Use of Cold-Stored Whole Blood is Associated With Improved Mortality in Hemostatic Resuscitation of Major Bleeding: A Multicenter Study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify a mortality benefit with the use of whole blood (WB) as part of the resuscitation of bleeding trauma patients. BACKGROUND: Blood component therapy (BCT) is the current standard for resuscitating trauma patients, with WB emerging as the blood product of choice. We hypothesized that the use of WB versus BCT alone would result in decreased mortality. METHODS: We performed a 14-center, prospective observational study of trauma patients who received WB versus BCT during their resuscitation. We applied a generalized linear mixed-effects model with a random effect and controlled for age, sex, mechanism of injury (MOI), and injury severity score. All patients who received blood as part of their initial resuscitation were included. Primary outcome was mortality and secondary outcomes included acute kidney injury, deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism, pulmonary complications, and bleeding complications. RESULTS: A total of 1623 [WB: 1180 (74%), BCT: 443(27%)] patients who sustained penetrating (53%) or blunt (47%) injury were included. Patients who received WB had a higher shock index (0.98 vs 0.83), more comorbidities, and more blunt MOI (all P <0.05). After controlling for center, age, sex, MOI, and injury severity score, we found no differences in the rates of acute kidney injury, deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism or pulmonary complications. WB patients were 9% less likely to experience bleeding complications and were 48% less likely to die than BCT patients ( P <0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with BCT, the use of WB was associated with a 48% reduction in mortality in trauma patients. Our study supports the use of WB use in the resuscitation of trauma patients.

Low-density Isolated Intraperitoneal Free Fluid in Pediatric Blunt Trauma Is Not Associated With Abdominal Injury.

OBJECTIVES: Isolated intraperitoneal free fluid (IIFF) is defined as intraperitoneal fluid seen on computed tomography (CT) without identifiable injury. In a hemodynamically stable patient, this finding creates a challenge for physicians regarding the next steps in management because the clinical significance of this fluid is not completely understood. We hypothesized that pediatric blunt trauma patients with a finding of simple IIFF on CT would not have clinically significant intraabdominal injury. METHODS: A retrospective review (2009-2018) was conducted of all pediatric blunt trauma patients who underwent CT scan of the abdomen/pelvis at our institution. All patients with scans performed at our institution with the finding of IIFF were included. Scans were reviewed to measure the Hounsfield Units (HU) of the intraabdominal fluid. Groups were stratified into HU > 25 and HU ≤ 25, below accepted cutoffs for acute blood, and clinical outcomes were reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 413 patients had free fluid on CT abdomen/pelvis with 279 (68%) having only the finding of IIFF. The HU was 25 or less in 236 (85%) patients. No patients in the HU ≤ 25 group required operative exploration or had examination findings to indicate they had intraabdominal injury. Four (9%) patients in the HU > 25 required laparotomy (P < 0.0001). No patients in the HU ≤ 25 group required further workup or hospital admission over concern for intraabdominal injury. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric blunt trauma patients with HU of 25 or less IIFF and a nonperitonitic physical examination did not require operative exploration or further workup for intraabdominal injury. In the absence of other injuries, it is safe to discharge these patients without further workup.

Repeat Imaging in Blunt Hepatic Injuries Can Wait for Clinical Change.

BACKGROUND: There is variability regarding the utilization and timing of repeat imaging in adult patients with blunt hepatic injury who are managed nonoperatively. This study examines the rate of delayed complications and interventions in patients with blunt hepatic injuries who undergo repeat imaging prompted either by clinical change (CC) or non-clinical change (NCC). METHODS: A nine-year, retrospective, dual-institution study was performed of adult patients with blunt hepatic injuries. Patients were identified based on whether repeat imaging was performed and reason for reimaging: CC or NCC. The incidence of delayed complications and interventions was examined for each type of scan. RESULTS: Of 365 patients, 122 (33.4%) underwent repeat imaging [CC, n = 72 (59%); NCC, n=50 (41%)]. Mean time to repeat imaging was shorter in the NCC group [CC = 7.6 ± 8 days; NCC = 4.7 ± 6.3 days, P = 0.034]. Delayed complications were found in 30 (25%) patients reimaged, [CC, n = 20; NCC, n = 10, P = 0.395]. Interventions were performed in 12 (40%) patients [CC, n = 10; NCC, n = 2, P = 0.120]. CONCLUSIONS: Repeat imaging due to NCC occurred earlier than imaging performed by CC. One quarter of patients reimaged demonstrated a delayed complication, with nearly half undergoing intervention. There was no difference in incidence of delayed complications or interventions between groups, suggesting repeat imaging can be prompted by clinical change in blunt hepatic injuries.

Pediatric Major Vascular Injuries: A 16-Year Institutional Experience From a Combined Adult and Pediatric Trauma Center.

OBJECTIVES: Vascular injury in pediatric trauma patients is uncommon but associated with a reported mortality greater than 19% in some series. The purpose of this study was to characterize pediatric major vascular injuries (MVIs) and analyze mortality at a high-volume combined adult and pediatric trauma center. METHODS: A retrospective review (January 2000 to May 2016) was conducted of all pediatric (<18 years old) trauma patients who presented with a vascular injury. A total of 177 patients were identified, with 60 (34%) having an MVI, defined as injury in the neck, torso, or proximal extremity. Patients were then further analyzed based on location of injury, mechanism, age, and race. P ≤ 0.05 was deemed significant. RESULTS: Of the 60 patients with MVI, the mean age was 14.3 years (range, 4-17 years). Mean intensive care unit length of stay (LOS) was 5.4 days, and mean hospital LOS was 12.5 days. Blunt mechanism was more common in patients 14 years or younger; penetrating trauma was more common amongst patients older than 14 years. Overall, blunt injuries had a longer intensive care unit LOS compared with penetrating trauma (7.8 vs 3.1 days; P = 0.016). A total of 33% (n = 20) of MVIs occurred in the torso, with 50% (n = 10) of these from blunt trauma. Location of injury did correlate with mortality; 45% (n = 9) of torso MVIs resulted in death (penetrating n = 7, blunt n = 2). Overall mortality from an MVI was 15.3% (n = 9); all were torso MVIs. Higher Injury Severity Score and Glasgow Coma Scale score were found to be independently associated with mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience demonstrates that MVIs are associated with a significant mortality (15.3%), with a majority of those resulting from gunshot wounds, more than 9-fold greater than the overall mortality of pediatric trauma patients at our institution (1.6%). Further research should be aimed at improving management strategies specific for MVIs in the pediatric trauma patient as gun violence continues to afflict youth in the United States.

Comparison of Urban Off-Road Vehicle and Motorcycle Injuries at a Level 1 Trauma Center.

BACKGROUND: Recently, there has been an increase in the usage of dirt bikes and all-terrain vehicles in urban environments. Previously, it has been shown that crashes involving these urban off-road vehicles (UORVs) resulted in different injury patterns from crashes that occurred in rural environments. The aim of this study was to compare injury patterns of patients involved in crashes while riding UORVs versus motorcycles (MCs). METHODS: A retrospective review (2005-2016) of patients who presented to our urban level I trauma center as a result of any MC or UORV crash was performed. Patients who presented after 48 h from the time of accident were excluded. A P < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: We identified 1556 patients who were involved in an MC or UORV crash resulting in injury (MC: n = 1324 [85%]; UORVs: n = 232 [15%]). Patients in UORV crashes were younger (26.2 y versus 39.6 y), less likely to be helmeted (39.6% versus 90.2%), required fewer emergent trauma bay procedures (28.4% versus 36.7%), and needed fewer operative interventions (45.9% versus 54.2%) (all P < 0.05). Both groups had a similar Injury Severity Score (12.2 versus 12.6; P = 0.54) and Glasgow Coma Score (13.8 versus 13.5; P = 0.46). UORV patients had a lower mortality (0.9% versus 4.7%; P < 0.05) compared to MC crash patients despite similar injury patterns. CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrate that patients sustaining UORV injuries were younger and less likely to be helmeted but have a lower mortality rate after a crash, despite sustaining similar injuries as motorcyclists. This study provides an overview of how crashes involving UORV usage is a unique phenomenon and not entirely comparable to MC crashes.

Incidence and significance of injuries on secondary CT imaging after initial selective imaging in blunt trauma patients.

OBJECTIVE: It is unclear if additional computerized tomography (CT) imaging is warranted after injuries are identified on CT in blunt trauma patients. The objective of this study was to determine the incidence and significance of injuries identified on secondary CT imaging after identification of injuries on initial CTs in blunt trauma patients. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study at an academic Level 1 trauma center with a two-tiered trauma system. INCLUSION CRITERIA: age ≥ 18, level 2 trauma activation, injury identified on initial CT, and secondary CTs ordered. Secondary injuries were categorized as resulting in: no changes, minor changes, or major changes in management. RESULTS: 537 patients underwent 1179 initial CT scans which identified 744 injuries. There were 1094 secondary CTs which identified 143 additional injuries in 94 (18%) patients. 9 (1.7%) patients had at least one major management change and 64 (12%) had at least one minor management change. Rib fracture(s) was the most common injury on secondary scans [45/143 (32%)]. The major management changes were: tube thoracostomy for pneumothorax (4 patients), blood transfusion for hemoperitoneum (1 patient), surgery for acetabular fracture (1 patient), thoracolumbar brace for spine fracture (2 patients) and angiography for splenic injury (1 patient). CONCLUSION: While a significant proportion of patients (18%) had injuries on secondary CT, only 1.7% of patients had a resultant major management change. Future research is warranted to determine the need for additional CT imaging after an initial selective imaging strategy in blunt trauma patients.

Determining Trajectory to Predict Injury: The Use of X-Ray During Resuscitation in Gunshot Wounds.

BACKGROUND: The practice of marking gunshot wounds and obtaining X-rays (XRs) has been performed to determine the trajectory of missiles to help identify internal injuries. We hypothesized that surgeons would have poor accuracy in predicting injuries and that X-rays do not alter the clinical decision. METHODS: We developed a 50-patient (89 injury sites) PowerPoint survey based on cases seen at our level 1 trauma center from 2012 to 2014. Images of a silhouetted BodyMan (BM) with wounds marked, XRs, and vital signs (VSs) were shown in series for 20 s each. Surgeons were asked to record which organs they thought could be injured and to document their clinical decision. Data were analyzed to determine the inter-rater reliability (agreement, intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]) for each mode of clinical information (BM, XR, VS). Predicted versus actual injuries were compared using absolute agreements. RESULTS: Ten surgeons completed the survey. We found that no single piece of information was helpful in allowing the surgeon to accurately predict injuries. Pulmonary injury had the highest agreement among all injuries (ICC = 0.727). VSs had the highest ICC in determining the clinical plan for the patient (ICC = 0.342), whereas both BM and XR had low ICCs (0.162 and 0.183, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: We found that marking wounds and obtaining X-rays, other than a chest X-ray, did not result in accuracy in predicting injury nor alter the clinical decision. VSs were the only piece of information found significant in determining clinical management. We conclude that marking wounds for X-rays is an unnecessary step during the initial resuscitation of patients with gunshot wounds.

Twelve-Year Review of Urban Versus Rural Off-road Vehicle Injuries at a Level 1 Trauma Center.

OBJECTIVE: Traditionally, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and dirt bikes (DBs) have been used in rural locations for recreation and work. Recently, there has been an increase in the use of these vehicles in an urban environment. The aim of this study is to compare the injury patterns of patients involved in crashes while riding off-road vehicles in both urban (UORV) and rural (RORV) environment. METHODS: A retrospective review (2005-2016) of patients who presented to an urban level 1 trauma center as a result of any ATV or DB crash was performed. UORV was defined as any ATV or DB accident that occurred on paved inner city, suburban, or major roadways. RORV was defined as those accidents that occurred on secondary roadways or off-road. Patients who presented more than 48 h from time of accident were excluded. A P < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Five hundred and twenty-eight patients were identified to have an ATV or DB injury (RORV n = 296 [56%]; UORV n = 232 [44%]). UORV accidents had a higher Injury Severity Score (12.2 versus 9.7; P < 0.05), lower presenting Glasgow Coma Scale (13.8 versus 14.3; P < 0.05), more likely to need emergent trauma bay procedures (28.5% versus 17.9%; P < 0.05), were less likely to have been helmeted (39.6% versus 71.2%; P < 0.05) with a higher unhelmeted Abbreviated Injury Scale head of ≥3 (13.5% versus 5%; <0.05), and more likely to have extremity injuries (53.5% versus 41.2%; P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in additional injury patterns or hospital outcomes including mortality for the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that UORV use was associated with decreased helmet use, higher mean Injury Severity Score, lower presenting Glasgow Coma Scale, an increased need for emergent trauma bay procedures, higher unhelmeted Abbreviated Injury Scale head scores, and higher rates of extremity injuries.

Financial Impact of Minor Injury Transfers on a Level 1 Trauma Center.

BACKGROUND: Trauma centers frequently accept patients from other institutions who are being sent due to the need for a higher level of care. We hypothesized that patients with minor traumatic injuries who are transferred from outside institutions would impart a negative financial impact on the receiving trauma center. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of all trauma patients admitted to our urban level I trauma center from October 1, 2011, through September 30, 2013. Patients were categorized as minor trauma if they did not require operation within 24 h of arrival, did not require ICU admission, did not die, and had a hospital length of stay <24 h. Transferred patients and nontransfers (those received directly from the field) were compared with respect to injury severity, insurance status, and hospital net margin. Student's t-test and z-test for proportions were performed for data analysis. RESULTS: A total of 6951 trauma patients were identified (transfer n = 2228, nontransfer n = 4724). Minor injury transfers (n = 440) were compared to nontransfers (n = 689). Hospital net margin of transferred patients and nontransferred patients were $2227 and $2569, respectively (P = 0.22). Percentages of uninsured/underinsured for transfers and nontransfers were 27.3% and 36.1%, respectively (P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: During our study period, 19.7% of transfers and 14.6% of nontransfers can be categorized as having minor trauma. Minor trauma transfer patients are associated with a positive hospital net margin for the trauma center that is similar to that of the nontransfer group. The data also demonstrate a lower percentage of uninsured/underinsured in the transferred group.

Spectral analysis of heart rate variability predicts mortality and instability from vascular injury.

BACKGROUND: Spectral analysis of continuous blood pressure and heart rate variability provides a quantitative assessment of autonomic response to hemorrhage. This may reveal markers of mortality as well as endpoints of resuscitation. METHODS: Fourteen male Yorkshire pigs, ranging in weight from 33 to 36 kg, were included in the analysis. All pigs underwent laparotomy and then sustained a standardized retrohepatic inferior vena cava injury. Animals were then allowed to progress to class 3 hemorrhagic shock and where then treated with abdominal sponge packing followed by 6 h of crystalloid resuscitation. If the pigs survived the 6 h resuscitation, they were in the survival (S) group, otherwise they were placed in the nonsurvival (NS) group. Fast Fourier transformation calculations were used to convert the components of blood pressure and heart rate variability into corresponding frequency classifications. Autonomic tones are represented as the following: high frequency (HF) = parasympathetic tone, low frequency (LF) = sympathetic, and very low frequency (VLF) = renin-angiotensin aldosterone system. The relative sympathetic to parasympathetic tone was expressed as LF/HF ratio. RESULTS: Baseline hemodynamic parameters were equal for the S (n = 11) and NS groups. LF/HF was lower at baseline for the NS group but was higher after hemorrhage and the resuscitation period indicative of a predominately parasympathetic response during hemorrhagic shock before mortality. HF signal was lower in the NS group during the resuscitation indicating a relatively lower sympathetic tone during hemorrhagic shock, which may have contributed to mortality. Finally, the NS group had a lower VLF signal at baseline (e.g., [S] 16.3 ± 2.5 versus [NS] 4.6 ± 2.9 P < 0.05,) which was predictive of mortality and hemodynamic instability in response to a similar hemorrhagic injury. CONCLUSIONS: An increased LF/HF ratio, indicative of parasympathetic predominance following injury and during resuscitation of hemorrhagic shock was a marker of impending death. Spectral analysis of heart rate variability can also identify autonomic lability following hemorrhagic injuries with implications for first responder triage. Furthermore, a decreased VLF signal at baseline indicates an additional marker of hemodynamic instability and marker of mortality following a hemorrhagic injury. These data indicate that continuous quantitative assessment of autonomic response can be a predictor of mortality and potentially guide resuscitation of patients in hemorrhagic shock.

Outpatient follow-up does not prevent emergency department utilization by trauma patients.

BACKGROUND: Although most trauma centers have a regularly scheduled trauma clinic, research demonstrates that trauma patients do not consistently attend follow-up appointments and often use the emergency department (ED) for outpatient care. METHODS: A retrospective review of outpatient follow-up of adult patients admitted to the trauma service (January 2014-December 2014) at an urban level I trauma center was conducted (n = 2134). RESULTS: A total of 219 patients (10%) were evaluated in trauma clinic after discharge from the hospital. Twenty-one percent of patients seen in trauma clinic visited the ED within 30 d compared with 12% of those not seen in clinic (P < 0.001). A total of 104 patients were readmitted within 30 d of discharge; no difference existed in the rate of hospital readmission between patients seen in clinic and those not seen in clinic (P = 0.25). Stepwise logistic regression showed that clinic follow-up was not a significant predictor of decreased ED utilization (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.16 [95% confidence interval 0.78-1.72], P = 0.461) and also showed that while ED use was a significant predictor of readmission (adjusted OR 216 [93-500], P < 0.001), clinic visits were not (adjusted OR 0.74 [0.33-1.69], P = 0.48). CONCLUSIONS: Outpatient follow-up in the trauma clinic does not decrease ED utilization or hospital readmissions indicating that interventions aimed at improving access to a conventional outpatient clinic will not impact ED utilization rates. Further study is necessary to determine the best system for providing clinically appropriate and cost-effective outpatient follow-up for trauma patients.

Evaluation of a Device Combining an Inferior Vena Cava Filter and a Central Venous Catheter for Preventing Pulmonary Embolism Among Critically Ill Trauma Patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate efficacy and safety of a novel device that combines an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter and central venous catheter (CVC) for prevention of pulmonary embolism (PE) in critically ill patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a multicenter, prospective, single-arm clinical trial, the device was inserted at the bedside without fluoroscopy and subsequently retrieved before transfer from the intensive care unit (ICU). The primary efficacy endpoint was freedom from clinically significant PE or fatal PE 72 hours after device removal or discharge, whichever occurred first. Secondary endpoints were incidence of acute proximal deep venous thrombosis (DVT), catheter-related thrombosis, catheter-related bloodstream infections, major bleeding events, and clinically significant thrombus (occupying > 25% of volume of filter) detected by cavography before retrieval. RESULTS: The device was placed in 163 critically ill patients with contraindications to anticoagulation; 151 (93%) were critically ill trauma patients, 129 (85%) had head or spine trauma, and 102 (79%) had intracranial bleeding. The primary efficacy endpoint was achieved for all 163 (100%) patients (95% confidence interval [CI], 97.8%-100%, P < .01). Diagnosis of new or worsening acute proximal DVT was time dependent with 11 (7%) occurring during the first 7 days. There were no (0%) catheter-related bloodstream infections. There were 5 (3.1%) major bleeding events. Significant thrombus in the IVC filter occurred in 14 (8.6%) patients. Prophylactic anticoagulation was not initiated for a mean of 5.5 days ± 4.3 after ICU admission. CONCLUSIONS: This novel device prevented clinically significant and fatal PE among critically ill trauma patients with low risk of complications.

Evaluation of the diagnostic value of a venous phase in CT angiography of the extremities in the setting of trauma: is vein imaging in vain?

PURPOSE: This study examined the value of including a venous phase in addition to the initial arterial phase in the CT angiography evaluation of extremity trauma. METHODS: CT studies from 157 patients (average age 38 years, age range 18-89 years, male 83%, female 17%) were obtained for trauma to the upper or lower extremity with both arterial and venous phases and retrospectively reviewed. The detection rate and type of vascular injury were evaluated by using the arterial phase alone and compared to the detection rate when interpreting the arterial and venous phases together. RESULTS: Arterial injury was identified in 35 cases (22%), and venous injury was identified in seven cases (5%). Four cases of discrepant diagnoses were identified between image interpretation of the arterial phase alone and interpretation using both phases, all of which were venous injuries that were visible only on the venous phase. None of the four cases of venous injury required a change in surgical management. Overall, no significant difference in diagnosis between the two methods of image interpretation (arterial phase alone, arterial and venous phases) was discovered (p > 0.125; CI 95%). CONCLUSIONS: The use of a venous phase in the CT angiography evaluation of extremity trauma does not add significant arterial diagnostic or clinical management value despite its potential of increasing the diagnostic detection rate of venous injury.

Mechanism matters: Differential benefits of cold-stored whole blood for trauma resuscitation from a prospective multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Resuscitation with cold-stored low-titre whole blood (LTOWB) has increased despite the paucity of robust civilian data. Most studies are in predominately blunt trauma and lack analysis of specific subgroups or mechanism of injury. We sought to compare outcomes between patients receiving LTOWB versus balanced component therapy (BCT) after blunt (BL) and penetrating (PN) trauma. METHODS: Secondary analysis of a prospective multicenter study of patients receiving either LTWOB-containing or BCT resuscitation was performed. Patients were grouped by mechanism of injury (BL vs. PN). A generalized estimated equations model using inverse probability of treatment weighting was employed. Primary outcome was mortality and secondary outcomes were acute kidney injury, venous thromboembolism, pulmonary complications, and bleeding complications. Additional analyses were performed on no-traumatic brain injury (TBI), severe torso injury, and LTOWB-only resuscitation patients. RESULTS: There were 1,617 patients (BL 47% vs PN 54%) identified; 1,175 (73%) of which received LTOWB. PN trauma patients receiving LTOWB demonstrated improved survival compared to BCT (77% vs. 56%; p < 0.01). Interval survival was higher at 6 hours (95% vs. 88%), 12 hours (93% vs. 80%), and 24 hours (88% vs. 57%) (all p < 0.05). The survival benefit following LTOWB was also seen across PN non-TBI (83% vs. 52%), and severe torso injuries (75% vs. 43%) (all p < 0.05). After controlling for age, sex, injury severity, and trauma center, LTWOB was associated with decreased odds of death (odds ratio, 0.31, p < 0.05) in PN trauma. However, no difference in overall mortality was seen across the BL groups. Both PN and BL patients receiving LTOWB had more frequent acute kidney injury compared to BCT (19% vs. 7% and 12% vs 6%, respectively; p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Low-titre whole blood resuscitation was independently associated with decreased mortality following PN trauma, but not BL trauma. Further analysis in BL trauma is required to identify subgroups that may demonstrate survival benefit. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic/Care Management; Level III.

Sex-based utilization and outcomes of cold-stored whole blood for trauma resuscitation: Analysis of a prospective multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Resuscitation with cold-stored whole blood (WB) has outcome benefits, but benefits varied by patient sex is unknown. There are also concerns about alloimmunization risk for premenopausal females given WB, leading to some protocols excluding this cohort. We sought to analyze WB utilization, outcomes, and disparities by patient sex. METHODS: This is a secondary analysis of a prospective multicenter study of WB resuscitation. Patients were stratified by sex and compared by transfusion strategy of WB or component therapy (CT). Generalized estimated equation models using inverse probability of treatment weighting were utilized. RESULTS: There were 1,617 patients (83% male; 17% female) included. Females were less likely to receive WB versus males (55% vs. 76%; p < 0.001), with wide variability between individual centers (0%-33% female vs. 66%-100% male, p < 0.01). Male WB had more blunt trauma (45% vs. 31%) and higher shock index (1.0 vs. 0.8) compared with the male CT cohort (all p < 0.05) but similar Injury Severity Score. The female WB cohort was older (53 vs. 36) and primarily blunt trauma (77% vs. 62%) compared with the female CT cohort (all p < 0.05) but had similar shock index and Injury Severity Score. Male WB had lower early and overall mortality (27% vs. 42%), but a higher rate of acute kidney injury (16% vs. 6%) vs. the male CT cohort (all p < 0.01). Female cohorts had no difference in mortality, but the WB cohort had higher bleeding complications. Whole blood use was independently associated with decreased mortality (OR, 0.6; p < 0.01) for males but not for females (OR, 0.9; p = 0.78). CONCLUSION: Whole blood was independently associated with a decreased mortality for males with no difference identified for females. Whole blood was significantly less utilized in females and showed wide variability between centers. Further study of the impact of patient sex on outcomes with WB and WB utilization is needed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic/Epidemiological; Level IV.

Four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate is not inferior to andexanet alfa for the reversal or oral factor Xa inhibitors: An Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Andexanet alfa (AA) is the only FDA-approved reversal agent for apixaban and rivaroxaban (DOAC). There are no studies comparing its efficacy with four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC). This study aimed to compare PCC to AA for DOAC reversal, hypothesizing noninferiority of PCC. METHODS: We performed a retrospective, noninferiority multicenter study of adult patients admitted from July 1, 2018, to December 31, 2019, who had taken a DOAC within 12 hours of injury, were transfused red blood cells (RBCs) or had traumatic brain injury, and received AA or PCC. Primary outcome was PRBC unit transfusion. Secondary outcome with intensive care unit length of stay. MICE imputation was used to account for missing data and zero-inflated Poisson regression was used to account for an excess of zero units of RBC transfused. Two units difference in RBC transfusion was selected as noninferior. RESULTS: Results: From 263 patients at 10 centers, 77 (29%) received PCC and 186 (71%) AA. Patients had similar transfusion rates across reversal treatment groups (23.7% AA vs. 19.5% PCC) with median transfusion in both groups of 0 RBC. According to the Poisson component, PCC increases the amount of RBC transfusion by 1.02 times (95% confidence interval, 0.79-1.33) compared with AA after adjusting for other covariates. The average amount of RBC transfusion (nonzero group) is 6.13. Multiplying this number by the estimated rate ratio, PCC is estimated to have an increase RBC transfusion by 0.123 (95% confidence interval, 0.53-2.02) units compared with AA. CONCLUSION: PCC appears noninferior to AA for reversal of DOACs for RBC transfusion in traumatically injured patients. Additional prospective, randomized trials are necessary to compare PCC and AA for the treatment of hemorrhage in injured patients on DOACs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic/Care Management; Level III.

Failure rates of nonoperative management of low-grade splenic injuries with active extravasation: an Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma multicenter study.

Objectives: There is little evidence guiding the management of grade I-II traumatic splenic injuries with contrast blush (CB). We aimed to analyze the failure rate of nonoperative management (NOM) of grade I-II splenic injuries with CB in hemodynamically stable patients. Methods: A multicenter, retrospective cohort study examining all grade I-II splenic injuries with CB was performed at 21 institutions from January 1, 2014, to October 31, 2019. Patients >18 years old with grade I or II splenic injury due to blunt trauma with CB on CT were included. The primary outcome was the failure of NOM requiring angioembolization/operation. We determined the failure rate of NOM for grade I versus grade II splenic injuries. We then performed bivariate comparisons of patients who failed NOM with those who did not. Results: A total of 145 patients were included. Median Injury Severity Score was 17. The combined rate of failure for grade I-II injuries was 20.0%. There was no statistical difference in failure of NOM between grade I and II injuries with CB (18.2% vs 21.1%, p>0.05). Patients who failed NOM had an increased median hospital length of stay (p=0.024) and increased need for blood transfusion (p=0.004) and massive transfusion (p=0.030). Five patients (3.4%) died and 96 (66.2%) were discharged home, with no differences between those who failed and those who did not fail NOM (both p>0.05). Conclusion: NOM of grade I-II splenic injuries with CB fails in 20% of patients. Level of evidence: IV.

What is the Role of Whole Blood Transfusions on Trauma Patients?

Whole blood use in trauma has historically been limited to military use, but in recent years, there has been increasing data for use in civilian trauma. Emerging clinical data demonstrate an associated survival benefit, while some authors have also identified decreased use of an overall number of blood products and decreased complications. Use of whole blood is gradually moving toward becoming the standard of care in the hemorrhaging trauma patient.

Routine Repeat Imaging of Pediatric Blunt Solid Organ Injuries Is Not Necessary.

INTRODUCTION: Nonoperative management of hemodynamically stable patients with blunt splenic and/or hepatic injury has been widely accepted in the pediatric population. However, variability exists in the utilization and timing of repeat imaging to assess for delayed complications during index hospitalization. Recent level-IV evidence suggests that repeat imaging in children should be performed based on a patient's clinical status rather than on a routine basis. The aim of this study is to examine the rate of delayed complications and interventions in pediatric trauma patients with blunt splenic and/or hepatic injuries who undergo repeat imaging prompted either by a clinical change (CC) or non-clinical change (NCC). METHODS: A 9-year (2011-2019), retrospective, dual-institution study was performed of children (0-17 years) with blunt splenic and/or hepatic injuries. Patients were grouped based on reason for repeat imaging: CC or NCC. The rate of organ-specific delayed complications and interventions was examined by reason for scan. RESULTS: A total of 307 injuries were included in the study period (174 splenic, 113 hepatic, and 20 both). Of 194 splenic injuries, 30(15.5%) underwent repeat imaging (CC = 19; NCC = 11). Of 133 hepatic injuries, 27(20.3%) underwent repeat imaging (CC = 21; NCC = 6). There was no difference in the incidence of organ-specific delayed complications between the CC and NCC groups. Of the 4 patients with complications necessitating intervention, only one was identified based on NCC. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest routine repeat imaging is unnecessary in children with blunt splenic and/or hepatic injuries; therefore, practitioners may rely on a patient's clinical change.

Whole Blood Resuscitation is Safe in Pediatric Trauma Patients: A Multicenter Study.

INTRODUCTION: Whole blood (WB) resuscitation has been associated with a mortality benefit in trauma patients. Several small series report the safe use of WB in the pediatric trauma population. We performed a subgroup analysis of the pediatric patients from a large prospective multicenter trial comparing patients receiving WB or blood component therapy (BCT) during trauma resuscitation. We hypothesized that WB resuscitation would be safe compared to BCT resuscitation in pediatric trauma patients. METHODS: This study included pediatric trauma patients (0-17 y), from ten level-I trauma centers, who received any blood transfusion during initial resuscitation. Patients were included in the WB group if they received at least one unit of WB during their resuscitation, and the BCT group was composed of patients receiving traditional blood product resuscitation. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality with secondary outcomes being complications. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to assess for mortality and complications in those treated with WB vs BCT. RESULTS: Ninety patients, with both penetrating and blunt mechanisms of injury (MOI), were enrolled in the study (WB: 62 (69%), BCT: 28 (21%)). Whole blood patients were more likely to be male. There were no differences in age, MOI, shock index, or injury severity score between groups. On logistic regression, there was no difference in complications. Mortality was not different between the groups (P = .983). CONCLUSION: Our data suggest WB resuscitation is safe when compared to BCT resuscitation in the care of critically injured pediatric trauma patients.