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1.
J Surg Res ; 300: 165-172, 2024 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38815515

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: We aim to evaluate the association of early versus late venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis on in-hospital mortality among patients with severe blunt isolated traumatic brain injuries. METHODS: Data from the American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Program Participant Use File for 2017-2021 were analyzed. The target population included adult trauma patients with severe isolated traumatic brain injury (TBI). VTE prophylaxis types (low molecular weight heparin and unfractionated heparin) and their administration timing were analyzed in relation to in-hospital complications and mortality. RESULTS: The study comprised 3609 patients, predominantly Caucasian males, with an average age of 48.5 y. Early VTE prophylaxis recipients were younger (P < 0.01) and more likely to receive unfractionated heparin (P < 0.01). VTE prophylaxis later than 24 h was associated with a higher average injury severity score and longer intensive care unit stays (P < 0.01). Logistic regression revealed that VTE prophylaxis later than 24 h was associated with significant reduction of in-hospital mortality by 38% (odds ratio 0.62, 95% confidence interval 0.40-0.94, P = 0.02). Additionally, low molecular weight heparin use was associated with decreased mortality odds by 30% (odds ratio 0.70, 95% confidence interval 0.55-0.89, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: VTE prophylaxis later than 24 h is associated with a reduced risk of in-hospital mortality in patients with severe isolated blunt TBI, as opposed to VTE prophylaxis within 24 h. These findings suggest the need for timely and appropriate VTE prophylaxis in TBI care, highlighting the critical need for a comprehensive assessment and further research concerning the safety and effectiveness of VTE prophylaxis in these patient populations.


Subject(s)
Anticoagulants , Brain Injuries, Traumatic , Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight , Heparin , Hospital Mortality , Venous Thromboembolism , Humans , Male , Venous Thromboembolism/prevention & control , Venous Thromboembolism/etiology , Female , Middle Aged , Adult , Brain Injuries, Traumatic/complications , Brain Injuries, Traumatic/mortality , Heparin/therapeutic use , Heparin/administration & dosage , Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight/administration & dosage , Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight/therapeutic use , Anticoagulants/therapeutic use , Anticoagulants/administration & dosage , Anticoagulants/adverse effects , Aged , Retrospective Studies , United States/epidemiology , Injury Severity Score , Wounds, Nonpenetrating/complications , Wounds, Nonpenetrating/mortality , Wounds, Nonpenetrating/diagnosis , Wounds, Nonpenetrating/therapy , Treatment Outcome
2.
J Surg Res ; 289: 141-151, 2023 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37119615

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: We aim to investigate disparities & inequities based on race, sex, graduating age, and the number of peer-reviewed publications among allopathic U.S. Doctor of Medicine graduates who reported entering a surgical training program over a span of 5 y. METHODS: A retrospective cohort analysis of the Association of American Medical Colleges student records system and Electronic Residency Application Service for graduates entering a surgical specialty residency during graduate medical education training cycles 2015-2020. RESULTS: African American, Asian, and Hispanic applicants each accounted for less than 1% of graduates who reported entering a surgical training program. Asians (OR = 0.58, P = 0.01) and those identifying as other races (OR = 0.74, P = 0.01) were significantly less likely to enter a surgical subspecialty when compared to Caucasians. Orthopedic surgery contained the lowest proportion of minorities; African Americans 0.5% (n = 18), Asians 0.3% (n = 11), Hispanics 0.1% (n = 4), and others with 2% (n = 68). Females who reported entering Orthopedic surgery training represented the smallest female population in surgical specialties (17%, n = 527). The number of peer-reviewed publications was significantly associated with male sex (ß = 0.28, P < 0.01), age between 30 and 32 at graduation (ß = 1.76, P < 0.01), and identification as other races (ß = 1.53, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Racial minorities represented only 5.1% of graduates who reported entering a surgical specialty graduate medical education training program. Minority races and females were significantly less likely to enter a surgical subspecialty training program compared to Caucasian graduates and males, especially in orthopedic surgery. Implementation of specialty-specific programs and diversity, equity, and inclusion departments that promote mentorship and guidance toward residency programs is needed to combat continued race and sex disparities.


Subject(s)
Internship and Residency , Orthopedics , Humans , Male , Female , United States , Adult , Retrospective Studies , Diversity, Equity, Inclusion , Education, Medical, Graduate
3.
J Trauma Nurs ; 30(3): 150-157, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37144804

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network (PECARN) traumatic brain injury algorithm is used to identify children at low risk of clinically significant traumatic brain injuries to reduce computed tomography (CT) exposure. Adapting PECARN rules based on population-specific risk stratification has been suggested to improve diagnostic accuracy. OBJECTIVE: This study sought to identify center-specific patient variables, beyond PECARN rules, that may enhance the identification of patients requiring neuroimaging. METHODS: This single-center, retrospective cohort study was conducted from July 1, 2016, to July 1, 2020, in a Southwestern U.S. Level II pediatric trauma center. The inclusion criteria were adolescents (10-15 years), Glasgow Coma Scale (13-15), with a confirmed mechanical blow to the head. Patients without a head CT were excluded. Logistic regression was performed to identify additional complicated mild traumatic brain injury predictor variables beyond the PECARN. RESULTS: There were 136 patients studied; 21 (15%) presented with a complicated mild traumatic brain injury. Relative to motorcycle collision or all-terrain vehicle trauma (odds ratio [OR] 211.75, 95% confidence interval, CI [4.51, 9931.41], p < .001), an unspecified mechanism (OR 42.0, 95% CI [1.30, 1350.97], p = .03) and consult activation (OR 17.44, 95% CI [1.75, 173.31], p = .01) were significantly associated with complicated mild traumatic brain injury. CONCLUSIONS: We identified additional factors associated with complex mild traumatic brain injury, including motorcycle collision and all-terrain vehicle trauma, unspecified mechanism, and consult activation that are not in the PECARN imaging decision rule. Adding these variables may aid in determining the need for appropriate CT scanning.


Subject(s)
Adverse Childhood Experiences , Brain Concussion , Brain Injuries, Traumatic , Craniocerebral Trauma , Adolescent , Child , Humans , Brain Concussion/diagnostic imaging , Craniocerebral Trauma/diagnosis , Decision Support Techniques , Retrospective Studies , Emergency Service, Hospital , Brain Injuries, Traumatic/diagnostic imaging
4.
Mol Microbiol ; 115(2): 208-221, 2021 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32985735

ABSTRACT

The Mycobacterium tuberculosis cell envelope is a critical interface between the host and pathogen and provides a protective barrier against the immune response and antibiotics. Cell envelope lipids are also mycobacterial virulence factors that influence the host immune response. The mycobacterial membrane protein large (MmpL) proteins transport cell envelope lipids and siderophores that are important for the basic physiology and pathogenesis of M. tuberculosis. We recently identified MmpL11 as a conserved transporter of mycolic acid-containing lipids including monomeromycolyl diacylglycerol (MMDAG), mycolate wax ester (MWE), and long-chain triacylglycerols (LC-TAGs). These lipids contribute to biofilm formation in M. tuberculosis and M. smegmatis, and non-replicating persistence in M. tuberculosis. In this report, we identified domains and residues that are essential for MmpL11TB lipid transporter activity. Specifically, we show that the D1 periplasmic loop and a conserved tyrosine are essential for the MmpL11 function. Intriguingly, we found that MmpL11 levels are regulated by the phosphorylation of threonine in the cytoplasmic C-terminal domain, providing the first direct evidence of the phospho-regulation of MmpL11 transporter activity in M. tuberculosis and M. smegmatis. Our results offer further insight into the function of MmpL transporters and regulation of mycobacterial cell envelope biogenesis.


Subject(s)
Membrane Transport Proteins/metabolism , Mycobacterium tuberculosis/metabolism , Bacterial Proteins/metabolism , Biological Transport , Carrier Proteins/metabolism , Cell Membrane/metabolism , Cell Wall/metabolism , Membrane Proteins/metabolism , Membrane Transport Proteins/physiology , Mycolic Acids/metabolism , Periplasm/metabolism , Phosphorylation , Siderophores/metabolism , Tuberculosis/microbiology , Virulence Factors/metabolism
5.
J Trauma Nurs ; 29(4): 170-180, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35802051

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Only a fraction of pediatric trauma patients are treated in pediatric-specific facilities, leaving the remaining to be seen in centers that must decide to admit the patient to a pediatric or adult unit. Thus, there may be inconsistencies in pediatric trauma admission practices among trauma centers. OBJECTIVE: Describe current practices in admission decision making for pediatric patients. METHODS: An email survey was distributed to members of three professional organizations: The American Association for the Surgery of Trauma, Society of Trauma Nurses, and Pediatric Trauma Society. The survey contained questions regarding pediatric age cutoffs, institutional placement decisions, and scenario-based assessments to determine mitigating placement factors. RESULTS: There were 313 survey responses representing freestanding children's hospitals (114, 36.4%); children's hospitals within general hospitals (107, 34.2%), and adult centers (not a children's hospital; 90, 28.8%). The mean age cutoff for pediatric admission was 16.6 years. The most reported cutoff ages were 18 years (77, 25.6%) and 15 years (76, 25.2%). The most common rationales for the age cutoffs were "institutional experience/tradition" (139, 44.4%) and "physician preference" (89, 28.4%). CONCLUSION: There was no single widely accepted age cutoff that distinguished pediatric from adult trauma patients for admission placement. There was significant variability between and within the types of facilities, with noted ambiguity in the definition of a "pediatric" patient. Thresholds appear to be based primarily on subjective criteria such as traditions or preferences rather than scientific data. Institutions should strive for objective, evidence-based policies for determining the appropriate placement of pediatric patients.


Subject(s)
Hospitals, Pediatric , Trauma Centers , Adolescent , Adult , Child , Decision Making , Hospitals, General , Humans , Surveys and Questionnaires , United States
6.
J Neurosci ; 40(1): 22-36, 2020 01 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31896561

ABSTRACT

In many species, vocal communication is essential for coordinating social behaviors including courtship, mating, parenting, rivalry, and alarm signaling. Effective communication requires accurate production, detection, and classification of signals, as well as selection of socially appropriate responses. Understanding how signals are generated and how acoustic signals are perceived is key to understanding the neurobiology of social behaviors. Here we review our long-standing research program focused on Xenopus, a frog genus which has provided valuable insights into the mechanisms and evolution of vertebrate social behaviors. In Xenopus laevis, vocal signals differ between the sexes, through development, and across the genus, reflecting evolutionary divergence in sensory and motor circuits that can be interrogated mechanistically. Using two ex vivo preparations, the isolated brain and vocal organ, we have identified essential components of the vocal production system: the sexually differentiated larynx at the periphery, and the hindbrain vocal central pattern generator (CPG) centrally, that produce sex- and species-characteristic sound pulse frequencies and temporal patterns, respectively. Within the hindbrain, we have described how intrinsic membrane properties of neurons in the vocal CPG generate species-specific vocal patterns, how vocal nuclei are connected to generate vocal patterns, as well as the roles of neurotransmitters and neuromodulators in activating the circuit. For sensorimotor integration, we identified a key forebrain node that links auditory and vocal production circuits to match socially appropriate vocal responses to acoustic features of male and female calls. The availability of a well supported phylogeny as well as reference genomes from several species now support analysis of the genetic architecture and the evolutionary divergence of neural circuits for vocal communication. Xenopus thus provides a vertebrate model in which to study vocal communication at many levels, from physiology, to behavior, and from development to evolution. As one of the most comprehensively studied phylogenetic groups within vertebrate vocal communication systems, Xenopus provides insights that can inform social communication across phyla.


Subject(s)
Animal Communication , Nerve Net/physiology , Rhombencephalon/physiology , Vocalization, Animal/physiology , Xenopus laevis/physiology , Acoustic Stimulation , Animals , Arytenoid Cartilage/physiology , Biological Evolution , Central Pattern Generators/physiology , Female , Gonadal Steroid Hormones/physiology , In Vitro Techniques , Laryngeal Muscles/physiology , Laryngeal Nerves/physiology , Male , Medulla Oblongata/physiology , Neurotransmitter Agents/physiology , Sex Characteristics , Sexual Behavior, Animal/physiology , Social Behavior , Species Specificity
7.
Genesis ; 55(1-2)2017 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28095617

ABSTRACT

The vertebrate hindbrain includes neural circuits that govern essential functions including breathing, blood pressure and heart rate. Hindbrain circuits also participate in generating rhythmic motor patterns for vocalization. In most tetrapods, sound production is powered by expiration and the circuitry underlying vocalization and respiration must be linked. Perception and arousal are also linked; acoustic features of social communication sounds-for example, a baby's cry-can drive autonomic responses. The close links between autonomic functions that are essential for life and vocal expression have been a major in vivo experimental challenge. Xenopus provides an opportunity to address this challenge using an ex vivo preparation: an isolated brain that generates vocal and breathing patterns. The isolated brain allows identification and manipulation of hindbrain vocal circuits as well as their activation by forebrain circuits that receive sensory input, initiate motor patterns and control arousal. Advances in imaging technologies, coupled to the production of Xenopus lines expressing genetically encoded calcium sensors, provide powerful tools for imaging neuronal patterns in the entire fictively behaving brain, a goal of the BRAIN Initiative. Comparisons of neural circuit activity across species (comparative neuromics) with distinctive vocal patterns can identify conserved features, and thereby reveal essential functional components.


Subject(s)
Prosencephalon/physiology , Rhombencephalon/physiology , Vocalization, Animal/physiology , Xenopus laevis/physiology , Animals , Exhalation/physiology , Organ Culture Techniques
8.
Minn Med ; 99(2): 35-9, 2016.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27089674

ABSTRACT

Antibiotic use has come under increased scrutiny because of the emergence of multidrug-resistant organisms.Many have called for restricting use of antibiotics in humans and animals, finding strategies to reduce the spreadof resistant organisms and development of new anti-infectives. The challenge for many clinicians is identifyingwhen antibiotics are needed, which ones to use and how long to use them. This article offers practical advice foridentifying when antibiotics are beneficial and curbing inappropriate use.


Subject(s)
Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use , Bacterial Infections/drug therapy , Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial , Practice Patterns, Physicians' , Adult , Animals , Anti-Bacterial Agents/adverse effects , Bacterial Infections/transmission , Child , Drug Administration Schedule , Humans , Inappropriate Prescribing/prevention & control , Minnesota , Risk Factors
10.
J Neurosci ; 33(28): 11494-505, 2013 Jul 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23843520

ABSTRACT

Tree shrew primary visual cortex (V1) exhibits a pronounced laminar segregation of inputs from different classes of relay neurons in the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN). We examined how several receptive field (RF) properties were transformed from LGN to V1 layer 4 to V1 layer 2/3. The progression of RF properties across these stages differed markedly from that found in the cat. V1 layer 4 cells are largely similar to the the LGN cells that provide their input, being dominated by a single sign (ON or OFF) and being strongly modulated by sinusoidal gratings. Some layer 4 neurons, notably those near the edges of layer 4, exhibited increased orientation selectivity, and most layer 4 neurons exhibited a preference for lower temporal frequencies. Neurons in cortical layer 2/3 differ significantly from those in the LGN; most exhibited strong orientation tuning and both ON and OFF responses. The strength of orientation selectivity exhibited a notable sublaminar organization, with the strongest orientation tuned neurons in the most superficial parts of layer 2/3. Modulation indexes provide evidence for simple and complex cells in both layer 4 and layer 2/3. However, neurons with high modulation indexes were heterogenous in the spatial organization of ON and OFF responses, with many of them exhibiting unbalanced ON and OFF responses rather than well-segregated ON and OFF subunits. When compared to the laminar organization of V1 in other mammals, these data show that the process of natural selection can result in significantly altered structure/function relationships in homologous cortical circuits.


Subject(s)
Geniculate Bodies/physiology , Photic Stimulation/methods , Visual Cortex/physiology , Visual Fields/physiology , Visual Pathways/physiology , Animals , Cats , Evoked Potentials, Visual/physiology , Female , Male , Species Specificity , Tupaiidae
11.
J Pharm Pract ; : 8971900241256776, 2024 May 24.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38789106

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Diabetes is associated with increased risk of hospital readmission and imposes a significant economic burden on patients and healthcare systems. Literature suggests that pharmacist-led transitions-of-care (TOC) services reduce hospital readmissions and improve patient outcomes and data within safety-net hospitals is limited. METHODS: This was a single-center evaluation to assess the impact of pharmacist-led diabetes TOC services on hospital readmissions among diabetes patients vs standard care (SC). The evaluation included patients admitted from 11/1/2021-2/28/2022 and 10/19/2022-2/28/2023 who had a primary diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, were admitted for a diabetes-related reason, or were seen by the endocrine consult service during admission. The primary outcome was 30-day readmissions. Secondary outcomes included time to readmission, readmission diagnosis, changes in HbA1c, completion of follow-up visits, and number of pharmacist interventions at follow-up. RESULTS: There were 109 patients included (TOC n = 65; SC n = 44) and 13.8% (9/65) of TOC and 18.2% (8/44) of SC patients readmitted within 30 days (P = .235). Average time to readmission was 15.3 days in the TOC and 10.4 days in the SC cohorts. There were no diabetes-related readmissions in the TOC cohort. Over 60% (5/8) of readmissions in the SC cohort were diabetes-related. The average change in HbA1c was -2.5% in the TOC cohort and -1.2% in the SC cohort, P = .046. Approximately 51% of TOC patients completed an outpatient follow-up visit and nearly 70% of those patients had an intervention made at that time. CONCLUSION: Pharmacist-led diabetes TOC services within a safety-net hospital may reduce hospital readmissions and improve clinical outcomes.

12.
Am Surg ; 90(6): 1347-1356, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38272456

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Patients with liver cirrhosis (LC) demonstrate significantly elevated mortality rates following a traumatic event. This study aims to examine and compare the clinical outcomes in adult trauma patients with pre-existing LC undergoing laparotomy or non-operative management (NOM). Additionally, the study aims to investigate various patient outcomes, including mortality rate based on transfusion needs and timing. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study utilized the American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Program Participant Use File (ACS-TQIP-PUF) 2017-21 to compare laparotomy vs NOM in adults (≥18 years) with pre-existing LC who presented to trauma facilities with isolated blunt solid organ abdominal injuries (Injury Severity Score ≥16, Abbreviated Injury Scale solid organ abdomen ≥3). RESULTS: Among 929 patients, 38.2% underwent laparotomy, while 61.7% received NOM. The in-hospital mortality rate was lower for patients who received NOM (52.3% vs 20.0%, P < .01). The risk of in-hospital mortality was significantly associated with laparotomy (OR 5.22, 95% CI: 2.06-13.18, P < .01) and sepsis (OR 99.50, 95% CI: 6.99-1415.28, P < .01). On average an increase in blood units in 4 hours was observed among those who experienced an in-hospital mortality (OR 5.65, 95% CI: 3.05-8.24, P < .01) and those who underwent laparotomy (OR 3.85, 95% CI: 1.36-6.34, P < .01). CONCLUSION: Trauma patients with moderate to severe isolated organ injury and Liver cirrhosis had significantly higher mortality rates, acute renal failure, whole blood units received, as well as longer ICU-LOS when undergoing laparotomy compared to non-operative management.


Subject(s)
Abdominal Injuries , Blood Transfusion , Hospital Mortality , Laparotomy , Liver Cirrhosis , Humans , Male , Female , Retrospective Studies , Middle Aged , Liver Cirrhosis/mortality , Liver Cirrhosis/complications , Blood Transfusion/statistics & numerical data , Abdominal Injuries/mortality , Abdominal Injuries/surgery , Abdominal Injuries/complications , Abdominal Injuries/therapy , Risk Factors , Adult , Aged , United States/epidemiology , Injury Severity Score , Wounds, Nonpenetrating/mortality , Wounds, Nonpenetrating/therapy , Wounds, Nonpenetrating/complications , Wounds, Nonpenetrating/surgery
13.
Am Surg ; 89(8): 3478-3481, 2023 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36876582

ABSTRACT

A recommended emergency medical services ambulance response time to a medical emergency is within eight minutes for at least 90% of calls. This study aimed to evaluate scene times for rural education and outreach to improve the quality of trauma care. This is a single-center study of Trauma Registry data from July 1, 2016 to February 28, 2022. The inclusion criteria were based upon age (≥18 years). A logistic regression was performed to identify predictor variables on the likelihood that an adult trauma patient will experience scene times greater than eight minutes. 19 321 patients were included in the analysis; 7233 (37%) experienced an elapsed scene time within eight minutes. This research identified an opportunity to improve rural trauma team response time, which is only reaching 37% of the patient population within eight minutes. Prehospital cardiac arrest and unique pre-existing comorbidities may play a role in extended response times by EMS.


Subject(s)
Ambulances , Emergency Medical Services , Adult , Humans , Adolescent , Time Factors , Comorbidity , Rural Population , Retrospective Studies
14.
Am Surg ; 89(8): 3582-3584, 2023 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36898978

ABSTRACT

The current literature demonstrates an association between both size and presence of TBI and its effects on mortality; however, it does not readily address the morbidity and associated functional outcomes of those who survive. We hypothesize that the likelihood of discharge to home decreases with advancement of age in the presence of TBI. This is a single-center study of trauma registry data, inclusive years July 1, 2016, to October 31, 2021. The inclusion criteria was based upon age (≥40 years), and ICD10 diagnosis of a TBI. Disposition to home without services was the dependent variable. 2031 patients were included in the analysis. We hypothesized correctly that the likelihood of discharge to home decreases (by 6%) with advancement of age (per year) in the presence of intracranial hemorrhage.


Subject(s)
Patient Discharge , Trauma Centers , Humans , Adult , Hospital Mortality , Morbidity , Hospitals , Retrospective Studies
15.
Am Surg ; 89(8): 3563-3565, 2023 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36912455

ABSTRACT

The leading cause of preventable traumatic death is uncontrolled bleeding. This study aimed to better identify those most likely to experience in-hospital mortality with increasing injury severity scoring (ISS). This is a single-center study of Trauma Registry data, from July 3, 2016, to February 24, 2022. The inclusion criteria were based upon age (≥18 years) and in-hospital mortality. 546 patients (mean age 58) were included in the analysis. There were several significant associations with increasing ISS among those who experienced in-hospital mortality, which included a rising shock index ratio, activation of the massive transfusion protocol, and, most notably, motorcycle trauma. This research reiterates the importance of the "Stop the Bleed" campaign as vital for training laypersons in the life-saving technique for hemorrhage control.


Subject(s)
Motorcycles , Wounds and Injuries , Humans , Middle Aged , Adolescent , Hospital Mortality , Blood Transfusion , Hemorrhage , Trauma Centers , Wounds and Injuries/therapy , Injury Severity Score , Retrospective Studies
16.
Am Surg ; 89(8): 3490-3492, 2023 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36880603

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to evaluate non-survivors who were admitted to a level I trauma center but later died, in terms of predicting who would expire early vs late. This is a single-center study of Trauma Registry data, from July 3, 2016, to February 24, 2022. The inclusion criteria were based upon age (≥18 years) and in-hospital mortality. 546 patients (mean age 58) were included in the analysis. Trauma patients who may experience an earlier death were those with increasing injury severity scores, activation of massive transfusion protocol, comorbid advanced directive limiting care, COPD, personality disorder, and ED death location. Patients were more likely to experience later in-hospital mortality, including those with increasing ICU stays, and comorbid dementia.


Subject(s)
Blood Transfusion , Wounds and Injuries , Humans , Middle Aged , Adolescent , Hospital Mortality , Injury Severity Score , Hospitalization , Trauma Centers , Wounds and Injuries/therapy , Retrospective Studies
17.
Cureus ; 15(11): e48091, 2023 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38046747

ABSTRACT

Background and objective Facial fractures represent a growing concern among an aging population prone to falls. In light of this, this study aimed to investigate differential facial fracture patterns and outcomes based on age effects. Determining the differences between the severity and type of facial fractures in populations of different ages will help guide clinical decision-making when managing patients with facial fractures. Methods This was a single-center study involving trauma registry data, from July 1, 2016, to January 31, 2022. The inclusion criteria were based on the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) diagnosis of facial fracture. A linear regression was performed to ascertain the effects of predictor variables on the likelihood that a facial fracture trauma patient would experience various age effects on injury location, mortality, and morbidity. Results A total of 1575 patients were included in the analysis. A significant regression equation was found (F(47,1476)=42.46, p<0.01), with an R2 of 0.57. Older facial fracture trauma patients were more likely to be female (ß=3.13, p<0.01) with fractures to their zygoma (ß=2.57, p=0.02). Higher Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) facial region scores (ß=2.21, p=0.03), longer hospital length of stay (ß=0.07, p=0.02), and in-hospital mortality (ß=10.47, p<0.01) were also associated with older age. Older age was additionally associated with a higher level of several morbidity markers. Younger facial fracture trauma patients were more likely to be African American (ß=-5.46, p<0.01) or other, non-Caucasian race (ß=-8.66, p<0.01) and to have mandible fracture patterns (ß=-3.63, p<0.01). The younger patients were more likely to be fully activated (ß=-3.10, p<0.01) with a higher shock index ratio (SIR) (ß=-7.36, p<0.01). Injury mechanisms in younger facial fracture patients were more likely to be assault (ß=-12.43, p<0.01), four-wheeler/ATV accident (ß=-24.80, p<0.01), gunshot (ß=-15.18, p<0.01), moped accident (ß=-13.50, p<0.01), motorcycle accident (ß=-12.31, p<0.01), motor vehicle accident (ß=-16.52, p<.01), or pedestrian being struck by a motor vehicle (ß=-10.69, p=0.02). Conclusions Based on our findings, age effects impact facial fracture patterns and outcomes. Younger patients are more likely to experience multisystem injuries via non-fall trauma. On the other hand, older patients are more likely to experience more severe primary facial injuries. Older patients are also at a higher risk of fall-related trauma. Disparities also exist between genders and races, with male and non-Caucasian patients being at a higher risk of injury from facial fractures at a younger age. With an aging population, the prevalence of falls is likely to increase. Thus, facial fractures represent a growing healthcare burden and warrant future investments related to care and treatment.

18.
Am Surg ; 89(9): 3803-3810, 2023 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37526073

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The incidence and causes of facial fractures differ between patients, but patterns arise within populations. These patterns vary by gender, age, and between countries. This study aims to determine variables to identify patients at risk for facial fractures in a United States trauma population. METHODS: This is a single-center study of Trauma Registry data, inclusive of years July 1, 2016, to January 31, 2022. Inclusion criteria were based upon all trauma patients. Confirmation of a non-isolated facial fracture (dependent variable) was verified using ICD10 diagnosis codes. A logistic regression was performed in SPSS to ascertain the effects of predictor variables on the likelihood that a trauma patient will experience a facial fracture. RESULTS: 20377 patients were included in the analysis based upon the requirements specified in the methods section; 1575 (7%) had a positive facial fracture. The logistic regression model was statistically significant (N = 18507, P < .01). Significant risk factors for facial fracture identified included helicopter transport (OR = 1.35, P < .01) and increasing injury severity scores (OR = 1.07, P < .01). Modes of injury most likely to predict facial fracture included assault (OR = 6.62, P < .01), moped (OR = 2.02, P < .01), and motorcycle trauma (OR = 1.55, P < .01). The discharge disposition most likely among facial fracture patients included short-term general hospital (OR = 1.71, P < .01) and intermediate care facility (OR = 4.47, P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with traumatic injuries from assault, moped, and motorcycle accidents were more likely to present with facial fractures. These patients had more severe injuries, seen as increased ISS scores, higher likelihood of transport by helicopter, and the need for additional care after discharge.


Subject(s)
Skull Fractures , Trauma Centers , Humans , Retrospective Studies , Skull Fractures/epidemiology , Skull Fractures/etiology , Skull Fractures/diagnosis , Injury Severity Score , Risk Factors , Facial Bones/injuries
19.
Am Surg ; 89(8): 3658-3660, 2023 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37139891

ABSTRACT

The COVID-19 mandated lockdown created unintended outcomes in traumatic injury patterns and psychosocial behaviors compared to previous years during the same timeframe. The aim of this research is to describe a population of trauma patients during the past 5 years to determine particular trends in trauma patterns and trauma severity. A retrospective cohort study on all adult (≥18 years) trauma patients admitted to this ACS verified Level I trauma center in South Carolina, inclusive years 2017 to 2021. A total of 3281 adult trauma patients were included during the lockdown period across 5 years. There was an increase in penetrating injuries in 2020 compared to 2019 (9% vs 4%, P < .01). The psychosocial impacts of government-mandated lockdowns may lead to increased alcohol consumption leading to a higher degree of injury severity and morbidity markers in the trauma population.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Wounds, Penetrating , Adult , Humans , Retrospective Studies , COVID-19/epidemiology , Communicable Disease Control , Wounds, Penetrating/epidemiology , Morbidity , Trauma Centers
20.
Am Surg ; 89(9): 3947-3949, 2023 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37259977

ABSTRACT

The leading cause of preventable traumatic death is uncontrolled bleeding. This study aimed to better identify those most likely to experience in-hospital mortality with increasing injury severity scoring (ISS). This is a single-center study of Trauma Registry data, from July 3, 2016, to February 24, 2022. The inclusion criteria were based upon age (≥18 years) and in-hospital mortality. 546 patients (mean age 58) were included in the analysis. There were several significant associations with increasing ISS among those who experienced in-hospital mortality, which included a rising shock index ratio, activation of the massive transfusion protocol, and, most notably, motorcycle trauma. This research reiterates the importance of the "Stop the Bleed" campaign as vital for training laypersons in the life-saving technique for hemorrhage control.


Subject(s)
Motorcycles , Wounds and Injuries , Humans , Middle Aged , Adolescent , Injury Severity Score , Hospital Mortality , Trauma Centers , Blood Transfusion , Hemorrhage , Wounds and Injuries/therapy , Retrospective Studies
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