Thrombelastography (TEG® 6s) early amplitudes predict maximum amplitude in severely injured trauma patients.

Severely injured trauma patients are often coagulopathic and early hemostatic resuscitation is essential. Previous studies have revealed linear relationships between thrombelastography (TEG®) five- and ten-min amplitudes (A5 and A10), and maximum amplitude (MA), using TEG® 5000 technology. We aimed to investigate the performance of A5 and A10 in predicting low MA in severely injured trauma patients and identify optimal cut-off values for hemostatic intervention based on early amplitudes, using the cartridge-based TEG® 6s technology. Adult trauma patients with hemorrhagic shock were included in the iTACTIC randomized controlled trial at six European Level I trauma centers between 2016 and 2018. After admission, patients were randomized to hemostatic therapy guided by conventional coagulation tests (CCT) or viscoelastic hemostatic assays (VHA). Patients with available admission-TEG® 6s data were included in the analysis, regardless of treatment allocation. Low MA was defined as <55 mm for Kaolin TEG® and RapidTEG®, and <17 mm for TEG® functional fibrinogen (FF). One hundred eighty-seven patients were included. Median time to MA was 20 (Kaolin TEG®), 21 (RapidTEG®) and 12 (TEG® FF) min. For Kaolin TEG®, the optimal Youden index (YI) was at A5 < 36 mm (100/93% sensitivity/specificity) and A10 < 47 mm (100/96% sensitivity/specificity). RapidTEG® optimal YI was at A5 < 34 mm (98/92% sensitivity/specificity) and A10 < 45 mm (96/95% sensitivity/specificity). TEG® FF optimal YI was at A5 < 12 mm (97/93% sensitivity/specificity) and A10 < 15 mm (97/99% sensitivity/specificity). In summary, we found that TEG® 6s early amplitudes were sensitive and specific predictors of MA in severely injured trauma patients. Intervening on early amplitudes can save valuable time in hemostatic resuscitation.

Data-driven Development of ROTEM and TEG Algorithms for the Management of Trauma Hemorrhage: A Prospective Observational Multicenter Study.

OBJECTIVE: Developing pragmatic data-driven algorithms for management of trauma induced coagulopathy (TIC) during trauma hemorrhage for viscoelastic hemostatic assays (VHAs). BACKGROUND: Admission data from conventional coagulation tests (CCT), rotational thrombelastometry (ROTEM) and thrombelastography (TEG) were collected prospectively at 6 European trauma centers during 2008 to 2013. METHODS: To identify significant VHA parameters capable of detecting TIC (defined as INR > 1.2), hypofibrinogenemia (< 2.0 g/L), and thrombocytopenia (< 100 x10/L), univariate regression models were constructed. Area under the curve (AUC) was calculated, and threshold values for TEG and ROTEM parameters with 70% sensitivity were included in the algorithms. RESULTS: A total of, 2287 adult trauma patients (ROTEM: 2019 and TEG: 968) were enrolled. FIBTEM clot amplitude at 5 minutes (CA5) had the largest AUC and 10 mm detected hypofibrinogenemia with 70% sensitivity. The corresponding value for functional fibrinogen (FF) TEG maximum amplitude (MA) was 19 mm. Thrombocytopenia was similarly detected using the calculated threshold EXTEM-FIBTEM CA5 30 mm. The corresponding rTEG-FF TEG MA was 46 mm. TIC was identified by EXTEM CA5 41 mm, rTEG MA 64 mm (80% sensitivity). For hyperfibrinolysis, we examined the relationship between viscoelastic lysis parameters and clinical outcomes, with resulting threshold values of 85% for EXTEM Li30 and 10% for rTEG Ly30.Based on these analyses, we constructed algorithms for ROTEM, TEG, and CCTs to be used in addition to ratio driven transfusion and tranexamic acid. CONCLUSIONS: We describe a systematic approach to define threshold parameters for ROTEM and TEG. These parameters were incorporated into algorithms to support data-driven adjustments of resuscitation with therapeutics, to optimize damage control resuscitation practice in trauma.

Spleen and liver injuries: when to operate?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Although nonoperative management (NOM) is the safest option in most patients with liver and splenic injuries or splenic injuries, some cases still need operative intervention. The aim of this review is to address the most recent literature and the evidence it provides for indications and timing of operative treatment for liver and spleen injuries. RECENT FINDINGS: There seems to be a decrease in publication rate on these topics over the last years, parallel to the acceptance of NOM as the 'gold standard', with little added to the existing body of evidence over the last 12-24 months. Most published studies are retrospective descriptions or comparisons with historical controls, some observational studies, but no randomized control trials (RCTs).There is a striking lack of high-level evidence for the optimal treatment of solid organ injuries. The role of angiographic embolization as an adjunct to the treatment of liver and spleen injuries is still a matter of discussion. SUMMARY: Unstable patients with suspected ongoing bleeding from liver and spleen injuries or spleen injuries with inadequate effect of resuscitation should undergo immediate explorative laparotomy.More RCTs are needed to further determine the role of angiographic embolization and who can be safely be treated nonoperatively and who needs surgical intervention.

Rib fractures in trauma patients: does operative fixation improve outcome?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Renewed interest in surgical fixation of rib fractures has emerged. However, conservative treatment is still preferred at most surgical departments. We wanted to evaluate whether operative treatment of rib fractures may benefit severely injured patients. RECENT FINDINGS: Several studies report a reduction in mechanical ventilation time, ICU length of stay (LOS), hospital LOS, pneumonia, need for tracheostomy, pain and costs in operatively treated patients with multiple rib fractures compared with patients treated nonoperatively. Although patient selection and timing of the operation seem crucial for successful outcome, no consensus exists. Mortality reduction has only been shown in a few studies. Most studies are retrospective cohort and case-control studies. Only four randomized control trials exist. SUMMARY: Conservative treatment, consisting of respiratory assistance and pain control, is still the treatment of choice in the vast majority of patients with multiple rib fractures. In selected patients, operative fixation of fractured ribs within 72 h postinjury may lead to better outcome. More randomized control trials are needed to further determine who benefits from surgical fixation of rib fractures.

Selective non-operative management of penetrating abdominal injuries at Northern European trauma centers: the NordiPen Study.

PURPOSE: A selective nonoperative management (SNOM) of penetrating abdominal injuries (PAI) is a standard of care in numerous established trauma centers. However, available evidence supporting SNOM of PAI in European settings remains scarce. Thus, we performed a multi-center study at selected Northern European trauma centers to investigate the management and outcomes of PAI. We hypothesized that despite a low number of penetrating injuries in included trauma centers, SNOM is successfully utilized with outcomes comparable with trauma centers with a high number of PAI. METHODS: All adult patients admitted to participating trauma centers in the Northern European region with PAI between 1/2015 and 12/2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Primary outcomes were mortality and success rate of SNOM. RESULTS: Overall, 119 patients were included. Median age was 38 (28-47) years. SNOM was initiated in 55 patients (46.0%) with 94.5% success rate. Three patients (5.5%) failed SNOM and had a delayed laparotomy with one gastric injury, one small bowel injury and one patient with a bleeding from mesentery. Overall mortality of the cohort was 5.0%. However, all patients in the SNOM group survived. Higher median ISS, median Abbreviated Injury Scale score of the abdomen, rate of combined anterior and posterior wounds, rate of in-hospital complications and longer hospital length of stay were observed in the immediate laparotomy group compared to the SNOM group. CONCLUSIONS: SNOM of PAI is a safe practice even in regions with a low prevalence of penetrating injuries. The outcomes in our study are comparable with results from trauma centers treating larger numbers of patients with PAI.

Changes in fibrinogen availability and utilization in an animal model of traumatic coagulopathy.

BACKGROUND: Impaired haemostasis following shock and tissue trauma is frequently detected in the trauma setting. These changes occur early, and are associated with increased mortality. The mechanism behind trauma-induced coagulopathy (TIC) is not clear. Several studies highlight the crucial role of fibrinogen in posttraumatic haemorrhage. This study explores the coagulation changes in a swine model of early TIC, with emphasis on fibrinogen levels and utilization of fibrinogen. METHODS: A total of 18 landrace pigs were anaesthetized and divided into four groups. The Trauma-Shock group (TS) were inflicted bilateral blast femoral fractures with concomitant soft tissue injury by a high-energy rifle shot to both hind legs, followed by controlled exsanguination. The Shock group (S) was exposed to shock by exsanguination, whereas a third group was exposed to trauma only (T). A fourth group (C) served as control. Physiological data, haematological measurements, blood gas analyses and conventional coagulation assays were recorded at baseline and repeatedly over 60 minutes. Thrombelastometry were performed by means of the tissue factor activated ExTEM assay and the platelet inhibiting FibTEM assay. Data were statistically analysed by repeated measurements analyses method. RESULTS: A significant reduction of fibrinogen concentration was observed in both the TS and S groups. INR increased significantly in the S group and differed significantly from the TS group. Maximum clot firmness (MCF) of the ExTEM assay was significantly reduced over time in both TS and S groups. In the FibTEM assay a significant shortening of the clotting time and an increase in MCF was observed in the TS group compared to the S group. CONCLUSION: Despite a reduction in clotting capability measured by ExTEM MCF and a reduced fibrinogen concentration, extensive tissue trauma may induce an increased fibrin based clotting activity that attenuates the hypocoagulable tendency in exsanguinated animals.

Implementation of recommended trauma system criteria in south-eastern Norway: a cross-sectional hospital survey.

BACKGROUND: Formalized trauma systems have shown beneficial effects on patient survival and have harvested great recognition among health care professionals. In spite of this, the implementation of trauma systems is challenging and often met with resistance.Recommendations for a national trauma system in Norway were published in 2007. We wanted to assess the level of implementation of these recommendations. METHODS: A survey of all acute care hospitals that receive severely injured patients in the south-eastern health region of Norway was conducted. A structured questionnaire based on the 2007 national recommendations was used in a telephone interview of hospital trauma personnel between January 17 and 21, 2011. Seventeen trauma system criteria were identified from the recommendations. RESULTS: Nineteen hospitals were included in the study and these received more than 2000 trauma patients annually via their trauma teams. Out of the 17 criteria that had been identified, the hospitals fulfilled a median of 12 criteria. Neither the size of the hospitals nor the distance between the hospitals and the regional trauma centre affected the level of trauma resources available. The hospitals scored lowest on the criteria for transfer of patients to higher level of care and on the training requirements for members of the trauma teams. CONCLUSION: Our study identifies a major shortcoming in the efforts of regionalizing trauma in our region. The findings indicate that training of personnel and protocols for inter-hospital transfer are the major deficiencies from the national trauma system recommendations. Resources for training of personnel partaking in trauma teams and development of inter-hospital transfer agreements should receive immediate attention.

A national survey on temporary and delayed abdominal closure in Norwegian hospitals.

INTRODUCTION: Temporary abdominal closure (TAC) is included in most published damage control (DC) and abdominal compartment (ACS) protocols. TAC is associated with a range of complications and the optimal method remains to be defined. The aim of the present study was to describe the experience regarding TAC after trauma and ACS in all acute care hospitals in a sparsely populated country with long transportation distances. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A questionnaire was sent to all 50 Norwegian hospitals with acute care general surgical services. RESULTS: The response rate was 88%. A very limited number of hospitals had treated more than one trauma patient with TAC (5%) or one patient with ACS (14%) on average per year. Most hospitals preferred vacuum assisted techniques, but few reported having formal protocols for TAC or ACS. Although most hospitals would refer patients with TAC to a trauma centre, more than 50% reported that they would perform a secondary reconstruction procedure themselves. CONCLUSION: This study shows that most Norwegian hospitals have limited experience with TAC and ACS. However, the long distances between hospitals mandate all acute care hospitals to implement formal treatment protocols including monitoring of IAP, diagnosing and decompression of ACS, and the use of TAC. Assuming experience leads to better care, the subsequent treatment of these patients might benefit from centralization to one or a few regional centers.

Patients Referred to a Norwegian Trauma Centre: effect of transfer distance on injury patterns, use of resources and outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Triage and interhospital transfer are central to trauma systems. Few studies have addressed transferred trauma patients. This study investigated transfers of variable distances to OUH (Oslo University Hospital, Ullevål), one of the largest trauma centres in Europe. METHODS: Patients included in the OUH trauma registry from 2001 to 2008 were included in the study. Demographic, injury, management and outcome data were abstracted. Patients were grouped according to transfer distance: ≤20 km, 21-100 km and > 100 km. RESULTS: Of the 7.353 included patients, 5.803 were admitted directly, and 1.550 were transferred. The number of transfers per year increased, and there was no reduction in injury severity during the study period. Seventy-six per cent of the transferred patients were severely injured. With greater transfer distances, injury severity increased, and there were larger proportions of traffic injuries, polytrauma and hypotensive patients. With shorter distances, patients were older, and head injuries and injuries after falls were more common. The shorter transfers less often activated the trauma team: ≤20 km -34%; 21-100 km -51%; > 100 km -61%, compared to 92% of all directly admitted patients. The mortality for all transferred patients was 11%, but was unequally distributed according to transfer distance. CONCLUSION: This study shows heterogeneous characteristics and high injury severity among interhospital transfers. The rate of trauma team assessment was low and should be further examined. The mortality differences should be interpreted with caution as patients were in different phases of management. The descriptive characteristics outlined may be employed in the development of triage protocols and transfer guidelines.

Intraparenchymal Doppler ultrasound after proximal embolization of the splenic artery in trauma patients.

We studied the changes in proximal embolization of the splenic artery to the intraparenchymal blood flow with Doppler ultrasound. Seventeen trauma patients with spleen injury OIS grade 2-5 underwent embolization of the splenic artery. Peak-systolic velocity (PSV) and end-diastolic velocity (EDV) were measured in intrasplenic arteries initially 1 day after embolization, at early follow-up after 7 days, at intermediate follow-up after 10 weeks, and at late follow-up after 10 months. Resistance index (RI), systolic/diastolic ratio (S/D ratio), acceleration (AC), and acceleration time (AT) were calculated. The results were compared to values from 17 volunteers. RI increased from 0.39 initially to 0.49 (P = 0.002) at intermediate and to 0.52 (P < 0.001) at late follow-up. S/D ratio increased from 1.68 initially to 1.99 (P = 0.002) and to 2.10 (P < 0.001) at intermediate and late follow-up, respectively. Follow-up results of RI and S/D ratio differed significantly from the reference group. AC increased from 1.06 m/s(2) initially to 1.89 m/s(2) at late follow-up (P = 0.01). AC at late follow-up was not different from reference group (2.33 m/s(2)). In conclusion, Doppler ultrasound is a useful tool in the evaluation of improvable intraparenchymal blood flow over time after central splenic artery embolization.

Nonoperative management of pediatric splenic injury with angiographic embolization.

A 12-year-old girl was admitted after a bicycle accident, and a grade 4 splenic injury was diagnosed. She became hemodynamically unstable within the first hours after arrival and remained so despite fluid resuscitation and transfusions. As an alternative to laparotomy, splenic artery embolization was performed. The patient had an uneventful recovery without the need for further transfusions. Nonoperative management of blunt splenic trauma remains the gold standard in pediatric trauma care. In hemodynamically unstable patients, splenic artery embolization should be considered as an adjunct to that strategy.