Effect of coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on orthopedic trauma patients presenting in the emergency department of a maximum care hospital and level 1 trauma center.

INTRODUCTION: While overcrowding of emergency departments was often reported in the recent years, during the early phase of the pandemic, a reduction in patient numbers was seen. The aim of the current study was to describe the orthopedic trauma patient cohort presenting to the emergency department (ED) during the early pandemic period as compared to the cohort from the analogue time period 2019. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single-center case-control study was performed. All the consecutive orthopedic trauma patients > 12 years presenting to the ED were included. Patients in the same time period in 2019 served as the control group. RESULTS: Compared to 2019, in 2020, 33% less patients presented in the emergency department. Patients treated in 2020 were significantly older, significantly more often brought to ED by emergency medical services and significantly more often admitted. The number of fractures and diagnoses requiring surgical treatment decreased only slightly and the proportion of these patients among all the patients was significantly higher during the pandemic than in the control period. Furthermore, a higher percentage of polytrauma patients could be found in 2020 as well. Analysis of Manchester Triage System showed significantly less not urgent patients in 2020. CONCLUSION: The present study shows a significant decline in the number of patients treated in the ED during the pandemic period but at the same time almost identical numbers of patients with fractures or diagnoses requiring surgical treatment. In the context of an overall decline in patient numbers, a stronger concentration on level 1 trauma centers seems to be evident during the pandemic.

Pedicle screw accuracy in thoracolumbar fractures- is routine postoperative CT scan necessary?

BACKGROUND: While several studies report on accuracy rates of pedicle screws, risk factors associated with inaccurate pedicle screw positioning in patients with thoracolumbar fractures are reported rarely. CT scan as a routine postoperative control is advocated by various authors, however its necessity remains unclear. METHODS: Two hundred forty-five patients were included in this retrospective study. Percutaneous dorsal instrumentation was most commonly performed (n = 201). Classification of Zdichavsky et al. and Rao et al. were used to classify screw misplacement and anterior perforation was further evaluated according to the extent of perforation (< 2 mm; > 2 mm). Multivariate analysis was performed to identify risk factors for misplacement of screws. RESULTS: One thousand sixty-eight pedicle screws were inserted in 245 patients. Misplacement was found in 51 screws (4.8%) in 42 patients (17.1%) according to the classification of Zdichavsky et al. and in 75 screws (7.0%) in 64 patients (26.1%) according to the classification of Rao et al.. An anterior perforation of the vertebral cortex was found in 56 screws (5.2%). Multivariate analysis showed fracture location in the upper thoracic (p = 0.048) and lumbar spine (p = 0.013) to be the only independent predictors for screw misplacement. In addition a significant correlation between pedicle diameter and the occurrence of screw malposition was found (p = 0.003). No consequences were drawn from postoperative routine CT in asymptomatic patients. CONCLUSION: An overall low rate of screw misplacement was found with fracture location in the upper thoracic and lumbar spine being the only factors independently associated with the risk of screw misplacement. No consequences were drawn from postoperative routine CT in asymptomatic patients. Therefore its use has to be discussed critically.

[Expectations from the TraumaNetwork DGU®: Which goals have been achieved? What can be improved?]. / Erwartungen an das TraumaNetzwerk DGU®: Welche Ziele wurden erreicht? Was kann verbessert werden?

INTRODUCTION: Following the establishment of the first trauma networks in 2009 an almost nationwide certification could be achieved. Despite the impressive number of 46 certified networks, little is known about the actual improvements and the satisfaction of the participating hospitals. OBJECTIVES: This article aims to give a first representative overview of the expectations and actual achievements. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An online survey with a total of 36 questions was conducted in 884 hospitals. The questionnaire could be filled out online, sent by post or fax to the AKUT- Office. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed with Microsoft Excel. RESULTS: With 326 responses, a response rate of 48.9% of all active hospitals was achieved. Of the participating hospitals 64.1% (209) were certified and had taken part in the project for an average of 3.9 years. The average score for satisfaction was 2.3, 72.4% (236) felt that there was a need for improvement in the care of severely injured patients and 46.6% (152) in the transfer of patients. In 47.2% (142) no improvement in cooperation with the ambulance service could be determined, 25.2% (82) documented an increase in the number of severely injured patients since participating in the trauma network (TNW-DGU) and 93.9% (306) of all hospitals wanted to participate in the trauma network in the future. DISCUSSION: It could be shown that important goals, such as simplification of patient transfer or general improvement in cooperation have been achieved. Overall there was a high level of satisfaction among the participating hospitals; however, the survey has identified some points which need to be improved by further intensive work.

[Polytrauma in children and adolescents. Choice of the primary care clinic and importance of pediatric traumatology competence centers]. / Das Polytrauma von Kindern und Jugendlichen. Auswahl der primärversorgenden Klinik und Bedeutung von kindertraumatologischen Kompetenzzentren.

BACKGROUND: The number of (seriously) injured children increased again for the first time in 2011. The aim of this study was to analyse differences compared to multiple injured adults and to show the reality of daily treatment. METHODS: All cases of the DGU Trauma Registry from the years 1997 to 2010 were examined. The documented cases were divided into different the age groups. The study investigated, e.g. the mechanism of accident, injury pattern, the number of hospital and ICU days, and lethality. RESULTS: At 38.8% the largest percentage of severely injured children and adolescents belongs to the group of 16-17 year olds. The group of 0-5 year olds (15.9%) has the lowest percentage. The most common accident cause was traffic accidents (58.5%). The mechanism of accident and the injury patterns changes with age. Younger patients are often treated in supraregional trauma centers (0-5 year olds: 78.2% vs. 16-17 year olds: 73.1% vs. > 65 years: 63.2%). The average lethality rate was 14.8% (16.3% RISC). CONCLUSIONS: The percentage of severely injured children in the overall population is only 7.4%. Because the majority of patients are primarily treated in supraregional trauma centers, trauma centers with specialisation in paediatric traumatology are mandatory.

[Diagnosis and treatment of abdominal trauma]. / Diagnostik und Therapie des Abdominaltraumas.

Abdominal trauma represents the leading cause of haemorrhagic shock in the severely injured patient and is associated with high mortality and morbidity rates. The trauma surgeon has a central role in the multidisciplinary team addressing the specific diagnostic and therapeutic needs of patients with abdominal trauma. The management of blunt and penetrating abdominal trauma has undergone substantial changes in recent decades. Major innovations have been established in the field of diagnostic imaging and of nonoperative interventions such as angioembolization and endoscopic procedures. Another key development is the introduction of the damage control concept for the care of patients with abdominal trauma. The present manuscript comprises a review of the current management of abdominal trauma with an emphasis on diagnostic and therapeutic innovations.

[The TraumaNetzwerk DGU project. Goals, conception, and successes achieved]. / Das Projekt TraumaNetzwerk DGU. Zielsetzung, Konzeption und bisher Erreichtes.

In Germany, approximately 35,000 patients with major injuries are treated per year. The treatment of patients suffering from major injuries is both a medical and a logistic challenge. Despite the high-level quality of medical care, regional differences exist due to geographical and infrastructural conditions. In addition, discrepancies in human resources and technical equipment in hospitals influence diagnostics and treatment of severely injured patients. Based on these findings trauma networks of the German Trauma Association were founded to guarantee nationwide high-quality medical care of these patients. This article provides an overview about requirements of all involved professions and establishment of trauma networks considering state-of-the-art communication technology. Moreover, characteristics of the auditing and certification process and planning of the integration of rehabilitation facilities are described.

[Accidental hypothermia in multiple trauma patients]. / Akzidentelle Hypothermie beim Polytrauma.

BACKGROUND: Hypothermia, defined as a body core temperature below 35 °C, could be divided into an endogeneous, therapeutic and accidental hypothermia. At admission in the emergency room multiple trauma patients show a hypothermic core temperature in up to 66 %. A core temperature below 34 °C seems to be critical in these patients as this temperature limit has been demonstrated to be associated with an increased risk for post-traumatic complications and a decreased survival. In polytraumatised patients with a core temperature below 32 °C a mortality rate of 100 % has been described. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The main pathophysiological effects of hypothermia concern the haemo-dynamic, coagulatory and immune systems. Mild hypothermia (35-32 °C) leads to a vasoconstriction, tachycardia and increased cardiac output. After an increasing arrhythmia and bradycardia severe hypothermia (< 32 °C) finally results in a cardiac arrest. Hypothermia-induced coagulopathy comprises a dysfunction of the cellular and plasmatic coagulation with an increased blood loss. Due to the attenuation of the post-traumatic, pro-inflammatory immune response and enhancement of anti-inflammatory reactions, hypothermia counteracts an overwhelming systemic inflammation, concomitantly resulting in an increased susceptibility for infectious complications. RESULTS: Because of the negative effects of the -accidental hypothermia, effective rewarming is essential for adequate bleeding control and successful resuscitation. As aggressive rewarming (> 0.5 °C / h) has been reported to be associated with an increased mortality during the further course, this procedure should only be applied in hypothermic multiple trauma patients with haemorrhagic shock. CONCLUSION: Accidental hypothermia represents a serious problem in multiple trauma patients due to its frequency and negative pathophysiological effects. Therefore, early and effective re-warm-ing is essential in the treatment of hypothermic trauma patients. Possible protective effects of a therapeutic hypothermia in the treatment of trauma patients after initial resuscitation and operative bleeding control have to be clarified in further experimental and clinical studies.

Both column fractures of the acetabulum: epidemiology, operative management and long-term-results.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Both column fractures, defined as an acetabular fracture with no articular fragment in connection with the axial skeleton account for approximately 20% of all acetabular fractures. The typical type of a both column acetabular fracture is the C1.2 fracture with a multifragmentary anterior column fracture extending to the iliac crest and a large posterior column fragment in more than half of the patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The analysis of 135 surgically treated patients with both column fractures showed that more than half of these patients had associated injuries. The mean age was 40 years, and two thirds of these patients were male. A high energy trauma was the trauma mechanism in 87.4%. The mean ISS was 14.2 points. The mean articular fracture displacement was 14.8 mm. 65.9% of the patients showed a central femoral head dislocation. An associated posterior wall fracture was present in 34.8% and an acetabular roof comminution in 34.1%. 8.9% of patients had a fracture related nerve damage. RESULTS: Osteosynthesis was performed 9.6 days after trauma. Several approaches were used for stabilization with a combination of plate and screw fixation in 71.9%. The mean operative time was 287 minutes with a blood loss of 1796 ml. Post operatively the hip joint was congruent in 94.7% with anatomical or near-anatomical joint reconstruction in 75.6%. Iatrogenic nerve injury occurred in 12 patients (8.9%). 89 patients (66.4%) could be followed after a mean of 54.6 months. The average subjective Visual Analog Scale pain score was 27.6. Mild or no pain was seen in 60.7%. The mean Merle d'Aubigné score was 15 with 60.7% of patients having a functionally perfect or good result. 61.8% had no post-traumatic osteoarthritic changes of their hip joint. A joint failure was diagnosed in 25.8% of the patients. DISCUSSION: Analysing only patients with anatomically reconstructed hip joints patients had better results with 69,8% having no or mild pain and a good or excellent functional result. Post-traumatic arthrotic changes occued in only 17.5% of these patients. A joint failure was present in 25.4%. In this group, a joint failure was significantly more likely to be present with an additional lesion of the femoral head and severe primary articular fracture displacement. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to other acetabular fracture types, both column fractures show worser results regarding joint reconstruction, and functional and radiological long-term results. The optimal results can be achieved with anatomic joint reconstruction.

Productive capacity of alveolar macrophages and pulmonary organ damage after femoral fracture and hemorrhage in IL-6 knockout mice.

Alveolar macrophages (AM) play an important role in the pathogenesis of posttraumatic pulmonary failure, and have been identified as major source of pulmonary cytokines. The effects of locally generated IL-6 as well as femoral fracture on the pulmonary inflammatory response and organ damage have not been fully elucidated. In the present study we evaluated the influence of femoral fracture, isolated or in combination with hemorrhage, on the immune function of AM and remote lung injury, and investigated the role of pulmonary IL-6 within this setting. 18 wild type (WT) and 18 IL-6 knockout mice (IL-6(-/-)) underwent standardized femoral fracture, isolated or in combination with volume-controlled hemorrhage, followed by fluid resuscitation and splint fixation of the fracture. Animals were sacrificed 4h after induction of fracture and hemorrhage. Animals were randomly assigned to three study groups (each consisting of six animals). Besides sham groups, experimental groups included animals with isolated femoral fracture or in combination with hemorrhagic shock. Cytokine release of AM was determined by flow cytometry. Pulmonary damage in terms of interstitial thickening and lung neutrophil infiltration was assessed by histology and immunohistology. The productive capacity of AM for pro-inflammatory cytokines was increased after isolated femoral fracture in WT and IL-6(-/-) mice. An additional hemorrhagic insult resulted in a further enhancement of pro-inflammatory cytokine release and an increased MCP-1 secretion in WT and IL-6(-/-) animals. MCP-1 and pro-inflammatory cytokine production of AM was attenuated in IL-6(-/-) mice compared to the respective WT groups. Interstitial thickening and lung neutrophil infiltration was only observed after femoral fracture combined with hemorrhagic shock with an attenuation of the pulmonary organ damage in IL-6(-/-) compared to WT animals. These results support the role of IL-6 as a therapeutic target for posttraumatic immune modulation. With an increased pro-inflammatory mediator release, already an isolated femoral fracture seems to influence the immune response of AM.

[Injury severity and pattern at the scene. What is the influence of the mechanism of injury?]. / Verletzungsschwere und -muster am Unfallort. Welchen Einfluss hat der Unfallmechanismus?

BACKGROUND: The mechanism of injury is the major cause for trauma team activation and emergency room resuscitation of trauma victims. To date, it remains unclear to what extent the injury mechanism influences injury pattern and severity. METHODS: A comprehensive systematic literature search based on Medline was carried out. RESULTS: Only a limited number of studies are available which investigated the influence of injury mechanisms on injury patterns and severity. There are no specific mechanisms for traumatic brain and spine injuries. Injuries to the chest and abdomen most frequently resulted from motor vehicle accidents involving passengers sitting on the side of the impact. Steering wheel deformity correlated with the injury severity. Pelvic fractures occurred most frequently due to motor vehicle accidents. The highest mortality resulted from pedestrians being struck by a vehicle and additional loss of life in the same vehicle compartment. CONCLUSIONS: The systematic literature research showed inconsistent results regarding the influence of trauma mechanisms on the resulting injury. Therefore, a treatment algorithm for trauma patients should be independent of the mechanism which is represented in several training programs (e.g. ATLS and PHTLS). However, the mechanism of injury may increase the alertness of the trauma team with respect to injury distribution and severity.

[Comparison of early total care (ETC) and damage control orthopedics (DCO) in the treatment of multiple trauma with femoral shaft fractures: benefit and costs]. / Early Total Care (ETC) im Vergleich zu Damage Control Orthopedics (DCO) bei der Behandlung polytraumatisierter Patienten mit Femurschaftfrakturen: Nutzen und Kosten.

INTRODUCTION: Femoral fractures are common injuries in multiple trauma patients. The treatment concept of damage control orthopedics (DCO) is in competition with the concept of early total care (ETC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a retrospective study (2003-2007) 73 multiple trauma patients with femoral shaft fractures were included. The cohort was subdivided according to the Injury Severity Score (ISS) (16-24, 25-39 and more than 40) and treatment strategy (ETC versus DCO). Patients were analyzed for outcome and cost aspects. RESULTS: In the patient group with an ISS 16-24 ventilation time and intensive care treatment were longer after DCO treatment, overall costs and deficient cost cover were higher in the DCO group. In the patient group with an ISS 25-39 cost aspects showed a higher cover deficient in the DCO group. CONCLUSION: From an economic point of view the cost deficits for the ETC group were lower than in the DCO group. The treatment strategy should be selected by the pattern of injuries. The costs should be addressed by the Institute for the Hospital Remuneration System (INEK).

[Injury to the subclavian and vertebral arteries in childhood following blunt force trauma]. / Verletzung der Aa. subclavia und vertebralis im Kindesalter nach stumpfem Trauma.

Injuries of great vessels, such as the subclavian or vertebral arteries in childhood are rare. More frequent and therefore better described are dissections of the vertebral artery, which frequently occur following low energy trauma. The combination of dissection of the vertebral and subclavian arteries described in this case study led to sensory affections of the left arm. Therapeutic anticoagulation is the therapy of choice to avoid possible ischemic insults. The therapeutic approach of injuries to the subclavian artery remains unclear and is in the focus of discussions.

[Requirements of trauma networks in Lower Saxony]. / Anforderungen an Traumanetzwerke in Niedersachsen.

BACKGROUND: The German Association of Trauma Surgery has developed a concept for the quality-assured care of severely injured patients; this concept includes the establishment of trauma networks. In this study, hospitals and emergency services in Lower Saxony were asked about their demands on the Hannover regional trauma network. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Trauma departments in Lower Saxony and adjoining federal states were asked to self-assess their level of trauma care. The demands of emergency services and trauma departments on the trauma network were also ascertained. RESULTS: Responses to the questionnaire were received from 70.2% of trauma departments and 11.5% of emergency services organizations. Of these, 46.9% of the trauma departments classified themselves as a "center of basic care", 50.0% as a "regional trauma center", and 3.1% as a "national trauma center". Compared with the regional trauma centers, centers of basic care requested fast transfers of patients to a trauma center significantly more often, whereas trauma centers desired more educational activities. CONCLUSION: The demands of trauma centers on a trauma network correspond with the aims formulated by the German Association of Trauma Surgery. These demands depend on the level of trauma care provided. Close cooperation with emergency services is essential to strengthen collaboration within the trauma network.

[Importance of hypothermia in multiple trauma patients]. / Bedeutung der Hypothermie beim Polytrauma.

Multiple trauma patients frequently demonstrate a hypothermic core temperature, defined as a temperature below 35 degrees C, already at admission in the emergency room. As a drop of the core temperature below 34 degrees C has been shown to be associated with a significant increase in post-traumatic complications, this limit is considered to be critical in these patients. Multiple trauma patients with hypothermia demonstrate a markedly increased mortality rate compared to normothermic patients with the same injury severity. Therefore effective rewarming measures are essential for adequate bleeding control and successful resuscitation. If and to what extent the induction of controlled hypothermia in the early phase of treatment on the intensive care unit after resuscitation and operative bleeding control can contribute to an improved post-traumatic outcome, has to be clarified in further experimental and clinical studies.

[Early clinical care strategy for severely injured patients with abdominal trauma]. / Frühe klinische Versorgungsstrategien für schwerverletzte Patienten mit Abdominaltrauma.

BACKGROUND: The presence of abdominal injuries has a major impact on the mortality of severely injured patients. For injuries that require surgery, laparotomy is still the gold standard for early surgical care; however, there is increasing evidence that laparoscopy may be an alternative in the early clinical care of polytrauma patients. OBJECTIVE: The present registry-based study analyzed the utilization and the outcome of laparoscopy in severely injured patients with abdominal trauma in Germany. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 12,447 patients retrieved from the TraumaRegister DGU® (TR-DGU) was performed. The primary inclusion criteria were an injury severity score (ISS) ≥ 9 and an abbreviated injury scale (AIS) [abdomen] ≥ 1. The included patients were grouped according to early treatment management: (1) laparoscopy, (2) laparotomy and (3) non-operative management (NOM). Finally, group-specific patient characteristics and outcome were analyzed. RESULTS: The majority of patients were treated by NOM (52.4%, n = 6069), followed by laparotomy (50,6%, n = 6295) and laparoscopy (0.7%, n = 83). The majority of laparoscopies were performed in patients with an AIS [abdomen] ≤ 3 (86.7%). The ISS of the laparoscopy group was significantly lower compared to that of the laparotomy and NOM groups (ISS 23.4 vs. 34.5 vs. 28.2, respectively, p ≤ 0.001). The standardized mortality rate (SMR), defined as the ratio between observed and expected mortality, was lowest in the patients receiving laparoscopy followed by laparotomy and NOM (SMR 0.688 vs. 0.931 vs. 0.932, respectively, p-value = 0.2128) without achieving statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Despite being rarely employed the data indicate the effectiveness of laparoscopy for the early treatment of severely injured, hemodynamically stable patients with an AIS [abdomen] ≤ 3.

Hypothermia does not influence liver damage and function in a porcine polytrauma model.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies revealed evidence that induced hypothermia attenuates ischemic organ injuries after severe trauma. In the present study, the effect of hypothermia on liver damage was investigated in a porcine long term model of multi-system injury, consisting of blunt chest trauma, penetrating abdominal trauma, musculoskeletal injury, and hemorrhagic shockMETHODS: In 30 pigs, a standardized polytrauma including blunt chest trauma, penetrating abdominal trauma, musculoskeletal injury, and hemorrhagic shock of 45% of total blood volume was induced. Following trauma, hypothermia of 33∘C was induced for 12 h and intensive care treatment was evaluated for 48 h. As outcome parameters, we assessed liver function and serum transaminase levels as well as a histopathological analysis of tissue samples. A further 10 animals served as controls. RESULTS: Serum transaminase levels were increased at the end of the observation period following hypothermia without reaching statistical significance compared to normothermic groups. Liver function was preserved (p⩽ 0.05) after the rewarming period in hypothermic animals but showed no difference at the end of the observation period. In H&E staining, cell death was slightly increased hypothermic animals and caspase-3 staining displayed tendency towards more apoptosis in hypothermic group as well. CONCLUSIONS: Induction of hypothermia could not significantly improve hepatic damage during the first 48 h following major trauma. Further studies focusing on multi-organ failure including a longer observation period are required to illuminate the impact of hypothermia on hepatic function in multiple trauma patients.

FTY720 application following isolated warm liver ischemia improves long-term survival and organ protection in a mouse model.

BACKGROUND: Ischemia-reperfusion-Injury (I/RI) is a common complication in transplant-, liver-, and heart surgery. The I/RI is mediated and aggravated by different types of leukocytes such as lymphocytes, monocytes, and neutrophil granulocytes, with consecutive enlargement of the expression of adhesion molecules. This study shows an organ-protective effect of an intraoperative FTY720 administration following warm liver ischemia (Pringle's maneuver). METHODS: Male c57BL6/J mice (n = 46, body weight [BW] 25 to 30 g) were used. Either FTY720 (1 mg/kg BW), steroids (5 mg/kg BW), or physiological saline solution was administered intraperitoneally. Liver-ischemia was applied for 30 minutes with subsequent follow-up for 48 hours. At termination, all surviving animals were sacrificed. The impact of the drugs administered on long-term survival, time of death, and development of blood T-lymphocyte concentration was determined. Follow-up of T-lymphocyte concentration in peripheral blood was examined throughout FACS-analysis. RESULTS: Following 30 minutes of ischemia, FTY720, but not steroid or vehicle treatment, showed a significant protective effect on long-term survival. FACS-analysis showed significant T-lymphocyte depletion in peripheral blood following FTY720 but not steroids or vehicle treatment. CONCLUSION: The improved long-term survival following FTY720 application shown in this study might be due to a protective effect of FTY720 in prevention of I/RI. This might be mediated by the T-lymphocyte depletion shown in the FACS-analysis.

FTY720 for treatment of ischemia-reperfusion injury following complete renal ischemia; impact on long-term survival and T-lymphocyte tissue infiltration.

BACKGROUND: Organ dysfunction due to ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is a common problem in transplant, liver, trauma, and heart surgery. I/R injury is mediated by upregulated expression of endothelial cell surface adhesion molecules and subsequent adhesion and activation of circulating leukocytes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of an intraoperative administration of FTY720 in an animal model with controlled bilateral warm kidney ischemia compared to steroids or placebo application. METHODS: Male C57BL6/J mice (n = 72, weight 25 to 30 g) were exposed to 30 minutes of bilateral kidney ischemia and followed by a 48 hour observation period. FTY720 (1 mg/kg body weight [BW]), steroids (5 mg/kg BW), or saline solution were administered. In addition, a sham-operated control group was included. At the termination of the experiments, all surviving animals were humanely killed. The impact of the various drugs on overall animal survival, timing of death, peripheral T-cell count, and T-lymphocyte infiltration in the kidneys was determined. RESULTS: Following bilateral kidney I/R injury, FTY720 was associated with a significant improved animal survival (85.7%) compared with steroids (50%) or controls (42.4%). FACS analysis showed significant T-lymphocyte depletion in peripheral blood in the FTY720 but not in the other groups. T-lymphocyte tissue concentration in liver and kidney tissue did not show statistically significant differences following FTY720, steroid, or saline treatment. CONCLUSION: FTY720, when administered intraoperatively, improved survival significantly in mice submitted to bilateral kidney ischemia but did not have any significant impact on the parenchymal T-lymphocyte infiltration in the ischemic organ.

[Prehospital treatment of severely injured patients in the field: an update]. / Erstversorgung Schwerstverletzter am Unfallort: Ein Update.

Life or extremity threatening injuries have to be diagnosed and treated rapidly by emergency physicians during prehospital care for severely injured patients. The cooperation with other rescue services, the fire brigade and the police must be coordinated and early transportation has to be organized. Rapid sequence intubation by trained personnel for correct indications, such as head injury or severe chest trauma is recommended as well as prehospital chest tube placement in cases of severe or penetrating thoracic injury. Crystalloids and colloidal solutions remain the first choice for intravenous volume replacement. The amount of fluid depends on the individual response, such as palpable peripheral and central pulse for blunt or penetrating trauma. Ultrasound or near infrared spectroscopy could not be routinely implemented for extended prehospital diagnostic procedures. Transportation to the closest appropriate hospital has to be accomplished as early as possible. Helicopters show positive outcomes if the destination is a level I trauma center, even if secondary alarm calls or more extensive measures prolong the prehospital interval.

FTY720 for treatment of ischemia-reperfusion injury following complete renal ischemia in C57/BL6 mice.

BACKGROUND: Organ dysfunction followed by single-organ or even multiorgan failure due to ischemia-reperfusion injury (I/RI) is a common problem in liver and heart transplantation. Various approaches had been attempted to prevent this I/RI. One is the administration of FTY720, a synthetic structural analogue of sphingosine, which induces T-lymphocyte homing with consecutive lymphopenia. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of intraoperative FTY720 administration following controlled bilateral kidney ischemia in comparison to steroid or placebo application. METHODS: Male c57BL6/J mice (n = 115; body weight 25 to 30 g) received either FTY720 (1 mg/kg body weight) or steroids or saline solution. Ischemia was applied for 30 or 60 minutes with subsequent follow-up for 48 hours. At termination all surviving animals were sacrificed. RESULTS: Following 30 minutes of ischemia, FTY720, but neither steroid nor vehicle treatment showed significant protective effects on long-term survival after controlled bilateral warm kidney ischemia. Fluorescein-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis showed a significant T-lymphocyte depletion in peripheral blood after FTY720 treatment, which was not observed after steroid or vehicle treatment. CONCLUSION: The improved long-term survival shown in this study might be due to a protective effect of FTY720 to prevent I/RI, which may be mediated by the lymphocyte depletion shown in the FACS analysis.