Index CT-Based Scoring Systems in Operative Blunt Bowel and Mesenteric Injury Identification.

INTRODUCTION: Determining the need for surgical management of blunt bowel and mesenteric injury (BBMI) remains a clinical challenge. The Faget score and Bowel Injury Prediction Score (BIPS) have been suggested to address this issue. Their efficacy in determining the need for surgery was examined. METHODS: A retrospective review of all adult blunt trauma patients hospitalized at a level 1 trauma center between January 2009 and August 2019 who had small bowel, colon, and/or mesenteric injury was conducted. We further analyzed those who underwent preoperative computed tomography (CT) scanning at our institution. Final index CT reports were retrospectively reviewed to calculate the Faget and BIPS CT scores. All images were also independently reviewed by an attending radiologist to determine the BIPS CT score. RESULTS: During the study period, 14,897 blunt trauma patients were hospitalized, of which 91 had BBMI. Of these, 62 met inclusion criteria. Among patients previously identified as having BBMI in the registry, the retrospectively applied Faget score had a sensitivity of 39.1%, specificity of 81.2%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 85.7%, and negative predictive value (NPV) of 31.7% in identifying patients with operative BBMI. The retrospectively applied BIPS score had a sensitivity of 47.8%, specificity of 87.5%, PPV of 91.7%, and NPV of 36.8% in this cohort. When CT images were reviewed by an attending radiologist using the BIPS criteria, sensitivity was 56.5%, specificity 93.7%, PPV 96.3%, and NPV 42.8%. CONCLUSIONS: Existing BBMI scoring systems had limited sensitivity but excellent PPV in predicting the need for operative intervention for BBMI. Attending radiologist review of CT images using the BIPS scoring system demonstrated improved accuracy as opposed to retrospective application of the BIPS score to radiology reports.

Venous thromboembolic disease in admitted blunt trauma patients: what matters?

BACKGROUND: Venous thromboembolic events (VTE) are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality following traumatic injury. We examined demographic characteristics, chemoprophylaxis, and outcomes of VTE patients with blunt trauma requiring hospitalization. METHODS: A retrospective review of adult blunt trauma hospitalizations with and without VTE between 2012 and 2019 was conducted. Deaths in the emergency department were excluded. Univariate and multivariable analyses, including machine learning classification algorithms for VTE, were performed. RESULTS: Of 10,926 admitted adult blunt trauma patients, 177 had VTE events. VTE events occurred at a median of 6 [IQR 3-11] days, with 7.3% occurring within 1 day of admission. VTE patients were more often male, and more often underwent surgery. They had higher injury severity as well as longer intensive care unit and hospital lengths of stay. While VTE occurred throughout the spectrum of injury severity, 27.7% had low injury severity (ISS < = 9). In multivariable analyses, both heparin and enoxaparin had reduced adjusted odds ratios for VTE. CONCLUSION: Approximately 7.3% of VTE events occurred within one day of admission. A substantial proportion of VTE events occurred in patients with low injury severity (ISS < = 9). Subcutaneous unfractionated heparin and enoxaparin chemoprophylaxis were both inversely associated with VTE. These findings underscore the need for vigilance for VTE identification in blunt trauma patients throughout their hospitalization and VTE prevention efforts.

Trends in Blunt Splenic Injury Management: The Rise of Splenic Artery Embolization.

INTRODUCTION: Splenic injury is common in blunt trauma. We sought to evaluate the injury characteristics and outcomes of BSI admitted over a 10-y period to an academic trauma center. METHODS: A retrospective review of adult blunt splenic injury patients admitted between January 2009 and September 2018. RESULTS: The 423 patients meeting inclusion criteria were divided by management: Observational (OBS, n = 261), splenic surgery (n = 114 including 4 splenorrhaphy patients), SAE (n = 43), and multiple treatment modalities (3 had SAE followed by surgery and 2 OBS patients underwent splenic surgery at readmission). The most common mechanism of injury was motor vehicle collision (47.8%). The median ISS (OBS 17, SAE 22, Surgery 34) and spleen AIS (OBS 2, SAE 3, Surgery 4) were significantly different.  Complication rates (OBS 21.8%, SAE 9.3%, Surgery 45.6%) rates were significantly different, but mortality (OBS 7.3%, SAE 2.3%, Surgery 13.2%), discharge to home and readmission rates were not. Additional abdominal injuries were identified in 26.3% of the surgery group and 2.7% of OBS group. SAE rate increased from 3.0% to 28%; median spleen AIS remained 2-3. Thirty-five patients expired; 28 had severe head, chest, and/or extremity injuries (AIS ≥4). CONCLUSION: SAE rates increased over time. Splenorrhaphy rates were low. SAE was associated with relatively low rates of mortality and complications in appropriately selected patients.

Antithrombotic Agent Use in Elderly Patients Sustaining Low-Level Falls.

BACKGROUND: Elderly patients who are injured from a low-level fall comprise an increasing percentage of trauma admissions. We sought to evaluate the prevalence of antithrombotic (anticoagulant or antiplatelet) agent use, injury patterns, and outcomes in this population, focusing on intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the trauma registry at an American College of Surgeons-verified Level I trauma center for all patients aged 65 y or older admitted between 2007 and 2016 following a low-level fall. Medical records of patients on antithrombotic agents were examined in detail. Patients were divided into four groups based on the presence/absence of ICH and presence/absence of preadmission antithrombotic medication use. RESULTS: There were 4074 elderly patients admitted after a low-level fall, of which 1153 (28.3%) had a traumatic ICH, and 1238 (30.4%) were on antithrombotic agents. Notably, 35.9% of patients on antithrombotics had an ICH, as compared to 25.0% of 2836 patients not on antithrombotics other than aspirin (P < 0.001). The overall distribution of antithrombotic agent use differed significantly between the ICH and non-ICH groups; the ICH group had more coumadin usage. The mortality rate was significantly different across groups, with the group having ICH and a history of antithrombotics having the highest mortality at 14.2% (P < 0.001). Excluding the 27.8% of patients who were transferred into our hospital demonstrated that significantly more admissions on antithrombotics had ICH (22.4%) versus ICH admissions not on antithrombotics (14.7%, P < 0.001). The mortality rate was significantly different across groups, with the group having ICH and a history of antithrombotics having the highest mortality at 12.0% (P < 0.001). On multivariable analysis, anticoagulants, antiplatelets, and aspirin were all significantly associated with ICH; but only anticoagulants were significantly associated with mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Antithrombotic agent use was common in admitted elderly patients sustaining a low-level fall and is associated with an elevated rate of ICH. Anticoagulants were also associated with increased mortality.

Tracheobronchial Slough, a Potential Pathology in Endotracheal Tube Obstruction in Patients With Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the Intensive Care Setting.

BACKGROUND: A novel coronavirus (COVID-19) erupted in the latter part of 2019. The virus, SARS-CoV-2 can cause a range of symptoms ranging from mild through fulminant respiratory failure. Approximately 25% of hospitalized patients require admission to the intensive care unit, with the majority of those requiring mechanical ventilation. High density consolidations in the bronchial tree and in the pulmonary parenchyma have been described in the advanced phase of the disease. We noted a subset of patients who had a sudden, significant increase in peak airway, plateau and peak inspiratory pressures. Partial or complete ETT occlusion was noted to be the culprit in the majority of these patients. METHODS: With institutional IRB approval, we examined a subset of our mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients. All of the patients were admitted to one of our COVID-19 ICUs. Each was staffed by a board certified intensivist. During multidisciplinary rounds, all arterial blood gas (ABG) results, ventilator settings and ventilator measurements are discussed and addressed. ARDSNet Protocols are employed. In patients with confirmed acute occlusion of the endotracheal tube (ETT), acute elevation in peak airway and peak inspiratory pressures are noted in conjunction with desaturation. Data was collected retrospectively and demographics, ventilatory settings and ABG results were recorded. RESULTS: Our team has observed impeded ventilation in intubated patients who are several days into the critical course. Pathologic evaluation of the removed endotracheal tube contents from one of our patients demonstrated a specimen consistent with sloughed tracheobronchial tissues and inflammatory cells in a background of dense mucin. Of 110 patients admitted to our adult COVID-19 ICUs, 28 patients required urgent exchange of their ETT. CONCLUSION: Caregivers need to be aware of this pathological finding, recognize, and to treat this aspect of the COVID-19 critical illness course, which is becoming more prevalent.

Global Surgery Pro-Con Debate: A Pathway to Bilateral Academic Success or the Bold New Face of Colonialism?

Global surgery, especially academic global surgery, is of tremendous interest to many surgeons. Classically, it entails personnel from high-income countries going to low- and middle-income countries and engaging in educational activities as well as procedures. Academic medical personnel have included students, residents, and attendings. The pervasive notion is that this is a win-win situation for the volunteers and the hosts, that is, a pathway to bilateral academic success. However, a critical examination demonstrates that it can easily become the bold new face of colonialism of a low- and middle-income country by a high-income country.

Impact of Type and Number of Complications on Mortality in Admitted Elderly Blunt Trauma Patients.

BACKGROUND: Advanced age and comorbidities are recognized risk factors for adverse outcomes in elderly trauma patients. However, the contribution of the number and type of complications to in-hospital mortality in elderly blunt trauma admissions has not been extensively studied. METHODS: A retrospective review of the trauma registry at a level 1 trauma center for blunt trauma patients age ≥65 y hospitalized for at least 2 d between 2010 and 2015. RESULTS: There were 2467 admissions, with a median age of 81 y and median injury severity score of 9. The most common mechanism of injury was a low-level fall. Approximately 19.6% of admissions had a complication: 11.1% major complications, 8.6% other complications. The in-hospital mortality rate was significantly different (P < 0.001) among the three groups at 16.1% of major complications group, 7.1% of other, and 2.1% of no complications (P < 0.001). On multivariate logistic regression, each major complication increased the odds for in-hospital mortality by 1.59-fold. CONCLUSIONS: Complications are not infrequent in elderly blunt trauma admissions, despite a generally lower energy mechanism of injury. Each major complication is associated with increased odds of mortality. Multifaceted interventions for prevention and mitigation of complications are indicated.

Strengthening Surgery Strengthens Health Systems: A New Paradigm and Potential Pathway for Horizontal Development in Low- and Middle-Income Countries.

Global health is transitioning toward a focus on building strong and sustainable health systems in developing countries; however, resources, funding, and agendas continue to concentrate on "vertical" (disease-based) improvements in care. Surgical care in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) requires the development of health systems infrastructure and can be considered an indicator of overall system readiness. Improving surgical care provides a scalable gateway to strengthen health systems in multiple domains. In this position paper by the Society of University Surgeons' Committee on Global Academic Surgery, we propose that health systems development appropriately falls within the purview of the academic surgeon. Partnerships between academic surgical institutions and societies from high-income and resource-constrained settings are needed to strengthen advocacy and funding efforts and support development of training and research in LMICs.

Correction to: Strengthening Surgery Strengthens Health Systems: A New Paradigm and Potential Pathway for Horizontal Development in Low- and Middle-Income Countries.

In the original article, Ziad C. Sifri's first and last names were interchanged. It is correct as reflected here.

Incidence, Outcomes, and Recidivism of Elderly Patients Admitted For Isolated Hip Fracture.

INTRODUCTION: Isolated hip fracture (IHF) is a common injury in the elderly after a fall. However, there is limited study on elderly IHF patients' subsequent hospitalization for a new injury, that is, trauma-related recidivism. METHODS: A retrospective review of the trauma registry at an ACS level I trauma center was performed for all elderly (age ≥ 65 y) blunt trauma patients admitted between 2007 and 2017, with a focus on IHF patients. IHF was defined as a fracture of the femoral head, neck, and/or trochanteric region without any other injuries except minor soft tissue trauma after a fall. RESULTS: Of the 4986 elderly blunt trauma admissions, 974 (19.5%) had an IHF. The rate of trauma-related recidivism was 8.9% (n = 87) for a second injury requiring hospitalization. The majority of recidivist (74.7%) and nonrecidivist (66.5%) patients were females. Hospital length of stay was similar at index admission (7 d for recidivists versus 8 d for nonrecidivists). The median interval between index hospitalization and admission for a second injury was 373 d (IQR 156-1002). The most common mechanism of injury at index admission (95.4%) and at second injury-related hospitalization (95.4%) was a low-level fall. Among recidivist patients at second admission, a second hip fracture was present in 34.5% and intracranial hemorrhage in 17.2%. CONCLUSIONS: After initial admission for an IHF, 8.9% of patients were readmitted for a second injury, at a median time of approximately 1 y, overwhelmingly from a low-level fall. Emphasis on fall prevention programs and at index admission is recommended.

Pulmonary contusions in the elderly after blunt trauma: incidence and outcomes.

BACKGROUND: In the general population with blunt chest trauma, pulmonary contusions (PCs) are commonly identified. However, there is limited research in the elderly. We sought to evaluate the incidence and outcomes of PCs in elderly blunt trauma admissions. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the trauma registry at a level I trauma center for all blunt thoracic trauma patients aged ≥65 y, who were admitted between 2007 and 2015. The medical records of PC patients were reviewed. RESULTS: There were 956 admissions with blunt thoracic trauma; of which 778 had no pulmonary contusion (NO) and 178 had PC. The major mechanisms of injury were falls (58.7% NO, 39.3% PC, P <0.001) and motor vehicle crash/motor cycle crash (35.6% NO, 51.7% PC, P <0.001). Rib fractures were present in 79.8% of PC and 73.8% of NO patients, P = 0.1. PC patients more often had serious (AIS ≥3) head/neck (30.3% versus 20.6%, P <0.001), abdomen (12.4% versus 6.6%, P <0.001), and extremity injuries (20.8% versus 11.4%, P <0.001). Complication (46.1% PC versus 26.6% NO, P <0.001) and mortality (14.0% PC versus 6.2% NO, P = 0.0003) rates were higher in PC patients. On multivariate logistic regression analyses, PC presence was significantly associated with mechanical ventilation (odds ratio 2.5), intensive care unit admission (odds ratio 2.3), and mortality (odds ratio 1.9). CONCLUSIONS: Over 18.6% of elderly blunt thoracic trauma patients sustained PC, despite an often low energy mechanism of injury. The presence of a PC should prompt investigation for other serious intrathoracic and extrathoracic injuries. PC presence is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality.

Admission of elderly blunt thoracic trauma patients directly to the intensive care unit improves outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Blunt thoracic trauma in the elderly has been associated with adverse outcomes. As an internal quality improvement initiative, direct intensive care unit (ICU) admission of nonmechanically ventilated elderly patients with clinically important thoracic trauma (primarily multiple rib fractures) was recommended. METHODS: A retrospective review of the trauma registry at a level 1 trauma center was performed for patients aged ≥65 y with blunt thoracic trauma, admitted between the 2 y before (2010-2012) and after (2013-2015) the recommendation. RESULTS: There were 258 elderly thoracic trauma admissions post-recommendation (POST) and 131 admissions pre-recommendation (PRE). Their median Injury Severity Score (13 versus 12, P = ns) was similar. The POST group had increased ICU utilization (54.3% versus 25.2%, P < 0.001). The POST group had decreased unplanned ICU admissions (8.5% versus 13.0%, P < 0.001), complications (14.3% versus 28.2%, P = 0.001), and ICU length of stay (4 versus 6 d, P = 0.05). More POST group patients were discharged to home (41.1% versus 27.5%, P = 0.008). Of these, the 140 POST and 33 PRE patients admitted to the ICU had comparable median Injury Severity Score (14 versus 17, P = ns) and chest Abbreviated Injury Score ≥3 (66.4% versus 60.6%, P = ns). The POST-ICU group redemonstrated the above benefits, as well as decreased hospital length of stay (10 versus 14 d, P = 0.03) and in-hospital mortality (2.9% versus 15.2%, P = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Admission of geriatric trauma patients with clinically important blunt thoracic trauma directly to the ICU was associated with improved outcomes.

Extremity compartment syndrome following blunt trauma: a level I trauma center's 5-year experience.

BACKGROUND: Extremity compartment syndrome is a recognized complication of trauma. We evaluated its prevalence and outcomes at a suburban level 1 trauma center. METHODS: The trauma registry was reviewed for all blunt trauma patients aged ≥18 years, admitted between 2010 and 2014. Chart review of patients with extremity compartment syndrome was performed. RESULTS: Of 6180 adult blunt trauma admissions, 83 patients developed 86 extremity compartment syndromes; two patients had compartment syndromes on multiple locations. Their (n = 83) median age was 44 years (interquartile range: 31.5-55.5). The most common mechanism of injury was motor vehicle/motor cycle accident (45.8%) followed by a fall (21.7%). The median injury severity score was 9 (interquartile range: 5-17); 65.1% had extremity abbreviate injury score ≥3. Notably, 15 compartment syndromes did not have an underlying fracture. Among patients with fractures, the most commonly injured bone was the tibia, with tibial plateau followed by tibial diaphyseal fractures being the most frequent locations. Fasciotomies were performed, in order of frequency, in the leg (n = 53), forearm (n = 15), thigh (n = 9), foot (n = 5), followed by multiple or other locations. CONCLUSIONS: Extremity compartment syndrome was a relatively uncommon finding. It occurred in all extremity locations, with or without an associated underlying fracture, and from a variety of mechanisms. Vigilance is warranted in evaluating the compartments of patients with extremity injuries following blunt trauma.

A central role for carbon-overflow pathways in the modulation of bacterial cell death.

Similar to developmental programs in eukaryotes, the death of a subpopulation of cells is thought to benefit bacterial biofilm development. However mechanisms that mediate a tight control over cell death are not clearly understood at the population level. Here we reveal that CidR dependent pyruvate oxidase (CidC) and α-acetolactate synthase/decarboxylase (AlsSD) overflow metabolic pathways, which are active during staphylococcal biofilm development, modulate cell death to achieve optimal biofilm biomass. Whereas acetate derived from CidC activity potentiates cell death in cells by a mechanism dependent on intracellular acidification and respiratory inhibition, AlsSD activity effectively counters CidC action by diverting carbon flux towards neutral rather than acidic byproducts and consuming intracellular protons in the process. Furthermore, the physiological features that accompany metabolic activation of cell death bears remarkable similarities to hallmarks of eukaryotic programmed cell death, including the generation of reactive oxygen species and DNA damage. Finally, we demonstrate that the metabolic modulation of cell death not only affects biofilm development but also biofilm-dependent disease outcomes. Given the ubiquity of such carbon overflow pathways in diverse bacterial species, we propose that the metabolic control of cell death may be a fundamental feature of prokaryotic development.

Transfusion-associated graft versus host disease in the immunocompetent patient: an ongoing problem.

Transfusion associated-graft versus host disease (TA-GVHD) is a rare complication of blood transfusion. It carries a very high mortality rate. Although the phenomenon has been well described in immunocompromised patients, this review focuses on the immunocompetent host. Cases of TA-GVHD continue to be reported following a variety of surgical procedures, especially cardiac procedures requiring cardiopulmonary bypass. Additional risk factors for TA-GVHD include blood component transfusion in populations with limited genetic diversity, the use of directed donations from family members, and the transfusion of fresh blood. As there is no effective treatment, the focus is on prevention.

Effectiveness and safety of the awakening and breathing coordination, delirium monitoring/management, and early exercise/mobility bundle.

OBJECTIVE: The debilitating and persistent effects of ICU-acquired delirium and weakness warrant testing of prevention strategies. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of implementing the Awakening and Breathing Coordination, Delirium monitoring/management, and Early exercise/mobility bundle into everyday practice. DESIGN: Eighteen-month, prospective, cohort, before-after study conducted between November 2010 and May 2012. SETTING: Five adult ICUs, one step-down unit, and one oncology/hematology special care unit located in a 624-bed tertiary medical center. PATIENTS: Two hundred ninety-six patients (146 prebundle and 150 postbundle implementation), who are 19 years old or older, managed by the institutions' medical or surgical critical care service. INTERVENTIONS: Awakening and Breathing Coordination, Delirium monitoring/management, and Early exercise/mobility bundle. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: For mechanically ventilated patients (n = 187), we examined the association between bundle implementation and ventilator-free days. For all patients, we used regression models to quantify the relationship between Awakening and Breathing Coordination, Delirium monitoring/management, and Early exercise/mobility bundle implementation and the prevalence/duration of delirium and coma, early mobilization, mortality, time to discharge, and change in residence. Safety outcomes and bundle adherence were monitored. Patients in the postimplementation period spent three more days breathing without mechanical assistance than did those in the preimplementation period (median [interquartile range], 24 [7-26] vs 21 [0-25]; p = 0.04). After adjusting for age, sex, severity of illness, comorbidity, and mechanical ventilation status, patients managed with the Awakening and Breathing Coordination, Delirium monitoring/management, and Early exercise/mobility bundle experienced a near halving of the odds of delirium (odds ratio, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.33-0.93; p = 0.03) and increased odds of mobilizing out of bed at least once during an ICU stay (odds ratio, 2.11; 95% CI, 1.29-3.45; p = 0.003). No significant differences were noted in self-extubation or reintubation rates. CONCLUSIONS: Critically ill patients managed with the Awakening and Breathing Coordination, Delirium monitoring/management, and Early exercise/mobility bundle spent three more days breathing without assistance, experienced less delirium, and were more likely to be mobilized during their ICU stay than patients treated with usual care.

Cultural competency and ethical behavior for collaboration in limited-resource settings: Guidelines from the Society of University Surgeons Academic Global Surgery Committee and the Association for Academic Global Surgery.

BACKGROUND: There are an increasing number of global surgery activities worldwide. With such tremendous growth, there is a potential risk for untoward interactions between high-income country members and low-middle income country members, leading to programmatic failure, poor results, and/or low impact. METHODS: Key concepts for cultural competency and ethical behavior were generated by the Academic Global Surgery Committee of the Society for University Surgeons in collaboration with the Association for Academic Global Surgery. Both societies ensured active participation from high-income countries and low-middle income countries. RESULTS: The guidelines provide a framework for cultural competency and ethical behavior for high-income country members when collaborating with low-middle income country partners by offering recommendations for: (1) preparation for work with low-middle income countries; (2) process standardization; (3) working with the local community; (4) limits of practice; (5) patient autonomy and consent; (6) trainees; (7) potential pitfalls; and (8) gray areas. CONCLUSION: The article provides an actionable framework to address potential cultural competency and ethical behavior issues in high-income country - low-middle income country global surgery collaborations.

Retrospective Analysis of Risk Factors in Geriatric Hip Fracture Patients Predictive of Surgical Intensive Care Unit Admission.

INTRODUCTION: Although numerous risk factors and prediction models affecting morbidity and mortality in geriatric hip fracture patients have been previously identified, there are scant published data on predictors for perioperative Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU) admission in this patient population. Determining if a patient will need an SICU admission would not only allow for the appropriate allocation of resources and personnel but also permit targeted clinical management of these patients with the goal of improving morbidity and mortality outcomes. The purpose of this study was to identify specific risk factors predictive of SICU admission in a population of geriatric hip fracture patients. Unlike previous studies which have investigated predominantly demographic, comorbidity, and laboratory data, the present study also considered a frailty index and length of time from injury to presentation in the Emergency Department (ED). METHODS: A total of 501 geriatric hip fracture patients admitted to a Level 1 trauma center were included in this retrospective, single-center, quantitative study from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2022. Using a logistical regression analysis, more than 25 different variables were included in the regression model to identify values predictive of SICU admission. Predictive models of planned versus unplanned SICU admissions were also estimated. The discriminative ability of variables in the final models to predict SICU admission was assessed with receiver operating characteristic curves' area under the curve estimates. RESULTS:  Frailty, serum lactate > 2, and presentation to the ED > 12 hours after injury were significant predictors of SICU admission overall (P = 0.03, 0.038, and 0.05 respectively). Additionally, the predictive model for planned SICU admission had no common significant predictors with unplanned SICU admission. Planned SICU admission significant predictors included an Injury Severity Score (ISS) of 15 and greater, a higher total serum protein, serum sodium <135, systolic blood pressure (BP) under 100, increased heart rate on admission to ED, thrombocytopenia (<120), and higher Anesthesia Society Association physical status classification (ASA) score (P = 0.007, 0.04, 0.05, 0.002, 0.041, 0.05, and 0.005 respectively). Each SICU prediction model (overall, planned, and unplanned) demonstrated sufficient discriminative ability with the area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.869, 0.601, and 0.866 respectively. Finally, mean hospital Length of Stay (LOS) and mortality were increased in SICU admissions when compared to non-SICU admissions. CONCLUSION: Of the three risk factors predictive of SICU admission identified in this study, two have not been extensively studied previously in this patient population. Frailty has been associated with increased mortality and postoperative complications in hip fracture patients, but this is the first study to date to use a novel frailty index specifically designed and validated for use in hip fracture patients. The other risk factor, time from injury to presentation to the ED serves as an indicator for time a hip fracture patient spent without receiving medical attention. This risk factor has not been investigated heavily in the past as a predictor of SICU admissions in this patient population.

Venous thromboembolic disease in trauma and surveillance ultrasonography.

BACKGROUND: The literature reports a wide variation in the incidence of venous thromboembolic (VTE) disease in trauma patients. The performance of routine surveillance venous duplex ultrasound of bilateral lower extremities is controversial. Furthermore, recent examinations of the national trauma databank registry have suggested that routine duplex surveillance is associated with higher deep venous thrombosis (DVT) detection rates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined the incidence and risk factors for VTE disease in 2827 trauma patients admitted over a 2-y period to a state-verified level I trauma center. Detailed chart review was carried out for patients with VTE disease. We then evaluated the effects of a routine bilateral lower extremity duplex surveillance guideline on VTE detection in the subset of injury patients admitted to the trauma service. RESULTS: We found an approximately 2% incidence of venous thromboembolic disease in a mostly blunt trauma population. Amongst patients with VTE disease, the most common risk factors were obesity and significant head injury. We then evaluated the 998 patients with injury who were admitted to the trauma service 1 y before and after surveillance guideline implementation. Despite a nearly 5-fold increase in the number of duplex scans, with a substantial increase in cost, we found no significant difference in the incidence of DVT. CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary data argue against the use of routine duplex surveillance of lower extremities for DVT in trauma patients. A larger, prospective analysis is necessary to confirm these findings.