Evaluation of trauma-induced coagulopathy in the fibrinogen in the initial resuscitation of severe trauma trial.

BACKGROUND: Coagulopathic bleeding is frequently present after major trauma. However, trauma-induced coagulopathy (TIC) remains incompletely understood. This laboratory analysis of blood samples derived from our completed trial on fibrinogen in the initial resuscitation of severe trauma (FiiRST) was conducted to evaluate TIC and associated responses to fibrinogen replacement. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective evaluation of TIC in 45 FiiRST trial patients based on rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM), international normalized ratio (INR), and biomarkers for hemostasis and endotheliopathy. Whole blood was analyzed by ROTEM. Plasma was analyzed for INR and biomarkers. RESULTS: Overall, 19.0% and 30.0% of the FiiRST trial patients were coagulopathic on admission defined by EXTEM maximum clot firmness out of the range of 40-71 mm and INR >1.2, respectively. The FiiRST patients showed lower fibrinogen, factor II and V levels, protein C and antiplasmin activities, higher activated protein C, tissue plasminogen activator, d-dimer, and thrombomodulin concentrations at admission than healthy controls. Most of the biomarkers changed their activities during 48-h hospitalization, but were at abnormal levels even 48-h after admission. The fibrinogen treatment reduced hypofibrinogenemia and increased factor XIII level, but had no significant effects on other biomarkers levels. Limited development of endotheliopathy was indicated by syndean-1, thrombomodulin, and sE-selectin. CONCLUSIONS: About 19%-30% of the trauma patients in the FiiRST trial were coagulopathic on hospital admission depending on the definition of TIC. Analyses of the TIC biomarkers demonstrated that hemostasis would not return to normal after 48-h hospitalization, and fibrinogen replacement improved hypofibrinogenemia.

Cryoprecipitate transfusion in bleeding patients.

OBJECTIVES: The management of acquired coagulopathy in multiple clinical settings frequently involves fibrinogen supplementation. Cryoprecipitate, a multidonor product, is widely used for the treatment of acquired hypofibrinogenemia following massive bleeding, but it has been associated with adverse events. We aimed to review the latest evidence on cryoprecipitate for treatment of bleeding. METHODS: We conducted a narrative review of current literature on cryoprecipitate therapy, describing its history, formulations and preparation, and recommended dosing. We also reviewed guideline recommendations on the use of cryoprecipitate in bleeding situations and recent studies on its efficacy and safety. RESULTS: Cryoprecipitate has a relatively high fibrinogen content; however, as it is produced by pooling fresh frozen donor plasma, the fibrinogen content per unit can vary considerably. Current guidelines suggest that cryoprecipitate use should be limited to treating hypofibrinogenemia in patients with clinical bleeding. Until recently, cryoprecipitate was deemed unsuitable for pathogen reduction, and potential safety concerns and lack of standardized fibrinogen content have led to some professional bodies recommending that cryoprecipitate is only indicated for the treatment of bleeding and hypofibrinogenemia in perioperative settings where fibrinogen concentrate is not available. While cryoprecipitate is effective in increasing plasma fibrinogen levels, data on its clinical efficacy are limited. CONCLUSIONS: There is a lack of robust evidence to support the use of cryoprecipitate in bleeding patients, with few prospective, randomized clinical trials performed to date. Clinical trials in bleeding settings are needed to investigate the safety and efficacy of cryoprecipitate and to determine its optimal use and administration.

Does the evidence support the importance of high transfusion ratios of plasma and platelets to red blood cells in improving outcomes in severely injured patients: a systematic review and meta-analyses.

BACKGROUND: Deaths by exsanguination in trauma are preventable with hemorrhage control and resuscitation with allogeneic blood products (ABPs). The ideal transfusion ratio is unknown. We compared efficacy and safety of high transfusion ratios of FFP:RBC and PLT:RBC with low ratios in trauma. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Medline, Embase, Cochrane, and Controlled Clinical Trials Register were searched. Observational and randomized data were included. Risk of bias was assessed using validated tools. Primary outcome was 24-h and 30-day mortality. Secondary outcomes were exposure to ABPs and improvement of coagulopathy. Meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects model. Strength and evidence quality were graded using GRADE profile RESULTS: 55 studies were included (2 randomized and 53 observational), with low and moderate risk of bias, respectively, and overall low evidence quality. The two RCTs showed no mortality difference (odds ratio [OR], 1.35; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.40-4.59). Observational studies reported lower mortality in high FFP:RBCs ratio (OR, 0.38 [95% CI, 0.22-0.68] for 1:1 vs. <1:1; OR, 0.42 [95% CI, 0.22-0.81] for 1:1.5 vs. <1:1.5; and OR, 0.47 [95% CI, 0.31-0.71] for 1:2 vs. <1:2, respectively). Meta-analyses in observational studies showed no difference in exposure to ABPs. No data on coagulopathy for meta-analysis was identified. CONCLUSIONS: Meta-analyses in observational studies suggest survival benefit and no difference in exposure to ABPs. No survival benefit in RCTs was identified. These conflicting results should be interpreted with caution. Studies are mostly observational, with relatively small sample sizes, nonrandom treatment allocation, and high potential for confounding. Further research is warranted.

A regional massive hemorrhage protocol developed through a modified Delphi technique.

BACKGROUND: A massive hemorrhage protocol (MHP) enables rapid delivery of blood components in a patient who is exsanguinating pending definitive hemorrhage control, but there is variability in MHP implementation rates, content and compliance owing to challenges presented by infrequent activation, variable team performance and patient acuity. The goal of this project was to identify the key evidence-based principles and quality indicators required to develop a standardized regional MHP. METHODS: A modified Delphi consensus technique was performed in the spring and summer of 2018. Panellists used survey links to independently review and rate (on a 7-point Likert scale) 43 statements and 8 quality indicators drafted by a steering committee composed of transfusion medicine specialists and technologists, and trauma physicians. External stakeholder input from all hospitals in Ontario was sought. RESULTS: Three rounds were held with 36 experts from diverse clinical backgrounds. Consensus was reached for 42 statements and 8 quality indicators. Additional modifications from external stakeholders were incorporated to form the foundation for the proposed MHP. INTERPRETATION: This MHP template will provide the basis for the design of an MHP toolkit, including specific recommendations for pediatric and obstetrical patients, and for hospitals with limited availability of blood components or means to achieve definitive hemorrhage control. We believe that harmonization of MHPs in our region will simplify training, increase uptake of evidence-based interventions, enhance communication, improve patient comfort and safety, and, ultimately, improve patient outcomes.

Massive hemorrhage protocol survey: Marked variability and absent in one-third of hospitals in Ontario, Canada.

BACKGROUND: Massive hemorrhage protocols (MHP) are critical to standardized delivery of timely, safe, and resource-effective coordinated care for patients with life-threatening bleeding. METHODS: A standardized MHP survey was sent to all hospitals (n = 150) in Ontario with a transfusion service. This study aim was to determine the proportion of hospitals with an MHP and assess for variability. RESULTS: The overall survey completion rate was 133 of 150 hospitals (89%) (remaining 17 providing negative affirmation that they did not have an MHP). An MHP was in place at 97 of 150 (65%) hospitals (60% of small (<5000 red cell units/year) vs. 91% of medium/large). A total of 10 different names of protocols were reported, with "Massive Transfusion Protocol" (68%) predominating. Activation criteria were present in 82 of 97 (85%); commonly activated based on volume of blood loss (70%). Blood work was drawn at the discretion of the physician (37%) or at predefined intervals (31%; majority every 60 min). Common routine laboratory tests performed were CBC (87%) and INR (84%). Fibrinogen testing was available at 88 (66%) of 133 reporting hospitals and part of the standard testing at 73 of 97 (75%) hospitals with an MHP. Median targets of hemostatic resuscitations, stated in the protocol at 49% of hospitals with an MHP, were: platelets >50 × 109/L, INR < 1.8, fibrinogen >1.5 g/L, and hemoglobin >70 g/L. Protocol required patient temperature monitoring in 65% and specified a reversal plan for patients on anticoagulants in 59%. At 36% of sites all patients are initially managed with O RhD negative blood. Overall, 61% of sites issue blood in predefined packs (vs. on demand). Hemostatic agents in protocols included: tranexamic acid (70%), prothombin complex concentrate (14%), fibrinogen concentrate (13%), and recombinant FVIIa (4%). Quality metrics were tracked in 32% of hospitals. CONCLUSIONS: A third of hospitals lack formal MHPs, with the majority lacking in smaller hospitals. The survey results indicate that there is marked variability in all key aspects of the reported MHPs. This may be due to differences in hospital resources and personnel, lack of supporting evidence to dictate requirements, and differences in knowledge base of the individuals involved in protocol setting.

Fibrinogen Concentrate in the Special Operations Forces Environment.

Introduction: Hemorrhage is the most common cause of death among Special Operations Force (SOF) soldiers. Bringing remote damage control resuscitation into the far-forward combat environment is logistically challenging, as it requires blood products that generally require a robust cold chain. Alternatively, lyophilized products such as fibrinogen concentrate, which does not require thawing or blood group compatibility testing before use, might be advantageous in damage control resuscitation in the battlefield. In this report, we review the evidence for the use of fibrinogen concentrate in the Canadian SOF environment. Materials and Methods: The literature on the use of fibrinogen concentrate in the trauma setting was reviewed by Canadian Forces Services Working Group, in three separate meetings. Multiple stakeholders were consulted to obtain authoritative perspectives from subject matter experts on the use of fibrinogen concentrate in the Canadian SOF environment. We also conducted a comparison review of fibrinogen content, pathogen risk, shelf life, and methods required for use for fresh frozen plasma, cryoprecipitate, and fibrinogen concentrate relevant to their application in the far-forward combat environment. Results: Indications and a protocol for the use of fibrinogen as an adjunct to fresh whole blood were formulated based on a literature review and clinical expert opinion. Alternative strategies and other lyophilized blood products were considered before selecting fibrinogen concentrate as the lyophilized blood product of choice. Fibrinogen concentrate is an ABO-universal blood product with an excellent safety profile. Training was conducted by subject matter experts within civilian trauma centers and at military training facilities. The clinical efficacy and safety were confirmed by monitoring the use of fibrinogen concentrate in deployed combat settings. Conclusion: Fibrinogen concentrate is a useful adjunct to remote damage control resuscitation in the SOF environment. Fibrinogen concentrate was found to be robust for transport into the SOF environment and is widely accepted among SOF operators and medics.

The Anticoagulated trauma patient in the age of the direct oral anticoagulants: a Canadian perspective.

BACKGROUND: The anticoagulated trauma patient presents a particular challenge to the critical care physician. Our understanding of these patients is defined and extrapolated by experience with patients on warfarin pre-injury. Today, many patients who would have been on warfarin are now prescribed the Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs) a class of anticoagulants with entirely different mechanisms of action, effects on routine coagulation assays and approach to reversal. METHODS: Trauma registry data from Toronto's (Ontario, Canada) two Level 1 trauma centres were used to identify patients on oral anticoagulation pre-injury from June 1, 2014 to June 1, 2015. The trauma registry and medical records were reviewed and used to extract demographic and clinical data. RESULTS: We found 81 patients were on oral anticoagulants pre-injury representing 3.2% of the total trauma population and 33% of the orally anticoagulated patients were prescribed a DOAC prior to presentation. Comparison between the DOAC and warfarin groups showed similar age, mechanisms of injury, indications for anticoagulation, injury severity score and rate of intracranial hemorrhage. Patients on DOACs had higher initial mean hemoglobin vs warfarin (131 vs 120) and lower serum creatinine (94.8 vs 129.5). The percentage of patients receiving a blood transfusion in the trauma bay and total in-hospital transfusion was similar between the two groups however patients on DOACs were more likely to receive tranexamic acid vs patients on warfarin (32.1% vs 9.1%) and less likely to receive prothrombin concentrates (18.5% vs 60%). Patients on DOACs were found to have higher survival to discharge (92%) vs patients on warfarin (72%). CONCLUSION: Patients on DOACs pre-injury now represent a significant proportion of the anticoagulated trauma population. Although they share demographic and clinical similarities with patients on warfarin, patients on DOACs may have improved outcomes despite lack of established drug reversal protocols and challenging interpretation of coagulation assays. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III; Study Type: Retrospective Review.

Protecting study participants in emergency research: is community consultation before trial commencement enough?

BACKGROUND: This article presents the results of a community consultation (CC) process completed in Toronto, Ontario, using a random digit dialling technique, on the attitudes and perceptions of the public toward the use of exception from informed consent when conducting emergency research involving the use of massive blood transfusions. METHODS: In 2012, our hospital conducted a CC, using a random digit dialling technique, to elicit the attitudes and perceptions of the public toward the use of an exemption from informed consent for an upcoming clinical trial. A total of 500 participants from high violent crime areas were interviewed as part of this consultation. RESULTS: The response rate for the telephone survey was 54%. Participants indicated a personal acceptance rate of 76%, acceptance of the justification for the exception to consent at 81%, thatthe study would meet the best interest of patients and the community at 81% and that youth (between 15 and 18 years) could be enrolled at 71%. When offered, no participant requested an opt-out wrist band to avoid being enrolled in this study. DISCUSSION: The use of violent crime neighborhoods to locate at risk communities was not effective in identifying the appropriate community of interest for this study. Though only representing a small subpopulation from a large Canadian city, the attitudes noted here is suggestive that Canadians may have a similar level of acceptance as the US based on published studies. However, given the resources needed to undertake this process and that in the end it did not elicit any useful feedback or recommendations for enhancing the safety of participants, the future use of phone surveys as a means of engaging communities should be reconsidered. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE LEVEL V: This is a retrospective subanalysis of a CC using a randomized phone dialling technique from a site prior to the start of the Pragmatic Randomized Optimal Platelet and Plasma Ratios Trial. The CC was not designed specifically for research purposes and as such reflect only a case study from a single center. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Pre-result, NCT01545232.

Systematic Review of Human and Animal Studies Examining the Efficacy and Safety of N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) and N-Acetylcysteine Amide (NACA) in Traumatic Brain Injury: Impact on Neurofunctional Outcome and Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation.

BACKGROUND: No new therapies for traumatic brain injury (TBI) have been officially translated into current practice. At the tissue and cellular level, both inflammatory and oxidative processes may be exacerbated post-injury and contribute to further brain damage. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has the potential to downregulate both processes. This review focuses on the potential neuroprotective utility of NAC and N-acetylcysteine amide (NACA) post-TBI. METHODS: Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched up to July 2017. Studies that examined clinical and laboratory effects of NAC and NACA post-TBI in human and animal studies were included. Risk of bias was assessed in human and animal studies according to the design of each study (randomized or not). The primary outcome assessed was the effect of NAC/NACA treatment on functional outcome, while secondary outcomes included the impact on biomarkers of inflammation and oxidation. Due to the clinical and methodological heterogeneity observed across studies, no meta-analyses were conducted. RESULTS: Our analyses revealed only three human trials, including two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 20 animal studies conducted using standardized animal models of brain injury. The two RCTs reported improvement in the functional outcome post-NAC/NACA administration. Overall, the evidence from animal studies is more robust and demonstrated substantial improvement of cognition and psychomotor performance following NAC/NACA use. Animal studies also reported significantly more cortical sparing, reduced apoptosis, and lower levels of biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress. No safety concerns were reported in any of the studies included in this analysis. CONCLUSION: Evidence from the animal literature demonstrates a robust association for the prophylactic application of NAC and NACA post-TBI with improved neurofunctional outcomes and downregulation of inflammatory and oxidative stress markers at the tissue level. While a growing body of scientific literature suggests putative beneficial effects of NAC/NACA treatment for TBI, the lack of well-designed and controlled clinical investigations, evaluating therapeutic outcomes, prognostic biomarkers, and safety profiles, limits definitive interpretation and recommendations for its application in humans at this time.

Major liver resection, systemic fibrinolytic activity, and the impact of tranexamic acid.

BACKGROUND: Hyperfibrinolysis may occur due to systemic inflammation or hepatic injury that occurs during liver resection. Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an antifibrinolytic agent that decreases bleeding in various settings, but has not been well studied in patients undergoing liver resection. METHODS: In this prospective, phase II trial, 18 patients undergoing major liver resection were sequentially assigned to one of three cohorts: (i) Control (no TXA); (ii) TXA Dose I - 1 g bolus followed by 1 g infusion over 8 h; (iii) TXA Dose II - 1 g bolus followed by 10 mg/kg/hr until the end of surgery. Serial blood samples were collected for thromboelastography (TEG), coagulation components and TXA concentration. RESULTS: No abnormalities in hemostatic function were identified on TEG. PAP complex levels increased to peak at 1106 µg/L (normal 0-512 µg/L) following parenchymal transection, then decreased to baseline by the morning following surgery. TXA reached stable, therapeutic concentrations early in both dosing regimens. There were no differences between patients based on TXA. CONCLUSIONS: There is no thromboelastographic evidence of hyperfibrinolysis in patients undergoing major liver resection. TXA does not influence the change in systemic fibrinolysis; it may reduce bleeding through a different mechanism of action. Registered with ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01651182.

A recommended early goal-directed management guideline for the prevention of hypothermia-related transfusion, morbidity, and mortality in severely injured trauma patients.

Hypothermia is present in up to two-thirds of patients with severe injury, although it is often disregarded during the initial resuscitation. Studies have revealed that hypothermia is associated with mortality in a large percentage of trauma cases when the patient's temperature is below 32 °C. Risk factors include the severity of injury, wet clothing, low transport unit temperature, use of anesthesia, and prolonged surgery. Fortunately, associated coagulation disorders have been shown to completely resolve with aggressive warming. Selected passive and active warming techniques can be applied in damage control resuscitation. While treatment guidelines exist for acidosis and bleeding, there is no evidence-based approach to managing hypothermia in trauma patients. We synthesized a goal-directed algorithm for warming the severely injured patient that can be directly incorporated into current Advanced Trauma Life Support guidelines. This involves the early use of warming blankets and removal of wet clothing in the prehospital phase followed by aggressive rewarming on arrival at the hospital if the patient's injuries require damage control therapy. Future research in hypothermia management should concentrate on applying this treatment algorithm and should evaluate its influence on patient outcomes. This treatment strategy may help to reduce blood loss and improve morbidity and mortality in this population of patients.

Management of stab wounds to the anterior abdominal wall.

The meeting of the Publication "Evidence Based Telemedicine - Trauma and Emergency Surgery" (TBE-CiTE), through literature review, selected three recent articles on the treatment of victims stab wounds to the abdominal wall. The first study looked at the role of computed tomography (CT) in the treatment of patients with stab wounds to the abdominal wall. The second examined the use of laparoscopy over serial physical examinations to evaluate patients in need of laparotomy. The third did a review of surgical exploration of the abdominal wound, use of diagnostic peritoneal lavage and CT for the early identification of significant lesions and the best time for intervention. There was consensus to laparotomy in the presence of hemodynamic instability or signs of peritonitis, or evisceration. The wound should be explored under local anesthesia and if there is no injury to the aponeurosis the patient can be discharged. In the presence of penetration into the abdominal cavity, serial abdominal examinations are safe without CT. Laparoscopy is well indicated when there is doubt about any intracavitary lesion, in centers experienced in this method.

Management of stab wounds to the anterior abdominal wall / Abordagem dos ferimentos por arma branca na parede anterior do abdome

The meeting of the Publication "Evidence Based Telemedicine - Trauma and Emergency Surgery" (TBE-CiTE), through literature review, selected three recent articles on the treatment of victims stab wounds to the abdominal wall. The first study looked at the role of computed tomography (CT) in the treatment of patients with stab wounds to the abdominal wall. The second examined the use of laparoscopy over serial physical examinations to evaluate patients in need of laparotomy. The third did a review of surgical exploration of the abdominal wound, use of diagnostic peritoneal lavage and CT for the early identification of significant lesions and the best time for intervention. There was consensus to laparotomy in the presence of hemodynamic instability or signs of peritonitis, or evisceration. The wound should be explored under local anesthesia and if there is no injury to the aponeurosis the patient can be discharged. In the presence of penetration into the abdominal cavity, serial abdominal examinations are safe without CT. Laparoscopy is well indicated when there is doubt about any intracavitary lesion, in centers experienced in this method.

A reunião de Revista "Telemedicina Baseada em Evidências - Cirurgia do Trauma e Emergência" (TBE-CiTE) através de revisão da literatura selecionou três artigos recentes sobre o tratamento do paciente vítima de agressão por arma branca na parede abdominal. O primeiro trabalho observou o papel da tomografia computadorizada (TC) no tratamento do paciente com agressão por arma branca na parede abdominal. O segundo analisou o uso da laparoscopia diagnóstica em detrimento do exame físico seriado para avaliar os pacientes com necessidade de laparotomia terapêutica. O terceiro fez uma avaliação da exploração cirúrgica do ferimento abdominal, uso do lavado peritoneal diagnóstico e TC na identificação precoce de lesões significativas e o melhor momento para intervenção. Houve consenso para a indicação de laparotomia na presença de instabilidade hemodinâmica, ou sinais de peritonite, ou evisceração. O ferimento deve ser explorado sob anestesia local e se não houver lesão da aponeurose o doente pode receber alta. Na presença de penetração na cavidade abdominal, o exame seriado do abdome é seguro, sem a necessidade de TC. A laparoscopia está bem indicada quando existe dúvida de lesão intracavitária em centros com experiência nesse método.

Indicações de tomografia de crânio em crianças com trauma cranioencefálico leve / Indications for head computed tomography in children with mild traumatic brain injury

A reunião de revista "Telemedicina Baseada em Evidência - Cirurgia do Trauma e Emergência" (TBE-CiTE) realizou uma revisão crítica da literatura e selecionou os três artigos mais relevantes e atuais sobre a indicação de tomografia de crânio em pacientes pediátricos com trauma craniencefálico leve (TCE). O primeiro trabalho identificou pacientes vítimas de TCE leve com fatores de alto e baixo risco de apresentarem lesões intracranianas vistas à tomografia computadorizada (TC) de crânio e com necessidade de intervenção neurocirúrgica. O segundo trabalho avaliou o uso das recomendações do "National Institute of Clinical Excellence" em pacientes pediátricos com TCE, e utilizou como variáveis de desfecho a realização de TC ou internação hospitalar. O último artigo analisou e identificou os pacientes onde a TC de crânio seria desnecessária e, portanto, não deve ser feita rotineiramente. Baseado nessa revisão crítica da literatura e a discussão com especialistas, o TBE-CiTE concluiu que é importante evitar a exposição desnecessária de crianças com TCE leve à radiação ionizante da TC de crânio. O grupo favoreceu a utilização do guideline do PECARN onde ECG de 14, alteração do nível de consciência ou fratura do crânio palpável são indicações de TC de crânio, ou quando a experiência do médico, achados múltiplos ou piora dos sintomas ocorrerem.

The "Evidence Based Telemedicine - Trauma and Emergency Surgery" (TBE-CITE) performed a critical appraisal of the literature and selected the three most relevant and recent publications on the indications for head computed tomography (CT) scan in pediatric patients with mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). The first study identified patients with mild TBI, high and low risk factors for intracranial injuries detected on CT scan and need for neurosurgical intervention. The second study evaluated the guidelines of the National Institute of Clinical Excellence for pediatric patients with TBI. The outcome of this study was either performing a head CT scan or hospital admission. The last study identified and analyzed the patients in whom the CT scan is not necessary and consequently should not be routinely indicated. Based on the critical appraisal of the literature and expert discussion, the opinion of the TBE-CITE was to favor the adoption of the PECARN guidelines, proposing CT scans for children with GCS of 14, altered level of consciousness and palpable skull fracture, or when the physician experience, multiple findings or worsening symptoms warrant it.

Update in the classification and treatment of complex renal injuries.

The "Evidence-Based Telemedicine - Trauma and Acute Care Surgery" (EBT-TACS) Journal Club performed a critical review of the literature and selected three up-to-date articles on the management of renal trauma defined as American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) injury grade III-V. The first paper was the proposal for the AAST grade 4renal injury substratification into grades 4a (Low Risk) and 4b (High Risk). The second paper was a revision of the current AAST renal injury grading system, expanding to include segmental vascular injuries and to establish a more rigorous definition of severe grade IV and V renal injuries.The last article analyses the diagnostic angiography and angioembolization in the acute management of renal trauma using a national data set in the USA. The EBT-TACS Journal Club elaborated conclusions and recommendations for the management of high-grade renal trauma.

Atualização da classificação e tratamento das lesões renais complexas / Update in the classification and treatment of complex renal injuries

A reunião de revista "Telemedicina Baseada em Evidência - Cirurgia do Trauma e Emergência" (TBE-CiTE) realizou uma revisão crítica da literatura e selecionou três artigos atuais sobre o tratamento do trauma renaldefinido como graus III a V pela classificação da Associação Americana de Cirurgia do Trauma (AAST). O primeiro trabalho propõe subestratificação da lesão renal AAST grau IV em 4a (baixo risco) e 4b (alto risco). O segundo trabalho revisa o atual sistema de classificação de lesão renal AASTpara incluir lesões vasculares segmentares e estabelecer uma definição mais detalhada dos graus IV e V. O último artigo analisa a angiografia diagnóstica e angioembolização na fase aguda do trauma renal utilizando dados americanos. A reunião de revista TBE-CiTE elaborou as conclusões e recomendações para o tratamento do trauma renal de alto grau.

The "Evidence-Based Telemedicine - Trauma and Acute Care Surgery" (EBT-TACS) Journal Club performed a critical review of the literature and selected three up-to-date articles on the management of renal trauma defined as American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) injury grade III-V. The first paper was the proposal for the AAST grade 4renal injury substratification into grades 4a (Low Risk) and 4b (High Risk). The second paper was a revision of the current AAST renal injury grading system, expanding to include segmental vascular injuries and to establish a more rigorous definition of severe grade IV and V renal injuries.The last article analyses the diagnostic angiography and angioembolization in the acute management of renal trauma using a nationaldata set in the USA. The EBT-TACS Journal Club elaborated conclusions and recommendations for the management of high-grade renal trauma.

Classification of acute pancreatitis.

Based on the Atlanta Classification, acute pancreatitis is classified according to its severity in either mild or severe acute pancreatitis. In recent years, several issues regarding acute pancreatitis have been discussed in the literature. These issues include how many categories of severity should be considered; whether or not a patient with organ failure holds similar holds severity of disease and prognosis of a patient with infected necrosis; the role of transient organ failure; and how to evaluate organ failure. The"Evidence-based Telemedicine - Trauma and Acute Care Surgery" (EBT-TACS) conducted a review of the recent literature on the topic, and critically appraised its most relevant pieces of evidence.. The articles discussed suggested classifying the severity of acute pancreatitis in three or four categories, rather than mild or severe only, and addressed which is the best score to assess organ failure. The following recommendations were proposed: (1) Acute pancreatitis should be classified into four categories: mild, moderate, severe and critical, which allows a better determination of the characteristics of patients, (2) Evaluation of organ failure with a severity score that preferably evaluate directly each organ failure, such as the SOFA and MODS (Marshall). The SOFA seems to have greater accuracy, but the MODS has better applicability due to its ease of use.

Classificação de gravidade na pancreatite aguda / Classification of severity of acute pancreatitis

De acordo com a Classificação de Atlanta a pancreatite aguda pode ser dividida, baseado em sua severidade, em uma forma leve ou grave. Uma série de aspectos têm sido discutidos nos últimos anos, tais como, quantas categorias de gravidade devem ser consideradas; se o doente com falência orgânica é igual ao doente com necrose infectada; qual o papel da falência orgânica transitória; e como avaliar a falência orgânica. A reunião de revista"Telemedicina Baseada em Evidência - Cirurgia do Trauma e Emergência" (TBE-CiTE) realizou uma avaliação crítica de artigos relacionados a este tema, considerando três artigos recentes que delinearam duas grandes revisões publicadas nos últimos meses. Estes artigos sugerem a classificação de gravidade em três ou quatro categorias, ao invés de pancreatite aguda leve ou grave, além de discutir qual o melhor escore para avaliar a falência orgânica. As seguintes recomendações foram propostas: (1) A pancreatite aguda deve ser classificada em quatro categorias: leve, moderada, grave e crítica, o que permite uma melhor determinação das características dos doentes; (2) Avaliação de falência orgânica com um escore de gravidade, preferencialmente algum que avalie diretamente cada falência orgânica, tais como o SOFA e o MODS (Marshall). O SOFA parece ter maior acurácia, mas o MODS tem melhor aplicabilidade devido à facilidade de uso.

Based on the Atlanta Classification, acute pancreatitis is classified according to its severity in either mild or severe acute pancreatitis. In recent years, several issues regarding acute pancreatitis have been discussed in the literature. These issues include how many categories of severity should be considered; whether or not a patient with organ failure holds similar holds severity of disease and prognosis of a patient with infected necrosis; the role of transient organ failure; and how to evaluate organ failure. The"Evidence-based Telemedicine - Trauma and Acute Care Surgery" (EBT-TACS) conducted a review of the recent literature on the topic, and critically appraised its most relevant pieces of evidence.. The articles discussed suggested classifying the severity of acute pancreatitis in three or four categories, rather than mild or severe only, and addressed which is the best score to assess organ failure. The following recommendations were proposed: (1) Acute pancreatitis should be classified into four categories: mild, moderate, severe and critical, which allows a better determination of the characteristics of patients, (2) Evaluation of organ failure with a severity score that preferably evaluate directly each organ failure, such as the SOFA and MODS (Marshall). The SOFA seems to have greater accuracy, but the MODS has better applicability due to its ease of use.

Indications for head computed tomography in children with mild traumatic brain injury.

The "Evidence Based Telemedicine - Trauma and Emergency Surgery" (TBE-CITE) performed a critical appraisal of the literature and selected the three most relevant and recent publications on the indications for head computed tomography (CT) scan in pediatric patients with mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). The first study identified patients with mild TBI, high and low risk factors for intracranial injuries detected on CT scan and need for neurosurgical intervention. The second study evaluated the guidelines of the National Institute of Clinical Excellence for pediatric patients with TBI. The outcome of this study was either performing a head CT scan or hospital admission. The last study identified and analyzed the patients in whom the CT scan is not necessary and consequently should not be routinely indicated. Based on the critical appraisal of the literature and expert discussion, the opinion of the TBE-CITE was to favor the adoption of the PECARN guidelines, proposing CT scans for children with GCS of 14, altered level of consciousness and palpable skull fracture, or when the physician experience, multiple findings or worsening symptoms warrant it.