An Exploratory Analysis of Sociodemographic Factors Associated With Physical Functional Impairment in ICU Survivors.

IMPORTANCE: Physical functional impairment is one of three components of postintensive care syndrome (PICS) that affects up to 60% of ICU survivors. OBJECTIVES: To explore the prevalence of objective physical functional impairment among a diverse cohort of ICU survivors, both at discharge and longitudinally, and to highlight sociodemographic factors that might be associated with the presence of objective physical functional impairment. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This was a secondary analysis of 37 patients admitted to the ICU in New Orleans, Louisiana, and Denver, Colorado between 2016 and 2019 who survived with longitudinal follow-up data. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Our primary outcome of physical functional impairment was defined by handgrip strength and the short physical performance battery. We explored associations between functional impairment and sociodemographic factors that included race/ethnicity, sex, primary language, education status, and medical comorbidities. RESULTS: More than 75% of ICU survivors were affected by physical functional impairment at discharge and longitudinally at 3- to 6-month follow-up. We did not see a significant difference in the proportion of patients with physical functional impairment by race/ethnicity, primary language, or education status. Impairment was relatively higher in the follow-up period among women, compared with men, and those with comorbidities. Among 18 patients with scores at both time points, White patients demonstrated greater change in handgrip strength than non-White patients. Four non-White patients demonstrated diminished handgrip strength between discharge and follow-up. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In this exploratory analysis, we saw that the prevalence of objective physical functional impairment among ICU survivors was high and persisted after hospital discharge. Our findings suggest a possible relationship between race/ethnicity and physical functional impairment. These exploratory findings may inform future investigations to evaluate the impact of sociodemographic factors on functional recovery.

Prevalence of Alcohol Use Characterized by Phosphatidylethanol in Patients With Respiratory Failure Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Alcohol misuse is overlooked frequently in hospitalized patients, but is common among patients with pneumonia and acute hypoxic respiratory failure. Investigations in hospitalized patients rely heavily on self-report surveys or chart abstraction, which lack sensitivity. Therefore, our understanding of the prevalence of alcohol misuse before and during the COVID-19 pandemic is limited. RESEARCH QUESTION: In critically ill patients with respiratory failure, did the proportion of patients with alcohol misuse, defined by the direct biomarker phosphatidylethanol, vary over a period including the COVID-19 pandemic? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Patients with acute hypoxic respiratory failure receiving mechanical ventilation were enrolled prospectively from 2015 through 2019 (before the pandemic) and from 2020 through 2022 (during the pandemic). Alcohol use data, including Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT)-C scores, were collected from electronic health records, and phosphatidylethanol presence was assessed at ICU admission. The relationship between clinical variables and phosphatidylethanol values was examined using multivariable ordinal regression. Dichotomized phosphatidylethanol values (≥ 25 ng/mL) defining alcohol misuse were compared with AUDIT-C scores signifying misuse before and during the pandemic, and correlations between log-transformed phosphatidylethanol levels and AUDIT-C scores were evaluated and compared by era. Multiple imputation by chained equations was used to handle missing phosphatidylethanol data. RESULTS: Compared with patients enrolled before the pandemic (n = 144), patients in the pandemic cohort (n = 92) included a substantially higher proportion with phosphatidylethanol-defined alcohol misuse (38% vs 90%; P < .001). In adjusted models, absence of diabetes, positive results for COVID-19, and enrollment during the pandemic each were associated with higher phosphatidylethanol values. The correlation between health care worker-recorded AUDIT-C score and phosphatidylethanol level was significantly lower during the pandemic. INTERPRETATION: The higher prevalence of phosphatidylethanol-defined alcohol misuse during the pandemic suggests that alcohol consumption increased during this period, identifying alcohol misuse as a potential risk factor for severe COVID-19-associated respiratory failure. Results also suggest that AUDIT-C score may be less useful in characterizing alcohol consumption during high clinical capacity.

Findings on Repeat Posttraumatic Brain Computed Tomography Scans in Older Patients With Minimal Head Trauma and the Impact of Existing Antithrombotic Use.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the utility of routine rescanning of older, mild head trauma patients with an initial negative brain computed tomography (CT), who is on a preinjury antithrombotic (AT) agent by assessing the rate of delayed intracranial hemorrhage (dICH), need for surgery, and attributable mortality. METHODS: Participating centers were trained and provided data collection instruments per institutional review board-approved protocols. Data were obtained from manual chart review and electronic medical record download. Adults ≥55 years seen at Level I/II Trauma Centers, between 2017 and 2019 with suspected head trauma, Glasgow Coma Scale 14 to 15, negative initial brain CT, and no other Abbreviated Injury Scale injuries >2 were identified, grouped by preinjury AT therapy (AT- or AT+) and compared on dICH rate, need for operative neurosurgical intervention, and attributable mortality using univariate analysis (α=.05). RESULTS: A total of 2,950 patients from 24 centers were enrolled; 280 (9.5%) had a repeat brain CT. In those rescanned, the dICH rate was 15/126 (11.9%) for AT- and 6/154 (3.9%) in AT+. Assuming nonrescanned patients did not suffer clinically meaningful dICH, the dICH rate would be 15/2001 (0.7%) for AT- and 6/949 (0.6%) for AT+. No surgical operations were done for dICH. All-cause mortality was 9/2950 (0.3%) and attributable mortality was 1/2950 (0.03%). The attributable death was an AT+, dICH patient whose family declined intervention. CONCLUSION: In older patients with an initial Glasgow Coma Scale of 14 to 15 and a negative initial brain CT scan, the dICH rate is low (<1%) and of minimal clinical consequence, regardless of AT use. In addition, no patient had operative neurosurgical intervention. Therefore, routine rescanning is not supported based on the results of this study.

The epidemiology of do-not-resuscitate orders in patients with trauma: a community level one trauma center observational experience.

BACKGROUND: Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) orders in patients with traumatic injury are insufficiently described. The objective is to describe the epidemiology and outcomes of DNR orders in trauma patients. METHODS: We included all adults with trauma to a community Level I Trauma Center over 6 years (2008-2013). We used chi-square, Wilcoxon rank-sum, and multivariate stepwise logistic regression tests to characterize DNR (established in-house vs. pre-existing), describe predictors of establishing an in-house DNR, timing of an in-house DNR (early [within 1 day] vs late), and outcomes (death, ICU stay, major complications). RESULTS: Included were 10,053 patients with trauma, of which 1523 had a DNR order in place (15%); 715 (7%) had a pre-existing DNR and 808 (8%) had a DNR established in-house. Increases were observed over time in both the proportions of patients with DNRs established in-house (p = 0.008) and age ≥65 (p < 0.001). Over 90% of patients with an in-house DNR were ≥65 years. The following covariates were independently associated with establishing a DNR in-house: age ≥65, severe neurologic deficit (GCS 3-8), fall mechanism of injury, ED tachycardia, female gender, and comorbidities (p < 0.05 for all). Age ≥65, female gender, non-surgical service admission and transfers-in were associated with a DNR established early (p < 0.05 for all). As expected, mortality was greater in patients with DNR than those without (22% vs. 1%), as was the development of a major complication (8% vs. 5%), while ICU admission was similar (19% vs. 17%). Poor outcomes were greatest in patients with DNR orders executed later in the hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis of a broad cohort of patients with traumatic injury establishes the relationship between DNR and patient characteristics and outcomes. At 15%, DNR orders are prevalent in our general trauma population, particularly in patients ≥65 years, and are placed early after arrival. Established prognostic factors, including age and physiologic severity, were determinants for in-house DNR orders. These data may improve physician predictions of outcomes with DNR and help inform patient preferences, particularly in an environment with increasing use of DNR and increasing age of patients with trauma.

Association between a geriatric trauma resuscitation protocol using venous lactate measurements and early trauma surgeon involvement and mortality risk.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether implementing a geriatric resuscitation protocol that uses lactate-guided therapy with early trauma surgeon involvement is associated with lower mortality through the early recognition of occult hypoperfusion (OH). DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Level I trauma center. PARTICIPANTS: All hemodynamically stable individuals with blunt trauma aged 65 and older admitted to the Level I trauma center from October 1, 2008, through December 31, 2011 (n = 1,998). MEASUREMENTS: Mortality over time (according to quarter) was analyzed using an adjusted logarithmic regression model stratified according to the presence of OH. OH was defined as lactate of 2.5 mM or greater. RESULTS: Overall mortality was 3.9% (n = 78). Admission venous lactate was collected in 73.5% of participants, of whom 20.5% had OH (n = 301). In participants with OH, a significant decrease in mortality was observed over time (adjusted coefficient of determination (R(2) ) = 0.66, P = .002). A smaller yet significant decrease in mortality rates in participants with normal perfusion status was also observed (adjusted R(2) = 0.55, P = .01). CONCLUSION: Early identification and treatment of OH in elderly adults with trauma using venous lactate-guided therapy coupled with early trauma surgeon involvement was associated with significantly lower mortality. A protocol that uses lactate-guided therapy with early trauma surgeon involvement should be followed to improve the care of elderly adults with trauma.

Unintentional discontinuation of statins may increase mortality after traumatic brain injury in elderly patients: a preliminary observation.

BACKGROUND: The abrupt discontinuation of statin therapy has been suggested as being deleterious to patient outcomes. Although pre-injury statin (PIS) therapy has been shown to have a protective effect in elderly trauma patients, no study has examined how this population is affected by its abrupt discontinuation. This study examined the effects of in-hospital statin discontinuation on patient outcomes in elderly traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients. METHODS: This was a multicenter, retrospective cohort study on consecutively admitted elderly (≥ 55) PIS patients who were diagnosed with a blunt TBI and who had a hospital length of stay (LOS) ≥ 3 days. Patients who received an in-hospital statin within 48 hours of admission were considered continued, and patients who never received an in-hospital statin were considered discontinued. Differences in in-hospital mortality, having at least one complication, and LOS > 1 week were examined between those who continued and discontinued PIS. RESULTS: Of 93 PIS patients, 46 continued and 15 discontinued statin therapy. The two groups were equivalent vis-a-vis demographic and clinical characteristics. Those who discontinued statin therapy had a 4-fold higher mortality rate than those who continued (n = 4, 27% vs. n = 3, 7%, P = 0.055). Statin discontinuation did not have a higher complication rate, compared to statin continuation (n = 3, 20% vs. n = 7, 15%, P = 0.70), and no difference was seen in the proportion with a hospital LOS > 1 week (P > 0.99). CONCLUSIONS: Though our study is not definitive, it does suggest that the abrupt, unintended discontinuation of statin therapy is associated with increased mortality in the elderly TBI population. Continuing in-hospital statin therapy in PIS users may be an important factor in the prevention of in-hospital mortality in this elderly TBI population.

A retrospective analysis of geriatric trauma patients: venous lactate is a better predictor of mortality than traditional vital signs.

BACKGROUND: Traditional vital signs (TVS), including systolic blood pressure (SBP), heart rate (HR) and their composite, the shock index, may be poor prognostic indicators in geriatric trauma patients. The purpose of this study is to determine whether lactate predicts mortality better than TVS. METHODS: We studied a large cohort of trauma patients age ≥ 65 years admitted to a level 1 trauma center from 2009-01-01 - 2011-12-31. We defined abnormal TVS as hypotension (SBP < 90 mm Hg) and/or tachycardia (HR > 120 beats/min), an elevated shock index as HR/SBP ≥ 1, an elevated venous lactate as ≥ 2.5 mM, and occult hypoperfusion as elevated lactate with normal TVS. The association between these variables and in-hospital mortality was compared using Chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: There were 1987 geriatric trauma patients included, with an overall mortality of 4.23% and an incidence of occult hypoperfusion of 20.03%. After adjustment for GCS, ISS, and advanced age, venous lactate significantly predicted mortality (OR: 2.62, p < 0.001), whereas abnormal TVS (OR: 1.71, p = 0.21) and SI ≥ 1 (OR: 1.18, p = 0.78) did not. Mortality was significantly greater in patients with occult hypoperfusion compared to patients with no sign of circulatory hemodynamic instability (10.67% versus 3.67%, p < 0.001), which continued after adjustment (OR: 2.12, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate that occult hypoperfusion was exceedingly common in geriatric trauma patients, and was associated with a two-fold increased odds of mortality. Venous lactate should be measured for all geriatric trauma patients to improve the identification of hemodynamic instability and optimize resuscitative efforts.

Injury severity and serum amyloid A correlate with plasma oxidation-reduction potential in multi-trauma patients: a retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: In critical injury, the occurrence of increased oxidative stress or a reduced antioxidant status has been observed. The purpose of this study was to correlate the degree of oxidative stress, by measuring the oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) of plasma in the critically injured, with injury severity and serum amyloid A (SAA) levels. METHODS: A total of 140 subjects were included in this retrospective study comprising 3 groups: healthy volunteers (N = 21), mild to moderate trauma (ISS < 16, N = 41), and severe trauma (ISS >or= 16, N = 78). For the trauma groups, plasma was collected on an almost daily basis during the course of hospitalization. ORP analysis was performed using a microelectrode, and ORP maxima were recorded for the trauma groups. SAA, a sensitive marker of inflammation in critical injury, was measured by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. RESULTS: ORP maxima were reached on day 3 (+/- 0.4 SEM) and day 5 (+/- 0.5 SEM) for the ISS < 16 and ISS >or= 16 groups, respectively. ORP maxima were significantly higher in the ISS < 16 (-14.5 mV +/- 2.5 SEM) and ISS >or= 16 groups (-1.1 mV +/- 2.3 SEM) compared to controls (-34.2 mV +/- 2.6 SEM). Also, ORP maxima were significantly different between the trauma groups. SAA was significantly elevated in the ISS >or= 16 group on the ORP maxima day compared to controls and the ISS < 16 group. CONCLUSION: The results suggest the presence of an oxidative environment in the plasma of the critically injured as measured by ORP. More importantly, ORP can differentiate the degree of oxidative stress based on the severity of the trauma and degree of inflammation.

Implementation of a rapid response team decreases cardiac arrest outside of the intensive care unit.

BACKGROUND: Patient safety and preventable inhospital mortality remain crucial aspects of optimum medical care and continue to receive public scrutiny. Signs of physiologic instability often precede overt clinical deterioration in many patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate our early experience with implementation of a rapid response team (RRT) which would evaluate and treat nonintensive care unit (nonICU) patients with early signs of physiologic instability. We hypothesized that early evaluation and intervention before deterioration would avoid progression to cardiac arrest in patients. METHODS: In March 2005, our urban Level I trauma center implemented an RRT to react to patient clinical deterioration; in effect, bringing critical care to the bedside. This team is available 24 hours/day, 7 seven days/week and consists of an intensivist, an ICU nurse, and a respiratory therapist. Activation criteria include pulse<40 or>130 beats per minute, systolic blood pressure<90 mm Hg, respiratory rate<8 or>24 breaths per minute, seizure, an acute change in mental status, or nursing staff concern for any other reason. Data were prospectively collected, including the number of RRT activations and the occurrence of inhospital cardiac arrest. RESULTS: Between March and December 2005, the RRT was activated 76 times. All RRT activations were reviewed and thought to be appropriate. During the same time period the year before initiation of the RRT, there were 27 nonICU cardiac arrests. After RRT implementation, there were 13 cardiac arrests that occurred on the floor, representing just over a 50% reduction in cardiac arrest. Medical staff feedback regarding the RRT was uniformly positive. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of the RRT was well received by the hospital staff. Despite initial concerns to the contrary, the RRT was not over utilized. RRT activation resulted in early patient transfer to a higher level of care and avoided progression to cardiac arrest.

Nonoperative management of acute epidural hematomas: a "no-brainer".

BACKGROUND: Acute epidural hematomas are generally considered to require urgent operation for clot evacuation and bleeding control. It has become increasingly apparent, however, that many epidural hematomas will resolve with nonoperative management. The purpose of the current study was to review our experience with nonoperative management of acute epidural hematomas. METHODS: Patients admitted to our busy urban level I trauma center with an epidural hematoma were identified using our trauma registry. Patients were excluded if they suffered other significant intracranial injury mandating operative intervention. Patient records were reviewed and relevant data collected. Patients who required subsequent craniotomy were compared to those who did not in order to identify risk factors for failure of nonoperative treatment. RESULTS: Between January 1995 and June 2004, 84 patients were identified. The mean age was 27 +/- 1.6 years and 68 (81%) were male. Mean Glasgow Coma Scale in the emergency department was 13.7 +/- 0.3. The most common mechanism of injury was a fall. Fifty-four (64%) patients were initially managed nonoperatively and 30 (36%) were taken directly to the operating room for craniotomy. Nonoperative management was successful in 47/54 (87%) patients. Failure of initial nonoperative management was not associated with adverse outcome. There were no deaths in patients managed operatively or nonoperatively. Seventy-two (86%) patients were discharged to home with excellent neurologic outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Epidural hematomas can be successfully managed nonoperatively in an appropriately selected group of patients. Moreover, failure of initial nonoperative management has no adverse effect on outcome.

Age of blood: does it make a difference?

During the past 20 years, the perceived value of blood transfusions has changed as it has become appreciated that transfusions are not without risk. Red blood cell transfusion has been associated with disease transmission and immunosuppression for some time. More recently, proinflammatory consequences of red blood cell transfusion have also been documented. Moreover, it has become increasingly evident that stored red blood cells undergo time-dependent metabolic, biochemical, and molecular changes. This 'storage lesion' may be responsible for many of the adverse effects of red blood cell transfusion. Clinically, the age of blood has been associated with multiple organ failure, postoperative pneumonia, and wound infection. The relationship between age of blood and clinical adverse effects needs further study.

Lung injury severity scoring in the era of lung protective mechanical ventilation: the PaO2/FIO2 ratio.

BACKGROUND: Lung protective ventilatory strategies using low tidal volume and high positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) have become standard practice. Such strategies, however, may invalidate measurement of lung injury severity by traditional methods that are based on plain chest radiograph findings, oxygenation, minute ventilation, lung compliance, and PEEP level, such as the Murray lung injury score (LIS). Many of these criteria are potentially therapy dependent and may change with different ventilatory strategies. The purpose of this study was to determine whether measurement of lung injury severity based simply on oxygenation criteria (PaO(2)/FIO(2)) was as accurate as the Murray LIS currently used in multiple organ failure (MOF) scoring. METHODS: Since 1992, trauma patients at high risk for developing MOF have been prospectively identified and MOF scores calculated daily. Pulmonary dysfunction is graded from 0 to 3 on the basis of a modified Murray LIS incorporating the aforementioned parameters. Lung injury severity was redefined using the PaO(2)/FIO(2) (P/F score): Grade 0 = >250; 1 = 175 to 250; 2 = 100 to 174; and 3 = <100. The maximum (worst) score using each was compared using logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. RESULTS: Five hundred thirty-nine trauma patients had lung injury severity assessed using both LIS and P/F score. The mean P/F score was over twice the mean LIS (1.9 +/-.04 vs. 0.9+/-.04, p < 0.0001). In 28% of patients, the LIS and P/F score were identical, whereas in 71%, the P/F score was greater than the LIS. Both scores were significant predictors of mortality; however, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the P/F score was superior in predicting mortality (area under the curve, 0.74+/-.03 vs. 0.67+/-.04). CONCLUSION: The P/F score is a simple method of quantifying lung injury severity in trauma patients that better predicts mortality compared with the more complicated modified Murray lung injury score currently in use. The P/F score should replace more complex and potentially therapy-dependent scores.

General surgery residents improve efficiency but not outcome of trauma care.

BACKGROUND: Current American College of Surgeons Level I trauma center verification requires the presence of a residency program in which trauma care is an integral part of the training. The rationale for this requirement remains unclear, with no scientific evidence that resident participation improves the quality of trauma care. The purpose of this study was to determine whether quality or efficiency of trauma care is influenced by general surgery residents. METHODS: Our urban Level I trauma center has traditionally used 24-hour in-house postgraduate year-4 general surgery residents in conjunction with at-home trauma attending backup to provide trauma care. As of July 1, 2000, general surgery residents no longer participated in trauma patient care, leaving sole responsibility to an in-house trauma attending. Data regarding patient outcome and resource use with and without surgery resident participation were tabulated and analyzed. Continuous data were compared using Student's t test if normally distributed and the Mann-Whitney U test if nonparametric. Categorical data were compared using chi2 analysis or Fisher's exact test as appropriate. RESULTS: During the 5-month period with resident participation, 555 trauma patients were admitted. In the identical time period without residents, 516 trauma patients were admitted. During the period without housestaff, patients were older and more severely injured. Mechanism was not different during the two time periods. Mortality was not affected; however, time in the emergency department and hospital lengths of stay were significantly shorter with residents. Multiple regression confirmed these findings while controlling for age, mechanism, and Injury Severity Score. CONCLUSION: Although resident participation in trauma care at a Level I trauma center does not affect outcome, it does significantly improve the efficiency of trauma care delivery.

The role of temporary inferior vena cava filters in critically ill surgical patients.

HYPOTHESIS: Prophylactic temporary inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are safe and effective in critically ill patients at high risk for venous thromboembolism. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Urban level I trauma center. SUBJECTS: Multiple-trauma patients and critically ill surgical patients undergoing prophylactic temporary IVC filter placement. All patients were at high risk for venous thromboembolism but had contraindications to low-dose heparin therapy. INTERVENTIONS: The interventional radiologist used the femoral or internal jugular approach to place a removable IVC filter in all patients. The filter was removed when the patient could safely be treated with heparin. If the filter could not be removed by 14 days, it was relocated to prevent incorporation precluding retrieval. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Complications of filter insertion and removal, deep venous thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism. RESULTS: From May 1, 2001, to October 1, 2002, 44 patients underwent placement of temporary IVC filters. Thirty-seven patients (84%) were severely injured. The mean +/- SD age was 37 +/- 3 years, and 55% were men. The mean +/- SD Injury Severity Score of the trauma patients was 33 +/- 2, and all had blunt injury. There were no complications associated with filter insertion or removal. Nine patients required filter relocation prior to retrieval. Three filters could not be removed: 2 secondary to significant clots trapped below the filter and 1 because of angulation resulting in the inability to grasp the filter. There were no documented instances of venous thromboembolism following IVC filter placement and removal. CONCLUSIONS: Temporary IVC filters are safe and effective in critically ill surgical and trauma patients and allow an aggressive approach to prevention of venous thromboembolism in this challenging group of patients.

The injured child is resistant to multiple organ failure: a different inflammatory response?

BACKGROUND: Although postinjury multiple organ failure (MOF) is a well-described phenomenon in adults, the incidence of this syndrome in children is unknown. The purpose of this study was to describe the incidence, course, and severity of pediatric postinjury MOF. We hypothesized that the incidence and severity of postinjury MOF in children would be less when compared with adults. METHODS: Patients were retrospectively identified from the trauma registry of a regional pediatric trauma center and an adult Level I trauma center with pediatric commitment for a 3-year period. All trauma patients less than 16 years old who survived for longer than 24 hours and had an Injury Severity Score > 15 were eligible. An accepted MOF score was used. Categorical variables were compared by chi2 and continuous variables by t test. A value of p< 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Of 534 patients identified, 334 (63%) were admitted for evaluation of isolated head injury and excluded from further analysis. The rate of postinjury MOF in children was found to be only 3%, with a low (17%) mortality when compared with historical adult data (50%). CONCLUSION: The incidence of postinjury MOF in the child is less than in the adult, given equivalent injury severity. These observations solidify the contention that postinjury MOF is rare in children, and is less severe when it occurs. Delineating the mechanism(s) whereby children are protected from postinjury MOF may provide insight into the development of strategies to prevent MOF in other age groups as well as various disease states.

The adrenal response after severe trauma.

BACKGROUND: The integrity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is a major determinant of the host response to stress. Relative adrenal insufficiency has been implicated in poor outcome from systemic inflammatory states; however, whether low endogenous glucocorticoid levels are adaptive or pathologic remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate the cortisol response and determine the incidence of occult adrenal insufficiency after severe trauma. METHODS: Over an 18-month period, 22 severely injured patients admitted to the surgical intensive care unit of our level 1 trauma center were prospectively identified and followed. Demographic and outcome data were tabulated. In addition, random serum cortisol levels were obtained on days 0, 5, and 10 after injury. Relative adrenal insufficiency was defined as a random serum cortisol level less than 18 microg/dL. RESULTS: Mean baseline cortisol levels were elevated (35 +/- 3 microg/dL) and significantly declined over the next 10 days (day 5: 24 +/- 2 microg/dL; and day 10: 22 +/- 2 microg/dL; P <0.01). Thirteen of 22 (60%) patients had random serum cortisol levels less than 18 microg/dL. Only 1 of the 2 patients who died had a serum cortisol level less than 18 microg/dL. The mean cortisol levels at baseline were higher in the 2 patients who died compared with those who survived but this was not statistically significant (43.4 +/- 8.8 microg/dL versus 35.0 +/- 3.6 microg/dL, P = 0.5). CONCLUSIONS: Serum cortisol levels increased immediately and gradually returned towards normal after severe trauma. Occult adrenal insufficiency was common (60%) in this small group of severely injured patients. This did not, however, affect mortality in these patients. Further study is needed to delineate the role of occult adrenal insufficiency after severe injury.

Lung-sparing techniques are associated with improved outcome compared with anatomic resection for severe lung injuries.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary tractotomy was introduced in 1994 as a novel concept for lung salvage after penetrating wounds. Recently, tractotomy has been suggested to increase morbidity and, thus, its practice has been challenged. The purpose of this study was to compare the morbidity and mortality associated with nonanatomic and anatomic lung resection in the management of severe pulmonary injuries. METHODS: Using our trauma registry, patients admitted to an urban Level I trauma center during an 11-year period with thoracic injuries requiring thoracotomy and pulmonary operation were identified. A chart review was performed with attention to patient demographics, operative treatment, and outcome. Pulmonary operations performed were classified as either nonanatomic (wedge resection and tractotomy) or anatomic resection (lobectomy and pneumonectomy). Statistical analysis was performed using Student's test, Fisher's exact test, and logistic regression as appropriate. RESULTS: There were 34 men and 2 women, with a mean age of 29 +/- 2 years. Mechanism of injury was predominantly penetrating, with 26 (72%) gunshot wounds and 8 (22%) stab wounds. Intraoperative blood loss and early red blood cell transfusion requirement were lower in patients undergoing nonanatomic resection (3.85 L vs. 11.90 L and 17.4 U vs. 27.9 U, respectively; p < 0.05). Mortality was 4% in the nonanatomic resection group versus 77% in the anatomic resection group. CONCLUSION: Nonanatomic resection is associated with an improved morbidity and mortality compared with anatomic resection in the management of severe lung injuries. Although not a randomized study, these findings encourage the continued application of lung-sparing procedures when feasible.

Increased rate of infection associated with transfusion of old blood after severe injury.

HYPOTHESIS: Blood components undergo changes during storage that may affect the recipient, including the release of bioactive agents, with significant immune consequences. We hypothesized that transfusion of old blood increases infection risk in severely injured patients. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Urban level I regional trauma center. PATIENTS: Sixty-one trauma patients with an Injury Severity Score greater than 15, age older than 15 years, and survival longer than 48 hours who were transfused with 6 to 20 U of red blood cells in the first 12 hours after injury were studied. By means of blood bank records, the age of each unit of blood was determined. INTERVENTION: Transfusion of allogeneic red blood cells. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Major infectious complications. RESULTS: The early (<12 hours) transfusion requirement was 12 +/- 0.6 U, with a mean age 27 +/- 1 days. Major infections developed in 32 patients (52%). Age and Injury Severity Score were not significantly different between patients who developed infections and those who did not (age, 39 +/- 4 vs 36 +/- 3 years; Injury Severity Score, 33 +/- 1.5 vs 29 +/- 1.5). Transfusion of older blood was associated with subsequent infection; patients who developed infections received 11.7 +/- 1.0 and 9.9 +/- 1.0 U of red blood cells older than 14 and 21 days, respectively, compared with 8.7 +/- 0.8 and 6.7 +/- 0.08 in patients who did not develop infections (both P<.05, t test). Multivariate analysis confirmed age of blood as an independent risk factor for major infections. CONCLUSIONS: Transfusion of old blood is associated with increased infection after major injury. Other options, such as leukocyte-depleted blood or blood substitutes, may be more appropriate in the early resuscitation of trauma patients requiring transfusion.

The Outreach Trauma Program: a model for survival of the academic trauma center.

BACKGROUND: In the current health care climate, trauma centers face particular economic challenges. Statewide trauma systems provide a network for referral of critically injured patients to academic Level I trauma centers, but favorable reimbursement in states such as Colorado results in intense competition for patients. We hypothesized that a comprehensive Outreach Trauma Program would facilitate our mission as a key resource facility in our trauma system, and would increase referrals of critically injured patients to our center from outside our metropolitan area. METHODS: The Colorado statewide trauma system was formalized in 1995; our Outreach program-including providing visiting trauma call, continuing medical education lectures, 24-hour/7-day immediate consultation and transfers, and public relations/marketing-was fully implemented in 1997. We audited our trauma registry from January 1994 to July 2001 to determine the impact on patient volume and acuity as well as academic productivity. RESULTS: Annual overall trauma admissions have remained stable. Since 1997, high-acuity patients (i.e., Injury Severity Score > 15, intensive care unit admissions, those requiring surgery) have increased 27% to 51%, attributable largely to an approximately 300% increase in high-acuity Outreach patients. In 2000, Outreach patients constituted 8% of our total trauma admissions, but 21% of intensive care unit trauma admissions; notably, they accounted for 25% of our center's trauma charges. Meanwhile, our group's academic productivity has not suffered; in fact, we had 57 publications in 2000, compared with an average of 35 per year from 1993 through 1997. CONCLUSION: The Outreach Trauma Program has proven clinically, academically, and financially rewarding. Our program may serve as a model whereby academic trauma centers, through a demonstrated commitment to serving the clinical and educational needs of their referral base, can satisfy their mission while ensuring their survival.