Association of trauma classifications to long-term outcome in blunt trauma patients.

PURPOSE: The impact of major trauma is long lasting. Although polytrauma patients are currently identified with the Berlin polytrauma criteria, data on long-term outcomes are not available. In this study, we evaluated the association of trauma classification with long-term outcome in blunt-trauma patients. METHODS: A trauma registry of a level I trauma centre was used for patient identification from 1.1.2006 to 31.12.2015. Patients were grouped as follows: (1) all severely injured trauma patients; (2) all severely injured polytrauma patients; 2a) severely injured patients with AIS ≥ 3 on two different body regions (Berlin-); 2b) severely injured patients with polytrauma and a physiological criterion (Berlin+); and (3) a non-polytrauma group. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to estimate differences in mortality between different groups. RESULTS: We identified 3359 trauma patients for this study. Non-polytrauma was the largest group (2380 [70.9%] patients). A total of 500 (14.9%) patients fulfilled the criteria for Berlin + definition, leaving 479 (14.3%) polytrauma patients in Berlin- group. Berlin + patients had the highest short-term mortality compared with other groups, although the difference in cumulative mortality gradually plateaued compared with the non-polytrauma patient group; at the end of the 10-year follow up, the non-polytrauma group had the greatest mortality due to the high number of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). CONCLUSION: Excess mortality of polytrauma patients by Berlin definition occurs in the early phase (30-day mortality) and late deaths are rare. TBI causes high early mortality followed by increased long-term mortality.

The Role of External Fixation in the Treatment of Distal Radius Fractures.

There are numerous internal fixation (IF) options available for distal radius fractures (DRFs). The choice of fixation method depends on factors such as fracture morphology, soft tissue integrity, the patient's clinical status, and the surgeon's training. While volar plate fixation has become the primary approach for addressing these fractures, alternative IF methods like K-wire fixation, fragment-specific fixation, and dorsal bridge plating continue to be effective. Despite the versatility of IF, there are certain clinical situations where prompt and conclusive management through open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is not suitable. These instances include the treatment of polytraumatized patients, individuals with compromised soft tissues, or those medically unstable to tolerate lengthy anesthesia. In such cases, proficiency in closed reduction and external fixation (EF) proves invaluable. Being able to identify these clinical scenarios and comprehend the efficacy and safety of EF in addressing DRFs is valuable for any surgeon handling such injuries.

Rehabilitation systems: trauma centers Asia-Pacific (Australia and Japan).

Rehabilitation systems in Australia and Japan represent a multidisciplinary team approach that have similarities and differences. Treatment is based on a goal-driven, holistic, patient-centered approach. This article provides an overview of the structure of the rehabilitation systems in Australia and Japan, including written guidelines, in-hospital programs, and postdischarge options.

Clinical diagnosis of fat embolism syndrome with septic shock following polytrauma: a case report.

Introduction and importance: Fat embolism syndrome (FES) arises from the systemic effects of fat emboli in microcirculation. While sepsis is characterized by pathological, physiological, and metabolic abnormalities caused by infection. Septic shock is identified by elevated blood lactate (>2 mmol/l) and the need for vasopressors to maintain a mean arterial pressure of 65 mmHg or higher in the absence of hypovolemia. Case presentation: This case report discusses the clinical course and treatment of a 50-year-old male involved in a road traffic accident resulting in polytrauma. The patient presented with multiple fractures, hemopneumothorax, lung contusions, and rib fractures. He was then stabilized following which fractures were reduced and managed operatively. Postoperatively, the patient developed FES with septic shock, manifested by altered consciousness, petechial rashes, and respiratory distress. He was managed with intubation, chest drainage, and a combination of antibiotics, anticoagulants, and vasoactive agents. A tracheostomy was performed due to respiratory insufficiency. Following 29 days in the SICU, the patient's condition was stabilized and shifted to the general ward for further management. He was discharged after 48 days, with a complete recovery and a 2-week follow-up. This case report depicts the challenges in the management of FES with septic shock following polytrauma. Conclusion: This case report is a comprehensive overview of FES complicated with septic shock. It highlights the importance of supportive care as the primary treatment modality, incorporating various medical interventions. The successful outcome and complete recovery of the patient underline the significance of prolonged monitoring, wound care, and physiotherapy.

A preliminary investigation of the utility of the Word Memory Test Immediate Recognition trial as a screener for noncredible performance.

The assessment of performance validity is an important consideration to the interpretation of neuropsychological data. However, commonly used performance validity tests such as the Test of Memory Malingering (TOMM) and Word Memory Test (WMT) have lengthy administration times (20-30 minutes). Alternatively, utilizing a screener of performance validity (e.g., the TOMM T1 or TOMMe10) has proven to be an effective method of assessing performance validity while conserving time. The present study investigates the use of the WMT Immediate Recognition (IR) Trial scores as a screening measure for performance validity using an archival mTBI polytrauma sample (n = 48). Results show that the WMT IR demonstrates a high degree of accuracy in predicting WMT Delayed Recognition (DR) Trial performance across a range of base rates suggesting that the WMT IR is a useful screening measure for noncredible performance. Clinical implications and selection of optimal cutoff are discussed.

Extremity fractures, attempted suicide, blood transfusion and thromboembolic events are independent risk factors for a prolonged hospital stay in severely injured elderly.

METHODS: Due to demographic change, the number of polytraumatized geriatric patients (> 64 years) is expected to further increase in the coming years. In addition to the particularities of the accident and the associated injury patterns, prolonged inpatient stays are regularly observed in this group. The aim of the evaluation is to identify further factors that cause prolonged inpatient stays. A study of the data from the TraumaRegister DGU® from 2016-2020 was performed. Inclusion criteria were an age of over 64 years, intensive care treatment in the GAS-region, and an Injury Severity Score (ISS) of at least 16 points. All patients who were above the 80th percentile for the average length of stay or average intensive care stay of the study population were defined as so-called long-stay patients. This resulted in a prolonged inpatient stay of > 25 days and an intensive care stay of > 13 days. Among other, the influence of the cause of the accident, injury patterns according to body regions, the occurrence of complications, and the influence of numerous clinical parameters were examined. RESULTS: A total of 23,026 patients with a mean age of 76.6 years and a mean ISS of 24 points were included. Mean ICU length of stay was 11 ± 12.9 days (regular length of stay: 3.9 ± 3.1d vs. prolonged length of stay: 12.8 ± 5.7d) and mean inpatient stay was 22.5 ± 18.9 days (regular length of stay: 20.7 ± 15d vs. 35.7 ± 22.3d). A total of n = 6,447 patients met the criteria for a prolonged length of stay. Among these, patients had one more diagnosis on average (4.6 vs. 5.8 diagnoses) and had a higher ISS (21.8 ± 6 pts. vs. 26.9 ± 9.5 pts.) Independent risk factors for prolonged length of stay were intubation duration greater than 6 days (30-fold increased risk), occurrence of sepsis (4x), attempted suicide (3x), presence of extremity injury (2.3x), occurrence of a thromboembolic event (2.7x), and administration of red blood cell concentrates in the resuscitation room (1.9x). CONCLUSIONS: The present analysis identified numerous independent risk factors for significantly prolonged hospitalization of the geriatric polytraumatized patient, which should be given increased attention during treatment. In particular, the need for a smooth transition to psychiatric follow-up treatment or patient-adapted rehabilitative care for geriatric patients with prolonged immobility after extremity injuries is emphasized by these results.

External Validation of Predictors of Mortality in Polytrauma Patients.

INTRODUCTION: The Parkland Trauma Index of Mortality (PTIM) is an integrated, machine learning 72-h mortality prediction model that automatically extracts and analyzes demographic, laboratory, and physiological data in polytrauma patients. We hypothesized that this validated model would perform equally as well at another level 1 trauma center. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed including ∼5000 adult level 1 trauma activation patients from January 2022 to September 2023. Demographics, physiologic and laboratory values were collected. First, a test set of models using PTIM clinical variables (CVs) was used as external validation, named PTIM+. Then, multiple novel mortality prediction models were developed considering all CVs designated as the Cincinnati Trauma Index of Mortality (CTIM). The statistical performance of the models was then compared. RESULTS: PTIM CVs were found to have similar predictive performance within the PTIM + external validation model. The highest correlating CVs used in CTIM overlapped considerably with those of the PTIM, and performance was comparable between models. Specifically, for prediction of mortality within 48 h (CTIM versus PTIM): positive prediction value was 35.6% versus 32.5%, negative prediction value was 99.6% versus 99.3%, sensitivity was 81.0% versus 82.5%, specificity was 97.3% versus 93.6%, and area under the curve was 0.98 versus 0.94. CONCLUSIONS: This external cohort study suggests that the variables initially identified via PTIM retain their predictive ability and are accessible in a different level 1 trauma center. This work shows that a trauma center may be able to operationalize an effective predictive model without undertaking a repeated time and resource intensive process of full variable selection.

French practice of emergency resuscitative thoracotomy. A study based on the Traumabase Registry.

AIM OF THE STUDY: Emergency resuscitative thoracotomy (ERT) has been described as a potentially life-saving procedure for trauma patients who have been admitted in refractory shock or with recent loss of sign of life (SOL). This nationwide registry analysis aimed to describe the French practice of ERT. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 2015 to 2021, all severe trauma patients who underwent ERT were extracted from the TraumaBase→ registry. Demographic data, prehospital management and in-hospital outcomes were recorded to evaluate predictors of success-to rescue after ERT at 24-hour and 28-day. RESULTS: Only 10/26 Trauma centers have an effective practice of ERT, three of them perform more than 1 ERT/year. Sixty-six patients (74% male, 49/66) with a median age of 37 y/o [26-51], mostly with blunt trauma (52%, 35/66) were managed with ERT. The median pre-hospital time was 64mins [45-89]. At admission, the median injury severity score was 35 [25-48], and 51% (16/30) of patients have lost SOL. ERT was associated with a massive transfusion protocol including 8 RBCs [6-13], 6 FFPs [4-10], and 0 PCs [0-1] in the first 6h. The overall success-to-rescue after ERT at 24-h and 28-d were 27% and 15%, respectively. In case of refractory shock after penetrating trauma, survival was 64% at 24-hours and 47% at 28-days. CONCLUSIONS: ERT integrated into the trauma protocol remains a life-saving procedure that appears to be underutilized in France, despite significant success-to-rescue observed by trained teams for selected patients.

Morel-Lavallee Lesion Associated With Rhabdomyolysis in Polytrauma.

We describe the case of a 30-year-old man who allegedly had a history of road traffic accidents. While walking on the road, he was hit by a truck. He presented with complaints of facial injuries and being unable to move his right lower limb. On examination, there is a 15x4 cm lacerated wound in the perineal area, with left testes exposed; anal tone could not be assessed; the right lower limb is externally rotated; and deformity is present with palpable peripheral pulses. He was diagnosed with a right sacral ala fracture, a distal one-third shaft of the right tibia fracture, and a right suprapubic rami fracture. Ultrasound of the right thigh showed hematoma and subcutaneous edema all around the gluteal and inguinal regions and fluid collection in the right inguinal region, which is suggestive of Morel-Lavallee lesion (MLL) type 6. On day two of admission, urine was dark in color, and creatinine kinase was elevated, which is suggestive of rhabdomyolysis. He was managed with hydration, electrolyte correction for rhabdomyolysis, and wound debridement for MLL apart from perineal injury, right sacral ala fracture, right suprapubic rami fracture, and distal one-third shaft of the right tibia fracture, with perineal repair and loop colostomy, pelvic binder, and external fixator, respectively. Early identification of the MLL associated with rhabdomyolysis in this polytrauma patient led to recovery and a successful outcome.

The Integral Role of Physiotherapy in Optimizing Movement and Function in a Case of Polytrauma: A Case Report.

Multiple fractures are frequently encountered in adults following road traffic accidents. A 32-year-old male presented with multiple fractures in his right lower extremity, including a femoral shaft fracture, distal third fractures of the tibia and fibula, as well as a calcaneal fracture. The patient provided a history indicative of a road traffic accident. X-rays were performed on both hip joints, both knee joints, and the ankle joints. Treatment involved open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with interlocking nailing for the femur, tibia, and fibula, alongside ORIF with plating using a screw-out set (SOS) and cannulated cancellous (CC) screw fixation for the calcaneal fracture. Additionally, the Ilizarov procedure was conducted following debridement over the right foot. Post-surgery, the patient experienced primary symptoms of hip joint pain and restricted hip joint movement. Physiotherapy was initiated to address these issues. Evaluation of outcome measures indicated a reduction in joint pain, significant enhancement in joint mobility, and an increase in muscle strength.

Differences in Eotaxin Serum Levels between Polytraumatized Patients with and without Concomitant Traumatic Brain Injury-A Matched Pair Analysis.

Background/Objectives: Early detection of traumatic brain injury (TBI) is crucial for minimizing secondary neurological damage. Our study aimed to assess the potential of IL-4, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, TNF, and eotaxin serum levels-as a single clinical tool or combined into a panel-for diagnosing TBI in multiple injured patients. Methods: Out of 110 prospectively enrolled polytrauma victims (median age, 39 years; median ISS, 33; 70.9% male) admitted to our level I trauma center over four years, we matched 41 individuals with concomitant TBI (TBI cohort) to 41 individuals without TBI (non-TBI cohort) based on age, gender, Injury Severity Score (ISS), and mortality. Patients' protein levels were measured upon admission (day 0) and on days 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10 during routine blood withdrawal using one separation gel tube each time. Results: The median serum levels of IL-4, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, and TNF exhibited non-similar time courses in the two cohorts and showed no significant differences on days 0, 1, 3, 5, and 7. However, the median eotaxin levels had similar trend lines in both cohorts, with consistently higher levels in the TBI cohort, reaching significance on days 0, 3, and 5. In both cohorts, the median eotaxin level significantly decreased from day 0 to day 1, then significantly increased until day 10. We also found a significant positive association between day 0 eotaxin serum levels and the presence of TBI, indicating that for every 20 pg/mL increase in eotaxin level, the odds of a prevalent TBI rose by 10.5%. ROC analysis provided a cutoff value of 154 pg/mL for the diagnostic test (sensitivity, 0.707; specificity, 0.683; AUC = 0.718). Conclusions: Our findings identified the brain as a significant source, solely of eotaxin release in humans who have suffered a TBI. Nevertheless, the eotaxin serum level assessed upon admission has limited diagnostic value. IL-4, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, and TNF do not indicate TBI in polytraumatized patients.

Early GFAP and UCH-L1 point-of-care biomarker measurements for the prediction of traumatic brain injury and progression in patients with polytrauma and hemorrhagic shock.

OBJECTIVE: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and hemorrhage are responsible for the largest proportion of all trauma-related deaths. In polytrauma patients at risk of hemorrhage and TBI, the diagnosis, prognosis, and management of TBI remain poorly characterized. The authors sought to characterize the predictive capabilities of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCH-L1) measurements in patients with hemorrhagic shock with and without concomitant TBI. METHODS: The authors performed a secondary analysis on serial blood samples derived from a prospective observational cohort study that focused on comparing early whole-blood and component resuscitation. A convenience sample of patients was used in which samples were collected at three time points and the presence of TBI or no TBI via CT imaging was documented. GFAP and UCH-L1 measurements were performed on plasma samples using the i-STAT Alinity point-of-care platform. Using classification tree recursive partitioning, the authors determined the measurement cut points for each biomarker to maximize the abilities for predicting the diagnosis of TBI, Rotterdam CT imaging scores, and 6-month Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (GOSE) scores. RESULTS: Biomarker comparisons demonstrated that GFAP and UCH-L1 measurements were associated with the presence of TBI at all time points. Classification tree analyses demonstrated that a GFAP level > 286 pg/ml for the sample taken upon the patient's arrival had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.77 for predicting the presence of TBI. The classification tree results demonstrated that a cut point of 3094 pg/ml for the arrival GFAP measurement was the most predictive for an elevated Rotterdam score on the initial and second CT scans and for TBI progression between scans. No significant associations between any of the most predictive cut points for UCH-L1 and Rotterdam CT scores or TBI progression were found. The predictive capabilities of UCH-L1 were limited by the range allowed by the point-of-care platform. Arrival GFAP cut points remained strong independent predictors after controlling for all potential polytrauma confounders, including injury characteristics, shock severity, and resuscitation. CONCLUSIONS: Early measurements of GFAP and UCH-L1 on a point-of-care device are significantly associated with CT-diagnosed TBI in patients with polytrauma and shock. Early elevated GFAP measurements are associated with worse head CT scan Rotterdam scores, TBI progression, and worse GOSE scores, and these associations are independent of other injury attributes, shock severity, and early resuscitation characteristics.

Gunshot injuries in Central Europe - Epidemiology and outcome in Germany, Switzerland and Austria - an analysis based on the TraumaRegister DGU®.

BACKGROUND: Firearms are of special interest in trauma research due to high lethality and criminal value. Strong correlation between guns per capita and fire-arm related deaths has been shown. Most of existing literature regarding gun-shot fatalities are from the U.S. and data for Central Europe is lacking. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the legal frameworks regarding gun-ownership in Germany (DE), Austria (A) and Switzerland (CH), and to retrospectively analyze data from the TraumaRegister DGU® regarding the epidemiology, injury severity, intention and outcome of gunshot-related deaths in these countries. METHODS: All patients from TR-DGU who sustained a gunshot injury in the time period from 1st January 2009 to 31st December 2019 were considered for analysis. Only cases admitted to level 1 or 2 trauma center in Germany, Switzerland, or Austria were included. Predicted mortality was calculated using the RISC-II. Further, the legal framework for firearm posession were explored. RESULTS: The legal frameworks do not differ significantly between the countries. However, only ex-military men from Switzerland are allowed to keep their automatic (military) weapon at home. We assessed 1312 gunshot fatalities (DE 1,099, A 111, CH 102) of which most were due to suspected suicide (A 72.1 %, CH 64.7 %, and DE 56.6 %, p = 0.003). Act of suspected violent crime or accidental gunshots were rare in all three countries. Amongst all gunshot fatalities, Austria showed the highest mean age (57.6 years), followed by DE (53.4 years) and CH (49.4 years; p < 0.01). Gunshot fatalities amongst all assessed countries due to suspected suicide showed a peak at the age of 60 years and above, whereas suspected violent crime delicts with gunshots were mainly seen in younger age groups. The highest mortality was found in suspected suicide cases, showing a mortality of 82.1 % (predicted 65.2 %) in Switzerland, 75.3 % (predicted 65.8 %) in Austria and 63.7 % (predicted 56.2 %) in Germany. CONCLUSION: Gunshot wounds are still rare in central Europe, but gunshot-related suicide rates are high. Gun ownership laws may have an impact on gunshot wounds due to suspected suicide. Injury patterns differ compared to countries where a high incidence of gun ownership is seen.

Predictive parameters for early detection of clinically relevant abdominal trauma in multiple-injury or polytraumatised patients: a retrospective analysis.

Diagnosis of relevant organ injury after blunt abdominal injury (AI) in multiple-injury/polytraumatised patients is challenging. AI can be distinguished between injuries of parenchymatous organs (POI) of the upper abdomen (liver, spleen) and bowel and mesenteric injuries (BMI). Still, such injuries may be associated with delays in diagnosis and treatment. The present study aimed to verify laboratory parameters, imaging diagnostics, physical examination and related injuries to predict intraabdominal injuries. This retrospective, single-centre study includes data from multiple-injury/polytraumatised patients between 2005 and 2017. Two main groups were defined with relevant abdominal injury (AI+) and without abdominal injury (AI-). The AI+ group was divided into three subgroups: BMI+, BMI+/POI+, and POI+. Groups were compared in a univariate analysis for significant differences. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine predictors for AI+, BMI+ and POI+. 26.3% (271 of 1032) of the included patients had an abdominal injury. Subgroups were composed of 4.7% (49 of 1032) BMI+, 4.7% (48 of 1032) BMI+/POI+ and 16.8% (174 of 1032) POI+. Pathological abdominal signs had a sensitivity of 48.7% and a specificity of 92.4% for AI+. Transaminases were significantly higher in cases of AI+. Pathological computed tomography (CT) (free fluid, parenchymal damage, Bowel Injury Prediction Score (BIPS), CT Grade > 4) was summarised and had a sensitivity of 94.8%, a specificity of 98%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 94.5% and, negative predictive value (NPV) of 98.2% for AI+. The detected predictors for AI+ were pathological abdominal findings (odds ratio (OR) 3.93), pathological multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) (OR 668.9), alanine (ALAT) ≥ 1.23 µmol/ls (OR 2.35) and associated long bone fractures (OR 3.82). Pathological abdominal signs, pathological MSCT and lactate (LAC) levels ≥ 1.94 mmol/l could be calculated as significant risk factors for BMI+. For POI+ pathological abdominal MSCT, ASAT ≥ 1.73 µmol/ls and concomitant thoracic injuries had significant relevance. The study presents reliable risk factors for abdominal injury and its sub-entities. The predictors can be explained by the anatomy of the trunk and existing studies. Elevated transaminases predicted abdominal injury (AI+) and, specifically, the POI+. The pathological MSCT was the most reliable predictive parameter. However, it was essential to include further relevant parameters.

[A retrospective identification of severely injured patients using ICD 10 diagnoses codes : Part of the project "Quality of life and ability to work after severe trauma" (LeAf Trauma)]. / Eine retrospektive Identifikation von Schwerverletzten mittels ICD-10-Diagnosen : Teil des Projekts "Lebensqualität und Arbeitsfähigkeit nach schwerem Trauma" (LeAf Trauma).

BACKGROUND: Due to continuous improvements in treatment, more and more severely and seriously injured patients are surviving. The complexity of the injury patterns of these patients means that they are difficult to map in routine data. AIM OF THE WORK: The aim of the data exploration was to identify ICD 10 diagnoses that show an association with an injury severity score (ISS) ≥ 16 and could therefore be used to operationalize severely injured patients in routine data. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The coded four-digit ICD 10 S diagnoses and the calculated ISS of trauma patients from the Armed Forces Central Hospital Koblenz (BwZKrhs) and the University Hospital Düsseldorf (UKD) were analyzed using statistical association measures (phi and Cramer's V), linear regressions and machine learning methods (e.g., random forest). RESULTS: The S diagnoses of facial, head, thoracic and pelvic injuries, associated with an ISS ≥ 16 were identified. Some S diagnoses showed an association with an ISS ≥ 16 in only 1 of the 2 datasets. Likewise, facial, head, thoracic and pelvic injuries were found in the subgroup of 18-55-year-old patients. DISCUSSION: The current evaluations show that it is possible to identify ICD 10 S diagnoses that have a significant association with an ISS ≥ 16. According to the annual report of the trauma register of the German Society for Trauma Surgery (TR-DGU®), injuries with an abbreviated injury scale (AIS) ≥ 3 are particularly common in the head and thoracic regions.

The role of big data management, data registries, and machine learning algorithms for optimizing safe definitive surgery in trauma: a review.

Digital data processing has revolutionized medical documentation and enabled the aggregation of patient data across hospitals. Initiatives such as those from the AO Foundation about fracture treatment (AO Sammelstudie, 1986), the Major Trauma Outcome Study (MTOS) about survival, and the Trauma Audit and Research Network (TARN) pioneered multi-hospital data collection. Large trauma registries, like the German Trauma Registry (TR-DGU) helped improve evidence levels but were still constrained by predefined data sets and limited physiological parameters. The improvement in the understanding of pathophysiological reactions substantiated that decision making about fracture care led to development of patient's tailored dynamic approaches like the Safe Definitive Surgery algorithm. In the future, artificial intelligence (AI) may provide further steps by potentially transforming fracture recognition and/or outcome prediction. The evolution towards flexible decision making and AI-driven innovations may be of further help. The current manuscript summarizes the development of big data from local databases and subsequent trauma registries to AI-based algorithms, such as Parkland Trauma Mortality Index and the IBM Watson Pathway Explorer.

Elevated extracellular particle concentration in plasma predicts in-hospital mortality after severe trauma.

Background: Extracellular particles (EPs), particularly extracellular vesicles, play a crucial role in regulating various pathological mechanisms, including immune dysregulations post-trauma. Their distinctive expression of cell-specific markers and regulatory cargo such as cytokines or micro-ribonucleic acid suggests their potential as early biomarkers for organ-specific damage and for identifying patients at risk for complications and mortality. Given the critical need for reliable and easily assessable makers to identify at-risk patients and guide therapeutic decisions, we evaluated the early diagnostic value of circulating EPs regarding outcomes in severely injured multiple-trauma patients. Methods: Plasma samples were collected from 133 severely injured trauma patients (Injury Severity Score (ISS) ≥16) immediately upon arrival at the emergency department (ED). Patients were categorized into survivors and non-survivors. Injury characteristics and outcomes related to sepsis, pneumonia, or early (<1 day after admission) and late mortality were assessed. Circulating EPs, cytokine profiles, and blood counts of platelets and leukocytes were determined. Receiver operating characteristic analyses were conducted. Results: Despite no significant differences in injury pattern or severity, non-survivors exhibited significantly elevated counts of circulating EPs compared to survivors. The optimal cut-off for EPs <200 nm indicating non-survivors was 17380/µl plasma, with a sensitivity of 77% and a specificity of 61% in predicting in-hospital mortality. Later non-survivors received significantly higher numbers of units of packed red blood cells [8.54 ± 5.45 vs. 1.29 ± 0.36 units], had higher serum lactate [38.00 ± 7.51 vs. 26.98 ± 1.58 mg/dL], significantly lower platelet counts [181.30 ± 18.06 vs. 213.60 ± 5.85 *10³/µL] and lower heart rates [74.50 ± 4.93 vs. 90.18 ± 2.06 beats/minute] upon arrival at the ED compared to survivors. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate the high diagnostic potential of elevated concentrations of circulating EPs <200 nm for identifying patients at risk of mortality after severe trauma. This parameter shows comparable sensitivity to established clinical predictors. Early evaluation of EPs concentration could complement assessment markers in guiding early therapeutic decisions.

Military Traumatic Brain Injury.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the military can involve distinct injury mechanisms, diagnostic challenges, treatments, and course of recovery. TBI has played a prominent role in recent conflicts, causing significant morbidity and mortality. Blast-related TBI in combat settings is often accompanied by other physical injuries. Military TBIs of all severities can lead to prolonged recoveries and persistent sequelae. The complex interplay between TBI, pain, and mental health conditions can significantly complicate diagnosis and recovery. Military and veteran health settings and programs provide comprehensive care along the continuum of TBI recovery rehabilitation with the goal of optimizing recovery and function.

[Polytrauma and Acute Kidney Injury: A Multidisciplinary Approach].

The development of acute kidney injury (AKI) in polytrauma patients is a common and serious complication, with an incidence ranging from 6% to 50%. Polytrauma is a complex pathological condition that involves the collaboration of various specialists. On one hand, hemodynamic stabilization through fluid therapy and aminic support, with specific attack protocols, managed by anesthetists. On the other hand, if necessary, the initiation of renal replacement therapy such as Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT), managed by nephrologists. CRRT is chosen both for managing fluid balance and ensuring the removal of toxic substances, as well as for proper control of electrolytes and acid-base balance.