Comparison of mannitol and hypertonic saline solution for the treatment of suspected brain herniation during prehospital management of traumatic brain injury patients.

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE: Occurrence of mydriasis during the prehospital management of traumatic brain injury (TBI) may suggest severe intracranial hypertension (ICH) subsequent to brain herniation. The initiation of hyperosmolar therapy to reduce ICH and brain herniation is recommended. Whether mannitol or hypertonic saline solution (HSS) should be preferred is unknown. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to assess whether HSS, compared with mannitol, is associated with improved survival in adult trauma patients with TBI and mydriasis. DESIGN/SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: A retrospective observational cohort study using the French Traumabase national registry to compare the ICU mortality of patients receiving either HSS or mannitol. Patients aged 16 years or older with moderate to severe TBI who presented with mydriasis during prehospital management were included. OUTCOME MEASURES AND ANALYSIS: We performed propensity score matching on a priori selected variables [i.e. age, sex and initial Coma Glasgow Scale (GCS)] with a ratio of 1 : 3 to ensure comparability between the two groups. The primary outcome was ICU mortality. The secondary outcomes were regression of pupillary abnormality during prehospital management, pulsatility index and diastolic velocity on transcranial Doppler within 24 h after TBI, early ICU mortality (within 48 h), ICU and hospital length of stay. RESULTS: Of 31 579 patients recorded in the registry between 2011 and 2021, 1417 presented with prehospital mydriasis and were included: 1172 (82.7%) received mannitol and 245 (17.3%) received HSS. After propensity score matching, 720 in the mannitol group matched 240 patients in the HSS group. Median age was 41 years [interquartile ranges (IQR) 26-60], 1058 were men (73%) and median GCS was 4 (IQR 3-6). No significant difference was observed in terms of characteristics and prehospital management between the two groups. ICU mortality was lower in the HSS group (45%) than in the mannitol group (54%) after matching [odds ratio (OR) 0.68 (0.5-0.9), P = 0.014]. No differences were identified between the groups in terms of secondary outcomes. CONCLUSION: In this propensity-matched observational study, the prehospital osmotherapy with HSS in TBI patients with prehospital mydriasis was associated with a lower ICU mortality compared to osmotherapy with mannitol.

N-Acetylcysteine To Reduce Mortality For Patients Requiring Cardiac Catheterization or Cardiac Surgery: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis.

Multimers of von Willebrand factor (VWF) play a critical role in various processes inducing morbidity and mortality in cardiovascular risk patients. With the ability to reduce VWF multimers, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) could reduce mortality in patients undergoing coronary catheterization or cardiac surgery. However, its impact in perioperative period has never been studied so far in regard of its potential cardiovascular benefits. Then, four databases were searched for randomized controlled trials that compared in-hospital mortality between an experimental group, with NAC, and a control group without NAC, in patients undergoing coronary catheterization or cardiac surgery. The primary efficacy outcome was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes were the occurrence of thrombotic events, major cardiovascular events, myocardial infarction, and contrast induced nephropathy. The safety outcome was occurrence of hemorrhagic events. Nineteen studies totaling 3718 patients were included. Pooled analysis demonstrated a reduction of in-hospital mortality associated with NAC: Odds Ratio (OR), 0.60; 95% CI, 0.39-0.92; P=0.02. The occurrence of secondary outcomes was not significantly reduced with NAC except for contrast-induced nephropathy. No difference was reported for hemorrhagic events. Subgroup analyses revealed a life-saving effect of NAC in a dose-dependent manner with reduction of in-hospital mortality for the NAC high-dose group, but not for the NAC standard-dose (<3500 mg) group. In conclusion, without being able to conclude on the nature of the mechanism involved, our review suggests a benefit of NAC in cardiovascular risk patients in perioperative period in terms of mortality and supports prospective confirmatory studies.

Development by "simple consensus" of a tool to assist the activation of the helicopter at SAMU 14 / Élaboration par méthode du consensus simple d'un outil d'aide au déclenchement d'un hélicoptère au SAMU 14

The main objective of this work was to develop a tool to assist the activation of a helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) for the SAMU 14. We opted for a methodology based on "guidelines of good professional practice." Simple consensus was used. A multidisciplinary working group (pilots, medical regulation assistants, doctors) was created. Subgroup meetings (pilots, medical regulation assistants, doctors) developed subparts of the tool. The assembly of the tool's subparts was reviewed by the working group and then by an independent reading group. This work enabled the consensual creation of a tool to support the use of the helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) for the SAMU 14. It is composed of maps, a protocol, and a written procedure of activation. This methodology by "simple consensus" allowed the development of a tool rationalizing the activation of the helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) for the SAMU 14. It was the first work of this type within the SAMU 14. This simple and transposable methodology could be used in other emergency centers or for other multidisciplinary protocols.

L'objectif principal de ce travail était la création d'un outil d'aide au déclenchement d'un SMUR héliporté au SAMU 14. Nous avons opté pour une méthodologie type « recommandations de bonnes pratiques professionnelles ¼ (RBPP). Le consensus simple a été utilisé. Un groupe de travail multidisciplinaire (pilotes, assistant de régulation médicale [ARM], médecins) a été créé. Des réunions en sous-groupe (pilote, ARM et médecins) ont permis d'élaborer des sous-parties de l'outil. L'assemblage des sous-parties de l'outil a été relu par le groupe de travail puis par un groupe de lecture autonome et validé en réunion de service. Ce travail a permis la création consensuelle d'un outil d'aide à l'emploi du vecteur héliporté en SMUR primaire au sein du SAMU 14. Il est composé de cartes, d'une fiche réflexe et d'une procédure écrite de déclenchement. Cette méthodologie par consensus simple a permis la création d'un outil rationalisant le déclenchement du vecteur héliporté pour le SAMU 14. Il s'agissait du premier travail de ce type au SAMU 14. Cette méthodologie simple et transposable pourrait être utilisée dans d'autres centres 15 ou pour d'autres protocoles multidisciplinaires.

Change in stroke volume during alveolar recruitment maneuvers through transient continuous positive airway pressure or stepwise increase in positive end expiratory pressure in anesthetized patients: a prospective randomized double-blind study.

PURPOSE: Intraoperative alveolar recruitment maneuvers (ARM) used during protective ventilation strategy may have severe adverse hemodynamic effects, reported mainly during abrupt continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Stepwise increase and decrease in positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) may be used. We compared the hemodynamic effects of these two maneuvers. METHODS: We enrolled patients scheduled for intermediate to high-risk surgery with continuous arterial pressure and stroke volume (esophageal Doppler) monitoring in a prospective, single-centre, randomized, double-blind study. After induction of anesthesia, we ensured preload independence of stroke volume before an ARM was randomly performed: 30 cm H2O CPAP for 30 sec (CPAP group) or stepwise increase in PEEP from 8 to 20 cm H2O with inspiratory pressure of 10 cm H2O followed by a stepwise decrease in PEEP from 20 to 8 cm H2O (STEP group). The primary outcome was the relative variation in stroke volume. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients were included in the CPAP and STEP groups. Mean (standard deviation) relative variation in stroke volume was -57 (24)% in the CPAP group and -32 (24)% in the STEP group (difference, -25; 95% confidence interval, -37 to -14; P < 0.001). Changes in systolic, mean, and diastolic arterial pressure over time were not different between groups. The ARM was stopped because of a systolic arterial pressure < 70 mm Hg in four patients in the CPAP group and in one patient in the STEP group. CONCLUSIONS: Alveolar recruitment maneuvers through stepwise increase and decrease in PEEP have a better hemodynamic tolerance than transient CPAP. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04802421); first submitted 15 March 2021.

RéSUMé: OBJECTIF: Les manœuvres de recrutement alvéolaire (MRA) peropératoire utilisées pendant les stratégies de ventilation protectrice peuvent avoir des effets hémodynamiques indésirables graves, rapportés principalement lors d'une ventilation en pression positive continue (PPC ou CPAP en anglais) abrupte. L'augmentation et la diminution par étapes de la pression expiratoire positive (PEP) peuvent être utilisées. Nous avons comparé les effets hémodynamiques de ces deux manœuvres. MéTHODE: Nous avons recruté des patient·es devant bénéficier d'une chirurgie à risque intermédiaire à élevé avec monitorage continu de la tension artérielle et du volume d'éjection (Doppler œsophagien) dans le cadre d'une étude prospective, monocentrique, randomisée et à double insu. Après induction de l'anesthésie, nous nous sommes assurés de l'indépendance de précharge du volume d'éjection avant qu'une MRA ne soit effectuée au hasard : 30 cm H2O PPC pendant 30 secondes (groupe PPC) ou augmentation progressive de la PEP de 8 à 20 cm H2O avec pression inspiratoire de 10 cm H2O, suivie d'une diminution progressive de la PEP de 20 à 8 cm H2O (groupe STEP). Le critère d'évaluation principal était la variation relative du volume d'éjection. RéSULTATS: Trente-cinq personnes ont été incluses dans les groupes PPC et STEP. La variation relative moyenne (écart type) du volume d'éjection était de −57 (24) % dans le groupe PPC et de −32 (24) % dans le groupe STEP (différence, −25; intervalle de confiance à 95 %, −37 à −14; P < 0,001). Les changements dans la tension artérielle systolique, moyenne et diastolique au fil du temps n'étaient pas différents entre les groupes. Les MRA ont été arrêtées en raison d'une tension artérielle systolique < 70 mm Hg chez quatre patient·es du groupe PPC et chez une personne du groupe STEP. CONCLUSION: Les manœuvres de recrutement alvéolaire par augmentation et diminution par étapes de la PEP ont une meilleure tolérance hémodynamique que la PPC transitoire. ENREGISTREMENT DE L'éTUDE: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04802421); soumis pour la première fois le 15 mars 2021.

Evaluation of quality of care in neonatal anesthesia using a bundle of intraoperative parameters.

BACKGROUND: Maintenance of physiological homeostasis is key in the safe conduct of pediatric anesthesia. Achieving this goal is especially difficult in neonatal surgery. AIMS: The first aim was to document the absolute number of seven intraoperative parameters monitored during anesthesia in neonates undergoing gastroschisis surgery. The second aims were to determine the frequency of monitoring of each of these intraoperative parameters as well as the proportion of cases in which each parameter was both monitored and maintained within a pre-defined range. METHODS: This retrospective observational analysis includes data from 53 gastroschisis surgeries performed at Caen University Hospital (2009-2020). Seven intraoperative parameters were analyzed. First, we assessed if the intraoperative parameters were monitored or not. Second, when monitored, we assessed if these parameters were maintained within a pre-defined range, based on the current literature and on local agreement. RESULTS: The median [first-third Q], range (min-max) number of intraoperative parameters monitored during the 53 gastroschisis surgeries was 6 [5-6], range (4-7). There were no missing data for the automatically recorded ones such as arterial blood pressure, heart rate, end-tidal CO2, and oxygen saturation. Temperature was monitored in 38% of the patients, glycemia in 66%, and natremia in 68% of the cases. Oxygen saturation and heart rate were maintained within the pre-defined range in 96% and 81% of the cases respectively. The blood pressure (28%) and temperature (30%) were instead the least often maintained within the pre-defined range. CONCLUSION: Although a median of six out of the seven selected intraoperative parameters were monitored during gastroschisis repair, only two of them (oxygen saturation and heart rate) were maintained within the pre-defined range more than 80% of the time. It might be of interest to extend physiologic age- and procedure-based approach to the development of specific preoperative anesthetic planning.

Comparison of Injuries Associated With Electric Scooters, Motorbikes, and Bicycles in France, 2019-2022.

Importance: Electric scooter (e-scooter) use is increasing in France and in many urban environments worldwide. Yet little is known about injuries associated with use of e-scooters. Objective: To describe characteristics and outcomes of major trauma involving e-scooters. Design, Setting, and Participants: A multicenter cohort study was conducted in France using the national major trauma registry between January 1, 2019, and December 20, 2022. All patients admitted to a participating major trauma center following a road traffic crash (RTC) involving an e-scooter, a bicycle, or a motorbike were included. Exposure: Included patients were compared according to the 3 mechanisms. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was trauma severity as defined by the Injury Severity Score (ISS). Secondary outcomes included the trends of the number of patients per year, a comparison of the RTC epidemiologic factors, injury severity, resources used, and in-hospital outcomes. Results: A total of 5233 patients involved in RTCs were admitted (median age, 33 [IQR, 24-48] years; 4629 [88.5%] men; median ISS, 13 [IQR, 8-22]). The population included 229 e-scooter RTCs (4.4%), 4094 motorbike RTCs (78.2%), and 910 bicycle RTCs (17.4%). The number of patients treated following e-scooter RTCs increased by 2.8-fold in 4 years (from 31 in 2019 to 88 in 2022), while bicycle RTCs increased by 1.2-fold and motorbike RTCs decreased by 0.9-fold. At admission, 36.7% of e-scooter users had a blood alcohol content higher than the legal threshold (n = 84) and 22.5% wore a protective helmet (n = 32). Among e-scooter RTCs, 102 patients (45.5%) had an ISS of 16 or higher. This proportion was similar for patients with motorbike RTCs (1557 [39.7%]; P = .10) and bicycle RTCs (411 [47.3%]; P = .69). With a proportion of 25.9% (n = 50), patients with e-scooter RTCs had twice as many severe traumatic brain injuries (Glasgow Coma Scale ≤8) as motorbike RTCs (445 [11.8%]) and a proportion comparable to bicycle RTCs (174 [22.1%]). The mortality of e-scooter RTCs was 9.2% (n = 20), compared with 5.2% (n = 196) (P = .02) for motorbikes and 10.0% (n = 84) (P = .82) for bicycles. Conclusions and Relevance: The findings of this study suggest that trauma involving e-scooters in France has significantly increased over the past 4 years. These patients presented with injury profiles as severe as those of individuals who experienced bicycle or motorbike RTCs, with a higher proportion of severe traumatic brain injury.

Multiple trauma in pregnant women: injury assessment, fetal radiation exposure and mortality. A multicentre observational study.

BACKGROUND: Fetal radiation exposure in pregnant women with trauma is a concern. The purpose of this study was to evaluate fetal radiation exposure with regard to the type of injury assessment performed. METHODS: It is a multicentre observational study. The cohort study included all pregnant women suspected of severe traumatic injury in the participating centres of a national trauma research network. The primary outcome was the cumulative radiation dose (mGy) received by the fetus with respect to the type of injury assessment initiated by the physician in charge of the pregnant patient. Secondary outcomes were maternal and fetal morbi-mortality, the incidence of haemorrhagic shock and the physicians' imaging assessment with consideration of their medical specialty. RESULTS: Fifty-four pregnant women were admitted for potential major trauma between September 2011 and December 2019 in the 21 participating centres. The median gestational age was 22 weeks [12-30]. 78% of women (n = 42) underwent WBCT. The remaining patients underwent radiographs, ultrasound or selective CT scans based on clinical examination. The median fetal radiation doses were 38 mGy [23-63] and 0 mGy [0-1]. Maternal mortality (6%) was lower than fetal mortality (17%). Two women (out of 3 maternal deaths) and 7 fetuses (out of 9 fetal deaths) died within the first 24 h following trauma. CONCLUSIONS: Immediate WBCT for initial injury assessment in pregnant women with trauma was associated with a fetal radiation dose below the 100 mGy threshold. Among the selected population with either a stable status with a moderate and nonthreatening injury pattern or isolated penetrating trauma, a selective strategy seemed safe in experienced centres.

Comparison of landiolol and amiodarone for the treatment of new-onset atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery (FAAC) trial: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative atrial fibrillation (PoAF) after cardiac surgery has a high incidence of 30%, but its management is controversial. Two strategies are recommended without evidence of a superiority of one against the other: rate control with beta-blocker or rhythm control with amiodarone. Landiolol is a new-generation beta-blocker with fast onset and short half-life. One retrospective, single-center study compared landiolol to amiodarone for PoAF after cardiac surgery with a better hemodynamic stability and a higher rate of reduction to sinus rhythm with landiolol, justifying the need for a multicenter randomized controlled trial. Our aim is to compare landiolol to amiodarone in the setting of PoAF after cardiac surgery with the hypothesis of a higher rate of reduction to sinus rhythm with landiolol during the 48 h after the first episode of POAF. METHODS: The FAAC trial is a multicenter single-blind two parallel-arm randomized study, which planned to include 350 patients with a first episode of PoAF following cardiac surgery. The duration of the study is 2 years. The patients are randomized in two arms: a landiolol group and an amiodarone group. Randomization (Ennov Clinical®) is performed by the anesthesiologist in charge of the patient if PoAF is persistent for at least 30 min after correction of hypovolemia, dyskalemia, and absence of pericardial effusion on a transthoracic echocardiography done at bedside. Our hypothesis is an increase of the percentage of patients in sinus rhythm from 70 to 85% with landiolol in less than 48 h after onset of PoAF (alpha risk = 5%, power = 90%, bilateral test). DISCUSSION: The FAAC trial was approved by the Ethics Committee of EST III with approval number 19.05.08. The FAAC trial is the first randomized controlled trial comparing landiolol to amiodarone for PoAF after cardiac surgery. In case of higher rate of reduction with landiolol, this beta-blocker could be the drug of choice used in this context as to reduce the need for anticoagulant therapy and reduce the risk of complications of anticoagulant therapy for patients with a first episode of postoperative atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04223739. Registered on January 10, 2020.

Consequences of General Anesthesia in Infancy on Behavior and Brain Structure.

BACKGROUND: One in 7 children will need general anesthesia (GA) before the age of 3. Brain toxicity of anesthetics is controversial. Our objective was to clarify whether exposure of GA to the developing brain could lead to lasting behavioral and structural brain changes. METHODS: A first study was performed in mice. The behaviors (fear conditioning, Y-maze, and actimetry) and brain anatomy (high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging) of 6- to 8-week-old Swiss mice exposed or not exposed to GA from 4 to 10 days old were evaluated. A second study was a complementary analysis from the preexisting APprentissages EXécutifs et cerveau chez les enfants d'âge scolaire (APEX) cohort to assess the replicability of our data in humans. The behaviors (behavior rating inventory of executive function, emotional control, and working memory score, Backward Digit Span, and Raven 36) and brain anatomy (high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging) were compared in 102 children 9 to 10 years of age exposed or not exposed to a single GA (surgery) during infancy. RESULTS: The animal study revealed chronic exacerbated fear behavior in the adult mice (95% confidence interval [CI], 4-80; P = .03) exposed to postnatal GA; this was associated with an 11% (95% CI, 7.5-14.5) reduction of the periaqueductal gray matter (P = .046). The study in humans suggested lower emotional control (95% CI, 0.33-9.10; P = .06) and a 6.1% (95% CI, 4.3-7.8) reduction in the posterior part of the right inferior frontal gyrus (P = .019) in the children who had been exposed to a single GA procedure. CONCLUSIONS: The preclinical and clinical findings of these independent studies suggest lasting effects of early life exposure to anesthetics on later emotional control behaviors and brain structures.

Comprehensive analysis of coagulation factor delivery strategies in a cohort of trauma patients.

PURPOSE: The 5th edition of The European recommendations for the management of major bleeding and coagulopathy following trauma leaves room for various coagulation factor administration strategies. The present study examines these strategies reporting prevalence and timing of administration, quantity dispensed, and transfusion ratios in French trauma centers and their compliance with recommendations alongside associated mortality data. METHODS: All adult patients, admitted directly to participating centers between 2011 and 2019, were extracted from a trauma registry. Two subpopulations were studied: severe hemorrhage (SH) and massive transfusion (MT) groups. RESULTS: A total of 19,396 patients were included, among whom 8.4% (1630) experienced SH and 3% (579) received MT. Within the first 24 hours, 10% received fresh frozen plasma (FFP), rising to 93% and 99% in the subgroups of patients experiencing SH and MT respectively. Only, 8% received fibrinogen concentrate (FC), increasing to 75% and 92% in subgroups SH and MT respectively. Co-administration of FFP and FC became the dominant strategy with 68% of patients at 6 h and 72% at 24 h in SH subgroup. In unadjusted data, mortality was systematically lower in groups that complied with recommendations, a lower mortality than expected was mostly observed in contrast to non-compliant subgroups. The per-patient compliance to studied recommendations was 21% and 22% in SH and MT subgroups. CONCLUSION: The main hemostatic strategy for major bleeding combined the administration of both FFP and FC, favoring an early additional supply of fibrinogen. Compliance with the recommendations was low in SH and MT subgroups.

Élaboration par méthode du consensus simple d'un outil d'aide au déclenchement d'un hélicoptère au SAMU 14.

The main objective of this work was to develop a tool to assist the activation of a helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) for the SAMU 14. We opted for a methodology based on "guidelines of good professional practice." Simple consensus was used. A multidisciplinary working group (pilots, medical regulation assistants, doctors) was created. Subgroup meetings (pilots, medical regulation assistants, doctors) developed subparts of the tool. The assembly of the tool's subparts was reviewed by the working group and then by an independent reading group. This work enabled the consensual creation of a tool to support the use of the helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) for the SAMU 14. It is composed of maps, a protocol, and a written procedure of activation. This methodology by "simple consensus" allowed the development of a tool rationalizing the activation of the helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) for the SAMU 14. It was the first work of this type within the SAMU 14. This simple and transposable methodology could be used in other emergency centers or for other multidisciplinary protocols.

Withholding and withdrawal of life-sustaining therapy in 8569 trauma patients: A multicentre, analytical registry study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of withholding or withdrawal of life-sustaining therapy (WLST) decisions in trauma ICU patients, using a large registry. We hypothesised that this prevalence is similar to that of the general population admitted to an ICU. As secondary aims, it sought to describe the trauma patients for whom the decision was made for WLST and the factors associated with this decision. DESIGN: This observational study assessed data from 14 French centres listed in the TraumaBaseTM registry. All trauma patients hospitalised for more than 48 h were pro-spectively included. RESULTS: Data from 8569 trauma patients, obtained from January 2016 to December 2018, were included in this study. A WLST decision was made in 6% of all cases. In the WLST group, 67% of the patients were older men (age: 62 versus 36, P  < 0.001); more often they had a prior medical history and higher median severity scores than the patients in the no WLST decision group; SAPS II 58 (46 to 69) versus 21 (13 to 35) and ISS 26 (22 to 24) versus 12 (5 to 22), P  < 0.001. Neurological status was strongly associated with WLST decisions. The geographic area of the ICUs affected the rate of the WLST decisions. The ICU mortality was 11% (n = 907) of which 47% (n = 422) were preceded by WLST decisions. Fourteen percent of WLST orders were not associated to the death. CONCLUSION: Among 8569 patients, medical history, trauma severity criteria, notably neurological status and geographical areas were associated with WLST. These regional differences deserve to be investigated in future studies.

Clinical decision support for severe trauma patients: Machine learning based definition of a bundle of care for hemorrhagic shock and traumatic brain injury.

BACKGROUND: Deviation from guidelines is frequent in emergency situations, and this may lead to increased mortality. Probably because of time constraints, 55% is the greatest reported guidelines compliance rate in severe trauma patients. This study aimed to identify among all available recommendations a reasonable bundle of items that should be followed to optimize the outcome of hemorrhagic shocks (HSs) and severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). METHODS: We first estimated the compliance with French and European guidelines using the data from the French TraumaBase registry. Then, we used a machine learning procedure to reduce the number of recommendations into a minimal set of items to be followed to minimize 7-day mortality. We evaluated the bundles using an external validation cohort. RESULTS: This study included 5,924 trauma patients (1,414 HS and 4,955 TBI) between 2011 and August 2019 and studied compliance to 36 recommendation items. Overall compliance rate to recommendation items was 71.6% and 66.9% for HS and TBI, respectively. In HS, compliance was significantly associated with 7-day decreased mortality in univariate analysis but not in multivariate analysis (risk ratio [RR], 0.91; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.90-1.17; p = 0.06). In TBI, compliance was significantly associated with decreased mortality in univariate and multivariate analysis (RR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.75-0.92; p = 0.01). For HS, the bundle included 13 recommendation items. In the validation cohort, when this bundle was applied, patients were found to have a lower 7-day mortality rate (RR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.27-0.63; p = 0.01). In TBI, the bundle included seven items. In the validation cohort, when this bundle was applied, patients had a lower 7-day mortality rate (RR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.34-0.71; p = 0.02). DISCUSSION: Using a machine-learning procedure, we were able to identify a subset of recommendations that minimizes 7-day mortality following traumatic HS and TBI. These two bundles remain to be evaluated in a prospective manner. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Care Management, level II.

Gunshot and stab wounds in France: descriptive study from a national trauma registry.

PURPOSE: Severe trauma is a major problem worldwide. In France, blunt trauma (BT) is predominant and few studies are available on penetrating trauma (PT). The purpose of this study was to perform a descriptive analysis of severe gunshot (GSW) and stab wounds (SW) in patients who were treated in French trauma centers. METHODS: Retrospective study on prospectively collected data in a national trauma registry. All adult (> 15 years) trauma patients primarily admitted in 1 of the 17 trauma centers members of the Traumabase between January 2015 to December 2018 were included. Data from patients who had a PT were compared with those who had suffered a BT over the same period. Due to the known differences between GSW and SW, sub-group analyses on data from GSW, SW and BT were also performed. RESULTS: 8128 patients were included. Twelve percent of the study group had a PT. The main mechanism of PT was SW (68.1%). Five hundred and eighty patients with PT (59.4%) required surgery within the first 24 h. Severe hemorrhage was more frequent in penetrating traumas (11.2% vs. 7.8% p < 0.001). Hospital mortality following PT was 8.9% vs 11% for blunt trauma (p = 0.047). Among PT the mortality after GSW was ten times higher than after SW (23.8% vs 2%). CONCLUSION: This work is the largest study to date that has specifically focused on GSW and SW in France, and will help improving knowledge in managing such patients in our country.

Individualised or liberal red blood cell transfusion after cardiac surgery: a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Current practice guidelines for red blood cell (RBC) transfusion in ICUs are based on haemoglobin threshold, without consideration of oxygen delivery or consumption. We aimed to evaluate an individual physiological threshold-guided by central venous oxygen saturation ScvO2. METHODS: In a randomised study in two French academic hospitals, 164 patients who were admitted to ICU after cardiac surgery with postoperative haemoglobin <9 g dl-1 were randomised to receive a transfusion with one unit of RBCs (haemoglobin group) or transfusion only if the ScvO2 was <70% (individualised group). The primary outcome was the number of subjects receiving at least one unit of RBCs. The secondary composite outcome was acute kidney injury, stroke, myocardial infarction, acute heart failure, mesenteric ischaemia, or in-hospital mortality. One- and 6-month mortality were evaluated during follow-up. RESULTS: The primary outcome was observed for 80 of 80 subjects (100%) in the haemoglobin group and in 61 of 77 patients (79%) in the individualised group (absolute risk -21% [-32.0; -14.0]; P<0.001). There was no significant difference in the secondary outcome between the two groups. Follow-up showed a non-significant difference in mortality at 1 and 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: An individualised strategy based on an central venous oxygen saturation threshold of 70% allows for a more restrictive red blood cell transfusion strategy with no incidence on postoperative morbidity or 6-month mortality. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02963883.

Effect of patient-controlled epidural analgesia with and without automatic intermittent bolus on levobupivacaine consumption during labour: A single-centre prospective double-blinded randomised controlled study.

BACKGROUND: During labour, the effects of adding a programmed intermittent epidural bolus (PIEB) baseline analgesic regimen to patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) remain uncertain. METHODS: This single centre prospective double-blinded controlled study randomised nulliparous women over 35 weeks of gestational age in a PCEA + PIEB or PCEA only group. After an epidural analgesia catheter was inserted, a specific pump administered a solution of levobupivacaine 0.625 mg mL-1, sufentanil 0.25 µg mL-1, and clonidine 0.375 µg mL-1. In both groups the PCEA mode delivered an 8 mL bolus with a lockout period of 8 min. In the PCEA + PIEB group, women also received a programmed 8 mL bolus every 60 min. Additional bolus were allowed if required. The primary outcome was the hourly consumption of levobupivacaine from epidural catheter placement to new-born delivery. Secondary outcome were motor block, oxytocin use, sufentanil consumption, additional bolus required, instrumental vaginal delivery, unplanned caesarean section, pain during labour and women's satisfaction. RESULTS: Analysis included 162 and 155 women in the PCEA and PCEA + PIEB groups, respectively. The median [IQR] hourly consumption of levobupivacaine was significantly lower in the PCEA group (9.9 (7.8-12.4] mg h-1) as compared to the PCEA + PIEB group (11.2 [7.9-14.3] mg h-1; p = 0.046). The difference between medians was 1.3 mg h-1 95 % CI (0.1-2.9). There was no difference between groups for secondary outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: PCEA only modestly decreased the hourly consumption of local anaesthetic as compared to PCEA + PIEB but the difference was not clinically relevant.

Preventing the Long-term Effects of General Anesthesia on the Developing Brain: How Translational Research can Contribute.

In 2017, the Food and Drug Administration published a safety recommendation to limit the exposure to general anesthesia as much as possible below the age of three. Indeed, several preclinical and clinical studies have questioned the possible toxicity of general anesthesia on the developing brain. Since then, recent clinical studies tried to mitigate this alarming issue. What is true, what is false? Contrary to some perceptions, the debate is not over yet. Only stronger translational research will allow scientists to provide concrete answers to this public health issue. In this review, we will provide and discuss the more recent data in this field, including the point of view of preclinical researchers, neuropsychologists and pediatric anesthesiologists. Through translational research, preclinical researchers have more than ever a role to play to better understand and identify long-term effects of general anesthesia for pediatric surgery on brain development in order to minimize it.