4-factor prothrombin complex concentrate is not inferior to andexanet alfa for the reversal or oral factor Xa inhibitors: An Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Andexanet Alfa (AA) is the only FDA approved reversal agent for apixaban and rivaroxaban (DOAC). There are no studies comparing its efficacy with 4-Factor Prothrombin Complex Concentrate (PCC). This study aimed to compare PCC to AA for DOAC reversal, hypothesizing non-inferiority of PCC. METHODS: We performed a retrospective, non-inferiority multicenter study of adult patients admitted from July 1, 2018 to December 31, 2019 who had taken a DOAC within 12 hours of injury, were transfused red blood cells (RBCs) or had traumatic brain injury, and received AA or PCC. Primary outcome was PRBC unit transfusion. Secondary outcome with ICU length of stay. MICE imputation was used to account for missing data and zero-inflated poisson regression was used to account for an excess of zero units of RBC transfused. 2 Units difference in RBC transfusion was selected as non-inferior. RESULTS: Results: From 263 patients at 10 centers, 77 (29%) received PCC and 186 (71%) AA. Patients had similar transfusion rates across reversal treatment groups (23.7% AA vs 19.5% PCC) with median transfusion in both groups of 0 RBC. According to the Poisson component, PCC increases the amount of RBC transfusion by 1.02 times (95% CI: 0.79-1.33) compared to AA after adjusting for other covariates. The averaged amount of RBC transfusion (non-zero group) is 6.13. Multiplying this number by the estimated rate ratio, PCC is estimated to have an increase RBC transfusion by 0.123 (95% CI: 0.53-2.02) units compared to AA. CONCLUSION: PCC appears non-inferior to AA for reversal of DOACs for RBC transfusion in traumatically injured patients. Additional prospective, randomized trials are necessary to compare PCC and AA for the treatment of hemorrhage in injured patients on DOACs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic/Care Management, Level III.

Failure rates of nonoperative management of low-grade splenic injuries with active extravasation: an Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma multicenter study.

Objectives: There is little evidence guiding the management of grade I-II traumatic splenic injuries with contrast blush (CB). We aimed to analyze the failure rate of nonoperative management (NOM) of grade I-II splenic injuries with CB in hemodynamically stable patients. Methods: A multicenter, retrospective cohort study examining all grade I-II splenic injuries with CB was performed at 21 institutions from January 1, 2014, to October 31, 2019. Patients >18 years old with grade I or II splenic injury due to blunt trauma with CB on CT were included. The primary outcome was the failure of NOM requiring angioembolization/operation. We determined the failure rate of NOM for grade I versus grade II splenic injuries. We then performed bivariate comparisons of patients who failed NOM with those who did not. Results: A total of 145 patients were included. Median Injury Severity Score was 17. The combined rate of failure for grade I-II injuries was 20.0%. There was no statistical difference in failure of NOM between grade I and II injuries with CB (18.2% vs 21.1%, p>0.05). Patients who failed NOM had an increased median hospital length of stay (p=0.024) and increased need for blood transfusion (p=0.004) and massive transfusion (p=0.030). Five patients (3.4%) died and 96 (66.2%) were discharged home, with no differences between those who failed and those who did not fail NOM (both p>0.05). Conclusion: NOM of grade I-II splenic injuries with CB fails in 20% of patients. Level of evidence: IV.

What is the Role of Whole Blood Transfusions on Trauma Patients?

Whole blood use in trauma has historically been limited to military use, but in recent years, there has been increasing data for use in civilian trauma. Emerging clinical data demonstrate an associated survival benefit, while some authors have also identified decreased use of an overall number of blood products and decreased complications. Use of whole blood is gradually moving toward becoming the standard of care in the hemorrhaging trauma patient.

Outcomes among trauma patients with duodenal leak following primary versus complex repair of duodenal injuries: An Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma multicenter trial.

BACKGROUND: Duodenal leak is a feared complication of repair, and innovative complex repairs with adjunctive measures (CRAM) were developed to decrease both leak occurrence and severity when leaks occur. Data on the association of CRAM and duodenal leak are sparse, and its impact on duodenal leak outcomes is nonexistent. We hypothesized that primary repair alone (PRA) would be associated with decreased duodenal leak rates; however, CRAM would be associated with improved recovery and outcomes when leaks do occur. METHODS: A retrospective, multicenter analysis from 35 Level 1 trauma centers included patients older than 14 years with operative, traumatic duodenal injuries (January 2010 to December 2020). The study sample compared duodenal operative repair strategy: PRA versus CRAM (any repair plus pyloric exclusion, gastrojejunostomy, triple tube drainage, duodenectomy). RESULTS: The sample (N = 861) was primarily young (33 years) men (84%) with penetrating injuries (77%); 523 underwent PRA and 338 underwent CRAM. Complex repairs with adjunctive measures were more critically injured than PRA and had higher leak rates (CRAM 21% vs. PRA 8%, p < 0.001). Adverse outcomes were more common after CRAM with more interventional radiology drains, prolonged nothing by mouth and length of stay, greater mortality, and more readmissions than PRA (all p < 0.05). Importantly, CRAM had no positive impact on leak recovery; there was no difference in number of operations, drain duration, nothing by mouth duration, need for interventional radiology drainage, hospital length of stay, or mortality between PRA leak versus CRAM leak patients (all p > 0.05). Furthermore, CRAM leaks had longer antibiotic duration, more gastrointestinal complications, and longer duration until leak resolution (all p < 0.05). Primary repair alone was associated with 60% lower odds of leak, whereas injury grades II to IV, damage control, and body mass index had higher odds of leak (all p < 0.05). There were no leaks among patients with grades IV and V injuries repaired by PRA. CONCLUSION: Complex repairs with adjunctive measures did not prevent duodenal leaks and, moreover, did not reduce adverse sequelae when leaks did occur. Our results suggest that CRAM is not a protective operative duodenal repair strategy, and PRA should be pursued for all injury grades when feasible. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic/Care Management; Level IV.

Whole Blood Resuscitation is Safe in Pediatric Trauma Patients: A Multicenter Study.

INTRODUCTION: Whole blood (WB) resuscitation has been associated with a mortality benefit in trauma patients. Several small series report the safe use of WB in the pediatric trauma population. We performed a subgroup analysis of the pediatric patients from a large prospective multicenter trial comparing patients receiving WB or blood component therapy (BCT) during trauma resuscitation. We hypothesized that WB resuscitation would be safe compared to BCT resuscitation in pediatric trauma patients. METHODS: This study included pediatric trauma patients (0-17 y), from ten level-I trauma centers, who received any blood transfusion during initial resuscitation. Patients were included in the WB group if they received at least one unit of WB during their resuscitation, and the BCT group was composed of patients receiving traditional blood product resuscitation. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality with secondary outcomes being complications. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to assess for mortality and complications in those treated with WB vs BCT. RESULTS: Ninety patients, with both penetrating and blunt mechanisms of injury (MOI), were enrolled in the study (WB: 62 (69%), BCT: 28 (21%)). Whole blood patients were more likely to be male. There were no differences in age, MOI, shock index, or injury severity score between groups. On logistic regression, there was no difference in complications. Mortality was not different between the groups (P = .983). CONCLUSION: Our data suggest WB resuscitation is safe when compared to BCT resuscitation in the care of critically injured pediatric trauma patients.

Prospective validation and application of the Trauma-Specific Frailty Index: Results of an American Association for the Surgery of Trauma multi-institutional observational trial.

BACKGROUND: The frailty index is a known predictor of adverse outcomes in geriatric patients. Trauma-Specific Frailty Index (TSFI) was created and validated at a single center to accurately identify frailty and reliably predict worse outcomes among geriatric trauma patients. This study aims to prospectively validate the TSFI in a multi-institutional cohort of geriatric trauma patients. METHODS: This is a prospective, observational, multi-institutional trial across 17 American College of Surgeons Levels I, II, and III trauma centers. All geriatric trauma patients (65 years and older) presenting during a 3-year period were included. Frailty status was measured within 24 hours of admission using the TSFI (15 variables), and patients were stratified into nonfrail (TSFI, ≤0.12), prefrail (TSFI, 0.13-0.25), and frail (TSFI, >0.25) groups. Outcome measures included index admission mortality, discharge to rehabilitation centers or skilled nursing facilities (rehab/SNFs), and 3-month postdischarge readmissions, fall recurrences, complications, and mortality among survivors of index admission. RESULTS: A total of 1,321 geriatric trauma patients were identified and enrolled for validation of TSFI (nonfrail, 435 [33%]; prefrail, 392 [30%]; frail, 494 [37%]). The mean ± SD age was 77 ± 8 years; the median (interquartile range) Injury Severity Score was 9 (5-13). Overall, 179 patients (14%) had a major complication, 554 (42%) were discharged to rehab/SNFs, and 63 (5%) died during the index admission. Compared with nonfrail patients, frail patients had significantly higher odds of mortality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.93; p = 0.018), major complications (aOR, 3.55; p < 0.001), and discharge to rehab/SNFs (aOR, 1.98; p < 0.001). In addition, frailty was significantly associated with higher adjusted odds of mortality, major complications, readmissions, and fall recurrence at 3 months postdischarge ( p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: External applicability of the TSFI (15 variables) was evident at a multicenter cohort of 17 American College of Surgeons trauma centers in geriatric trauma patients. The TSFI emerged as an independent predictor of worse outcomes, both in the short-term and 3-month postdischarge. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic and Epidemiological; Level III.

Routine Repeat Imaging of Pediatric Blunt Solid Organ Injuries Is Not Necessary.

INTRODUCTION: Nonoperative management of hemodynamically stable patients with blunt splenic and/or hepatic injury has been widely accepted in the pediatric population. However, variability exists in the utilization and timing of repeat imaging to assess for delayed complications during index hospitalization. Recent level-IV evidence suggests that repeat imaging in children should be performed based on a patient's clinical status rather than on a routine basis. The aim of this study is to examine the rate of delayed complications and interventions in pediatric trauma patients with blunt splenic and/or hepatic injuries who undergo repeat imaging prompted either by a clinical change (CC) or non-clinical change (NCC). METHODS: A 9-year (2011-2019), retrospective, dual-institution study was performed of children (0-17 years) with blunt splenic and/or hepatic injuries. Patients were grouped based on reason for repeat imaging: CC or NCC. The rate of organ-specific delayed complications and interventions was examined by reason for scan. RESULTS: A total of 307 injuries were included in the study period (174 splenic, 113 hepatic, and 20 both). Of 194 splenic injuries, 30(15.5%) underwent repeat imaging (CC = 19; NCC = 11). Of 133 hepatic injuries, 27(20.3%) underwent repeat imaging (CC = 21; NCC = 6). There was no difference in the incidence of organ-specific delayed complications between the CC and NCC groups. Of the 4 patients with complications necessitating intervention, only one was identified based on NCC. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest routine repeat imaging is unnecessary in children with blunt splenic and/or hepatic injuries; therefore, practitioners may rely on a patient's clinical change.

Pre-COVID-19 Physician Awareness of Mental Health Resources During and After Natural and Human-Made Disasters.

OBJECTIVE: Physician mental health is critical during the recovery of natural and human-made disasters (NHDs), yet the accessibility of mental health resources to physicians has not been characterized. This study examined emergency medicine and trauma physician knowledge of and access to mental health resources in NHD settings. METHODS: The survey was electronically disseminated to the American College of Emergency Physicians and the American Association of the Surgery of Trauma between February 4, 2020, and March 9, 2020. The 17-question survey assessed physician awareness and access to emergency preparedness resources at their institutions. RESULTS: Of the responders, 86% (n = 229) were aware of written emergency response plans for their facility. While 31% were aware of the hospital's mental health policies and resources outside of the emergency response plan, only 25% knew how to access these resources during and after NHDs. Finally, 10% reported the incorporation of mental health resources during institutional practice drills. CONCLUSIONS: Physicians reported knowledge of emergency preparedness policies; however, significant gaps remain in physician knowledge and access to mental health resources NHD settings. As NHDs increase on a global scale, it is critical for health systems to ensure accessible infrastructure to support the mental well-being of health professionals.

Use of Cold-Stored Whole Blood is Associated With Improved Mortality in Hemostatic Resuscitation of Major Bleeding: A Multicenter Study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify a mortality benefit with the use of whole blood (WB) as part of the resuscitation of bleeding trauma patients. BACKGROUND: Blood component therapy (BCT) is the current standard for resuscitating trauma patients, with WB emerging as the blood product of choice. We hypothesized that the use of WB versus BCT alone would result in decreased mortality. METHODS: We performed a 14-center, prospective observational study of trauma patients who received WB versus BCT during their resuscitation. We applied a generalized linear mixed-effects model with a random effect and controlled for age, sex, mechanism of injury (MOI), and injury severity score. All patients who received blood as part of their initial resuscitation were included. Primary outcome was mortality and secondary outcomes included acute kidney injury, deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism, pulmonary complications, and bleeding complications. RESULTS: A total of 1623 [WB: 1180 (74%), BCT: 443(27%)] patients who sustained penetrating (53%) or blunt (47%) injury were included. Patients who received WB had a higher shock index (0.98 vs 0.83), more comorbidities, and more blunt MOI (all P <0.05). After controlling for center, age, sex, MOI, and injury severity score, we found no differences in the rates of acute kidney injury, deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism or pulmonary complications. WB patients were 9% less likely to experience bleeding complications and were 48% less likely to die than BCT patients ( P <0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with BCT, the use of WB was associated with a 48% reduction in mortality in trauma patients. Our study supports the use of WB use in the resuscitation of trauma patients.

Prehospital end-tidal carbon dioxide is predictive of death and massive transfusion in injured patients: An Eastern Association for Surgery of Trauma multicenter trial.

BACKGROUND: Prehospital identification of the injured patient likely to require emergent care remains a challenge. End-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) has been used in the prehospital setting to monitor respiratory physiology and confirmation of endotracheal tube placement. Low levels of ETCO2 have been demonstrated to correlate with injury severity and mortality in a number of in-hospital studies. We hypothesized that prehospital ETCO2 values would be predictive of mortality and need for massive transfusion (MT) in intubated patients. METHODS: This was a retrospective multicenter trial with 24 participating centers. Prehospital, emergency department, and hospital values were collected. Receiver operating characteristic curves were created and compared. Massive transfusion defined as >10 U of blood in 6 hours or death in 6 hours with at least 1 U of blood transfused. RESULTS: A total of 1,324 patients were enrolled. ETCO2 (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUROC], 0.67; confidence interval [CI], 0.63-0.71) was better in predicting mortality than shock index (SI) (AUROC, 0.55; CI, 0.50-0.60) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) (AUROC, 0.58; CI, 0.53-0.62) (p < 0.0005). Prehospital lowest ETCO2 (AUROC, 0.69; CI, 0.64-0.75), SBP (AUROC, 0.75; CI, 0.70-0.81), and SI (AUROC, 0.74; CI, 0.68-0.79) were all predictive of MT. Analysis of patients with normotension demonstrated lowest prehospital ETCO2 (AUROC, 0.66; CI, 0.61-0.71), which was more predictive of mortality than SBP (AUROC, 0.52; CI, 0.47-0.58) or SI (AUROC, 0.56; CI, 0.50-0.62) (p < 0.001). Lowest prehospital ETCO2 (AUROC, 0.75; CI, 0.65-0.84), SBP (AUROC, 0.63; CI, 0.54-0.74), and SI (AUROC, 0.64; CI, 0.54-0.75) were predictive of MT in normotensive patients. ETCO2 cutoff for MT was 26 mm Hg. The positive predictive value was 16.1%, and negative predictive value was high at 98.1%. CONCLUSION: Prehospital ETCO2 is predictive of mortality and MT. ETCO2 outperformed traditional measures such as SBP and SI in the prediction of mortality. ETCO2 may outperform traditional measures in predicting need for transfusion in occult shock. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic test, level III.

Medical Student Attitudes Toward Blood Donation in Times of Increased Need.

BACKGROUND: In situations of increased need, such as mass casualty incidents (MCIs) and COVID-19, donated blood products are in shortage across the United States. Medical students are a potential pool for blood donors. The aim of this study was to determine overall attitudes of medical students at a single academic institution toward blood donation during times of increased need. METHODS: Three anonymous REDCap surveys were administered to all medical students at a rural academic institution. Surveys 1 and 2 were administered preceding and after an institution-wide MCI drill, in September and November 2019, respectively. Survey 3 was administered following a student-organized COVID-19 blood drive in June 2020. Multivariable analysis was performed to determine if factors, ie, experience with MCI drills and emergency medical services (EMS) training, were associated with willingness to donate blood. Furthermore, barriers to donation among those not willing to donate were assessed. RESULTS: Overall response rate for MCI surveys (surveys 1 and 2) was 38% (mean age 25.2 years and 50% women). 91% (n = 210) of respondents were willing to donate blood. Previous participation in MCI drills and EMS training was not associated with higher willingness to donate blood. Response rate for survey 3 was 15.6% (59.4% women), and 30 (31.3%) respondents indicated they did not volunteer to donate blood during the COVID-19 drive. Most common reasons for not donating were "other," medical concerns, and being out-of-town. CONCLUSIONS: Majority of medical students are willing to donate blood during times of increased need and offer a possible solution to increase blood donor pool.

Low-density Isolated Intraperitoneal Free Fluid in Pediatric Blunt Trauma Is Not Associated With Abdominal Injury.

OBJECTIVES: Isolated intraperitoneal free fluid (IIFF) is defined as intraperitoneal fluid seen on computed tomography (CT) without identifiable injury. In a hemodynamically stable patient, this finding creates a challenge for physicians regarding the next steps in management because the clinical significance of this fluid is not completely understood. We hypothesized that pediatric blunt trauma patients with a finding of simple IIFF on CT would not have clinically significant intraabdominal injury. METHODS: A retrospective review (2009-2018) was conducted of all pediatric blunt trauma patients who underwent CT scan of the abdomen/pelvis at our institution. All patients with scans performed at our institution with the finding of IIFF were included. Scans were reviewed to measure the Hounsfield Units (HU) of the intraabdominal fluid. Groups were stratified into HU > 25 and HU ≤ 25, below accepted cutoffs for acute blood, and clinical outcomes were reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 413 patients had free fluid on CT abdomen/pelvis with 279 (68%) having only the finding of IIFF. The HU was 25 or less in 236 (85%) patients. No patients in the HU ≤ 25 group required operative exploration or had examination findings to indicate they had intraabdominal injury. Four (9%) patients in the HU > 25 required laparotomy (P < 0.0001). No patients in the HU ≤ 25 group required further workup or hospital admission over concern for intraabdominal injury. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric blunt trauma patients with HU of 25 or less IIFF and a nonperitonitic physical examination did not require operative exploration or further workup for intraabdominal injury. In the absence of other injuries, it is safe to discharge these patients without further workup.

Whole blood versus component therapy for haemostatic resuscitation of major bleeding: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: There is a renewed interest in the use of whole blood (WB) to manage patients with life-threatening bleeding. We aimed to estimate mortality and complications risk between WB and blood component therapy for haemostatic resuscitation of major bleeding. METHODS: We will conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies published between 1 January 1980 and 1 January 2020, identified from PubMed and Scopus databases. Population will be patients who require blood transfusion (traumatic operative, obstetric and gastrointestinal bleeding). Intervention is WB transfusion such as fresh WB (WB unit stored for less than 48 hours), leukoreduced modified WB (with platelets removed during filtration), warm fresh WB (stored warm at 22°C for up to 8 hours and then for a maximum of an additional 24 hours at 4°C). The primary outcomes will be the 24-hour and 30-day survival rates (in-hospital mortality). Comparator is blood component therapy (red blood cells, fresh-frozen plasma and platelets given together in a 1:1:1 unit ratio). The Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomised controlled trials and Risk Of Bias In Non-randomised Studies - of Interventions (ROBINS-I) for observation studies will be used to assess the risk of bias of included studies. We will use random-effects models for the pooling of studies. Interstudy heterogeneity will be assessed by the Cochran Q statistic, where p<0.10 will be considered statistically significant and quantified by I2 statistic, where I2 ≥50% will indicate substantial heterogeneity. We will perform subgroup and meta-regression analyses to assess geographical differences and other study-level factors explaining variations in the reported mortality risk. Results will be reported as risk ratios and their 95% CIs. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: No ethics clearance is required as no primary data will be collected. The results will be presented at scientific conferences and published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Gun violence incidence during the COVID-19 pandemic is higher than before the pandemic in the United States.

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, gun violence (GV) in the United States (U.S.) was postulated to increase strain on already taxed healthcare resources, such as blood products, intensive care beds, personal protective equipment, and even hospital staff. This report aims to estimate the relative risk of GV in the U.S. during the pandemic compared to before the pandemic. Daily police reports corresponding to gun-related injuries and deaths in the 50 states and the District of Columbia from February 1st, 2019, to March 31st, 2021 were obtained from the GV Archive. Generalized linear mixed-effects models in the form of Poisson regression analysis were utilized to estimate the state-specific rates of GV. Nationally, GV rates were 30% higher between March 01, 2020, and March 31, 2021 (during the pandemic), compared to the same period in 2019 (before the pandemic) [intensity ratio (IR) = 1.30; 95% CI 1.29, 1.32; p < 0.0001]. The risk of GV was significantly higher in 28 states and significantly lower in only one state. National and state-specific rates of GV were higher during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the same timeframe 1 year prior. State-specific steps to mitigate violence, or at a minimum adequately prepare for its toll during the COVID-19 pandemic, should be taken.

Repeat Imaging in Blunt Hepatic Injuries Can Wait for Clinical Change.

BACKGROUND: There is variability regarding the utilization and timing of repeat imaging in adult patients with blunt hepatic injury who are managed nonoperatively. This study examines the rate of delayed complications and interventions in patients with blunt hepatic injuries who undergo repeat imaging prompted either by clinical change (CC) or non-clinical change (NCC). METHODS: A nine-year, retrospective, dual-institution study was performed of adult patients with blunt hepatic injuries. Patients were identified based on whether repeat imaging was performed and reason for reimaging: CC or NCC. The incidence of delayed complications and interventions was examined for each type of scan. RESULTS: Of 365 patients, 122 (33.4%) underwent repeat imaging [CC, n = 72 (59%); NCC, n=50 (41%)]. Mean time to repeat imaging was shorter in the NCC group [CC = 7.6 ± 8 days; NCC = 4.7 ± 6.3 days, P = 0.034]. Delayed complications were found in 30 (25%) patients reimaged, [CC, n = 20; NCC, n = 10, P = 0.395]. Interventions were performed in 12 (40%) patients [CC, n = 10; NCC, n = 2, P = 0.120]. CONCLUSIONS: Repeat imaging due to NCC occurred earlier than imaging performed by CC. One quarter of patients reimaged demonstrated a delayed complication, with nearly half undergoing intervention. There was no difference in incidence of delayed complications or interventions between groups, suggesting repeat imaging can be prompted by clinical change in blunt hepatic injuries.

Outcomes after ultramassive transfusion in the modern era: An Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Despite the widespread institution of modern massive transfusion protocols with balanced blood product ratios, survival for patients with traumatic hemorrhage receiving ultramassive transfusion (UMT) (defined as ≥20 U of packed red blood cells [RBCs]) in 24 hours) remains low and resource consumption remains high. Therefore, we aimed to identify factors associated with mortality in trauma patients receiving UMT in the modern resuscitation era. METHODS: An Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma multicenter retrospective study of 461 trauma patients from 17 trauma centers who received ≥20 U of RBCs in 24 hours was performed (2014-2019). Multivariable logistic regression and Classification and Regression Tree analysis were used to identify clinical characteristics associated with mortality. RESULTS: The 461 patients were young (median age, 35 years), male (82%), severely injured (median Injury Severity Score, 33), in shock (median shock index, 1.2; base excess, -9), and transfused a median of 29 U of RBCs, 22 U of fresh frozen plasma (FFP), and 24 U of platelets (PLT). Mortality was 46% at 24 hours and 65% at discharge. Transfusion of RBC/FFP ≥1.5:1 or RBC/PLT ≥1.5:1 was significantly associated with mortality, most pronounced for the 18% of patients who received both RBC/PLT and RBC/FFP ≥1.5:1 (odds ratios, 3.11 and 2.81 for mortality at 24 hours and discharge; both p < 0.01). Classification and Regression Tree identified that age older than 50 years, low initial Glasgow Coma Scale, thrombocytopenia, and resuscitative thoracotomy were associated with low likelihood of survival (14-26%), while absence of these factors was associated with the highest survival (71%). CONCLUSION: Despite modern massive transfusion protocols, one half of trauma patients receiving UMT are transfused with either RBC/FFP or RBC/PLT in unbalanced ratios ≥1.5:1, with increased associated mortality. Maintaining focus on balanced ratios during UMT is critical, and consideration of advanced age, poor initial mental status, thrombocytopenia, and resuscitative thoracotomy can aid in prognostication. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic, level III.

Association of Acute Care Surgeon Experience With Emergency Surgery Patient Outcomes and Mortality.

Importance: Previous studies comparing emergency surgery outcomes with surgeon experience have been small or used administrative databases without controlling for patient physiology or operative complexity. Objective: To evaluate the association of acute care surgeon experience with patient morbidity and mortality after emergency surgical procedures. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cohort study evaluated the association of surgeon experience with emergency surgery outcomes at 5 US academic level 1 trauma centers where the same surgeons provided emergency general surgical care. A total of 772 patients who presented with a traumatic injury and required an emergency surgical procedure or who presented with or developed a condition requiring an emergency general surgical intervention were operated on by 1 of 56 acute care surgeons. Surgeon groups were divided by experience of less than 6 years (early career), 6 to 10 years (early midcareer), 11 to 30 years (late midcareer), and 30 years or more (late career) from the end of training. Surgeons with less than 3 years of experience were also compared with the entire cohort. Hierarchical logistic regression models were constructed controlling for Emergency Surgery Score, case complexity, preoperative transfusion, and trauma or emergency general surgery. Data were collected from May 2015 to July 2017 and analyzed from February to May 2020. Main Outcomes and Measures: Mortality, complications, length of stay, blood loss, and unplanned return to the operating room. Results: Of 772 included patients, 469 (60.8%) were male, and the mean (SD) age was 50.1 (20.0) years. Of 772 operations, 618 were by surgeons with less than 10 years of experience. Early- and late-midcareer surgeons generally operated on older patients and patients with more septic shock, acute kidney failure, and higher Emergency Surgery Scores. Patient mortality, complications, postoperative transfusion, organ-space surgical site infection, and length of stay were similar between surgeon groups. Patients operated on by early-career surgeons had higher rates of unplanned return to the operating room compared with those operated on by early-midcareer surgeons (odds ratio [OR], 0.66; 95% CI, 0.40-1.09), late-midcareer surgeons (OR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.13-0.90), and late-career surgeons (OR, 1.11; 95% CI, 0.45-2.75). Patients operated on by surgeons with less than 3 years of experience had similar mortality compared with the rest of the cohort (OR, 1.97; 95% CI, 0.85-4.57) but higher rates of complications (OR, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.05-4.07). Conclusions and Relevance: In this study, experienced surgeons generally operated on older patients with more septic shock and kidney failure without affecting risk-adjusted mortality. Increased complications and unplanned return to the operating room may improve with experience. Early-career surgeons' outcomes may be improved if they are supported while experience is garnered.

Temporary intravascular shunts after civilian arterial injury: A prospective multicenter Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma study.

INTRODUCTION: We sought to determine the impact of the indication for shunt placement on shunt-related outcomes after major arterial injuries. We hypothesized that a shunt placed for damage control indications would be associated with an increase in shunt-related complications including shunt dislodgement, thrombosis, or distal ischemia. PATIENTS & METHODS: A prospective, multicenter study (eleven level one US trauma centers) of all adult trauma patients undergoing temporary intravascular shunts (TIVS) after arterial injury was undertaken (January 2017-May 2019). Exclusion criteria included age <15years, shunt placement distal to popliteal/brachial arteries, isolated venous shunts, and death before shunt removal. Clinical variables were compared by indication and shunt-related complications. The primary endpoint was TIVS complications (thrombosis, migration, distal ischemia). RESULTS: The 66 patients who underwent TIVS were primarily young (30years [IQR 22-36]) men (85%), severely injured (ISS 17 [10-25]) by penetrating mechanisms (59%), and had their shunts placed for damage control (41%). After a median SDT of 198min [89-622], 9% experienced shunt-related complications. Compared by shunt placement indication (damage control shunts [n=27] compared to non-damage control shunts [n=39]), there were no differences in gender, mechanism, extremity AIS, MESS score, fractures, or surgeon specialty between the two groups (all p>0.05). Patients with shunts placed for damage control indications had more severe injuries (ISS 23.5 compared to 13; SBP 100 compared to 129; GCS 11 compared to 15; lactate 11.5 compared to 3.6; all p<0.05), and had more frequent shunt complication predictors, but damage control shunts did not have significantly more TIVS complications (11.1% compared to 7.7%, p=0.658). Shunt complication patients were discharged home less often (33% vs 65%; p<0.05) but all survived. CONCLUSION: Shunts placed for damage control indications were not associated with shunt complications in this prospective, multicenter study.

Pediatric Major Vascular Injuries: A 16-Year Institutional Experience From a Combined Adult and Pediatric Trauma Center.

OBJECTIVES: Vascular injury in pediatric trauma patients is uncommon but associated with a reported mortality greater than 19% in some series. The purpose of this study was to characterize pediatric major vascular injuries (MVIs) and analyze mortality at a high-volume combined adult and pediatric trauma center. METHODS: A retrospective review (January 2000 to May 2016) was conducted of all pediatric (<18 years old) trauma patients who presented with a vascular injury. A total of 177 patients were identified, with 60 (34%) having an MVI, defined as injury in the neck, torso, or proximal extremity. Patients were then further analyzed based on location of injury, mechanism, age, and race. P ≤ 0.05 was deemed significant. RESULTS: Of the 60 patients with MVI, the mean age was 14.3 years (range, 4-17 years). Mean intensive care unit length of stay (LOS) was 5.4 days, and mean hospital LOS was 12.5 days. Blunt mechanism was more common in patients 14 years or younger; penetrating trauma was more common amongst patients older than 14 years. Overall, blunt injuries had a longer intensive care unit LOS compared with penetrating trauma (7.8 vs 3.1 days; P = 0.016). A total of 33% (n = 20) of MVIs occurred in the torso, with 50% (n = 10) of these from blunt trauma. Location of injury did correlate with mortality; 45% (n = 9) of torso MVIs resulted in death (penetrating n = 7, blunt n = 2). Overall mortality from an MVI was 15.3% (n = 9); all were torso MVIs. Higher Injury Severity Score and Glasgow Coma Scale score were found to be independently associated with mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience demonstrates that MVIs are associated with a significant mortality (15.3%), with a majority of those resulting from gunshot wounds, more than 9-fold greater than the overall mortality of pediatric trauma patients at our institution (1.6%). Further research should be aimed at improving management strategies specific for MVIs in the pediatric trauma patient as gun violence continues to afflict youth in the United States.

Patient Outcomes in Mesenteric Venous Thrombosis Treated With Empiric Antibiotics.

BACKGROUND: Mesenteric venous thrombosis (MVT) is typically associated with poor prognosis. Although prophylactic antibiotics are sometimes given with the intent of limiting bacterial luminal load and translocation in patients with MVT, this approach has not been universally adopted. The aim of this study is to analyze whether utilizing antibiotics empirically in those with MVT improves patient outcomes and survival when compared to those who do not receive empiric antibiotics. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients admitted with MVT between 2002 and 2019 at a single academic institution was performed. Demographics and rates of mortality need for bowel resection, readmission, and Clostridium difficile (C. diff) infection were compared between patients treated with empiric antibiotics and patients not treated with antibiotics. RESULTS: Eighty-three patients (mean age 64.5 years and 55.4% male) who were admitted for MVT were included. Empiric antibiotics were utilized in 53% (n = 44) of MVT patients while 47% (n = 39) received supportive treatment without empiric antibiotics. Death occurred in 4 patients treated with antibiotics and 6 patients treated without antibiotics (9.1% vs. 15.3%, P = .50). Readmissions occurred in 12 patients (27.3%) treated with antibiotics and 10 patients (25.6%) not treated with antibiotics (27.3% vs. 25.6%, P = .87). C. diff infection occurred in 6 patients treated with antibiotics and in no patients not treated with antibiotics (13.6% vs. 0%, P = .03). CONCLUSIONS: Empiric antibiotic usage may not improve rates of mortality or hospital readmission in patients with MVT and may unnecessarily expose patients to an increased risk of C. diff infection.