[Preclinical care of children with multiple trauma]. / Präklinische Versorgung von polytraumatisierten Kindern.

Severe multiple trauma in children is rare with approximately 380-550 cases per year in Germany. In addition to the S3 guideline "Polytrauma", which was published more than a decade ago, the S2K guideline "Severe multiple trauma care in childhood" was published in 2020. Accidents and especially the resulting traumatic brain injuries still represent the most frequent cause of death in children. While prehospital treatment according to Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS®) is basically analogous to that in adults which is based on the ABCDE concept (airway, breathing, circulation, disability, exposure), knowledge of age-dependent anatomical-physiological characteristics is essential. For simplification, various tools and dosing aids, such as the pediatric emergency ruler and specific emergency tables, are available. Further treatment after initial preclinical care should take place in an interdisciplinary manner in designated pediatric trauma centers.

[High-risk needlestick injuries and virus transmission : A prospective observational study]. / Hochrisikonadelstichverletzungen und Virustransmission : Eine prospektive Beobachtungsstudie.

BACKGROUND: Needlestick injuries (NSI) of healthcare personnel (HCP) are work-related accidents with a risk of transmission of blood-borne human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV, HCV). Along with preventive measures to avoid accidental NSI, preventing the risk and diagnosis of an infection from NSI are given a high priority. Thus, follow-up monitoring of NSI is of great interest. OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of the follow-up monitoring after NSI with respect to early recognition of transmission of HIV, HCV and HBV as well as adherence and psychological burden of HCP. METHODS: Clinical and serological investigations of the injured HCP including determining the individual risk of infection in the situation of NSI, analysis of accident protocols by the accident insurance consultant and use of a self-developed standardized questionnaire. RESULTS: No virus transmissions from NSI were found during the observation period (23 March 2014 until 31 October 2017). A total of 112 NSI with infectious index patients (HIV 35.7%, HCV 54.5%, HBV 2.7%, coinfection 7.1%) and 3 incidents from unknown index patients were analyzed. Of the index patients six received the first diagnosis of a blood-borne infection (2 HCV infections, 4 HIV infections) after NSI. In nearly all incidents (98.3%) the HCP took measures to disinfect and flush the injury and 85.1% of the HCP exposed to HIV or unknown infection risk undertook postexposure prophylaxis (HIV-PEP) within 2 h and another 12.8% within 10 h. Follow-up examination was attended by 97.4% of the HCP, three quarters of the HCP felt concerned following NSI and 12.2% were very concerned. CONCLUSION: Through adequate management and follow-up of NSI low transmission rates can be achieved after exposure to blood-borne viruses within the occupational environment.

[Increasing overhead ressources of the trauma room]. / Steigender Vorhalteaufwand für den Schockraum.

BACKGROUND: Every year up to 35,000 people in Germany are severely injured in accidents in traffic, during work or leisure activities. The 24-h availability of the trauma room as well as surgical and intensive care unit capacities are essential to provide optimal acute care. This study analyzed the frequency of utilization of the resource trauma room in a level I trauma center in the past. METHODS: Data of a level I trauma center from 2005 to 2016 including trauma room alerts deployed by the rescue coordination center and the number of patients found to be severely injured (ISS ≥ 16) during trauma room diagnostics were analyzed retrospectively. Additionally, alerts due to trauma mechanism, accompanying by the emergency physician, ventilation and resuscitation were evaluated via a web-based interdisciplinary care capacity system (IVENA) from 2012 to 2016. Therefore, a comparison between the number of trauma room alerts and the number of severely injured patients was performed for the time after 2012. RESULTS: For the time from 2012 to 2016, data obtained by IVENA showed a continuous increase in the number of trauma room alerts (n = 367 to n = 623). At the same time, the number of patients admitted under resuscitation (n = 15 to n = 45) as well as ventilated patients (n = 78 to n = 139) increased significantly; however, there was also an increase in the number of trauma alerts due to trauma mechanisms (n = 84 to n = 194) as well as the number of patients admitted to the trauma room not accompanied by an emergency physician (n = 38 to n = 132). The ratio between the number of trauma room alerts and severely injured patients (ISS ≥ 16) increased from 3.1 in 2012 to 5.4 in 2015 and 4.6 in 2016. CONCLUSION: The data at hand showed a constant number of severely injured trauma patients admitted to a level I trauma center over the past few years. At the same time, there was a significant increase in utilization of the trauma room; however, in a considerable number of patients admitted to the trauma room the diagnostic process resulted in non-traumatic diagnostic findings. In the analyzed cohort, especially patients admitted to the trauma room due to trauma mechanism or without an accompanying emergency physician contributed to this development, necessitating an increased operational readiness of the trauma room team.

[Imaging techniques in modern trauma diagnostics]. / Bildgebende Verfahren der modernen Schockraumdiagnostik.

Modern trauma room management requires interdisciplinary teamwork and synchronous communication between a team of anaesthesists, surgeons and radiologists. As the length of stay in the trauma room influences morbidity and mortality of a severely injured person, optimizing time is one of the main targets. With the direct involvement of modern imaging techniques the injuries caused by trauma should be detected within a very short period of time in order to enable a priority-orientated treatment. Radiology influences structure and process quality, management and development of trauma room algorithms regarding the use of imaging techniques. For the individual case interventional therapy methods can be added. Based on current data and on the Frankfurt experience the current diagnostic concepts of trauma diagnostics are presented.

[Imaging techniques in modern trauma diagnostics]. / Bildgebende Verfahren der modernen Schockraumdiagnostik.

Modern trauma room management requires interdisciplinary teamwork and synchronous communication between a team of anaesthesists, surgeons and radiologists. As the length of stay in the trauma room influences morbidity and mortality of a severely injured person, optimizing time is one of the main targets. With the direct involvement of modern imaging techniques the injuries caused by trauma should be detected within a very short period of time in order to enable a priority-orientated treatment. Radiology influences structure and process quality, management and development of trauma room algorithms regarding the use of imaging techniques. For the individual case interventional therapy methods can be added. Based on current data and on the Frankfurt experience the current diagnostic concepts of trauma diagnostics are presented.

[Imaging techniques in modern trauma diagnostics]. / Bildgebende Verfahren der modernen Schockraumdiagnostik.

Modern trauma room management requires interdisciplinary teamwork and synchronous communication between a team of anaesthesists, surgeons and radiologists. As the length of stay in the trauma room influences morbidity and mortality of a severely injured person, optimizing time is one of the main targets. With the direct involvement of modern imaging techniques the injuries caused by trauma should be detected within a very short period of time in order to enable a priority-orientated treatment. Radiology influences structure and process quality, management and development of trauma room algorithms regarding the use of imaging techniques. For the individual case interventional therapy methods can be added. Based on current data and on the Frankfurt experience the current diagnostic concepts of trauma diagnostics are presented.

Kinetic therapy in multiple trauma patients with severe thoracic trauma: a treatment option to reduce ventilator time and improve outcome.

PURPOSE: Continuous lateral rotational therapy (CLRT) has been described as a promising approach for prophylaxis and treatment of respiratory complications in critically ill patients over two decades ago. However, meta-analyses failed to demonstrate any significant benefit on outcome by CLRT, possibly due to the heterogeneity and low overall quality of available studies. METHODS: Observational trial over a 3-year period on outcome in trauma patients (Injury Severity Score, ISS ≥16) with severe thoracic injury (Abbreviated Injury Scale, AISThorax ≥3) initially treated with CLRT as standard of care. Epidemiological data, injury severity, and pattern and physiological parameters were recorded. Outcome indicators were time on mechanical ventilation, length of stay, rates of pneumonia, sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome, hospital mortality, and rates of re-intubation. Additionally, data are compared with the results from the TraumaRegister® of the German Trauma Society. RESULTS: Over the 3-year period 76 patients with ISS ≥16/AISThorax ≥3 received CLRT, equaling 24 % of all patients with ISS ≥16 between 18 and 80 years. Mean ISS was 35.3 (standard deviations, SD 12.2) [71.1 % male, 97.4 % blunt trauma, mean age 43.9 years (SD 18.7)]. Mean time on CLRT was 3.3 days (SD 2.2), time on mechanical ventilation 7.8 days (SD 7.1), and 9.2 % had to be re-intubated due to respiratory complications. CLRT-related complications occurred in 8.9 %. Overall 25 % of the patients developed pneumonia (VAP = 13.2 %). Despite a significantly higher ISS we observed shorter times on mechanical ventilation and intensive care unit in our collective in comparison to data published from the nationwide TraumaRegister®. CONCLUSIONS: CLRT remains a therapeutic option to reduce pulmonary complications after severe chest trauma in our center. However, a RCT is needed to study the effects of other treatment options such as early extubation and non-invasive ventilation or prone/supine positioning.

Sera from severe trauma patients with pneumonia and without infectious complications have differential effects on neutrophil biology.

BACKGROUND: Major trauma patients (TP) developing imbalanced immune response are at high risk for infectious post-injury complications including pneumonia. Neutrophils play a central role in the host defense against bacteria and thereby pathogenesis of infections. While there are numerous studies about neutrophil function after trauma, data about their biology in patients who suffer from pneumonia following trauma are sparse. Here, we studied the effect of serum isolated from patients who do and do not develop infection (inf.) on the biology of neutrophils from healthy volunteers. METHODS: Sera samples from eighteen TP with an injury severity score above 16 were obtained. Nine patients were grouped to no inf. group (TP without pneumonia), and nine to inf. group (TP with pneumonia). Samples were obtained at admission to emergency department (ED), a day prior pneumonia diagnosis (1 d prior inf) or at the day of diagnosis (1 d prior inf). Samples from the equal post-injury days in the corresponding no inf. group were used. Neutrophils from nine healthy volunteers were isolated. Effects for sera isolated from infected and non-infected patients on neutrophil biology were analyzed. Migratory capacity of neutrophils towards TP's serum, their CD11b and CD62L membrane receptor expression and oxidative burst activity after stimulation with TP's serum were determined and compared between groups. RESULTS: Migratory capacity of neutrophils was significantly increased after trauma and persisted during the study period. CD11b expression in all groups was significantly increased. CD62L expression decreased generally in samples from ED and recovered later to baseline. Stratifying no inf. and inf. groups showed significantly decreased migratory capacity, increased CD11b and significantly decreased CD62L expression in the no inf. group. These differences persisted during the complete observational period. ROS production was strongly reduced in the no inf. group compared to the inf. group at later experimental time points. CONCLUSIONS: This data indicate that patients at risk for pneumonia development have differentially and early activated neutrophils following trauma compared to patients who are not at risk for post-injury complication. Studies about the differential biology of neutrophils and their immediately after trauma modified activity depending on the post-injury clinical course are warranted, and may deliver predictive or even therapeutic strategies to control inflammation.

[Aggression and subjective risk in emergency medicine : A survey]. / Aggression und subjektive Gefährdung in der Notfallmedizin : Eine Umfrage.

BACKGROUND: Healthcare personnel may be faced with different degrees of violence and aggression, particularly concerning preclinical care. However, systematic data with respect to the frequency and type of violence in emergency medicine in Germany has not been researched. METHODS AND OBJECTIVES: At an anesthesiology congress, an anonymous survey was distributed about the different kinds and extent of violent acts that the participants had experienced during their work in emergency medicine. Moreover, the participants' subjective feelings toward professional and personal safety when handling emergency cases were explored. RESULTS: Every fourth participant in the survey (25.2 %) had experienced occupational physical violence within the last 12 months. Verbal harassment or insults within the last twelve months were reported by 58.2 % of the participants. While 80 % of the participants feel "entirely" or "mostly" safe with regard to the professional aspect of their occupation, personal safety was considered "entirely" in only 9.3 % and "mostly" in 46.4 % of the cases. Nearly every third participant (31.8 %) feels only "partially" safe and every eighth participant feels "rather not" or "not at all" safe during emergency medicine missions. Men appreciate their expertise as well as their personal safety more so than women (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Aggression and violence towards healthcare personnel in emergency medicine occur on a regular basis in the German healthcare system. Little research has been conducted in this area, so the issue has not yet been perceived as a relevant problem. Appropriate training for healthcare personnel in emergency medicine should be targeted at developing the skills needed when encountered with aggression and occupational violence.

Epidemiology and outcome of penetrating injuries in a Western European urban region.

PURPOSE: Severe life-threatening injuries in Western Europe are mostly caused by blunt trauma. However, penetrating trauma might be more common in urban regions, but their characteristics have not been fully elucidated. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of data from patients admitted to our urban university level I trauma center between 2008 and 2013 with suspicion of severe multiple injuries. Collection of data was performed prospectively using a PC-supported online documentation program including epidemiological, clinical and outcome parameters. RESULTS: Out of 2095 trauma room patients admitted over the 6-year time period 194 (9.3 %) suffered from penetrating trauma. The mean Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 12.3 ± 14.1 points. In 62.4 % (n = 121) the penetrating injuries were caused by interpersonal violence or attempted suicide, 98 of these by stabbing and 23 by firearms. We observed a widespread injury pattern where mainly head, thorax and abdomen were afflicted. Subgroup analysis for self-inflicted injuries showed higher ISS (19.8 ± 21.8 points) than for blunt trauma (15.5 ± 14.6 points). In 82.5 % of all penetrating trauma a surgical treatment was performed, 43.8 % of the patients received intensive care unit treatment with mean duration of 7.4 ± 9.3 days. Immediate emergency surgical treatment had to be performed in 8.0 vs. 2.3 % in blunt trauma (p < 0.001). Infectious complications of the penetrating wounds were observed in 7.8 %. CONCLUSIONS: Specific characteristics of penetrating trauma in urban regions can be identified. Compared to nationwide data, penetrating trauma was more frequent in our collective (9.3 vs. 5.0 %), which may be due to higher crime rates in urban areas. Especially, self-inflicted penetrating trauma often results in most severe injuries.

[Risk estimation of blood-borne infections by emergency room personnel]. / Risikoeinschätzung von blutübertragbaren Infektionen durch die Schockraummitarbeiter.

BACKGROUND: Emergency department personnel are at risk of occupational exposure to blood-borne pathogens. Previous studies have shown that the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) virus infections among trauma patients is higher compared to the general population. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to investigate the compliance rates of trauma team members in applying standard precautions, knowledge about the transmission risk of blood-borne infections and perceived risk of acquiring HIV, HBV and HCV. METHODS: An anonymous questionnaire was distributed to 100 trauma team members including physicians, nurses and medical students from different medical departments (e.g. surgery, radiology, anesthesia and internal medicine). RESULTS: The results of the questionnaire showed that trauma team members had insufficient knowledge of the risk of blood-borne pathogens, overestimated the risk of HCV infection and underused standard precautions during treatment of emergency trauma patients. CONCLUSION: Further educational measures for emergency department personnel are required to increase the knowledge of occupational infections and compliance with standard precautions. Every healthcare worker needs to be sufficiently vaccinated against HBV. In the case of injury awareness of all measures of post-exposure prophylaxis is of utmost importance for affected personnel.

The effect of brain injury on the inflammatory response following severe trauma.

INTRODUCTION: The inflammatory response is an important part of the pathophysiology of severe injury and, in particular, of severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). This study evaluates the inflammatory course following major trauma and focuses on the effect of severe TBI on inflammatory markers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data in 123 severely injured (ISS ≥16) trauma patients. The study cohort was divided into patients with isolated TBI (Head AIS ≥3, all other AIS <3), polytraumatized patients with severe TBI (Head AIS ≥3; AIS of other body area ≥3; Polytrauma+TBI) and polytraumatized patients without TBI (Head AIS <3; Polytrauma). Levels of inflammatory markers (Interleukin-6 [IL-6], C-reactive Protein [CRP], leukocytes) measured upon arrival and through hospital days 1-3 were compared between the groups. RESULTS: On admission and through hospital day 3, IL-6 levels were significantly different between the 3 groups (admission: isolated TBI vs. Polytrauma+TBI vs. Polytrauma; 94±16 vs. 149±20 vs. 245±50pg/mL; p<0.05). Interleukin-6 levels peaked on hospital day 1 and declined thereafter. C-reactive protein and leukocyte counts were not significantly different between the cohorts on arrival and peaked on hospital day 2 and 1, respectively. In patients with severe TBI, admission IL-6 levels significantly predicted the development of septic complications (ROC analysis, AUC: 0.88, p=0.001, 95% CI: 0.79-0.97) and multiple organ dysfunction (ROC analysis, AUC: 0.83, p=0.001, 95% CI: 0.69-0.96). CONCLUSION: Severe TBI reduced the inflammatory response following trauma. Significant correlations between admission IL-6 values and the development of MOF, sepsis and the neurological outcome were found in patients with TBI.

[Prevalence of blood-borne pathogens among 275 trauma patients : A prospective observational study]. / Prävalenz blutübertragbarer Virusinfektionen bei 275 Schockraumpatienten : Eine prospektive Beobachtungsstudie.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have indicated that the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) virus infections among trauma patients seems to be higher compared to the general population. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the seroprevalence of blood-borne pathogens among patients with suspected severe multiple trauma in a German university hospital (level I trauma center). METHODS: Routine blood samples taken from trauma patients at the university hospital Frankfurt were tested for HBV, HCV and HIV (from 1 February 2014 to 31 January 2015). RESULTS: Overall, 275 patients with a median injury severity score (ISS) of 9 points (range 0-54) were included in the study representing 84.4 % of all trauma room admissions during this time period. Altogether 3.3 % (n = 9) of the patients were infected with blood-borne pathogens, where 7 patients were infected with HCV and 2 patients had an active HBV infection. None of the patients were tested HIV positive and only one initial diagnosis for HCV was made. A further six samples (five HCV and one HIV) showed a weak reaction in the screening assay that could not be verified by the confirmatory assay. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge this study is the first report on the prevalence of blood-borne infections among trauma patients at a level I trauma center in an urban area in Germany. Compared to the general population the prevalence of blood-borne infections was higher but considerably lower than indicated in previous international studies. Considering the broad implications of occupationally transmitted blood-borne infections occupational safety is of paramount importance.

[Occupational exposure to blood in multiple trauma care]. / Arbeitsbedingte Blutexpositionen in der Polytraumaversorgung.

BACKGROUND: Trauma care personnel are at risk of occupational exposure to blood-borne pathogens. Little is known regarding compliance with standard precautions or occupational exposure to blood and body fluids among multiple trauma care personnel in Germany. AIM: Compliance rates of multiple trauma care personnel in applying standard precautions, knowledge about transmission risks of blood-borne pathogens, perceived risks of acquiring hepatitis B, hepatitis C and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the personal attitude towards testing of the index patient for blood-borne pathogens after a needlestick injury were evaluated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the context of an advanced multiple trauma training an anonymous questionnaire was administered to the participants. RESULTS: Almost half of the interviewees had sustained a needlestick injury within the last 12 months. Approximately three quarters of the participants were concerned about the risk of HIV and hepatitis. Trauma care personnel had insufficient knowledge of the risk of blood-borne pathogens, overestimated the risk of hepatitis C infection and underused standard precautionary measures. Although there was excellent compliance for using gloves, there was poor compliance in using double gloves (26.4 %), eye protectors (19.7 %) and face masks (15.8 %). The overwhelming majority of multiple trauma care personnel believed it is appropriate to test an index patient for blood-borne pathogens following a needlestick injury. CONCLUSION: The process of treatment in prehospital settings is less predictable than in other settings in which invasive procedures are performed. Periodic training and awareness programs for trauma care personnel are required to increase the knowledge of occupational infections and the compliance with standard precautions. The legal and ethical aspects of testing an index patient for blood-borne pathogens after a needlestick injury of a healthcare worker have to be clarified in Germany.

Needlestick injuries: causes, preventability and psychological impact.

Needlestick injuries (NSI) pose a significant health hazard among healthcare personnel (HCP). The aim of our prospective observational study was to evaluate the psychological impact of NSI and assess measures to prevent NSI. The target group was the medical staff and students of Frankfurt University Hospital who had experienced a NSI (n = 370) during the 12-month study period. Data were retrieved from accident insurance reports, occupational follow-up examinations and a standardized anonymous questionnaire sent to the affected HCP. Analysis of the completed questionnaires (232/370) revealed that stress (48.3 %) and tiredness (36.6 %) were common factors contributing to the NSI and that >80 % of the respondents were concerned about the consequences of the NSI. Higher levels of anxiety were reported when the patient was known to have a chronic virus infection. Stressful working conditions, lack of adequate protective medical/technical equipment and poor work routines were suggested as factors contributing to NSI.

Triplane fractures: do we need cross-sectional imaging?

INTRODUCTION: Diagnosis of Triplane fractures remains difficult in common practice. Aim of the study was the evaluation of the fracture pattern and the benefit of cross-sectional imaging in classification of Triplane-fractures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 27 pediatric patients treated for ankle fractures were identified from patient charts. Radiographic images of epiphyseal fractures (X-rays and additional cross-sectional imaging) were blinded evaluated by 13 observers to answer a specific questionnaire regarding type or fracture and treatment suggestion. RESULTS: There were seven Triplane-I and eight Triplane-II fractures. The other physeal ankle fracture group consisted of four patients with a Twoplane-fracture, five Salter-and-Harris (SH) II, one SH-III, and two SH-IV fracture. Accuracy of classification improved considerably depending on the experience of the observer in pediatric trauma care. Surgeons specialized in pediatric trauma care classified correctly with conventional X-rays in 48.1 % of all cases presented versus 31.5 % appropriate diagnosis by younger fellows. Accuracy in exact specification of Triplane-fractures was comparable lesser in younger fellows (31.1 vs. 22 %). Cross-sectional imaging improved classification of all fractures in both groups (75.6 % specialized vs. 47.3 % non specialized). Whereas availability of cross-sectional imaging improved treatment recommendation in specialized surgeons this benefit was not detectable for the doctors without specialization. Evaluation of fracture pattern showed a relatively stereotypical fracture pattern in Triplane-II fractures, whereas Triplane-I fractures were more variable. CONCLUSION: The additional information of cross-sectional imaging seems helpful for any physician in finding the right classification of a pediatric ankle fracture. However, the additive information appears especially viable for experienced surgeons to suggest the appropriate treatment.

Best practice for needlestick injuries.

PURPOSE: Needlestick injuries (NSIs) are a significant health hazard. Occupational transmission of bloodborne pathogens among healthcare workers (HCWs) is rare but has been repeatedly reported in the literature. METHODS: In October 2010, new regulations were introduced for medical aftercare of HCWs following NSIs at the University Hospital Frankfurt. In June 2013, a university hospital-wide early intervention program was introduced that gives HCWs immediate 24/7/365 access to an HIV postexposure prophylaxis kit after confirmed or probable occupational HIV exposure. RESULTS: Interdisciplinary collaboration between the attending surgeon and occupational health as well as infectious disease specialists facilitates optimal postexposure medical treatment of HCWs who suffer NSIs. Complete reporting of NSIs is a prerequisite for achieving optimal treatment of the affected HCWs. CONCLUSION: An NSI is an emergency and needs to be evaluated immediately and, if necessary, treated as soon as possible. A standardized algorithm for initial diagnostic and treatment has proven to be helpful.

[HIV prophylaxis kits. A concept for emergency treatment in the context of postexposure prophylaxis]. / HIV-Prophylaxe-Kits. Ein Konzept zur Erstversorgung im Rahmen einer Postexpositionsprophylaxe.

Occupational transmission of HIV among healthcare personnel is rare but has repeatedly been published in the literature. Early initiation of postexposure HIV prophylaxis (HIV-PEP) is crucial to prevent virus transmission. For this reason the need for HIV-PEP has to be evaluated immediately and if necessary, started as soon as possible. This article presents an early intervention program in a university hospital which enables healthcare personnel immediate 24/7/365 access to a HIV-PEP prophylaxis kit following occupational HIV exposure.

[Pathophysiology of multiple trauma : intensive care medicine and timing of treatment]. / Pathophysiologie des Polytraumas : Intensivmedizin und "Timing" der Versorgung.

After severe multiple injuries (first hit) a two-phase immunological response with early hyperinflammation followed by immunosuppression can be observed. This process involves a variety of humoral and cellular factors. Depending on the individual predisposition, overall injury severity and injury pattern, both reactions can lead to sepsis and multiorgan failure. Various clinical and intensive care parameters indicate stabilization of specific organ functions. The clinical course can be positively influenced by adequate intensive care therapy, avoiding iatrogenic second hits by non-emergency surgical interventions during a phase of immunological dysregulation. Important decision parameters besides time to initial trauma include adequate oxygenation, no coagulopathy, declining inflammatory mediators and normalized serum lactate.