0.03, p = 0.039, p = 0.008, p<0.001, respectively). The cut-off value for the time from onset of COVID-19 to hospitalization was four days (sensitivity, 0.73; specificity, 0.70). CONCLUSIONS: Time from the onset of COVID-19 to hospitalization is the most important factor in the prevention of the aggravation of COVID-19 caused by the delta and omicron SARS-CoV-2 variants. Appropriate medical management within four days after the onset of COVID-19 is essential for preventing the progression of COVID-19, especially in patients with smoking habits.

Arterial Embolisation for Trauma Patients with Pelvic Fractures in Emergency Settings: A Nationwide Matched Cohort Study in Japan.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the association between arterial embolisation (AE) for pelvic fractures and death. METHODS: The study had a retrospective design, using data from a nationwide population based prospective registry of trauma patients in Japan. This propensity score matched study included all adult patients from the registry with pelvic fractures between January 2004 and December 2018. The primary outcome was hospital death. Secondary outcomes included 28 day survival and length of hospital stay (LOS) in days. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to control confounding variables, including patient, clinical, and hospital related variables; concomitant trauma; severe trauma; and haemodynamic instability. A conditional logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association between treatment of pelvic fracture with AE and hospital mortality rate. RESULTS: Among 17 670 eligible patients with pelvic fractures, 2 379 (13.5%) underwent AE (AE group) and 1 512 (8.6%) died in the hospital. After one to one propensity matching with 2 138 patients from each group (AE and non-AE), the hospital mortality rate was significantly lower in the AE group than in the non-AE group (15.0% vs. 18.1%; p = .007). The AE group had significantly lower mortality (odds ratio; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.60; 0.43 - 0.84; p = .003) and a significantly higher 28 day mean survival rate than the non-AE group (0.89; 95% CI 0.87 - 0.90 vs. 0.86; 0.85 - 0.88; p = .003), although there was no significant difference in the LOS (48 days vs. 46 days; p = .11). CONCLUSION: This propensity score matched analysis showed an association between AE for pelvic fractures and lower hospital mortality rates. The findings in this large nationwide cohort study provide strong evidence for the benefit of embolisation for patients with pelvic fractures.

Clinical utility of minimally invasive posterior internal fixation within the pelvic ring using S2 alar iliac screws for unstable pelvic ring fracture.

INTRODUCTION: Posterior internal fixation for unstable pelvic ring fractures is often associated with complications, including pelvic hemorrhage and gluteal necrosis. Pelvic ring fixation using the S2 alar iliac screw (SAIS) without fixation of the lumbosacral vertebrae may have potential as a novel, minimally invasive technique for treating unstable pelvic ring fractures. The present study compared clinical outcomes in patients who underwent SAIS fixation within the pelvic ring with a historical control group of patients who underwent conventional trans-iliac plate fixation for the treatment of unstable pelvic ring fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two patients diagnosed with unstable pelvic fractures with sacral fracture or sacroiliac joint fracture dislocation were retrospectively evaluated. Eight consecutive patients underwent trans-iliac plate fixation from April 2012 to March 2015, and 24 consecutive patients underwent SAIS fixation from April 2015 to February 2020. Rates of soft tissue complications, intraoperative blood loss, and intraoperative blood transfusion volume were compared in these two groups. RESULTS: Mean intraoperative blood loss was significantly lower in patients who underwent SAIS fixation than in those who underwent trans-iliac plate fixation (141.0 ml vs 315.0 ml; P = 0.027), although there were no between-group differences in intraoperative blood transfusion volume (0.0 ml vs 140 ml; P = 0.105), incidence rate of soft tissue complications (4.2% vs 0%; P = 1.000), and operation time (88.5 min vs 93.0 min; P = 0.862). Bone healing was confirmed in all patients who underwent SAIS fixation without dislocation of the fracture site, whereas one patient who underwent trans-iliac plate fixation experienced a dislocation of the fracture site during follow-up (0% vs 12.5%; P = 0.250). CONCLUSIONS: SAIS fixation reduces intraoperative blood loss and ensures bone healing without major complications, including dislocation of the fracture site. SAIS fixation may therefore be an alternative, minimally invasive method of treating unstable pelvic fractures.

Radiation Emergency Medical Preparedness in Japan: A Survey of Nuclear Emergency Core Hospitals.

OBJECTIVE: Based on experiences following the Great East Japan Earthquake and nuclear power plant accident in 2011, Nuclear Emergency Core Hospitals (NECHs) were designated as centers for radiation disaster management in Japan. This study aimed to investigate their current status and identify areas for improvement. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in October 2018. Demographic data were collected by a questionnaire with free text responses about attitudes toward NECHs. Considerations regarding risk communications during a radiation disaster were analyzed using qualitative text mining analysis. RESULTS: A total of 36 hospitals participated in this study. Only 31% of NECHs anticipated a radiation disaster. The importance of business continuity plans and risk communications was shown. Text analysis identified 7 important categories for health care workers during a radiation disaster, including media response, communications to hospital staff, risk communications, radiation effects on children, planning for a radiation disaster in the region, rumors, and the role in the region. CONCLUSION: The radiation disaster medical system and NECHs in Japan were surveyed. The importance of risk communications, planning for a radiation disaster in each region, and the role in the region are identified as issues that need to be addressed.

A simulation study of high-flow versus normal-flow three-way stopcock for rapid fluid administration in emergency situations: A randomised crossover design.

BACKGROUND: Initial fluid resuscitation is presumed to be important for treating shock in the resuscitation phase. However, little is known how quickly and easily a physician could perform a rapid infusion with a syringe. OBJECTIVES: We hypothesised that using a high-flow three-way stopcock (HTS) makes initial fluid resuscitation faster and easier than using a normal-flow three-way stopcock (NTS). METHODS: This was a simulation study with a prospective, nonblinded randomised crossover design. Twenty physicians were randomly assigned into two groups. Each participant used six peripheral intravenous infusion circuits, three with the HTS and the others with the NTS, and three cannulae, 22, 20, and 18 gauge (G). The first group started with the HTS first, while the other started with the NTS first. They were asked to inject the fluid as quick as possible. We compared the time until the participants finished rapid infusions of 500 ml of 0.9% saline and the practitioner's effort. RESULTS: In infusion circuits attached with the 22G cannula, the mean difference using the HTS and the NTS (95% confidence interval [CI]) was 16.30 ml/min (7.65-24.94) (p < 0.01). In those attached with the 20G cannula, the mean difference (95% CI) was 23.47 (12.43-34.51) (p < 0.01). In those attached with the 18G cannula, the mean difference (95% CI) was 42.53 (28.68-56.38) (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that the push-and-pull technique using the HTS was faster, easier, and less tiresome than using the NTS, with a statistically significant difference. In the resuscitation phase, initial and faster infusion is important. If only a single physician or other staff member such as a nurse is attending or does not have accessibility to any other devices in such an environment where medical resources are scarce, performing the push-and-pull technique using the HTS could help a physician to perform fluid resuscitation faster. By setting up the HTS instead of the NTS from the beginning, we would be able to begin fluid resuscitation immediately while preparing other devices.

Extravasation and outcomes in computed tomography and angiography in patients with pelvic fractures requiring transcatheter arterial embolization: A single-center observational study.

BACKGROUND: Extravasation on contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) is a helpful indicator of the need for transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) for pelvic fractures. However, previous reports were inconsistent on cases in which angiography is necessary, even though there is no extravasation on computed tomography. This study aimed to describe and analyze the contradictory findings in cases where extravasation is observed on angiography but not on CECT, to contribute to improved management of patients with pelvic fractures. METHODS: This was a retrospective single-center study. Patients with pelvic fractures who underwent CECT and TAE between 2014 and 2020 were included. We classified the patients into three groups: CECT and angiography with extravasation (CT+Angio+), CECT with no extravasation and angiography with extravasation (CT-Angio+), and CECT with extravasation and angiography without extravasation (CT+Angio-). RESULTS: A total of 113 patients were included in the study: the CT+Angio+ group had 54 patients, CT-Angio+ group, 47; and CT+Angio- group, 12. The CT-Angio+ group had a significantly longer time from arrival to CECT than the CT+Angio+ group (27 minutes vs. 23 minutes, p < 0.05). The CT-Angio+ group had significantly more blood transfusions (fresh frozen plasma, platelets) within 24 hours than the CT+Angio- group did (p < 0.05), and ventilator management days (p < 0.05) and intensive care unit stays (p < 0.05) were significantly longer. CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference in outcomes among the three groups. There was no difference in severity, transfusion volume, or mortality in patients with pelvic fractures needing TAE, classified as CT-Angio+, compared with that of CT+Angio+ patients. Even in the absence of extravasation in the pelvic region on CECT, angiography or TAE may still be necessary. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic/Care Management, Level IV.

Use of near-infrared imaging using indocyanine green associates with the lower incidence of postoperative complications for intestinal and mesenteric injury.

Anastomotic leakage after intestinal resection is one of the most serious complications of surgical intervention for hollow viscus injury. Adequate vascular perfusion of the anastomotic site is essential to prevent anastomotic leakage. Near-infrared imaging using indocyanine green (NIR-ICG) is useful for the objective assessment of vascular perfusion. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of NIR-ICG with intestinal and mesenteric injuries. This was a retrospective, single-center study of patients undergoing surgery for intestinal and mesenteric injuries. NIR-ICG was used to evaluate vascular perfusion. Postoperative complications were assessed between NIR-ICG and non-NIR-ICG groups.The use of NIR-ICG was associated with a lower incidence of Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ III complications with a statistical tendency (p = 0.076). When limited to patients that underwent intestinal resection, the use of NIR-ICG was significantly associated with a lower risk of perioperative complications (p = 0.009). The use of NIR-ICG tended to associate with the lower incidence of postoperative complications after intestinal and mesenteric trauma surgery. NIR-ICG was associated with a significantly lower risk of complications in patients undergoing intestinal resection. The NIR-ICG procedure is simple and quick and is expected to be useful for intestinal and mesenteric trauma.

Combining IL-6 and SARS-CoV-2 RNAaemia-based risk stratification for fatal outcomes of COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic rapidly increases the use of mechanical ventilation (MV). Such cases further require extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and have a high mortality. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to identify prognostic biomarkers pathophysiologically reflecting future deterioration of COVID-19. METHODS: Clinical, laboratory, and outcome data were collected from 102 patients with moderate to severe COVID-19. Interleukin (IL)-6 level and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA copy number in plasma were assessed with ELISA kit and quantitative PCR. RESULTS: Twelve patients died or required ECMO owing to acute respiratory distress syndrome despite the use of MV. Among various variables, a ratio of oxygen saturation to fraction of inspired oxygen (SpO2/FiO2), IL-6, and SARS-CoV-2 RNA on admission before intubation were strongly predictive of fatal outcomes after the MV use. Moreover, among these variables, combining SpO2/FiO2, IL-6, and SARS-CoV-2 RNA showed the highest accuracy (area under the curve: 0.934). In patients with low SpO2/FiO2 (< 261), fatal event-rate after the MV use at the 30-day was significantly higher in patients with high IL-6 (> 49 pg/mL) and SARS-CoV-2 RNAaemia (> 1.5 copies/µL) compared to those with high IL-6 or RNAaemia or without high IL-6 and RNAaemia (88% vs. 22% or 8%, log-rank test P = 0.0097 or P < 0.0001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Combining SpO2/FiO2 with high IL-6 and SARS-CoV-2 RNAaemia which reflect hyperinflammation and viral overload allows accurately and before intubation identifying COVID-19 patients at high risk for ECMO use or in-hospital death despite the use of MV.

Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin as a biomarker for short-term outcomes among trauma patients: A single-center observational study.

BACKGROUND: Urinary biomarkers for organ dysfunction could predict the outcomes of severe trauma patients. However, the use of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) as a biomarker of trauma is not well studied. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the association between the short-term prognosis of trauma patients and NGAL levels. METHODS: We conducted a single center study and compared predictive performances between NGAL levels and the trauma severity. RESULTS: A total of 104 patients were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups based on ISS score of 16. There was no significant difference in patient characteristics based on trauma severity. However, the lactate level was significantly higher in the more severe group. There was a significant association between urinary NGAL levels and trauma severity indicators, such as intensive care unit stay (ICU) (p = 0.005) and emergency care unit (ECU) stay (p = 0.049). In addition, receiver operating curve analysis showed that as a predictor, NGAL could be used for detecting severity with moderate precision, especially for short-term outcomes (specificity 70.6 for ICU and 69.0 for ECU stay). CONCLUSION: In this study, we revealed that the level of NGAL could predict the degree of invasiveness in trauma patients with moderate precision and estimate the duration of treatment during the acute phase. It is necessary to examine the validity of the findings of this study using a prospective, cohort, and multi-center collaborative study design.

Hospital transfer for patients with postpartum hemorrhage in Yokohama, Japan: a single-center descriptive study.

AIM: To describe the transport time and timing of transfer of patients with postpartum hemorrhage to a tertiary care institution in an urban area. METHODS: We included patients with postpartum hemorrhage transferred to our hospital from a perinatal care facility. We defined transfer time as the time between the referring physician's request for transfer and the patient's arrival at our hospital. We examined transfer time and its breakdown, the shock index before and after transfer, and the prognosis. RESULTS: Overall, 79 patients with postpartum hemorrhage were transported to our hospital within a median (interquartile range) of 53 min (47-63 min). In 70 cases (89%), the request for transport was made before the shock index reached 1.5, and two cases had cardiac arrest during transport. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients who were transferred to our hospital were transferred according to the criteria recommended by the guideline. However, the occurrence of cardiac arrest during transport indicates the need to shorten the time from transfer requests to emergency calls by strengthening cooperation with regional perinatal care facilities.

In-Hospital Mortality Risk of Transcatheter Arterial Embolization for Patients with Severe Blunt Trauma: A Nationwide Observational Study.

This study investigated the risk factors for in-hospital mortality of severe blunt trauma patients who underwent transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE). We analysed data from the Japan Trauma Data Bank from 2009 to 2018. Patients with severe blunt trauma and an Injury Severity Score (ISS) ≥ 16 who underwent TAE were enrolled. The primary analysis evaluated patient characteristics and outcomes, and variables with significant differences were included in the secondary multivariate logistic regression analysis. In total, 5800 patients (6.4%) with ISS ≥ 16 underwent TAE. There were significant differences in the proportion of male patients, transportation method, injury mechanism, injury region, Revised Trauma Score, survival probability values, and those who underwent urgent blood transfusion and additional urgent surgery. In multivariable regression analyses, higher age, urgent blood transfusion, and initial urgent surgery were significantly associated with higher in-hospital mortality risk [p < 0.001, odds ratio (OR), 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01 (1.00-1.01); p < 0.001, 3.50 (2.55-4.79); and p = 0.001, 1.36 (1.13-1.63), respectively]. Inter-hospital transfer was significantly associated with lower in-hospital mortality risk (p < 0.001, OR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.44-0.71). Treatment protocols for urgent intervention before and after TAE and a safe, rapid inter-hospital transport system are needed to improve mortality risks for severe blunt trauma patients.