Blunt Adrenal Injury is Not Associated With Worse Outcomes in Adult Trauma Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Blunt adrenal injury is rare. Given production of hormones including catecholamines, adrenal injury may lead to worse outcomes. However, there is a paucity of literature on this topic. As such, we compared blunt trauma patients (BTPs) with and without adrenal injuries, hypothesizing similar mortality and complications between cohorts. METHODS: The 2017-2019 Trauma Quality Improvement Program database was queried for adult (≥18-year-old) BTPs. Patients with penetrating trauma, traumatic brain injury, severe thoracic injury, or who were transferred from another hospital were excluded. Patients with adrenal injury were compared to those without using a 1:2 propensity score model. Matched variables included patient age, comorbidities, vitals on admission and concomitant injuries (i.e., liver, spleen, kidney, pancreas, and hollow viscus). Univariable logistic regression was then performed for associated risk of mortality. RESULTS: 2287 (0.2%) BTPs had an adrenal injury, with 1470 patients with adrenal injury matched to 2940 without adrenal injury. The rate of all complications including sepsis (0.1% versus 0.0%) was similar between cohorts (all P > 0.05). Patients with adrenal injury had a lower rate of mortality (0.1% versus 0.6%, P = 0.035) but increased length of stay (4 [3-6] versus 3 [2-5] days, P = 0.002). However, there was no difference in associated risk of mortality for patients with and without adrenal injury (odds ratio = 0.234; confidence interval = 0.54-1.015; P = 0.052). CONCLUSIONS: Blunt adrenal injury occurred in <1% of patients. After propensity matching, there was a similar associated rate of complications but longer hospital length of stay for patients with adrenal injury. Adrenal injury was not associated with an increased risk of mortality.

Trends in Legal Firearm Transactions: A Possible Protective Role of Gun Law Strength.

INTRODUCTION: The United States (US) holds the highest personal firearm ownership among industrialized nations, with implications for firearm-related deaths tied to increased per capita gun ownership and varying gun laws. This study examines the influence of gun law strength on legal firearm transactions, positing a correlation between stronger laws and reduced transactions. The analysis, focused on the stress-laden COVID-19 pandemic, evaluates handgun, long gun, and multiple gun transactions in 2020 and 2021 compared to 2018-2019. METHODS: The Giffords Gun Law scorecard categorized states into the top 25 "strong" and bottom 25 "weak" gun law groups. Multivariate linear regressions assessed the association between strong gun law states and monthly National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) data from 2018 to 2021. The study queried NICS for handgun, long gun, and multiple gun transactions, comparing median monthly transactions in 2018 and 2019 to 2020 and 2018-2020 to 2021. RESULTS: When evaluating gun law strength through multivariate linear regression models, stronger gun law states had fewer monthly NICS transactions for handguns, long guns, and multiple guns in 2020 and 2021 versus all comparison years (all P < .05). However, from 2018-2019 to 2020 and 2018-2020 to 2021, median monthly NICS transactions per 100,000 people for all gun types increased (all P < .05). CONCLUSION: Stricter gun laws correlated with decreased firearm transactions in stronger law states, yet handgun, long gun, and multiple gun transactions increased during the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021. Therefore, strengthening firearm legislation may be protective against the proliferation of firearms, which warrants further research.

Firearm Violence Involving Adults 65 and Older During the Novel Coronavirus Disease Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Rates of firearm violence (FV) surged during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there is a paucity of data regarding older adults (OAs) (≥65 years old). This study aimed to evaluate patterns of FV against OAs before and after the COVID-19 pandemic, hypothesizing decreased firearm incidents, injuries, and deaths for OAs due to restricted social movement. METHODS: Retrospective (2016-2021) data for OAs were obtained from the Gun Violence Archive. The rate of FV was weighted per 10,000 OAs using annual population data from the United States Census Bureau. Mann-Whitney U tests were performed to compare annual firearm incidence rates, number of OAs killed, and number of OAs injured from 2016-2020 to 2021. RESULTS: From 944 OA-involved shootings, 842 died in 2021. The median total firearm incidents per month per 10,000 OAs decreased in 2021 vs 2016 (.65 vs .38, P < .001), 2017 (.63 vs .38, P < .001), 2018 (.61 vs .38, P < .001), 2019 (.39 vs .38, P = .003), and 2020 (.43 vs .38, P = .012). However, there was an increased median number of OAs killed in 2021 vs 2020 (.38 vs .38, P = .009), but no difference from 2016-2019 vs 2021 (all P > .05). The median number of firearm injuries decreased from 2017 to 2021 (.21 vs .19, P = .001) and 2020 to 2021 (.19 vs .19 P < .001). DISCUSSION: Firearm incidents involving OAs decreased in 2021 compared to pre-pandemic years; however, there was a slight increase in deaths compared to 2020. This may reflect increased social isolation; however, future research is needed to understand why this occurred.

Development of a novel scoring tool to predict the need for early cricothyroidotomy in trauma patients.

Background: The lack of a widely-used tool for predicting early cricothyroidotomy in trauma patients prompted us to develop the Cricothyroidotomy After Trauma (CAT) score. We aimed to predict the need for cricothyroidotomy within one hour of trauma patient arrival. Methods: Derivation and validation datasets were obtained from the Trauma Quality Improvement Program (TQIP) database. Logistic modeling identified predictors, and weighted averages were used to create the CAT score. The score's performance was assessed using AUROC. Results: Among 1,373,823 derivation patients, <1 % (n = 339) underwent cricothyroidotomy within one hour. The CAT score, comprising nine predictors, achieved an AUROC of 0.88. Severe neck injury and gunshot wound were the strongest predictors. Cricothyroidotomy rates increased from 0.4 % to 9.3 % at scores of 5 and 8, respectively. In the validation set, the CAT tool yielded an AUROC of 0.9. Conclusion: The CAT score is a validated tool for predicting the need for early cricothyroidotomy in trauma patients. Further research is necessary to enhance its utility and assess its value in trauma care.

Diagnostic Peritoneal Aspiration or Lavage in Stratified Groups of Hypotensive Blunt Trauma Patients.

BACKGROUND: Some reports suggest Diagnostic peritoneal aspiration (DPA) or lavage (DPL) may better select which hypotensive blunt trauma patients (BTPs) require operation, compared to ultrasonography. However, whether both moderately hypotensive (systolic blood pressure [SBP] < 90 mmHg) and severely hypotensive (SBP < 70 mmHg) patients benefit from DPA/DPL is unclear. We hypothesized DPA/DPL used within the first hour increases risk of death for severely vs moderately hypotensive BTPs. METHODS: The 2017-2019 Trauma Quality Improvement Program database was queried for BTPs ≥ 18 years old with hypotension upon arrival. We compared moderately and severely hypotensive groups. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed controlling for age, comorbidities, emergent operation, blood transfusions, and injury profile. RESULTS: From 134 hypotensive patients undergoing DPA/DPL, 66 (49.3%) had severe hypotension. Patients in both groups underwent an emergent operation (43.9% vs 58.8%, P = .09) in a similar amount of time (median, 42-min vs 54-min, P = .11). Compared to the moderately hypotensive group, severely hypotensive patients had a higher rate and associated risk of death (84.8% vs 50.0%, P < .001) (OR 5.40, CI 2.07-14.11, P < .001). The strongest independent risk factor for death was age ≥ 65 (OR 24.81, CI 4.06-151.62, P < .001). DISCUSSION: Among all BTPs undergoing DPA/DPL within the first hour of arrival, an over 5-fold increased risk of death for patients with severe hypotension was demonstrated. As such, DPA/DPL within this group should be used with caution, particularly for older patients, as they may be better served by immediate surgeries. Future prospective research is needed to confirm these findings and elucidate the ideal DPA/DPL population in the modern era of ultrasonography.

Alcohol is not associated with increased mortality in adolescent traumatic brain injury patients.

PURPOSE: Compared to adults, there is a paucity of data regarding the association of a positive alcohol screen (PAS) and outcomes in adolescent patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). We hypothesize adolescent TBI patients with a PAS on admission to have increased mortality compared to patients with a negative alcohol screen. METHODS: The 2017 Trauma Quality Improvement Program database was queried for patients aged 13-17 years presenting with a TBI and serum alcohol screen. Patients with missing information regarding midline shift on imaging and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score were excluded. A multivariable logistic regression analysis for mortality was performed. RESULTS: From 2553 adolescent TBI patients with an alcohol screen, 220 (8.6%) had a PAS. Median injury severity scores and rates of penetrating trauma (all p > 0.05) were similar between alcohol positive and negative patients. Patients with a PAS had a similar mortality rate (13.2% vs. 12.1%, p = 0.64) compared to patients with a negative screen. Multivariate logistic regression controlling for risk factors associated with mortality revealed a PAS to confer a similar risk of mortality compared to alcohol negative patients (p = 0.40). CONCLUSION: Adolescent TBI patients with a PAS had similar associated risk of mortality compared to patients with a negative alcohol screen.

Isolated Thoracic Injury Patients With Rib Fractures Undergoing Rib Fixation Have Improved Mortality.

BACKGROUND: Despite a lack of consensus recommendations for surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF), SSRF has increased over the past decade. Outcomes of patients with isolated thoracic injuries undergoing SSRF are unknown. We hypothesized adult trauma patients with isolated thoracic injuries and rib fractures undergoing SSRF would have a decreased risk of mortality and in-hospital respiratory complications compared with those not undergoing SSRF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Trauma Quality Improvement Program (2010-2016) was queried for patients presenting with a rib fracture. Patients who died in the emergency department or within 24-h, as well as those with a grade>1 for abbreviated injury scale of the head, face, neck, spine, abdomen, and extremities, were excluded. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: From 60,000 patients with isolated thoracic injuries and rib fractures, 688 (1.1%) underwent SSRF. Compared with patients without SSRF, those undergoing SSRF had a similar median age (P = 0.83) and higher injury severity score (P < 0.001). Patients undergoing SSRF had a longer length of stay (P < 0.001), higher rate of acute respiratory distress syndrome (P < 0.001), unplanned intubation (P < 0.001), and pneumonia (P < 0.001) but lower rate of mortality (0.9% versus 1.7%, P = 0.084). After adjusting for confounding variables, patients undergoing SSRF had a decreased associated risk of mortality (OR 0.40, P = 0.036) compared with those not undergoing SSRF. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of mortality in trauma patients with isolated thoracic injuries and rib fractures is lower when undergoing SSRF despite being associated with a higher rate of respiratory complications during their increased length of stay.

Octogenarians with blunt splenic injury: not all geriatrics are the same.

Geriatric trauma patients (GTP) (age ≥ 65 years) with blunt splenic injury (BSI) have up to a 6% failure rate of non-operative management (NOM). GTPs failing NOM have a similar mortality rate compared to GTPs managed successfully with NOM. However, it is unclear if this remains true in octogenarians (aged 80-89 years). We hypothesized that the failure rate for NOM in octogenarians would be similar to their younger geriatric cohort, patients aged 65-79 years; however risk of mortality in octogenarians who fail NOM would be higher than that of octogenarians managed successfully with NOM. The Trauma Quality Improvement Program (2010-2016) was queried for patients with BSI. Those undergoing splenectomy within 6 h were excluded to select for patients undergoing NOM. Patients aged 65-79 years (young GTPs) were compared to octogenarians. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to determine the risk for failed NOM and mortality. From 43,041 BSI patients undergoing NOM, 3660 (8.5%) were aged 65-79 years and 1236 (2.9%) were octogenarians. Both groups had a similar median Injury Severity Score (ISS) (p = 0.10) and failure rate of NOM (6.6% young GTPs vs. 6.8% octogenarians p = 0.82). From those failing NOM, octogenarians had similar units of blood products transfused (p > 0.05) and a higher mortality rate (40.5% vs. 18.2%, p < 0.001), compared to young GTPs. Independent risk factors for failing NOM in octogenarians included ≥ 1 unit of packed red blood cells (PRBC) (p = 0.039) within 24 h of admission. Octogenarians who failed NOM had a higher mortality rate compared to octogenarians managed successfully with NOM (40.5% vs 23.6% p = 0.001), which persisted in a multivariable logistic regression analysis (OR 2.25, CI 1.37-3.70, p < 0.001). Late failure of NOM ≥ 24 h (vs. early failure) was not associated with increased risk of mortality (p = 0.88), but ≥ 1 unit of PRBC transfused had higher risk (OR 1.88, CI 1.20-2.95, p = 0.006). Compared to young GTPs with BSI, octogenarians have a similar rate of failed NOM. Octogenarians with BSI who fail NOM have over a twofold higher risk of mortality compared to those managed successfully with NOM. PRBC transfusion increases risk for mortality. Therefore, clinicians should consider failure of NOM earlier in the octogenarian population to mitigate the risk of increased mortality.

Comparison of Nonoperative and Operative Management of Traumatic Penetrating Internal Jugular Vein Injury.

BACKGROUND: Small case series have suggested that selective nonoperative management (NOM) of penetrating internal jugular vein (IJV) injuries is safe and feasible in select patients lacking "hard signs" mandating exploration. Therefore, we sought to compare NOM to operative management (OM) of penetrating IJV injury, hypothesizing that both strategies have similar patient outcomes and mortality when patients are appropriately selected. METHODS: The Trauma Quality Improvement Program (2013-2016) was queried for patients with penetrating IJV injury with an abbreviated injury scale score of the neck ≥3. Demographics and patient outcomes were compared between patients undergoing NOM and patients undergoing OM, followed by a multivariable logistic regression model to analyze the risk of mortality. RESULTS: A penetrating IJV injury was identified in 188 (0.01%) patients meeting inclusion criteria, and OM was performed in 124 (66.0%) patients, whereas 64 (34.0%) patients underwent NOM. Although the OM group had a higher rate of pneumothorax (8.9% vs. 0.0%, P = 0.01), there was no difference in any other concomitant injuries or demographic data (all P > 0.05). The OM group had a higher rate of ventilator days (3 vs. 2 days, P = 0.01) but no other significant differences in morbidity or mortality (P > 0.05). After controlling for covariates, OM was associated with similar risk of mortality compared with NOM of patients with penetrating IJV injury (odds ratio 1.05, confidence interval 0.23-4.83, P = 0.95). CONCLUSIONS: The NOM of penetrating IJV injuries is associated with similar risk of morbidity and mortality compared with OM, suggesting that NOM may be used in appropriately selected patients. Future research is needed to determine the ideal patients suited for NOM and to identify risk factors and outcomes associated with failure of NOM.

Pediatric burn-trauma patients have increased length of stay compared to trauma-only patients: A propensity matched analysis.

BACKGROUND: Trauma is the leading cause of mortality in children. Burn injury involves intensive resources, especially in pediatric patients. We hypothesized that among pediatric trauma patients, combined burn-trauma (BT) patients have increased length of stay (LOS) and mortality compared to trauma-only (T) patients. METHODS: The Pediatric Trauma Quality Improvement Program (2014-2016) was queried and BT patients were 1:2 propensity-score-matched to T patients based on age, gender, hypotension on admission, injury type and severity. RESULTS: 93 BT patients were matched to 186 T patients. There were no differences in matched characteristics. BT patients had a longer median LOS (4 vs 2 days, p<0.001) with no difference in mortality (1.1% vs 1.1%, p=1.00), intensive care unit (ICU) LOS (3 vs 3 days, p=0.55), or complications including decubitus ulcer (0% vs 1.1%, p=0.32), deep vein thrombosis (0% vs 0.5%, p=0.48), extremity compartment syndrome (1.1% vs 0%, p=0.16), and urinary tract infection (1.1% vs 1.1%, p=1.00). CONCLUSION: Pediatric BT patients had twice the LOS compared to a matched group of pediatric T patients. There was no difference between the cohorts in ICU LOS, complications or mortality rate. When evaluating risk-stratified quality metrics such as LOS, concomitant burn injury should be incorporated.

Impact of a Central-Line Insertion Site Assessment (CLISA) score on localized insertion site infection to prevent central-line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI).

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of a newly developed Central-Line Insertion Site Assessment (CLISA) score on the incidence of local inflammation or infection for CLABSI prevention. DESIGN: A pre- and postintervention, quasi-experimental quality improvement study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Adult inpatients with central venous catheters (CVCs) hospitalized in an intensive care unit or oncology ward at a large academic medical center. METHODS: We evaluated CLISA score impact on insertion site inflammation and infection (CLISA score of 2 or 3) incidence in the baseline period (June 2014-January 2015) and the intervention period (April 2015-October 2017) using interrupted times series and generalized linear mixed-effects multivariable analyses. These were run separately for days-to-line removal from identification of a CLISA score of 2 or 3. CLISA score interrater reliability and photo quiz results were evaluated. RESULTS: Among 6,957 CVCs assessed 40,846 times, percentage of lines with CLISA score of 2 or 3 in the baseline and intervention periods decreased by 78.2% (from 22.0% to 4.7%), with a significant immediate decrease in the time-series analysis (P < .001). According to the multivariable regression, the intervention was associated with lower percentage of lines with a CLISA score of 2 or 3, after adjusting for age, gender, CVC body location, and hospital unit (odds ratio, 0.15; 95% confidence interval, 0.06-0.34; P < .001). According to the multivariate regression, days to removal of lines with CLISA score of 2 or 3 was 3.19 days faster after the intervention (P < .001). Also, line dwell time decreased 37.1% from a mean of 14 days (standard deviation [SD], 10.6) to 8.8 days (SD, 9.0) (P < .001). Device utilization ratios decreased 9% from 0.64 (SD, 0.08) to 0.58 (SD, 0.06) (P = .039). CONCLUSIONS: The CLISA score creates a common language for assessing line infection risk and successfully promotes high compliance with best practices in timely line removal.

Sternotomy for Hemorrhage Control in Trauma.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the injuries, mechanisms, and outcomes in trauma patients undergoing sternotomy for hemorrhage control (SHC). The purpose of this study was to identify predictors of mortality for SHC and provide a descriptive analysis of the use of SHC in trauma. We hypothesize blunt trauma is associated with higher mortality compared with penetrating trauma among trauma patients requiring SHC. METHODS: The Trauma Quality Improvement Program (2013-2016) database was queried for adult patients undergoing SHC within 24 h of admission. Patients with blunt and penetrating trauma were compared using chi-square and Mann-Whitney U-test. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to determine the risk of mortality. RESULTS: Of 584 patients undergoing SHC, 322 (55.1%) were involved in penetrating trauma, and 69 (11.8%) were involved in blunt. The blunt trauma group had a higher median injury severity score (31.5 versus 25.0; P < 0.001) compared with the penetrating group. The median time to hemorrhage control was longer in those with blunt compared with penetrating trauma (84.6 versus 49.8 min; P < 0.001). The mortality rate was higher in patients with blunt compared with penetrating trauma (29.0% versus 12.7%; P < 0.001). However, after adjusting for covariates, there was no difference in risk of mortality between blunt and penetrating trauma (P = 0.06). CONCLUSIONS: Trauma patients requiring SHC after blunt trauma had a higher mortality rate than those in penetrating trauma. After adjusting for predictors of mortality, there was no difference in risk of mortality despite nearly double the time to hemorrhage control in patients presenting after blunt trauma.

National risk factors for blunt cardiac injury: Hemopneumothorax is the strongest predictor.

BACKGROUND: Blunt cardiac injury (BCI) can occur after chest trauma and may be associated with sternal fracture (SF). We hypothesized that injuries demonstrating a higher transmission of force to the thorax, such as thoracic aortic injury (TAI), would have a higher association with BCI. METHODS: We queried the National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB) from 2007-2015 to identify adult blunt trauma patients. RESULTS: BCI occurred in 15,976 patients (0.3%). SF had a higher association with BCI (OR = 5.52, CI = 5.32-5.73, p < 0.001) compared to TAI (OR = 4.82, CI = 4.50-5.17, p < 0.001). However, the strongest independent predictor was hemopneumothorax (OR = 9.53, CI = 7.80-11.65, p < 0.001) followed by SF and esophageal injury (OR = 5.47, CI = 4.05-7.40, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: SF after blunt trauma is more strongly associated with BCI compared to TAI. However, hemopneumothorax is the strongest predictor of BCI. We propose all patients presenting after blunt chest trauma with high-risk features including hemopneumothorax, sternal fracture, esophagus injury, and TAI be screened for BCI. SUMMARY: Using the National Trauma Data Bank, sternal fracture is more strongly associated with blunt cardiac injury than blunt thoracic aortic injury. However, hemopneumothorax was the strongest predictor.

Seatbelt sign as an indication for four-vessel computed tomography angiogram of the neck to diagnose blunt carotid artery and other cervical vascular injuries.

Computed tomography angiography (CTA) of the neck has become the most common modality for diagnosing blunt carotid artery injury (BCAI). The protocol at our institution includes CTA on trauma patients with a seatbelt sign. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether a solitary seatbelt sign is an indication for CTA of the neck to diagnose BCAI. We conducted a retrospective review of patients from 2000 to 2010 who received CTAs as a result of a seatbelt sign performed at our Level I trauma center. Four hundred eighteen patients received CTAs based on the presence of a seatbelt sign. Two hundred twenty-six had skeletal injuries, obvious soft tissue injuries, and/or positive findings on imaging, including 11 positive vascular findings with two BCAIs found. Patients with noncarotid vascular injuries on CTA had a higher Injury Severity Score than patients with solitary seatbelt signs (11.4 ± 7.6 vs 3.4 ± 4.2, P < 0.01). The correlation between seatbelt sign and positive finding on CTA was weak (r = 0.007). Patients with vascular findings on CTA also had obvious hard/soft tissue injuries and/or positive findings on standard trauma imaging. This suggests that a protocol for CTA of the neck for patients with a seatbelt sign can be reserved for those with associated injuries on physical examination and/or findings on standard trauma imaging.

Closed-loop fluid administration compared to anesthesiologist management for hemodynamic optimization and resuscitation during surgery: an in vivo study.

BACKGROUND: Closed-loop systems have been designed to assist practitioners in maintaining stability of various physiologic variables in the clinical setting. In this context, we recently performed in silico testing of a novel closed-loop fluid management system that is designed for cardiac output and pulse pressure variation monitoring and optimization. The goal of the present study was to assess the effectiveness of this newly developed system in optimizing hemodynamic variables in an in vivo surgical setting. METHODS: Sixteen Yorkshire pigs underwent a 2-phase hemorrhage protocol and were resuscitated by either the Learning Intravenous Resuscitator closed-loop system or an anesthesiologist. Median hemodynamic values and variation of hemodynamics were compared between groups. RESULTS: Cardiac index (in liters per minute per square meter) and stroke volume index (in milliliters per square meter) were higher in the closed-loop group compared with the anesthesiologist group over the protocol (3.7 [3.4-4.1] vs 3.5 [3.2-3.9]; 95% Wald confidence interval, -0.5 to -0.23; P < 0.0005 and 40 [34-45] vs 36 [31-38]; 95% Wald confidence interval, -5.9 to -3.1; P < 0.0005, respectively). There was no significant difference in total fluid administration between the closed-loop and anesthesiologist groups (3685 [3230-4418] vs 3253 [2735-3926] mL; 95% confidence interval, -1651 to 431; P = 0.28). Closed-loop group animals also had lower coefficients of variance of cardiac index and stroke volume index during the protocol (11% [10%-16%] vs 22% [18%-23%]; confidence interval, 0.8%-12.3%; P = 0.02 and 11% [8%-16%] vs 17% [13%-21%]; confidence interval, 0.2%-11.4%; P = 0.04, respectively). CONCLUSION: This in vivo study building on previous simulation work demonstrates that the closed-loop fluid management system used in this experiment can perform fluid resuscitation during mild and severe hemorrhages and is able to maintain high cardiac output and stroke volume while reducing hemodynamic variability.

Risk factors for venous thromboembolism in critically ill nontrauma surgical patients who cannot receive chemical prophylaxis.

BACKGROUND: We sought to identify independent predictors of venous thromboembolism in critically ill general surgery patients who cannot receive chemical prophylaxis in order to identify those who may benefit from aggressive screening and/or prophylactic inferior vena cava filter placement. METHODS: Nontrauma patients in the surgical intensive care unit were prospectively followed for 2 years. Patients who had contraindications to prophylactic anticoagulation and received routine screening duplex examinations were included. Data regarding lower-extremity deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism (PE) rates, past medical history (PMH), surgeries, and transfusions were collected. Logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of lower-extremity deep venous thrombosis or PE (venous thromboembolism) with a P < .05. RESULTS: Data were complete for 204 patients. Twenty (9.8%) patients developed venous thromboembolism. Independent predictors of venous thromboembolism included postoperative blood product requirements (odds ratio = 1.04 per unit), a PMH of PE (OR = 10.1), and a PMH of renal insufficiency (odds ratio = 5.1). CONCLUSIONS: Aggressive screening and/or prophylactic inferior vena cava filter may be considered when prophylactic anticoagulation is prohibited in patients with increased postoperative transfusion requirements or a PMH of either PE or renal insufficiency.

Which central venous catheters have the highest rate of catheter-associated deep venous thrombosis: a prospective analysis of 2,128 catheter days in the surgical intensive care unit.

BACKGROUND: Catheter-associated deep venous thromboses (CADVTs) are a common occurrence in the surgical intensive care unit (SICU), necessitating central venous catheter (CVC) removal and replacement. Previous studies evaluating risk factors for CADVT in SICU patients are limited, and most lack a true denominator of all CVC days. We sought to determine the true incidence of and risk factors for CADVT based on patient characteristics as well as CVC site, type, and duration of insertion. METHODS: The following data from all SICU patients in two urban Level I trauma centers were prospectively collected from 2009 to 2012: demographics, risk factors for DVT, CVC site/type/duration, and duplex results. Sites included the subclavian (SC), internal jugular (IJ), arm (for peripherally inserted central catheter [PICC] lines), and femoral. Types included multilumen (ML), introducer/hemodialysis (I/HD), and PICC. High-risk patients received weekly screening duplex examinations and a CADVT was defined as a DVT being detected on duplex with a CVC in place or within 7 days of removal. Rates of CADVT were normalized per 1,000 CVC days, and independent predictors of CADVT were determined using logistic regression. RESULTS: Data were complete for 184 patients, 354 CVCs, and 2,128 CVC days. Fifty-nine CADVTs were diagnosed in 28% of patients. Rates of CADVT were 9 per 1,000 catheter days for SC, 61 for IJ (p < 0.01 vs. SC), 27 for arm (p < 0.01), 36 for femoral (p < 0.01), 22 for ML, 57 for I/HD (p < 0.01 vs. ML), and 27 for PICC (p = 0.24). After adjusting for patient risk factors, predictors of CADVT included the IJ and arm sites (odds ratio, 6.0 and 3.0 compared with SC) and the I/HD type (odds ratio, 2.6 compared with ML, all p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The IJ and arm sites and I/HD type are associated with increased CADVT. These data may be used to determine the optimal site and type of CVC for insertion. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic/epidemiologic study, level III.

Risk factors for venous thromboembolism in critically ill trauma patients who cannot receive chemical prophylaxis.

BACKGROUND: Standard venous thromboembolism (VTE) prevention for critically ill trauma patients includes sequential compression devices and chemical prophylaxis. When contraindications to anticoagulation are present, prophylactic inferior vena cava filters (IVCF) may be used to prevent pulmonary emboli (PE) in high-risk patients, but specific indications are lacking. We sought to identify independent predictors of VTE in critically-ill trauma patients who cannot receive chemical prophylaxis in order to identify a subset of patients who may benefit from aggressive screening and/or prophylactic IVCF placement. METHODS: All trauma patients in the surgical ICU from 2008 to 2009 were prospectively followed. Patients with an ICU length of stay ≥2 days who had contraindications to prophylactic anticoagulation were included. Screening duplex exams were obtained within 48 h of admission and then weekly. CT-angiography for PE was obtained if clinically indicated. Patients were excluded if they did not receive a duplex or if they had a post-injury VTE prior to ICU admission. Data regarding VTE rates (lower extremity [LE] DVT or PE), demographics, past medical history (PMH), injuries, and surgeries were collected. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to identify independent predictors of VTE with a p<0.05. RESULTS: 411 trauma patients with a mean age of 48 (SD 22) years and 8 (SD 9) ICU days were included. 72% were male and the mean ISS was 22 (SD 13). 30 (7.3%) patients developed VTE: 28 (6.8%) with LEDVT and 2 (0.5%) with PE. Risk factors for VTE with a p<0.2 on univariate analysis included: PMH of DVT, injury severity score (ISS), extremity fractures (Fx), and a pelvis or LE extremity Fx repair. After logistic regression, only PMH of DVT (OR=22.6) and any extremity Fx (OR=2.4) remained as independent predictors. CONCLUSION: VTE occur in 7% of critically injured trauma patients who cannot receive chemical prophylaxis. Aggressive screening and/or prophylactic IVCF placement may be considered in patients with a PMH of DVT or extremity fractures when anticoagulation is prohibited.

A comparison of thoracic CT and abdominal CT for the identification of thoracic blunt trauma.

BACKGROUND: In light of current trends to limit radiation exposure and costs, as well as increased traffic safety, computed tomography (CT) may have decreasing value for evaluating patients with blunt trauma. The authors examined the utility of chest x-ray and abdominal CT for identifying clinically significant thoracic blunt trauma. METHODS: In this prospective study, findings on thoracic CT, abdominal CT, and chest x-ray from trauma patients were compared to assess injury prevalence and relevance to treatment outcomes. RESULTS: Four hundred forty-four patients were identified, of whom 76% had no findings. Occult findings had significantly lower Injury Severity Scores. All clinically relevant pneumothoraces and most other injuries could be identified without thoracic CT. Two of 3 aortic abnormalities were suspected from chest x-ray. CONCLUSIONS: Clinically significant injuries can be identified with abdominal CT and chest x-ray, safely allowing reductions in radiation exposure, hospital stays, and costs by limiting the use of thoracic CT.

Risk for contrast-induced nephropathy in elderly trauma patients.

The objective of this study was to determine if elderly trauma patients are at risk for contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN). A retrospective study was conducted identifying 362 patients 65 years and older in our Level I trauma center who received computerized tomography (CT) scans with intravenous contrast. CIN was defined as a 25 per cent increase in serum creatinine levels or a 0.5 mg/dL increase above baseline after CT. History of diabetes mellitus, hospital length of stay, intensive care unit length of stay, Injury Severity Score (ISS), and age were recorded. Eighteen per cent (21 of 118) of the patients had a peak in creatinine, 12 per cent (14 of 118) peaked and returned to baseline, and 6 per cent (7 of 118) peaked and stayed high. Pre-CT elevated creatinine, diabetes mellitus, increased hospital length of stay, ISS, and age show little association to CIN. The data suggest that CIN in elderly trauma patients is rare, regardless of history of diabetes mellitus, age, creatinine, high ISS, or result in higher length of stay. Therefore, there is little justification for the delay in diagnosis to assess a patient's renal susceptibility.