Implementation of the 300-mL Rule for the Management of Traumatic Hemothorax.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic hemothorax (HTX) is often managed with tube thoracostomy (TT); however, TT carries a high complication rate. In 2017, a guideline was implemented at our Level I trauma center to observe traumatic HTX ≤300mL in hemodynamically stable patients. We hypothesized that this guideline would decrease TT placement without increasing observation failure rates. METHODS: This was a single-center retrospective review of all adult patients admitted with a HTX on computed tomography (CT) before (2015-2016) and after (2018-2019) the guideline implementation. Exclusion criteria were TT placement prior to CT scan, absence of CT scan, death within 5 days of admission, and a concurrent pneumothorax (PTX) >20mm. HTX volume was calculated using CT scan images and Mergo's formula: V=d 2xL (V: volume; d: depth; L: length). The primary outcome was observation failure, defined as the need for TT, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, thoracotomy after repeat imaging or worsening of symptoms and pulmonary morbidity. RESULTS: A total of 357 patients met inclusion criteria, of whom 210 were admitted after guideline implementation. There were no significant differences in baseline demographics, comorbidities, or injury characteristics across both cohorts. The post-implementation cohort had a significant increase in observation rate (75% vs 59%) and a decrease in TT placement (42% vs 57%). Moreover, the post-implementation group had a statistically significant shorter hospital (6 vs 8 days) and ICU (2 vs 3 days) LOS. No significant differences in observation failure, pulmonary complications, 30-day readmission, or 30-day mortality were observed across both cohorts. CONCLUSION: The implementation of the 300mL guideline led to a decrease in TT placement without increasing observation failure or complication rates. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, Therapeutic/Care Management.

Thoracic irrigation for prevention of secondary intervention after thoracostomy tube drainage for hemothorax: A Western Trauma Association multi-center study.

BACKGROUND: Retained hemothorax (rHTX) requiring intervention occurs in up to 20% of patients who undergo chest tube (TT) placement for a hemothorax (HTX). Thoracic irrigation at the time of TT placement decreases the need for secondary intervention in this patient group but those findings are limited because of the single center design. A multi-center study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of thoracic irrigation. METHODS: A multi-center, prospective, observational study was conducted between June 2018 and July 2023. Eleven sites contributed patients. Patients were included if they had a TT placed for a HTX and were excluded if: age < 18 years, TT for pneumothorax, thoracotomy or VATS performed within 6 hours of TT, TT >24 hours after injury, TT removed <24 hours, or death within 48 hours. Thoracic irrigation was performed at the discretion of the attending. Each hemithorax was considered separately if bilateral HTX. The primary outcome was secondary intervention for HTX-related complications (rHTX, effusion, or empyema). Secondary intervention was defined as: TT placement, instillation of thrombolytics, VATS, or thoracotomy. Irrigated and non-irrigated hemithoraces were compared using a propensity weighted analysis with age, sex, mechanism of injury, Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) chest and TT size as predictors. RESULTS: 493 patients with 462 treated hemothoraces were included, 123 (25%) had thoracic irrigation at TT placement. There were no significant demographic differences between the cohorts. Fifty-seven secondary interventions were performed, 10 (8%) and 47 (13%) in the irrigated and non-irrigated groups, respectively (p = 0.015). Propensity weighted analysis demonstrated a reduction in secondary interventions in the irrigated cohort (Odds Ratio 0.56 (0.34-0.85); p = 0.005). CONCLUSION: This Western Trauma Association multi-center study demonstrates a benefit of thoracic irrigation at the time of TT placement for a HTX. Thoracic irrigation reduces the odds of a secondary intervention for rHTX-related complications by 44%. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Study, Level II.

A Collaborative Multidisciplinary Trauma Program Improvement Team Improves VTE Chemoprophylaxis Guideline Compliance In Non-Operative Stable TBI.

BACKGROUND: Delays in initiating venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis in patients suffering from traumatic brain injury (TBI) persist despite guidelines recommending early initiation. We hypothesized that the expansion of a Trauma Program Performance Improvement (PI) team will improve compliance of early (24-48 hour) initiation of VTE prophylaxis and will decrease VTE events in TBI patients. METHODS: We performed a single-center retrospective review of all TBI patients admitted to a Level I trauma center before (2015-2016,) and after (2019-2020,) the expansion of the Trauma Performance Improvement and Patient Safety (PIPS) team and the creation of trauma process and outcome dashboards. Exclusion criteria included discharge or death within 48 hours of admission, expanding intracranial hemorrhage on CT scan, and a neurosurgical intervention (craniotomy, pressure monitor, or drains) prior to chemoprophylaxis initiation. RESULTS: A total of 1,112 patients met the inclusion criteria, of which 54% (n = 604) were admitted after Trauma PIPS expansion. Following the addition of a dedicated PIPS nurse in the trauma program and creation of process dashboards, the time from stable CT to VTE prophylaxis initiation decreased (52 hours to 35 hours; p < 0.001) and more patients received chemoprophylaxis at 24-48 hours (59% from 36%, p < 0.001) after stable head CT. There was no significant difference in time from first head CT to stable CT (9 vs 9 hours; p = 0.15). The Contemporary group had a lower rate of VTE events (1% vs 4%; p < 0.001) with no increase in bleeding events (2% vs 2%; p = 0.97). On multivariable analysis, being in the Early cohort was an independent predictor of VTE events (aOR: 3.74; 95%CI: 1.45-6.16). CONCLUSION: A collaborative multidisciplinary Trauma PIPS team improves guideline compliance. Initiation of VTE chemoprophylaxis within 24-48 hours of stable head CT is safe and effective. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, Therapeutic/Care Management.

Physiologic parameters and radiologic findings can predict pulmonary complications and guide management in traumatic rib fractures.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic rib fracture is associated with a high morbidity rate and identifying patients at risk of developing pulmonary complications (PC) can guide management and potentially decrease unnecessary intensive care admissions. Therefore, we sought to assess and compare the utility of a physiologic parameter, vital capacity (VC), with the admission radiologic findings (RibScore) in predicting PC in patients with rib fractures. METHODS: This is a single-center retrospective review (2015-2018) of all adult (≥18 years) patients admitted to a Level I trauma center with traumatic rib fracture. Exclusion criteria included no CT scan and absence of VC within 48 h of admission. The cohort was stratified into two groups based on presence or absence of PC (pneumonia, unplanned intubation, unplanned transfer to the intensive care unit for a respiratory concern, or the need for a tracheostomy). Multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to identify predictors of PC. RESULTS: A total of 654 patients met the inclusion criteria of whom 70 % were males. The median age was 51 years and fall (48 %) was the most common type of injury. A total of 36 patients (5.5 %) developed a pulmonary complication. These patients were more likely to be older, had a higher ISS, and were more likely to require a tube thoracostomy placement. On multivariable logistic regression, first VC ≤30 % (AOR: 4.29), day 1 VC ≤30 % (AOR: 3.61), day 2 VC ≤30 % (AOR: 5.54), Δ(Day2-Day1 VC) (AOR: 0.96), and RibScore ≥2 (AOR: 3.19) were significantly associated with PC. On discrimination analysis, day 2 VC had the highest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AuROC), 0.81, and was superior to first VC and day 1 VC in predicting PC. There was no statistically significant difference in predicting PC between day 2 VC and RibScore. On multivariable analysis, first VC ≤30 %, day 1 VC ≤30 %, day 2 VC ≤30 %, and admission RibScore ≥2 were associated with prolonged hospital and ICU LOS. CONCLUSION: VC and RibScore emerged as independent predictors of PC. However, VC was not found to be superior to RibScore in predicting PC. Further prospective research is warranted to validate the findings of this study.

Thoracic Cavity Irrigation Prevents Retained Hemothorax and Decreases Surgical Intervention in Trauma Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Retained hemothorax (HTX) is a common complication following thoracic trauma. Small studies demonstrate the benefit of thoracic cavity irrigation at the time of tube thoracostomy for the prevention of retained HTX. We sought to assess the effectiveness of chest irrigation in preventing retained HTX leading to a secondary surgical intervention. METHODS: We performed a single-center retrospective study from 2017-2021 at a Level I trauma center comparing bedside thoracic cavity irrigation via tube thoracostomy (TT) versus no irrigation. Using the trauma registry, patients with traumatic HTX were identified. Exclusion criteria were TT placement at an outside hospital, no TT within 24 hours of admission, thoracotomy or video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) prior to or within 6 hours after TT placement, VATS as part of rib fixation or diaphragmatic repair, and death within 96 hours of admission. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were conducted. RESULTS: A total of 370 patients met the inclusion criteria, of whom 225 (61%) were irrigated. Patients who were irrigated were more likely to suffer a penetrating injury (41% vs 30%, p = 0.03) and less likely to have a flail chest (10% vs 21%, p = 0.01) (Table 1). On bivariate analysis, irrigation was associated with lower rates of VATS (6% vs 19%, p < 0.001) and retained HTX (10% vs 21%, p < 0.001) (Figure 1). The irrigated cohort had a shorter TT duration (4 vs 6 days, p < 0.001) and hospital length of stay (LOS) (7 vs 9 days, p = 0.04). On multivariable analysis, thoracic cavity irrigation had lower odds of VATS (aOR: 0.37, 95%CI: 0.30-0.54), retained HTX (aOR: 0.42, 95%CI: 0.25-0.74), and a shorter TT duration (ß: -1.58, 95%CI: -2.52, -0.75). CONCLUSION: Our 5-year experience with thoracic irrigation confirms findings from smaller studies that irrigation prevents retained HTX and decreases the need for surgical intervention. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, Therapeutic/Care Management.

Early venous thromboembolism chemoprophylaxis in traumatic brain injury requiring neurosurgical intervention: Safe and effective.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic brain injury patients who require neurosurgical intervention are at the highest risk of worsening intracranial hemorrhage. This subgroup of patients has frequently been excluded from prior research regarding the timing of venous thromboembolism chemoprophylaxis. This study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of early venous thromboembolism chemoprophylaxis in patients with traumatic brain injuries requiring neurosurgical interventions. METHODS: This is a single-center retrospective review (2016-2020) of traumatic brain injury patients requiring neurosurgical intervention admitted to a level I trauma center. Interventions included intracranial pressure monitoring, subdural drain, external ventricular drain, craniotomy, and craniectomy. Exclusion criteria included neurosurgical intervention after chemoprophylaxis initiation, death within 5 days of admission, and absence of chemoprophylaxis. The total population was stratified into Early (≤72 hours of intervention) versus Late (>72 hours after intervention) chemoprophylaxis initiation. RESULTS: A total of 351 patients met the inclusion criteria, of whom 204 (58%) had early chemoprophylaxis initiation. Overall, there were no significant differences in baseline and admission characteristics between cohorts. The Early chemoprophylaxis cohort had a statistically significant lower venous thromboembolism rate (5% vs 13%, P < .001) with no increased risk of worsening intracranial hemorrhage (10% vs 13%, P = .44) or neurosurgical reintervention (8% vs 10%, P = .7). On subgroup analysis, a total of 169 patients required either a craniotomy or a craniectomy before chemoprophylaxis. The Early chemoprophylaxis cohort had statistically significant lower venous thromboembolism rates (2% vs 11%, P < .001) with no increase in intracranial hemorrhage (8% vs 11%, P = .6) or repeat neurosurgical intervention (8% vs 10%, P = .77). CONCLUSION: Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis initiation within 72 hours of neurosurgical intervention is safe and effective. Further prospective research is warranted to validate the results of this study.

Evaluation of an Association Between Enoxaparin Dose per Estimated Blood Volume and Clinically Relevant Bleeding in Low-Weight Trauma Patients.

BACKGROUND: The optimal dosing for enoxaparin venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis in low-weight trauma patients is unknown. Estimated blood volume (EBV) has shown promise as a dose modifier. OBJECTIVE: To characterize the association of enoxaparin dose per EBV with the prevalence of VTE and bleeding in low-weight trauma patients. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of trauma patients admitted over a 4-year period. Included patients were adults weighing <60 kg who received a minimum of 3 consecutive doses of enoxaparin. The primary endpoint was a comparison of enoxaparin dose per EBV in patients experiencing bleeding and VTE. Secondary endpoints included comparisons of dose per body mass index (BMI) and total body weight (TBW) and the ability of dose per EBV to predict clinical endpoints. Subgroup analyses for patients weighing <50 kg were performed for all endpoints. RESULTS: A total of 189 patients were included. Statistical comparisons for VTE were not performed because of low prevalence. The dose of enoxaparin per EBV was not statistically different between patients who did and did not bleed in all analyses. Doses per BMI and TBW were also not statistically different between the groups. In patients weighing <50 kg, numerically higher doses per EBV, BMI, and TBW were noted in patients that bled versus those that did not. Enoxaparin dose per EBV was not a statistically significant predictor of bleeding in logistic regression models. CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: No significant associations between enoxaparin dose per EBV, BMI, or TBW and bleeding were noted in the study. Future analyses of EBV and other dose modifiers should consider inclusion of patients weighing <50 kg.

Multicenter study evaluating target attainment of anti-Factor Xa levels using various enoxaparin prophylactic dosing practices in adult trauma patients.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Enoxaparin is standard of care for venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis in adult trauma patients, but fixed-dose protocols are suboptimal. Dosing based on body mass index (BMI) or total body weight (TBW) improves target prophylactic anti-Xa level attainment and reduces VTE rates. A novel strategy using estimated blood volume (EBV) may be more effective based on results of a single-center study. This study compared BMI-, TBW-, EBV-based, and hybrid enoxaparin dosing strategies at achieving target prophylactic anti-Factor Xa (anti-Xa) levels in trauma patients. DESIGN: Multicenter, retrospective review. DATA SOURCE: Electronic health records from participating institutions. PATIENTS: Adult trauma patients who received enoxaparin twice daily for VTE prophylaxis and had at least one appropriately timed anti-Xa level (collected 3 to 6 hours after the previous dose after three consecutive doses) from January 2017 through December 2020. Patients were excluded if the hospital-specific dosing protocol was not followed or if they had thermal burns with > 20% body surface area involvement. INTERVENTION: Dosing strategy used to determine initial prophylactic dose of enoxaparin. MEASUREMENTS: The primary end point was percentage of patients with peak anti-Xa levels within the target prophylactic range (0.2-0.4 units/mL). MAIN RESULTS: Nine hospitals enrolled 742 unique patients. The most common dosing strategy was based on BMI (43.0%), followed by EBV (29.0%). Patients dosed using EBV had the highest percentage of target anti-Xa levels (72.1%). Multiple logistic regression demonstrated EBV-based dosing was significantly more likely to yield anti-Xa levels at or above target compared to BMI-based dosing (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 3.59, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.29-5.62, p < 0.001). EBV-based dosing was also more likely than hybrid dosing to yield an anti-Xa level at or above target (aOR 2.30, 95% CI 1.33-3.98, p = 0.003). Other pairwise comparisons between dosing strategy groups were nonsignificant. CONCLUSIONS: An EBV-based dosing strategy was associated with higher odds of achieving anti-Xa level within target range for enoxaparin VTE prophylaxis compared to BMI-based dosing and may be a preferred method for VTE prophylaxis in adult trauma patients.

Evaluation of a novel blood volume-based enoxaparin dosing guideline for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in trauma patients.

PURPOSE: Fixed-dose and body mass index (BMI)-based enoxaparin regimens provide inadequate venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis for many trauma patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a novel blood volume (BV)-based enoxaparin guideline vs a historical BMI-based guideline for VTE prophylaxis in trauma patients. METHODS: This was a retrospective pre/post study completed at a large academic level 1 trauma center. All adult trauma patients admitted from October through December 2019 and August through October 2020 who received prophylactic enoxaparin per guideline were included. The BV dosing was as follows: patients with a BV of 3 to 4.9 L received enoxaparin 30 mg every 12 hours, those with a BV of 5 to 6.9 L received 40 mg every 12 hours, and those with a BV of ≥7 L received 60 mg every 12 hours. The primary outcome was the percentage of patients who attained a target anti-factor Xa (anti-Xa) postdosing level at the first steady-state assessment (0.2 to 0.5 IU/mL). RESULTS: A total of 241 patients (99 for the BMI group and 142 for the BV group) were included. The study groups had a median age of 38 vs 42 years, a mean BMI of 27.4 vs 27.7 kg/m2, and a mean BV of 5.1 vs 5.1 L, respectively. A total of 63 patients (62.6%) in the BMI group attained target anti-Xa levels compared to 115 patients (81%) in the BV group (P = 0.008). In multivariate regression, the BV-based guideline was the only variable associated with attainment of target anti-Xa levels (adjusted odds ratio, 2.02; P = 0.01). Clinically relevant bleeding and VTE rates were similar between the groups. CONCLUSION: Dosing prophylactic enoxaparin using a BV-based dosing guideline significantly increased attainment of target anti-Xa levels.

Trauma-related electrolyte disturbances: From resuscitation to rhabdomyolysis.

Traumatic injury results in drastic changes to a patient's normal physiology. The hormonal stress response, as well as some treatment strategies, lead to significant disruptions in electrolyte homeostasis that are important for clinicians to understand. In addition, advances in fluid resuscitation and modern transfusion practices have led to their own unique set of consequences, which we are just beginning to appreciate. Special attention is placed on rhabdomyolysis, as this distinct entity represents an extreme example of injury induced electrolyte derangements. This review describes the physiologic response to trauma and highlights some of the important electrolyte abnormalities that can be encountered while caring for the injured patient.

Evaluation of anti-factor Xa concentrations using a body mass index-based enoxaparin dosing protocol for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in trauma patients.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a body mass index (BMI)-based enoxaparin prophylaxis dosing protocol at achieving target anti-factor Xa (anti-Xa) concentrations in the trauma population. METHODS: This retrospective chart review evaluated anti-Xa concentrations in adult trauma patients who received prophylactic enoxaparin over a three-month period. The primary outcome was the percentage of patients that achieved target anti-Xa concentrations after ≥3 doses of enoxaparin. Secondary outcomes included correlations of anti-Xa concentrations with enoxaparin dose per BMI, total body weight (TBW), and estimated blood volume (EBV). The prevalence of clinically relevant bleeding and venous thromboembolism was also recorded. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify associated variables for target anti-Xa concentration attainment. RESULTS: Ninety-nine consecutive patients were included in the study. Included patients were predominately male (69.7%) and Black (50.5%) with a mean age of 44.1 years. Target anti-Xa concentrations were achieved in 62.6% of patients. Anti-Xa concentrations were moderately correlated with enoxaparin dose per EBV (ρ = 0.57), followed by dose per TBW (ρ = 0.46), and dose per BMI (ρ = 0.20). Multivariable logistic regression demonstrated that categorization of enoxaparin dose per EBV and per TBW were the only statistically significant predictors of reaching target anti-Xa concentrations (p = <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In adult trauma patients, the rate of achieving target anti-Xa concentrations remains suboptimal and provides room for further improvement. Enoxaparin dose per EBV was more closely correlated with anti-Xa concentrations when compared to TBW and BMI. Dosing per EBV and TBW was the only variables associated with reaching target anti-Xa concentrations within the study. Further investigation is warranted to elucidate optimal EBV- and TBW-based dosing regimens.

Neither Skin Sutures nor Foam Dressing Use Affect Tracheostomy Complication Rates.

BACKGROUND: Tracheostomy is commonly used for managing the airway of trauma patients. Complications are common and result in increased length of stays and treatment cost. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether the utilization of skin sutures or foam barrier dressings affect tracheostomy complication rates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a single-center retrospective review of patients who underwent a tracheostomy by the trauma service between January 2014 and December 2017. Collected variables included demographics, patient history, treatment variables, complications, and outcomes. Univariate and multivariate analyses were constructed to identify significant predictors for the development of complications. RESULTS: A total of 268 patients were included. The median age was 43.5 y, 221 (82.5%) patients were men, and the median BMI was 28 (IQR 24.6, 32.2). Most (87.3%) of the procedures were performed in the operating room and 82.5% were open. Skin sutures were used in 46.3% and 53.4% had a foam barrier dressing placed. Current smoking [OR 8.1 (95% CI 1.5, 43.6)] and BMI [OR 1.1 (95% CI 1.03, 1.2)] significantly increased the risk of developing pressure necrosis. Use of sutures or foam dressings was not associated with pressure necrosis, bleeding, or surgical site infection. There were no unexpected tracheostomy decannulations regardless of the use of skin sutures. CONCLUSIONS: Suturing the tracheostomy or applying a foam barrier dressing was not associated with overall complications or decannulation rates. Based on our data, we suggest that skin sutures may be safely abandoned.

Back so soon? Characterizing emergency department use after trauma.

BACKGROUND: Trauma readmissions have been well studied but little data exists regarding Emergency Department (ED) utilization following an injury. This study was performed to determine the factors associated with a return to the ED after trauma. METHODS: A retrospective review of all adult trauma patients evaluated between January and December of 2014 was performed. Demographics, follow-up plan, and characteristics of ED visits within 30 days of discharge were recorded. Predictive factors of ED utilization were identified using univariate analysis and multi-logistic regression. RESULTS: Fourteen percent of 1836 consecutive patients returned to the ED within 30 days of initial trauma. On multi-logistic regression, penetrating trauma (OR 2.15 p = 0.001), and scheduled follow-up (OR 1.81 p = 0.046) remained significant predictors. CONCLUSIONS: Penetrating trauma victims are at increased risk of returning to the ED, most often because of wound or pain issues. Recognizing these factors allows for targeted interventions to decrease ED resource utilization.

Antibiotic Duration and Outcome Complications for Surgical Site Infection Prevention in Traumatic Mandible Fracture.

BACKGROUND: The appropriate duration of antibiotic therapy for surgical site infection (SSI) prevention in traumatic mandibular fracture repair is unknown, and practices vary significantly. The objective of this study was to characterize antibiotic duration and outcomes after surgical repair of traumatic mandibular fracture. METHODS: A single-center, retrospective analysis of all adult patients who underwent surgical fixation of a mandible fracture between January 2014 and December 2016 was performed. Operative service was categorized between otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat surgery), plastic and reconstructive surgery, and oral and maxillofacial services. Primary outcomes were SSI and operative complications (including osteomyelitis, nonunion, malocclusion, and hardware infections). Differences in antibiotic prescription pattern were analyzed using analysis of variance test and Pearson chi-squared test. RESULTS: A total of 75 patients were included in the study with 33 (44.0%), 26 (34.7%), and 16 (21.3%) managed by plastic and reconstructive surgery, ear, nose, and throat surgery, and oral and maxillofacial services, respectively. Median age was 30.0 y. Median injury severity score was 4.0. There was no significant difference in hospital length of stay (P = 0.44), intensive care unit length of stay (P = 0.53), or postoperative complications (P = 0.15). None of our patients developed an SSI or postantibiotics complications. Although the total inpatient duration of antibiotics was not significantly different among services (P = 0.37), there were significant differences in outpatient duration of antibiotics (P = 0.007) and total duration of antibiotics (P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Duration of antibiotics is not associated with postoperative SSI or antibiotics-related complications. The wide variation in prescribing practices and lack of any clear benefit for prolonged antibiotics provides an opportunity to explore the benefits of a standardized short course of antibiotics. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic study, III.

A Call to Follow-Up: Results Regarding Trauma Clinic Follow-Up Patterns.

The objective of this study was to assess the current practice pattern regarding posthospitalization follow-up of trauma patients among the members of the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma (EAST). An anonymous online multiple-choice survey of EAST members in 2016 was conducted. Ten questions relating to the follow-up care of injured patients were presented to the Active, Senior, and Associate members of EAST. Data were screened for quantitative concerns prior to analysis. Of the 1,610 members surveyed, 289 responded (18%). Approximately 52% of respondents stated that their institution has a dedicated trauma follow-up clinic where most injured patients are seen after discharge. Less than 20% reported that nontrauma multidisciplinary providers are present in clinics. Most (89.5%) reported that follow-up is a single visit, unless a patient has long-standing issues. Only 3 respondents stated that patients are regularly seen 3+ months out from injury, and a significant minority (17.7%) acknowledged no set follow-up timeline. Only 3.6% of participants indicated that they have a psychologist embedded in the trauma team, and 11.5% reported that no system is currently in place to manage mental health. Despite more than 20 years of literature highlighting the long-term physical and mental health sequelae after trauma, these survey results demonstrate that there is a lack of standardized and multidisciplinary follow-up. Given the improvement in outcomes with the identification and treatment of these sequelae, greater attention should be paid to functional recovery, social and psychological well-being, and chronic pain.

Ketamine infusion for pain control in elderly patients with multiple rib fractures: Results of a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Rib fractures are associated with increased mortality, particularly in the elderly. While opiate-based pain regimens remain the cornerstone of rib fracture management, issues related to opioids have driven research into alternative analgesics. Adjunctive ketamine use in lieu of opioids continues to increase but little evidence exists to support its efficacy or safety within the elderly trauma population. METHODS: A prospective, randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial of elderly patients (age, ≥65 years) with three or more rib fractures admitted to a Level I trauma center was conducted. Exclusion criteria included Glasgow Coma Scale score less than 14, and chronic opiate use. Groups were randomized to either low-dose ketamine (LDK) at 2 µg·kg·min or an equivalent rate of 0.9% normal saline. The primary outcome was reduction in numeric pain scores (NPS). Secondary outcomes included oral morphine equivalent (OME) utilization, epidural rates, pulmonary complications, and adverse events. RESULTS: Thirty (50.8%) of 59 were randomized to the experimental arm. Groups were similar in makeup. Low-dose ketamine failed to reduce 24-hour NPS or OME totals. Subgroup analysis of 24 patients with Injury Severity Score greater than 15 demonstrated that LDK was associated with a reduction in OME utilization the first 24-hours (25.6 mg vs. 42.6 mg, p = 0.04) but at no other time points. No difference in other secondary outcomes or adverse events was noted. CONCLUSION: Low-dose ketamine failed to affect NPS or OME within the overall cohort, but a decrease in OME was observed in those with an Injury Severity Score greater than 15. Additional studies are necessary to confirm whether LDK benefits severely injured elderly patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, level I.

Observing pneumothoraces: The 35-millimeter rule is safe for both blunt and penetrating chest trauma.

BACKGROUND: As more pneumothoraxes (PTX) are being identified on chest computed tomography (CT), the empiric trigger for tube thoracostomy (TT) versus observation remains unclear. We hypothesized that PTX measuring 35 mm or less on chest CT can be safely observed in both penetrating and blunt trauma mechanisms. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of all patients diagnosed with PTX by chest CT between January 2011 and December 2016. Patients were excluded if they had an associated hemothorax, an immediate TT (TT placed before the initial chest CT), or if they were on mechanical ventilation. Size of PTX was quantified by measuring the radial distance between the parietal and visceral pleura/mediastinum in a line perpendicular to the chest wall on axial imaging of the largest air pocket. Based on previous work, a cutoff of 35 mm on the initial CT was used to dichotomize the groups. Failure of observation was defined as the need for a delayed TT during the first week. A univariate analysis was performed to identify predictors of failure in both groups, and multivariate analysis was constructed to assess the independent impact of PTX measurement on the failure of observation while controlling for demographics and chest injuries. RESULTS: Of the 1,767 chest trauma patients screened, 832 (47%) had PTX, and of those meeting inclusion criteria, 257 (89.0%) were successfully observed until discharge. Of those successfully observed, 247 (96%) patients had a measurement of 35 mm or less. The positive predictive value for 35 mm as a cutoff was 90.8% to predict successful observation. In the univariant analyses, rib fractures (p = 0.048), Glasgow Coma Scale (p = 0.012), and size of the PTX (≤35 mm or >35 mm) (P < 0.0001) were associated with failed observation. In multivariate analysis, PTX measuring 35 mm or less was an independent predictor of successful observation (odds ratio, 0.142; 95% confidence interval, 0.047-0.428)] for the combined blunt and penetrating trauma patients. CONCLUSION: A 35-mm cutoff is safe as a general guide with only 9% of stable patients failing initial observation regardless of mechanism. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, level III.

Ketamine infusion for pain control in adult patients with multiple rib fractures: Results of a randomized control trial.

BACKGROUND: Rib fractures occur in up to 40% of trauma patients and are associated with increased mortality. Opiate-based pain regimens remain the cornerstone of rib fracture management; however, concerns around opioids have fostered interest in alternative analgesics. Ketamine is currently being used in lieu of opioids, but little evidence exists supporting its use within the trauma population. METHODS: A prospective, randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial of adult patients with three or more rib fractures admitted to a Level I trauma center was conducted. Exclusion criteria included age older than 64 years, Glasgow Coma Scale score less than 13, and chronic opiate use. The experimental arm received low-dose ketamine (LDK) at 2.5 µg·kg·min while the placebo cohort received an equivalent rate of 0.9% normal saline. All infusions were continued for 48 hours. The primary outcome was reduction in numeric pain score (NPS) during the first 24 hours. Secondary outcomes studied included oral morphine equivalent (OME) utilization, length of stay, epidural rates, pulmonary complications, and adverse events. RESULTS: Forty-five (49%) of 91 patients were randomized to the experimental arm. Both groups were similar in makeup. Overall, 74.7% were male, had a median age of 49 years, and an Injury Severity Score (ISS) of 14. Low-dose ketamine was not associated with a significant reduction in 24-hour NPS or OME totals. Subgroup analysis of 45 severely injured patients (ISS, >15) demonstrated that LDK was associated with a significant reduction in OME utilization during the first 24 hours (35.7 vs. 68, p = 0.03), 24 hours to 48 hours (64.2 vs. 96, p = 0.03), and overall (152.1 vs. 198, p = 0.048). No difference in other secondary outcomes or adverse events was noted. CONCLUSION: Low-dose ketamine failed to decrease NPS or OME within the overall cohort, but a decrease in OME was observed among patients with an ISS greater than 15. Confirmatory studies are necessary to determine if LDK is a useful adjunct among severely injured patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic study, level II.

Ultrasound Training in Surgical Critical Care Fellowship: A Survey of Program Directors.

OBJECTIVE: Surgical critical care (SCC) fellows are expected to receive training in critical care ultrasound (CCUS) but training is sporadic and there is no standardized curriculum to guide educators. Previous studies show wide variation in CCUS training during fellowship across specialties but SCC has been underrepresented. This study was performed to assess SCC program directors' views regarding CCUS during fellowship training. DESIGN: Adult SCC program directors were surveyed regarding the role of CCUS in fellowship training. This survey assessed how CCUS training was performed, perceived barriers to education, and importance of specific studies. Survey responses were measured using a Likert scale ranging from 5 (strongly agree) to 1 (strongly disagree). SETTING: Web-based survey. PARTICIPANTS: Adult Surgical Critical Care Fellowship Program Directors. RESULTS: A total 67 of 108 (62%) SCC program directors responded to the survey. Over 75% felt that CCUS during training should be a priority. Fifteen (24.6%) programs required a specific number of ultrasounds to be performed. Five programs (7.5%) provided no CCUS training at all. Over 75% felt that training in FAST, transthoracic echocardiography, inferior vena cava assessment, and US for procedures (line placement, thoracentesis, and paracentesis) were either important or very important but experience in transesophageal echocardiography, assessment for deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary US were not important. Lack of time (63.8%) and trained faculty (51.2%) were the most cited barriers to training. CONCLUSIONS: There is a wide variation in how CCUS training is performed during SCC fellowship. SCC programs will need trained faculty, appropriate time allocation, and implementation of a standardized curriculum to provide consistent and high-quality CCUS education during fellowship.