Outcomes With Overlapping Surgery at a Large Academic Medical Center.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficiency and safety of overlapping surgery (OS) at a training institution by comparing it with nonoverlapping surgery (NO) with respect to operative time, mortality, readmissions, and complications. BACKGROUND: OS is the practice of an attending physician providing supervision to 2 surgeries that are scheduled at overlapping times. Recent media and government attention have raised concerns about this practice and the need for informed patient consent. METHODS: A population-based, retrospective, cohort study was conducted using data on operative procedures from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2015 at a large tertiary academic center. Patients who had undergone surgery by attending surgeons who performed ≥10% of their cases overlapping were selected. Thirty-day mortality, readmission within 30 days, and 7 patient safety indicators (PSIs) were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 26,260 cases met our criteria for analysis for surgical time and 15,106 cases for outcomes. OS patients had an average case length of 2.18 hours compared with 1.64 hours among NO patients (P < 0.0001), a decreased risk of mortality [relative risk (RR) 0.42, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.34-0.52, P < 0.0001), a decreased risk of readmission (RR 0.92, 95% CI, 0.86-0.98, P = 0.0148), and a decreased risk of experiencing any PSI (RR 0.67, 95% CI, 0.55-0.83, P = 0.0002). CONCLUSIONS: The present study confirms prior reports and addresses gaps in the literature regarding OS, such as the effect of resident involvement and the individual effect of OS in 13 different surgical specialties. The findings highlight the need for additional investigation and suggest that the practice of OS does not expose patients to increased risk of negative outcomes.

A Role for the Early Warning Score in Early Identification of Critical Postoperative Complications.

OBJECTIVE: We examined whether an early warning score (EWS) could predict inpatient complications in surgical patients. BACKGROUND: Abnormal vitals often precede in-hospital mortality. The EWS calculated using vital signs has been developed to identify patients at risk for mortality. METHODS: Inpatient general surgery procedures with National Surgical Quality Improvement Project data from 2013 to 2014 were matched with enterprise data on vital signs and neurologic status to calculate the EWS for each postoperative vital set measured on the ward. Outcomes of major complications, unplanned intensive care unit transfer, and medical emergency team activation were classified using the Clavien-Dindo system as grade I to V. Relationship with EWS and timing of complication was assessed using Kruskal-Wallis test and linear regression accounting for clustering with generalized estimating equation. RESULTS: Among 552 patients admitted to the ward postsurgery, 68 (12.3%) developed at least one grade I to III complication and 37 (6.7%) developed a grade IV/V complication. The mean maximum EWS was significantly higher preceding grade IV/V complications (10.1) compared with grade I to III complications (6.4) or across the hospital stay in patients without complications (5.4; P < 0.01). EWS significantly increased in the 3 days preceding grade IV/V complications (P < 0.001) and declined in patients without complications in the 3 days before discharge (P < 0.001). A threshold EWS of 8 predicted occurrence of grade IV/V complications with 81% sensitivity and 84% specificity. CONCLUSIONS: Critical postoperative complications can be preceded by rising EWS. Interventional studies are needed to evaluate whether EWS can reduce the severity of postoperative complications and mortality for surgical patients through early identification and intervention.

Use of a Bundle Checklist Combined With Physician Confirmation Reduces Risk of Nosocomial Complications and Death in Trauma Patients Compared to Documented Checklist Use Alone.

BACKGROUND: Bundle checklists are increasingly utilized in patient care, but data are inconsistent regarding their efficacy in reducing nosocomial complication rates. We examined whether checklist usage was associated with nosocomial complications; when documented, elements were verified by provider bedside rounds. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of trauma patients admitted to our hospital during a three-phase implementation of a quality improvement project. For this analysis, patients were categorized under predocumentation (PD), documentation only (DO), or documentation with provider review (PR) cohort based on temporal designations. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between documentation cohorts and nosocomial complications. RESULTS: No difference was observed in mean hospital stay, intensive care unit (ICU) days, or ventilator days. The DO cohort showed no significant differences in the risk of complications. Among ICU patients, when compared with the PD cohort, the PR cohort demonstrated a decreased risk of all complications OR 0.72 (95% CI 0.55-0.93), pulmonary embolus OR 0.29 (95% CI 0.11-0.73), pneumonia OR 0.66 (95% CI 0.50-0.88), and death OR 0.50 (95% CI 0.31-0.79). CONCLUSIONS: Bedside confirmation of bundle checklists during physician extender rounds reduces the risk of pulmonary embolus, pneumonia, and death when compared to chart documentation alone. This study underscores the importance of the team approach to the bundle checklist and it's ability to reduce morbidity and mortality.

Stress-induced hyperglycemia, not diabetic hyperglycemia, is associated with higher mortality in trauma.

OBJECTIVES: To identify all trauma patients with diabetes and compare diabetic hyperglycemia (DH) patients with those with stress-induced hyperglycemia (SIH). BACKGROUND: SIH has been shown to result in worse outcomes after trauma. The presence of diabetes mellitus (DM) or occult DM within the cohort confounded previous studies. We identified 2 distinct populations of trauma patients with SIH or DH to determine the impact of hyperglycemia on these 2 groups. METHODS: Admission glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), glucose levels, and comorbidity data were collected over a 2-year period. DM was determined by patient history or admission HbA1c 6.5% or more. SIH was determined by absence of DM and admission glucose 200 mg/dL or more. Cox proportional hazards models [adjusted for age, sex, injury mechanism, and injury severity score] were used to calculate risk ratios (RRs) and associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for outcomes of interest. RESULTS: During the study period, 6852 trauma patients were evaluated, and 5117 had available glucose, HbA1c, and comorbidity data. Patients with SIH had an over twofold increase in mortality risk (RR 2.41, 95% CI 1.81-3.23), and patients with DH had a nonsignificant, near-50% increase in mortality risk (RR 1.47, 95% CI 0.92-2.36). Risk of pneumonia was similarly higher for both the DH (RR 1.49, 95% CI 1.03-2.17) and the SIH (RR 1.44, 95% CI 1.08-1.93). CONCLUSIONS: DM is common in patients with hyperglycemia after trauma. As opposed to DH, SIH is associated with higher mortality after trauma. Further research is warranted to identify mechanisms causing hyperglycemia and subsequent worse outcomes after trauma.

Prospective identification of patients at risk for massive transfusion: an imprecise endeavor.

Most retrospective studies evaluating fresh-frozen plasma:packed red blood cell ratios in trauma patients requiring massive transfusion (MT) are limited by survival bias. As prospective resource-intensive studies are being designed to better evaluate resuscitation strategies, it is imperative that patients with a high likelihood of MT are identified early. The objective of this study was to develop a predictive model for MT in civilian trauma patients. Patients admitted to the University of Alabama at Birmingham Trauma Center from January 2005 to December 2007 were selected. Admission clinical measurements, including blood lactate 5 mMol/L or greater, heart rate greater than 105 beats/min, international normalized ratio greater than 1.5, hemoglobin 11 g/dL or less, and systolic blood pressure less than 110 mmHg, were used to create a predictive model. Sensitivity (Sens), specificity (Spec), positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated for all possible combinations of clinical measurements as well as each measure individually. A total of 6638 patients were identified, of whom 158 (2.4%) received MT. The best-fit predictive model included three or more positive clinical measures (Sens: 53%, Spec: 98%, PPV: 33%, NPV: 99%). There was increased PPV when all clinical measurements were positive (Sens: 9%, Spec: 100%, PPV: 86%, NPV: 98%). All combinations or clinical measures alone yielded lower predictive probability. Using these emergency department clinical measures, a predictive model to successfully identify civilian trauma patients at risk for MT was not able to be constructed. Given prospective identification of patients at risk for MT remains an imprecise undertaking, appropriate resources to support these efforts will need to be allocated for the completion of these studies.

Identifying risk for massive transfusion in the relatively normotensive patient: utility of the prehospital shock index.

BACKGROUND: In the prehospital environment, the failure of medical providers to recognize latent physiologic derangement in patients with compensated shock may risk undertriage. We hypothesized that the shock index (SI; heart rate divided by systolic blood pressure [SBP]), when used in the prehospital setting, could facilitate the identification of such patients. The objective of this study was to assess the association between the prehospital SI and the risk of massive transfusion (MT) in relatively normotensive blunt trauma patients. METHODS: Admissions to a Level I trauma center between January 2000 and October 2008 with blunt mechanism of injury and prehospital SBP>90 mm Hg were identified. Patients were categorized by SI, calculated for each patient from prehospital vital signs. Risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for requiring MT (>10 red blood cell units within 24 hours of admission) were calculated using SI>0.5 to 0.7 (normal range) as the referent for all comparisons. RESULTS: A total of 8,111 patients were identified, of whom 276 (3.4%) received MT. Compared with patients with normal SI, there was no significant increased risk for MT for patients with a SI of ≤0.5 (RR, 1.41; 95% CI, 0.90-2.21) or>0.7 to 0.9 (RR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.77-1.45). However, a significantly increased risk for MT was observed for patients with SI>0.9. Specifically, patients with SI>0.9 to 1.1 were observed to have a 1.5-fold increased risk for MT (RR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.13-2.31). Further increases in SI were associated with incrementally higher risks for MT, with an more than fivefold increase in patients with SI>1.1 to 1.3 (RR, 5.57; 95% CI, 3.74-8.30) and an eightfold risk in patients with SI>1.3 (RR, 8.13; 95% CI, 4.60-14.36). CONCLUSION: Prehospital SI>0.9 identifies patients at risk for MT who would otherwise be considered relatively normotensive under current prehospital triage protocols. The risk for MT rises substantially with elevation of SI above this level. Further evaluation of SI in the context of trauma system triage protocols is warranted to analyze whether it triage precision might be augmented among blunt trauma patients with SBP>90 mm Hg.

Intubation patterns and outcomes in patients with computed tomography-verified traumatic brain injury.

BACKGROUND: Studies evaluating traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients have shown an association between prehospital (PH) intubation and worse outcomes. However, previous studies have used surrogates, e.g., Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score ≤8 and Abbreviated Injury Severity Scale (AIS) score ≥3, which may overestimate the true presence of TBI. This study evaluated the impact of PH intubation in patients with PH GCS score ≤8 and radiographically proven TBI. METHODS: Trauma patients routed to a Level I trauma center over a 3-year period with blunt injury and PH GCS score ≤8 were included. PH and in-hospital records were linked and head computed tomography scans were assigned a Marshall Score (MS). Patients with TBI (MS >1) were categorized into groups based on intubation status (PH, emergency department [ED], and no intubation). Comparisons were made using analysis of variance and χ statistics. Mortality differences, crude and adjusted risk ratios (RRs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using proportions hazards modeling. RESULTS: Of 334 patients with PH GCS score ≤8, 149 (50%) had TBI by MS. Among the TBI patients, 42.7% of patients were PH intubated, 47.7% were ED intubated, and 9.4% were not intubated during the initial resuscitation. Intubated patients had lower ED GCS score (PH: 4.1 and ED: 5.9 vs. 14.0; p < 0.0001) compared with patients not intubated. Also PH intubated patients had higher mean Injury Severity Score (38.0 vs. 33.7 vs. 23.5, p < 0.001) when compared with ED intubated and nonintubated patients. None of the nonintubated patients had a MS >2. Mortality for TBI patients who required PH intubation was 46.9% and 41.4% among ED-intubated patients. The crude RR of mortality for PH compared with ED intubation was 1.13 (95% CI, 0.68-1.89), and remained nonsignificant (RR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.36-1.19) when adjusted for key markers of injury severity. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with PH GCS score ≤8 and proven TBI had a high overall rate of intubation (>90%). PH intubation seems to be a marker for more severe injury and conveyed no increased risk for mortality over ED intubation.

Prospective implementation of an algorithm for bedside intravascular ultrasound-guided filter placement in critically ill patients.

BACKGROUND: Although contrast venography is the standard imaging method for inferior vena cava (IVC) filter insertion, intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging is a safe and effective option that allows for bedside filter placement and is especially advantageous for immobilized critically ill patients by limiting resource use, risk of transportation, and cost. This study reviewed the effectiveness of a prospectively implemented algorithm for IVUS-guided IVC filter placement in this high-risk population. METHODS: Current evidence-based guidelines were used to create a clinical decision algorithm for IVUS-guided IVC filter placement in critically ill patients. After a defined lead-in phase to allow dissemination of techniques, the algorithm was prospectively implemented on January 1, 2008. Data were collected for 1 year using accepted reporting standards and a quality assurance review performed based on intent-to-treat at 6, 12, and 18 months. RESULTS: As defined in the prospectively implemented algorithm, 109 patients met criteria for IVUS-directed bedside IVC filter placement. Technical feasibility was 98.1%. Only 2 patients had inadequate IVUS visualization for bedside filter placement and required subsequent placement in the endovascular suite. Technical success, defined as proper deployment in an infrarenal position, was achieved in 104 of the remaining 107 patients (97.2%). The filter was permanent in 21 (19.6%) and retrievable in 86 (80.3%). The single-puncture technique was used in 101 (94.4%), with additional dual access required in 6 (5.6%). Periprocedural complications were rare but included malpositioning requiring retrieval and repositioning in three patients, filter tilt >/=15 degrees in two, and arteriovenous fistula in one. The 30-day mortality rate for the bedside group was 5.5%, with no filter-related deaths. CONCLUSIONS: Successful placement of IVC filters using IVUS-guided imaging at the bedside in critically ill patients can be established through an evidence-based prospectively implemented algorithm, thereby limiting the need for transport in this high-risk population.

Sodium nitrite therapy attenuates the hypertensive effects of HBOC-201 via nitrite reduction.

Hypertension secondary to scavenging of NO remains a limitation in the use of HBOCs (haemoglobin-based oxygen carriers). Recent studies suggest that nitrite reduction to NO by deoxyhaemoglobin supports NO signalling. In the present study we tested whether nitrite would attenuate HBOC-mediated hypertension using HBOC-201 (Biopure), a bovine cross-linked, low-oxygen-affinity haemoglobin. In a similar way to unmodified haemoglobin, deoxygenated HBOC-201 reduced nitrite to NO with rates directly proportional to the extent of deoxygenation. The functional importance of HBOC-201-dependent nitrite reduction was demonstrated using isolated aortic rings and a murine model of trauma, haemorrhage and resuscitation. In the former, HBOC-201 inhibited NO-donor and nitrite-dependent vasodilation when oxygenated. However, deoxygenated HBOC-201 failed to affect nitrite-dependent vasodilation but still inhibited NO-donor dependent vasodilation, consistent with a model in which nitrite-reduction by deoxyHBOC-201 counters NO scavenging. Finally, resuscitation using HBOC-201, after trauma and haemorrhage, resulted in mild hypertension ( approximately 5-10 mmHg). Administration of a single bolus nitrite (30-100 nmol) at the onset of HBOC-201 resuscitation prevented hypertension. Nitrite had no effect on mean arterial pressure during resuscitation with LR (lactated Ringer's solution), suggesting a role for nitrite-HBOC reactions in attenuating HBOC-mediated hypertension. Taken together these data support the concept that nitrite can be used as an adjunct therapy to prevent HBOC-dependent hypertension.

Epidemiology of tree stand-related injuries in the United States from 2000 to 2007.

BACKGROUND: : Tree stands have remained popular among hunters because of the increased vantage point for the hunter. Although stand styles vary, the typical stand is very minimalistic in design, comprising a seat and an area for the hunter to place his feet. Although there have been studies using state trauma registry data, to date, there has not been a study on the epidemiology of tree stand-related injuries in the national population. METHODS: : The 2000 to 2007 National Electronic Surveillance System provided information among individuals aged 16 years and older regarding tree stand-related injuries that required emergency room attention in the United States. Hunter population estimates from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services were used to estimates injury rates by sex, age, race, month, and year. RESULTS: : The rate of tree stand-related injuries remained relatively stable from 2000 to 2007. Rates were higher for men compared with women (48.0 vs. 24.7 per 100,000 hunters, respectively) and highest among those 15 to 24 (55.7 per 100,000) and 25 to 34 (61.0 per 100,000). CONCLUSIONS: : Although a majority of hunters are older, the highest rates occurred among the younger ones. Hunters using and manufacturers of tree stands must be aware of the safety precautions during use of the stands. Improvements in the safety design of the stands as well as knowledge to the proper use of stands can help to minimize the burden of injury in the hunter population related to tree stands.

Duration of red cell storage influences mortality after trauma.

BACKGROUND: Although previous studies have identified an association between the transfusion of relatively older red blood cells (RBCs) (storage ≥ 14 days) and adverse outcomes, they are difficult to interpret because the majority of patients received a combination of old and fresh RBC units. To overcome this limitation, we compared in-hospital mortality among patients who received exclusively old versus fresh RBC units during the first 24 hours of hospitalization. METHODS: Patients admitted to a Level I trauma center between January 2000 and May 2009 who received ≥ 1 unit of exclusively old (≥ 14 days) vs. fresh (< 14 days) RBCs during the first 24 hours of hospitalization were identified. Risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for the association between mortality and RBC age, adjusted for patient age, Injury Severity Score, gender, receipt of fresh frozen plasma or platelets, RBC volume, brain injury, and injury mechanism (blunt or penetrating). RESULTS: One thousand six hundred forty-seven patients met the study inclusion criteria. Among patients who were transfused 1 or 2 RBC units, no difference in mortality with respect to RBC age was identified (adjusted RR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.72-1.32). Among patients who were transfused 3 or more RBC units, receipt of old versus fresh RBCs was associated with a significantly increased risk of mortality, with an adjusted RR of 1.57 (95% CI, 1.14-2.15). No difference was observed concerning the mean number of old versus fresh units transfused to patients who received 3 or more units (6.05 vs. 5.47, respectively; p = 0.11). CONCLUSION: In trauma patients undergoing transfusion of 3 or more RBC units within 24 hour of hospital arrival, receipt of relatively older blood was associated with a significantly increased mortality risk. Reservation of relatively fresh RBC units for the acutely injured may be advisable.

Computed tomography identification of latent pseudoaneurysm after blunt splenic injury: pathology or technology?

BACKGROUND: Serial computed tomography (CT) imaging of blunt splenic injury can identify the latent formation of splenic artery pseudoaneurysms (PSAs), potentially contributing to improved success in nonoperative management. However, it remains unclear whether the delayed appearance of such PSAs is truly pathophysiologic or attributable to imaging quality and timing. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of recent advancements in imaging technology on the incidence of the latent PSA. METHODS: Consecutive patients with blunt splenic injury over 4.5 years were identified from our trauma registry. Follow-up CT was performed for all but low-grade injuries 24 hours to 48 hours after initial CT. Incidences of both early and latent PSA formation were reviewed and compared with respect to imaging technology (4-slice vs. >or=16-slice). RESULTS: A total of 411 patients were selected for nonoperative management of blunt splenic injury. Of these, 135 had imaging performed with 4-slice CT, and 276 had imaging performed with CTs of >=16-slice. Mean follow-up was 75 days (range, 1-1178 days) and 362 patients (88%) had follow-up beyond 7 days. Comparing 4-slice CT with >or=16-slice CT, there were no significant differences in the incidence of early PSA (3.7% vs. 4.7%; p = 0.91) or latent PSA (2.2% vs. 2.9%; p = 0.90). In both groups, latent PSAs accounted for approximately 38% of all PSAs observed. Splenic injury grade on initial CT was not associated with latent PSA (p = 0.54). Overall, the failure rate of nonoperative management was 7.3%. Overall mortality was 4.6%. No mortalities were related to splenic or other intra-abdominal injury. CONCLUSIONS: The incidences of both early and latent PSA have remained remarkably stable despite advances in CT technology. This suggests that latent PSA is not a result of imaging technique but perhaps a true pathophysiologic phenomenon. Injury grade is unhelpful concerning the prediction of latent PSA formation.

A comparison of wakeboard-, water skiing-, and tubing-related injuries in the United States, 2000-2007.

The purpose of the study was to compare tubing-related injuries to wakeboarding- and water skiing-related injuries. Data was collected from the 2000-2007 National Electronic Injury Surveillance Survey for 1,761 individuals seeking care at an emergency department due to a tubing-, wakeboarding, or water skiing-related injury. Data included patient age and sex, as well as injury characteristics including body region injured (i.e., head and neck, trunk, shoulder and upper extremity, and hip and lower extremity) and diagnosis of injury (e.g., contusion, laceration, or fracture). Case narratives were reviewed to ensure that a tubing-, wakeboarding-, or water skiing-related injury occurred while the individual was being towed behind a boat. Severe injury (defined as an injury resulting in the individual being hospitalized, transferred, held for observation) was compared among the groups using logistic regression. Wakeboard- and tubing-related injuries more commonly involved the head and neck, while water skiing- related injuries were likely to involve the hip and lower extremity. Tubing-related injuries, compared to water skiing-related injuries, were more likely to be severe (OR 2.31, 95% CI 1.23-4. 33). Like wakeboarding and water skiing, tubing has inherent risks that must be understood by the participant. While tubing is generally considered a safer alternative to wakeboarding and water skiing, the results of the current study suggest otherwise. Both the number and severity of tubing- related injuries could be prevented through means such as advocating the use of protective wear such as helmets while riding a tube or having recommended safe towing speeds prominently placed on inner tubes. Key pointsIncrease annual injury rate trend in wakeboard injuries.Wakeboard- and tubing-related injuries more often to head and neck, waterskiing-related injuries more often to hip and lower extremity.Tubing-related injuries over 2-times as likely to be severe compared to waterskiing-related injuries.

Blood utilization at a level I trauma center: is this as good as it gets?

Recognition of the adverse effects of allogeneic blood resulted in the decreased use of red blood cell (RBC) transfusion in surgical practice in the 1990s. Our objective was to evaluate patterns of RBC transfusion utilization among trauma patients during the current decade. Blunt trauma patients admitted to a regional trauma center between 2000 and 2007 were identified (n = 16,011). Annual trends in RBC utilization were estimated (negative binomial regression for continuous dependent variables and logistic regression for dichotomous variables). Models were stratified by Injury Severity Score to adjust for injury severity. Although the proportion of patients receiving a blood transfusion within 48 hours of hospitalization significantly increased (P < 0.0001), there was no significant change in the rate of units transfused (P = 0.5152) among transfused patients. After stratification by Injury Severity Score, a significantly decreasing trend in the proportion of severely injured patients transfused was observed (P = 0.0243). Annual variation in the relatively less injured groups was not significant. In the current decade, transfusion utilization at a Level I trauma center has demonstrated minimal variation on a year-to-year basis. Among the severely injured, the temporal decrease in relatively early utilization of RBC transfusion may reflect increasing inclination to accept a greater degree of anemia in higher acuity patients.

Transfusion and pneumonia in the trauma intensive care unit: an examination of the temporal relationship.

BACKGROUND: Transfusion has been demonstrated to be associated with pneumonia in injured patients, and blood of older storage age may potentiate this morbidity. It remains unclear, however, whether this association is causal, as prior studies have not accounted for prepneumonia versus postpneumonia transfusion. We sought to evaluate the temporal relationship between transfusion and pneumonia and the influence of blood age on this relationship. METHODS: Admissions to a Level I trauma center between July 2004 and October 2007 with the following characteristics were selected for inclusion: overall length of stay of > or = 4 days; intensive care unit length of stay of > or = 1 day; and > or = 1 ventilator days. Date(s) of transfusion and blood storage age defined as "old" > or = 14 days and "young" < 14 days were obtained. Pneumonia was diagnosed by bronchoalveolar lavage (> 10(5) colonies/mL). Risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for the association between pneumonia and both date (in relation to pneumonia) and age of blood transfused, adjusted for age, gender, injury severity, mechanism of injury, ventilator days, and transfusion volume. RESULTS: A total of 1,615 patients met study criteria. Adjusted RR (CI) for the association between pneumonia and receipt of blood at any time was 1.99 (1.39-2.86). However, when postpneumonia transfusions were disregarded, no association was observed (RR 1.33; CI 0.98-1.80). Analysis by blood age, however, demonstrated that prepneumonia transfusion of exclusively older blood was significantly associated with an increased risk of pneumoinia (adjusted RR 1.42; CI 1.01-2.02), whereas transfusion of exclusively younger units (adjusted RR 1.02; CI 0.62-1.67) or mixed units (adjusted RR 1.35; CI 0.98-1.87) were not. CONCLUSIONS: Prior reports of an association between transfusion and pneumonia may reflect transfusions received after pneumonia rather than etiologically relevant transfusions received before the onset of pneumonia. Transfusion of exclusively older blood, however, increased the risk of pneumonia, further suggesting the importance of blood age with respect to outcomes in trauma patients.

Traumatic brain injury is associated with the development of deep vein thrombosis independent of pharmacological prophylaxis.

INTRODUCTION: Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is common among trauma patients. If left untreated it may result in lethal pulmonary thromboembolism. Previous studies have suggested that intracranial hemorrhage serves as an independent risk factor for the development of DVT. These studies were not able to exclude anticoagulation therapy as a confounding variable in their analysis. Our objective was to determine the association of traumatic brain injury (TBI) to the formation of DVT irrespective of the use of anticoagulation therapy. METHODS: All patients admitted to an academic level I Trauma Center between 2000 and 2007 with blunt or penetrating injuries were selected for inclusion in this study. Patients who died or who were discharged within 24 hours of admission were excluded in the analysis. TBI was defined as any intraparenchymal hemorrhage or extra-axial intracranial bleeding identified on radiographic imaging or both. Anticoagulation therapy was defined as the uninterrupted use of either subcutaneous lovenox or heparin. Risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals compared the risk of DVT among patients with and without TBI according to the initiation of anticoagulation therapy (no therapy, <24 hours, 24-48 hours, and >48 hours) adjusted for age, gender, race, injury severity, mechanism of injury, spinal injury, and lower extremity fracture. RESULTS: Irrespective of the time of initiation of pharmacologic prophylaxis, TBI is independently associated with the formation of DVT. A threefold to fourfold increased risk of DVT formation is consistent across all prophylaxis groups among patients with TBI. CONCLUSION: The incidence of DVT among injured patients with TBI is significantly higher than those patients without head injury independent of anticoagulation therapy. Rigorous surveillance to detect DVT among trauma patients with TBI should be undertaken and where appropriate alternate means for pulmonary thromboembolism prevention used.

The relationship of blood product ratio to mortality: survival benefit or survival bias?

BACKGROUND: Recent studies show an apparent survival advantage associated with the administration of higher cumulative ratios of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) to packed red blood cells (PRBC). It remains unclear how temporal factors and survival bias may influence these results. The objective of this study was to evaluate the temporal relationship between blood product ratios and mortality in massively transfused trauma patients. METHODS: Patients requiring massive transfusion (>10 units of PRBC within 24 hours of admission) between 2005 and 2007 were identified (n = 134). In-hospital mortality was compared between patients receiving high (>1:2) versus low (<1:2) FFP:PRBC ratios with a regression model, using the FFP:PRBC ratio as a fixed value at 24 hours (method I) and as a time-varying covariate (method II). RESULTS: The FFP:PRBC ratio for all patients was low early and increased over time. Sixty-eight percent of total blood products were given and 54% of deaths occurred during the first 6 hours. Using method I, patients receiving a high FFP:PRBC ratio (mean, 1:1.3) by 24 hours had a 63% lower risk of death (RR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.22-0.64) compared with those receiving a low ratio (mean, 1:3.7). However, this association was no longer statistically significant (RR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.47-1.50) when the timing of component product transfusion was taken into account (method II). CONCLUSIONS: Similar to previous studies, an association between higher FFP:PRBC ratios at 24 hours and improved survival was observed. However, after adjustment for survival bias in the analysis, the association was no longer statistically significant. Prospective trials are necessary to evaluate whether hemostatic resuscitation is clinically beneficial.

Reassessment of the tri-modal mortality distribution in the presence of a regional trauma system.

BACKGROUND: The temporal distribution of trauma-related deaths has been described as tri-modal with immediate, early, and late peaks. With the development of trauma centers and systems, it has been suggested that this distribution might be altered. METHODS: Information regarding all trauma-related deaths occurring from 1990 through 2003 in Jefferson County, AL, was obtained and the elapsed time from injury to death was calculated and categorized as <1 hour, 1 to 6 hours, 7 to 24 hours, 1 to 3 days, 4 to 7 days, and >1 week. The distribution of the time from injury to death was compared before and after the implementation (November 1, 1996) of a regional trauma system. RESULTS: Of the 5,240 deaths included in the analysis, 2,830 occurred between January 1, 1990 and October 31, 1996, before trauma system implementation, and 2,410 occurred afterward (i.e. November 1, 1996 to December 31, 2003). The temporal distribution of trauma death was significantly different (p < 0.0001) after trauma system development with a higher percentage of immediate deaths (56.3% compared with 51.4%) and a lower percentage that occurred 1 week after injury (4.8% compared with 8.1%). CONCLUSION: The development of a regional trauma system had a significant impact on the temporal distribution of trauma deaths. An increase in the proportion of immediate deaths and a decrease in the proportion of deaths that occurred >1 week after injury was observed, suggesting a shift toward a bimodal distribution.

Management of colon wounds in the setting of damage control laparotomy: a cautionary tale.

BACKGROUND: Although colon wounds are commonly treated in the setting of damage control laparotomy (DCL), a paucity of data exist to guide management. The purpose of this study was to evaluate our experience with the management of colonic wounds in the context of DCL, using colonic wound outcomes after routine, single laparotomy (SL) as a benchmark. METHODS: Consecutive patients during a 7-year period with full-thickness or devitalizing colon injury were identified. Early deaths (<48 hour) were excluded. Colon-related complications (abscess, suture or staple leak, and stomal ischemia) were compared between those managed in the setting of DCL versus those managed by SL, both overall and as stratified by procedure (primary repair, resection and anastomosis, and resection and colostomy). RESULTS: One hundred fifty-seven patients met study criteria: 101 had undergone SL and 56 had undergone DCL. Comparison of DCL patients with SL patients was notable for a significant difference in colon-related complications (30% vs. 12%, p < 0.005) and suture/staple leak in particular (12% vs. 3%, p < 0.05). Stratification by procedure revealed a significant difference in colon-related complications among those that underwent resection and anastomosis (DCL: 39% vs. SL: 18%, p < 0.05), whereas no differences were observed in those who underwent primary repair or resection and colostomy. CONCLUSIONS: Management of colonic wounds in the setting of DCL is associated with a relatively high incidence of complications. The excessive incidence of leak overall and morbidity particular to resection and anastomosis, however, give us pause. Although stoma construction is not without its own complications in the setting of DCL, it may be the safer alternative.

Body mass index affects time to definitive closure after damage control surgery.

BACKGROUND: A growing body of literature demonstrates that irrespective of the mechanism of injury, obesity is associated with significantly worse morbidity and mortality after trauma. Among patients requiring damage control laparotomy (DCL), clinical experience suggests that obesity affects time to definitive closure though this association has never been demonstrated quantitatively. METHODS: All patients at an academic Level I trauma center requiring a DCL between January 2002 and December 2006 (N = 148) were included. Information pertaining to demographic, injury, and clinical characteristics was abstracted from patient medical records. The risk of specific complications including pneumonia, renal failure, and sepsis was compared between normal and overweight/obese patients, as measured by body mass index (BMI). The lengths of intensive care unit (ICU) stay and mechanical ventilation as well as time to abdominal closure were also compared. RESULTS: The risk of pneumonia, sepsis, and renal failure was 2.05-times, 1.77-times, and 2.84-times higher among overweight patients compared with patients with a normal BMI. The risk of pneumonia, sepsis, and renal failure was 2.01-times, 4.24-times, and 1.85-times higher among obese patients compared with those with a normal BMI. Obese patients also had a significantly longer ICU length of stay (28.7 days vs. 15.1 days; p < 0.0001), longer hospitalization (39.3 days vs. 27.0 days; p = 0.008), and time to definitive closure (8.4 days vs. 3.9 days; p = 0.03) compared with patients with a normal BMI. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients requiring DCL, those who are overweight or obese have a prolonged time to definitive closure. These patients also experience a significantly longer ICU course and a higher risk of pneumonia.