Computed tomography localization of the appendix in the pediatric population relative to the lumbar spine.

BACKGROUND: Computed tomography (CT) is commonly used to evaluate suspected acute appendicitis. Although very effective, CT uses ionizing radiation, exposing patients to an increased risk of cancer. OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the potential for decreasing the field of view of the CT (and therefore the dose to the patient) in the evaluation of suspected acute appendicitis in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a retrospective review of prospectively collected data from 212 consecutive patients who underwent CT for suspected acute appendicitis. The most superior aspect of the appendix with respect to vertebral bodies was recorded. Age, gender and diagnosis (negative, acute appendicitis or alternative diagnosis) were noted. RESULTS: The appendix was visualized in 190 of 212 subjects (89.6%). Overall, all visualized appendixes were located at or below the level of L1. Sixty-three of the subjects (29.7%) were diagnosed with acute appendicitis via CT imaging. All appendixes in patients with acute appendicitis were located at or below the level of the L3 vertebral body, predominating at the level of L5. Six subjects (3.1%) received alternative diagnoses, including pneumonia, pyelonephritis, small bowel obstruction and infected urachal cyst. There were no differences in appendix location with regard to diagnosis, gender, or age (P=0.664, 0.748 and 0.705, respectively). CONCLUSION: CT field of view may be decreased to the level of L1 or L3 superiorly, decreasing radiation dose without affecting the rate of appendix visualization.

Traumatic Abruptio Placenta Scale (TAPS): a proposed grading system of computed tomography evaluation of placental abruption in the trauma patient.

Placental abruption (PA) is one of the worst possible manifestations of injury in the pregnant trauma patient with ultrasound as the current initial imaging examination of choice, despite its known limitations in placental evaluation. Pregnant patients who undergo computed tomography (CT) for evaluation of potential maternal injuries provide an additional source of imaging for placental evaluation; however, few studies have delineated normal and abnormal placental appearance, therefore resulting in insufficient placental assessments on pregnant trauma patients. Retrospective literature analysis was performed to provide a structured descriptive classification of normal and abnormal placental appearance on CT. By offering a structured system of placental appearance, radiologists will become more familiar with normal variations of the placenta as well as be able to recognize areas of abnormality, furthermore assisting in clinical management efficiency.

Airway risk associated with patients in halo fixation.

Background: The halo fixation device introduces a significant obstacle for clinicians attempting to secure a definitive airway in trauma patients with cervical spine injuries. The authors sought to determine the airway-related mortality rate of adult trauma patients in halo fixation requiring endotracheal intubation. Methods: This study was a retrospective chart review of patients identified between 2007 and 2012. Only adult trauma patients who were intubated while in halo fixation were included in the study. Results: A total of 46 patients underwent 60 intubations while in halo. On five occasions, (8.3%) patients were unable to be intubated and required an emergent surgical airway. Two (4.4%) of the patients out of our study population died specifically due to airway complications. Elective intubations had a failure rate of 5.8% but had no related permanent morbidity or mortality. In contrast to that, 25% of non-elective intubations failed and resulted in the deaths of two patients. The association between mortality and non-elective intubations was statistically highly significant (P = 0.0003). Conclusion: The failed intubation and airway-related mortality rates of patients in halo fixation were substantial in this study. This finding suggests that the halo device itself may present a major obstacle in airway management. Therefore, heightened vigilance is appropriate for intubations of patients in halo fixation.

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

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

The Development of Acute Kidney Injury in Burn Patients Undergoing Computed Tomography With Intravenous Contrast.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a major complication of significant burn injuries and a significant cause of patient morbidity and mortality. Patients that sustain traumatic burn injuries may require computed tomography (CT) imaging as part of their initial trauma management. This multicenter retrospective chart review of patients admitted to two level I trauma centers with ≥10% TBSA burns between 2014 and 2017 aims to determine if patients with greater than 10% TBSA burns that received CT imaging with intravenous contrast were more likely to develop acute kidney injury during their admission. A total of 439 patients were included in the study. The average age was 45.3 years and average TBSA was 23.2%. Sixty-seven of the 439 patients underwent CT scans with IV contrast on admission. The rate of AKI between patients who did or did not receive CT scans was not statistically significant (9.1 vs 6.0%, P = 0.40). Patients who developed an AKI had higher TBSA (45.6 vs 21.1%, P < .01), amount of fluids per TBSA given within the first 24 hours (457.4 vs 321.6, P < .01), and mortality (71.1 vs 6.2%, P < .01) than those who did not develop an AKI. There was no significant difference in the development of acute kidney injury in burn patients who received CT scans with IV contrast on admission. Although there is a risk of contrast induced nephropathy, the risk is not increased in burn patients and this should not prevent a thorough evaluation to rule out additional life-threatening injuries in the burn trauma patient.

Risk factors for blunt cerebrovascular injury in children: do they mimic those seen in adults?

BACKGROUND: Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma guideline for the evaluation of blunt cerebrovascular injury (BCVI) states that pediatric trauma patients should be evaluated using the same criteria as the adult population. The purpose of our study was to determine whether adult criteria translate to the pediatric population. METHODS: Retrospective evaluation was performed at a Level I trauma center of blunt pediatric trauma patients (age <15 years) presenting over a 5-year period. Data obtained included patient demographics, presence of adult risk factors for BCVI (Glasgow coma scale ≤8, skull base fracture, cervical spine fracture, complex facial fractures, and soft tissue injury to the neck), presence of signs/symptoms of BCVI, method of evaluation, treatment, and outcome. RESULTS: A total of 1,209 pediatric trauma patients were admitted during the study period. While 128 patients met criteria on retrospective review for evaluation based on Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma criteria, only 52 patients (42%) received subsequent radiographic evaluation. In all, 14 carotid artery or vertebral artery injuries were identified in 11 patients (all admissions, 0.9% incidence; all screened, 21% incidence). Adult risk factors were present in 91% of patients diagnosed with an injury. Major thoracic injury was found in 67% of patients with carotid artery injuries. Cervical spine fracture was found in 100% of patients with vertebral artery injuries. Stroke occurred in four patients (36%). Stroke rate after admission for untreated patients was 38% (3/8) versus 0.0% in those treated (0/2). Mortality was 27% because of concomitant severe traumatic brain injury. CONCLUSION: Risk factors for BCVI in the pediatric trauma patient appear to mimic those of the adult patient.

Stop flailing: The impact of bicortically displaced rib fractures on pulmonary outcomes in patients with chest trauma - an American Association for the Surgery of Trauma multi-institutional study.

BACKGROUND: Current evaluation of rib fractures focuses almost exclusively on flail chest with little attention on bicortically displaced fractures. Chest trauma that is severe enough to cause fractures leads to worse outcomes. An association between bicortically displaced rib fractures and pulmonary outcomes would potentially change patient care in the setting of trauma. We tested the hypothesis that bicortically displaced fractures were an important clinical marker for pulmonary outcomes in patients with nonflail rib fractures. METHODS: This nine-center American Association for the Surgery of Trauma multi-institutional study analyzed adults with two or more rib fractures. Admission computerized tomography scans were independently reviewed. The location, degree of rib fractures, and pulmonary contusions were categorized. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent predictors of pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and tracheostomy. Analyses were performed in nonflail patients and also while controlling for flail chest to determine if bicortically displaced fractures were independently associated with outcomes. RESULTS: Of the 1,110 patients, 103 (9.3%) developed pneumonia, 78 (7.0%) required tracheostomy, and 30 (2.7%) developed ARDS. Bicortically displaced fractures were present in 277 (25%) of patients and in 206 (20.3%) of patients without flail chest. After adjusting for patient demographics, injury, and admission physiology, negative pulmonary outcomes occurred over twice as frequently in those with bicortically displaced fractures without flail chest (n = 206) when compared with those without bicortically displaced fractures-pneumonia (odds ratio [OR], 2.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-3.6), ARDS (OR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.0-6.8), and tracheostomy (OR, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.4-5.2). When adjusting for the presence of flail chest, bicortically displaced fractures remained an independent predictor of pneumonia, tracheostomy, and ARDS. CONCLUSION: Patients with bicortically displaced rib fractures are more likely to develop pneumonia, ARDS, and need for tracheostomy even when controlling for flail chest. Future studies should investigate the utility of flail chest management algorithms in patients with bicortically displaced fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic and epidemiological study, level III.

Significant pediatric morbidity and mortality from intracranial ballistic injuries caused by nonpowder gunshot wounds. A case series.

Nonpowder (ball-bearing and pellet) weapons derive their source of energy from compressed air or carbon dioxide. Such weapons are dangerous toys that cause serious injuries and even death to children and adolescents. A retrospective chart review study was undertaken to describe nonpowder gun injuries at a southwestern US urban level I adult and pediatric trauma center. Specific emphasis was placed on intracranial injuries. Over the past 6 years, a total of 29 pediatric and 7 adult patients were identified as having nonpowder firearm injuries. The patient population was overwhelmingly male (89.7%; mean age, 11 years). Overall, 17 out of 29 pediatric patients (56.8%) sustained serious injury. Nine patients (30.0%) required operation, 6 (20.7%) sustained significant morbidity, and there were 2 deaths (6.9%). Injuries to the brain, eye, head, and neck were the most common sites of injury (65.6%). Specific intracranial injuries in 3 pediatric patients are described that resulted in the death of 2 children. We suggest that age warning should be adjusted to 18 years or older for unsupervised use to be considered safe of these potentially lethal weapons.

Review of Operative Treatment of Delayed Presentation of Acute Cholecystitis.

Treatment of patients with delayed acute cholecystitis (AC) includes antibiotics and interval cholecystectomy based on proposed change at 72 hours from symptom onset to a chronic fibrotic phase with concern for increased complication rates. The purpose of our study was to compare the outcomes of patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) for AC before and after this golden 72-hour window. After institutional review board approval, a retrospective study was performed of patients presenting over two years with AC, who underwent LC during the index admission. A chart review was performed, and patients were divided into symptoms <72 hours (group A) and symptoms >72 hours (group B). Complications were defined as postoperative bleeding, return to operating room, and bile leaks. One hundred and eighty-four patients met the study criteria. Group A included 96 patients managed 5 to 71 hours after symptom onset, whereas Group B encompassed 88 patients with symptoms 72 to 336 hours. Both groups had similar baseline demographics and disease severity. No statistically significant differences were noted between the groups regarding overall complications or 30-day morbidity; however, Group B had an increased hospital stay length (P < 0.0001) and estimated blood loss(P = 0.028). LC seems safe despite duration of symptomatology and should be considered during the index admission in all AC patients.

The relationship of plasma glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin A1C levels among nondiabetic trauma patients.

OBJECTIVE: : Hyperglycemia (blood glucose >/=110 mg/dL) in trauma patients without a known history of diabetes mellitus (DM) is often attributed to the metabolic stress response of injury. We studied whether this hyperglycemia may actually indicate the presence of occult DM (ODM) as demonstrated by elevated glycosylated hemoglobin A1C (gHbA1C). METHODS: : After obtaining approval from the Institutional Review Board, a prospective, sequential case series study of nondiabetic adult patients presenting to an urban Level I trauma center from September 2006 to February 2007 was performed. In addition to basic demographics, all hyperglycemic patients had a measured gHbA1C. ODM was diagnosed when gHbA1C was >/=6%. RESULTS: : A total of 1,039 trauma patients were screened with 192 (18%) noted to be hyperglycemic. Of these 192 patients, 22% (n = 42) were found to have an elevated gHbA1C. Using logistic regression, being older (Odds ratio [OR] = 1.04; p < 0.004), having a higher body mass index (BMI) (OR = 1.12; p < 0.003), and being Native American (OR = 5.08; p < 0.017) were each identified as significant risk factors for elevated gHbA1C levels and the diagnosis of ODM. In contrast, the magnitude of observed hyperglycemia, gender, or other races were not shown to be significant risk factors for the presence of ODM. CONCLUSION: : Almost a quarter of nondiabetic trauma patients presenting with hyperglycemia were found to have elevated gHbA1C levels and ODM. Risk factors for ODM included advancing age and body mass index as well as being Native American. The hyperglycemia seen in trauma patients should not solely be attributed to the hormonal and metabolic response to injury; wider ODM screening for both acute management strategies and long-term health benefits is warranted.

Computed tomographic imaging in the pediatric patient with a seatbelt sign: still not good enough.

PURPOSE: Considering the improvements in CT over the past decade, this study aimed to determine whether CT can diagnose HVI in pediatric trauma patients with seatbelt signs (SBS). METHODS: We retrospectively identified pediatric patients with SBS who had abdominopelvic CT performed on initial evaluation over 5 1/2years. Abnormal CT was defined by identification of any intra-abdominal abnormality possibly related to trauma. RESULTS: One hundred twenty patients met inclusion criteria. CT was abnormal in 38/120 (32%) patients: 34 scans had evidence of HVI and 6 showed solid organ injury (SOI). Of the 34 with suspicion for HVI, 15 (44%) had small amounts of isolated pelvic free fluid as the only abnormal CT finding; none required intervention. Ultimately, 16/120 (13%) patients suffered HVI and underwent celiotomy. Three patients initially had a normal CT but required celiotomy for clinical deterioration within 20h of presentation. False negative CT rate was 3.6%. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of CT to diagnose significant HVI in the presence of SBS were 81%, 80%, and 80%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Despite improvements in CT, pediatric patients with SBS may have HVI not evident on initial CT confirming the need to observation for delayed manifestation of HVI. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II Study of a Diagnostic Test.

Laboratory measures of coagulation among trauma patients on NOAs: results of the AAST-MIT.

BACKGROUND: Warfarin is associated with poor outcomes after trauma, an effect correlated with elevations in the international normalized ratio (INR). In contrast, the novel oral anticoagulants (NOAs) have no validated laboratory measure to quantify coagulopathy. We sought to determine if use of NOAs was associated with elevated activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) or INR levels among trauma patients or increased clotting times on thromboelastography (TEG). METHODS: This was a post-hoc analysis of a prospective observational study across 16 trauma centers. Patients on dabigatran, rivaroxaban, or apixaban were included. Laboratory data were collected at admission and after reversal. Admission labs were compared between medication groups. Traditional measures of coagulopathy were compared with TEG results using Spearman's rank coefficient for correlation. Labs before and after reversal were also analyzed between medication groups. RESULTS: 182 patients were enrolled between June 2013 and July 2015: 50 on dabigatran, 123 on rivaroxaban, and 34 apixaban. INR values were mildly elevated among patients on dabigatran (median 1.3, IQR 1.1-1.4) and rivaroxaban (median 1.3, IQR 1.1-1.6) compared with apixaban (median 1.1, IQR 1.0-1.2). Patients on dabigatran had slightly higher than normal aPTT values (median 35, IQR 29.8-46.3), whereas those on rivaroxaban and apixaban did not. Fifty patients had TEG results. The median values for R, alpha, MA and lysis were normal for all groups. Prothrombin time (PT) and aPTT had a high correlation in all groups (dabigatran p=0.0005, rivaroxaban p<0.0001, and apixaban p<0.0001). aPTT correlated with the R value on TEG in patients on dabigatran (p=0.0094) and rivaroxaban (p=0.0028) but not apixaban (p=0.2532). Reversal occurred in 14%, 25%, and 18% of dabigatran, rivaroxaban, and apixaban patients, respectively. Both traditional measures of coagulopathy and TEG remained within normal limits after reversal. DISCUSSION: Neither traditional measures of coagulation nor TEG were able to detect coagulopathy in patients on NOAs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta with a low profile, wire free device: A game changer?

A 24 year old male arrived to our hospital after a motor cycle crash with evidence of a traumatic brain injury and in hemorrhagic shock not responsive to volume administration. Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA) was performed in a timely fashion using a new, low profile, wire free device. This lead to rapid reversal of hypotension while his bleeding source was sought and controlled. Recently, REBOA has emerged as an adjunct in the hypotensive trauma patient with noncompressible torso hemorrhage. As first described, this procedure makes use of commonly available vascular surgery and endovascular products requiring large introducer sheaths (12-14 French) and long guidewires. Concerns regarding this technique center around the safety and feasibility of using such equipment in the emergency setting outside an angiography suite. This has likely limited widespread adoption of this technique. To address these concerns, newer products designed to be placed through a smaller sheath (7 French) and without the use of guidewires have been developed. Here we report on our first clinical use of such a device that we believe represents a significant advance in the care of the trauma patient.

Closed therapy of thoracic and lumbar vertebral body fractures in trauma patients.

BACKGROUND: The failure rate for the closed/non-surgical treatment of thoracic and lumbar vertebral body fractures (TLVBF) in trauma patients has not been adequately evaluated utilizing computed tomography (CT) studies. METHODS: From 2007 to 2008, consecutive trauma patients, who met inclusion criteria, with a CT diagnosis of acute TLVBF undergoing closed treatment were assessed. The failure rates for closed therapy, at 3 months post-trauma, were defined by progressive deformity, vertebral body collapse, or symptomatic/asymptomatic pseudarthrosis. The Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen (AO) classification was utilized to classify the fractures (groups A1 and non-A1 fractures) and were successively followed with CT studies. RESULTS: There were 54 patients with 91 fractures included in the study; 66 were A1 fractures, and 25 were non-A1 fractures. All had rigid bracing applied with flat and upright X-ray films performed to rule out instability. None had sustained spinal cord injuries. Thirteen patients (24%) failed closed therapy [e.g. 13 failed fractures (14%) out of 91 total fractures]. Five failed radiographically only (asymptomatic), and eight failed radiographically and clinically (symptomatic). A1 fractures had a 4.5% failure rate, while non-A1 fractures failed at a rate of 40%. CONCLUSION: Failure of closed therapy for TLVBF in the trauma population is not insignificant. Non-A1 fractures had a much higher failure rate when compared to A1 fractures. We recommend close follow-up particularly of non-A1 fractures treated in closed fashion using successive CT studies.

Goal directed enoxaparin dosing provides superior chemoprophylaxis against deep vein thrombosis.

INTRODUCTION: Optimal enoxaparin dosing for deep venous thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis remains elusive. Prior research demonstrated that trauma patients at increased risk for DVT based upon Greenfield's risk assessment profile (RAP) have DVT rates of 10.8% despite prophylaxis. The aim of this study was to determine if goal directed prophylactic enoxaparin dosing to achieve anti-Xa levels of 0.3-0.5IU/ml would decrease DVT rates without increased complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of trauma patients having received prophylactic enoxaparin and appropriately timed anti-Xa levels was performed. Dosage was adjusted to maintain an anti-Xa level of 0.3-0.5IU/ml. RAP was determined on each patient. A score of ≥5 was considered high risk for DVT. Sub-analysis was performed on patients who received duplex examinations subsequent to initiation of enoxaparin therapy to determine the incidence of DVT. RESULTS: 306 patients met inclusion criteria. Goal anti-Xa levels were met initially in only 46% of patients despite dosing of >40mg twice daily in 81% of patients; however, with titration, goal anti-Xa levels were achieved in an additional 109 patients (36%). An average enoxaparin dosage of 0.55mg/kg twice daily was required for adequacy. Bleeding complications were identified in five patients (1.6%) with three requiring intervention. There were no documented episodes of HIT. Subsequent duplex data was available in 197 patients with 90% having a RAP score >5. Overall, five DVTs (2.5%) were identified and all occurred in the high-risk group. All patients were asymptomatic at the time of diagnosis. CONCLUSION: An increased anti-Xa range of 0.3-0.5IU/ml was attainable but frequently required titration of enoxaparin dosage. This produced a lower rate of DVT than previously published without increased complications.

Novel oral anticoagulants and trauma: The results of a prospective American Association for the Surgery of Trauma Multi-Institutional Trial.

BACKGROUND: The number of anticoagulated trauma patients is increasing. Trauma patients on warfarin have been found to have poor outcomes, particularly after intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). However, the effect of novel oral anticoagulants (NOAs) on trauma outcomes is unknown. We hypothesized that patients on NOAs would have higher rates of ICH, ICH progression, and death compared with patients on traditional anticoagulant and antiplatelet agents. METHODS: This was a prospective observational trial across 16 trauma centers. Inclusion criteria was any trauma patient admitted on aspirin, clopidogrel, warfarin, dabigatran, rivaroxaban, or apixaban. Demographic data, admission vital signs, mechanism of injury, injury severity scores, laboratory values, and interventions were collected. Outcomes included ICH, progression of ICH, and death. RESULTS: A total of 1,847 patients were enrolled between July 2013 and June 2015. Mean age was 74.9 years (SD ± 13.8), 46% were female, 77% were non-Hispanic white. At least one comorbidity was reported in 94% of patients. Blunt trauma accounted for 99% of patients, and the median Injury Severity Score was 9 (interquartile range, 4-14). 50% of patients were on antiplatelet agents, 33% on warfarin, 10% on NOAs, and 7% on combination therapy or subcutaneous agents.Patients taking NOAs were not at higher risk for ICH on univariate (24% vs. 31%) or multivariate analysis (incidence rate ratio, 0.78; confidence interval 0.61-1.01, p = 0.05). Compared with all other agents, patients on aspirin (90%, 81 mg; 10%, 325 mg) had the highest rate (35%) and risk (incidence rate ratio, 1.27; confidence interval, 1.13-1.43; p < 0.001) of ICH. Progression of ICH occurred in 17% of patients and was not different between medication groups. Study mortality was 7% and was not significantly different between groups on univariate or multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: Patients on NOAs were not at higher risk for ICH, ICH progression, or death. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic/epidemiologic study, level III.

Computed tomographic imaging interpretation improves fetal outcomes after maternal trauma.

BACKGROUND: Computed tomography (CT) has been validated to identify and classify placental abruption following blunt trauma. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate improvement in fetal survival when delivery occurs by protocol at the first sign of class III fetal heart rate tracing in pregnant trauma patients with a viable fetus on arrival and CT evidence of placental perfusion 50% or less secondary to placental abruption. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of pregnant trauma patients at 26 weeks' gestation or greater who underwent abdominopelvic CT as part of their initial evaluation. Charts were reviewed for CT interpretation of placental pathology with classification of placental abruption based upon enhancement (Grade 1, >50% perfusion; Grade 2, 25%-50% perfusion; Grade 3, <25% perfusion), as well as need for delivery and fetal outcomes. RESULTS: Forty-one patients met inclusion criteria. Computed tomography revealed evidence of placental abruption in six patients (15%): Grade 1, one patient, Grade 2, one patient, and Grade 3, four patients. Gestational ages ranged from 26 to 39 weeks. All patients with placental abruption of Grade 2 or greater developed concerning fetal heart tracings and underwent delivery emergently at first sign. Abruption was confirmed intraoperatively in all cases. Each birth was viable, and Apgar scores at 10 minutes were greater than 7 in 80% of infants, all of whom were ultimately discharged home. The remaining infant was transferred to an outside facility. CONCLUSIONS: Delivery at first sign of nonreassuring fetal heart rate tracings in pregnant trauma patients (third trimester) with placental abruption of Grade 2 or greater can lead to improved fetal outcome. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic/care management study, level III.

Does Self-Assessment Improve the Effectiveness of Grand Rounds Lectures in a Community-Based Teaching Hospital?

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether use of self-assessment (SA) questions affects the effectiveness of weekly didactic grand rounds presentations. DESIGN: From 26 consecutive grand rounds presentations from August 2013 to April 2014, a 52-question multiple-choice test was administered based on 2 questions from each presentation. SETTING: Community teaching institution. PARTICIPANTS: General surgery residents, students, and attending physicians. RESULTS: The test was administered to 66 participants. The mean score was 41.8%. There was no difference in test score based on experience with similar scores for junior residents, senior residents, and attending surgeons (43%, 46%, and 44%; p = 0.13). Most participants felt they would be most interested in presentations directly related to their surgical specialty. Participants, however, did not score differently on topics which were the focus of the program (40% vs. 42%; p = 0.85). Journal club presentations (39% vs. others 42%; p = 0.33) also did not affect the score. The Pearson correlation coefficient for attendance was 0.49 (p < 0.0001) demonstrated that attendance was very important. Participation in the weekly SA was significantly associated with improved score as those who participated in SA scored over 20% higher than those who did not (59% vs. 38%; p < 0.0001). Based on multiple linear regression for mean score, SA explained the variation in score more than attendance. CONCLUSIONS: The current study found that without preparation approximately 40% of material presented is retained after 10 months. Participation in weekly SA significantly improved retention of information from grand rounds presentations.

Current management of common bile duct stones in a teaching community hospital.

The advent of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) has complicated management of common bile duct (CBD) stones. While LC is routine, laparoscopic CBD exploration (LCBDE) is not, and an algorithm to manage suspected choledocholithiasis has not been uniformly accepted. We evaluated current management of choledocholithiasis. Patients suspected of having CBD stones over a 2-year period were evaluated, and 42 studies in the literature were reviewed. Thirty-two patients were identified. Fourteen patients (44%) had LC with intraoperative cholangiogram (IOC) with no preoperative studies. IOC revealed CBD stones in nine (64%). Seven had CBD exploration (CBDE) at cholecystectomy, and two had postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). CBDE was successful in five cases, and ERCP was successful in one. Eighteen patients (56%) underwent preoperative ERCP. Five (28%) had no CBD stones. ERCP removed stones in nine patients, and four had open CBDE after failed ERCP. Current literature supports LC with IOC without any preoperative studies. Laparoscopic CBDE is highly successful but depends on surgeon experience. Removing CBD stones with ERCP is also very successful but is associated with increased cost, hospital stay, and complications. We conclude that LC with IOC should be performed without preoperative ERCP when choledocholithiasis is suspected. If found, stones should be removed laparoscopically if possible.