Stress hyperglycaemia following trauma - a survival benefit or an outcome detriment?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Stress hyperglycaemia occur often in critically injured patients. To gain new consideration about it, this review compile current as well as known immunological and biochemical findings about causes and emergence. RECENT FINDINGS: Glucose is the preferred energy substrate for fending immune cells, reparative tissue and the cardiovascular system following trauma. To fulfil these energy needs, the liver is metabolically reprogrammed to rebuild glucose from lactate and glucogenic amino acids (hepatic insulin resistance) at the expenses of muscles mass and - to a less extent - fat tissue (proteolysis, lipolysis, peripheral insulin resistance). This inevitably leads to stress hyperglycaemia, which is evolutionary preserved and seems to be an essential and beneficial survival response. It is initiated by damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), intensified by immune cells itself and mainly ruled by tumour necrosis factor (TNF)α and catecholamines with lactate and hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-1α as intracellular signals and lactate as an energy shuttle. Important biochemical mechanisms involved in this response are the Warburg effect as an efficient metabolic shortcut and the extended Cori cycle. SUMMARY: Stress hyperglycaemia is beneficial in an acute life-threatening situation, but further research is necessary, to prevent trauma patients from the detrimental effects of persisting hyperglycaemia.

The impact of nebulized epoprostenol and iloprost on hemoglobin oxygen affinity: an ex vivo experiment.

Inhalational prostacyclins act as strong vasodilators, potentially improving oxygenation by reducing shunt fraction and ventilation-perfusion mismatch. As prostacyclin receptors are known to be present on human erythrocytes, possible direct effects on hemoglobin oxygen transport were further explored by examining the sole in vitro influence of prostacyclins on hemoglobin oxygen (Hb-O2) affinity. Venous blood samples from 20 healthy volunteers were exposed in vitro to supramaximal doses of epoprostenol, iloprost, and compared with control. By high-throughput measurements, hemoglobin oxygen dissociation curves (ODCs) were derived. Hb-O2 affinity, expressed by P50 and Hill coefficient, was determined and analyzed for three subgroups: males (n = 10), females not taking oral contraceptives (n = 4), and females taking oral contraceptives (n = 6). Epoprostenol significantly decreased P50 in all (males, females without contraceptives, and females taking oral contraceptives) [27.5 (26.4-28.6) mmHg (control) vs. 24.2 (22.7-25.3) mmHg; P < 0.001. median (interquartile range, IQR)] thereby increasing Hb-O2 affinity. Inversely, iloprost only showed significant effects in females taking oral contraceptives where P50 was markedly increased and therefore Hb-O2 affinity decreased [28.4 (27.9-28.9) mmHg (control) vs. 34.4 (32.2-36.0) mmHg; P < 0.001]. Prostacyclin-receptor stimulation and subsequent cAMP-mediated ATP release from erythrocytes are discussed as a possible underlying mechanism for the effect of epoprostenol on Hb-O2 affinity. The reason for the sex hormone-modified iloprost effect remains unclear. Being aware of potentially differing effects on Hb-O2 affinity might help select the right prostacyclin (epoprostenol vs. iloprost) depending on the patient and the underlying disease (e.g., acute respiratory distress syndrome vs. peripheral arterial disease).

Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin Resistance and Its Viscoelastic Assessment in Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients.

Critically ill COVID-19 patients present an inflammatory and procoagulant status with a high rate of relevant macro- and microvascular thrombosis. Furthermore, high rates of heparin resistance have been described; yet, individualized anticoagulation by drug monitoring has not been sufficiently researched. We analyzed data from critically ill COVID-19 patients treated at Innsbruck Medical University Hospital with routinely adapted low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) doses according to anti-Xa peak levels, and regularly performed ClotPro analyses (a viscoelastic hemostatic whole blood test). A total of 509 anti-Xa peak measurements in 91 patients were categorized as below (<0.008 IU/mL/mg), within (0.008-0-012 IU/mL/mg) or above (> 0.012 IU/mL/mg) expected ranges with respect to the administered LMWH doses. Besides intergroup comparisons, correlations between anti-Xa levels and ClotPro clotting times (CTs) were performed (226 time points in 84 patients). Anti-Xa peak levels remained below the expected range in the majority of performed measurements (63.7%). Corresponding patients presented with higher C-reactive protein and D-dimer but lower antithrombin levels when compared with patients achieving or exceeding the expected range. Consequently, higher enoxaparin doses were applied in the sub-expected anti-Xa range group. Importantly, 47 (51.6%) patients switched between groups during their intensive care unit (ICU) stay. Anti-Xa levels correlated weakly with IN test CT and moderately with Russell's viper venom (RVV) test CT. Critically ill COVID-19 patients present with a high rate of LMWH resistance but with a variable LMWH response during their ICU stay. Therefore, LMWH-anti-Xa monitoring seems inevitable to achieve adequate target ranges. Furthermore, we propose the use of ClotPro's RVV test to assess the coagulation status during LMWH administration, as it correlates well with anti-Xa levels but more holistically reflects the coagulation cascade than anti-Xa activity alone.

Organ Utilization From Donors Following Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: A Systematic Review of Graft and Recipient Outcome.

BACKGROUND: The global shortage of solid organs for transplantation is exacerbated by high demand, resulting in organ deficits and steadily growing waiting lists. Diverse strategies have been established to address this issue and enhance organ availability, including the use of organs from individuals who have undergone extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (eCPR). The main aim of this work was to examine the outcomes for both graft and recipients of solid organ transplantations sourced from donors who underwent eCPR. METHODS: We performed a systematic literature review using a combination of the terms related to extracorporeal life support and organ donation. Using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines, PubMed and Scopus databases were searched up to February 2024. RESULTS: From 1764 considered publications, 13 studies comprising 130 donors and 322 organ donations were finally analyzed. On average, included patients were 36 y old, and the extracorporeal life support was used for 4 d. Kidneys were the most often transplanted organs (68%; 220/322), followed by liver (22%; 72/322) and heart (5%; 15/322); with a very good short-term graft survival rate (95% for kidneys, 92% for lungs, 88% for liver, and 73% for heart). Four studies with 230 grafts reported functional outcomes at the 1-y follow-up, with graft losses reported for 4 hearts (36%), 8 livers (17%), and 7 kidneys (4%). CONCLUSIONS: Following eCPR, organs can be successfully used with very high graft and recipient survival. In terms of meeting demand, the use of organs from patients after eCPR might be a suitable method for expanding the organ donation pool.

Sex Differences in Mountain Bike Accidents in Austria from 2006 to 2018: A Retrospective Analysis.

Woyke, Simon, Anja Hütter, Christopher Rugg, Willi Tröger, Bernd Wallner, Mathias Ströhle, and Peter Paal. Sex differences in mountain bike accidents in Austria from 2006 to 2018: a retrospective analysis. High Alt Med Biol. 25:89-93, 2024. Introduction: Mountain biking is becoming increasingly popular, and mountain bike (MTB) accidents are on the rise. The aim of this study was to assess sex differences in mountain biking accidents in the Austrian Alps. Methods: This retrospective study includes all MTB accidents in Austria from 2006 to 2018. Data were collected by Alpine Police officers and recorded in a national digital registry. Results: The accidents involved 5,095 mountain bikers (81% men and 19% women). The number of MTB accidents rose markedly from 208 in 2006 to 725 in 2018. Men wore a helmet more often than did women (95% vs. 92%; p = 0.001). The most common injury category was "wound/bleeding" for both sexes (men 40% and women 41%). Women were more frequently transported by helicopter or terrestrially (p > 0.001). Conclusion: In the Austrian Alps, the number of MTB accidents more than tripled between 2006 and 2018. Women were involved in only one fifth of all accidents. Sex differences in MTB accidents include (1) women wearing helmets less often, (2) women being less frequently injured, (3) women suffering fewer serious injuries, and (4) women being more frequently transported by helicopter or terrestrially, while men more often did not require transportation.

[Quality of life after in-hospital cardiac arrest : An 11-year experience from an university center]. / Lebensqualität nach innerklinischem Herz-Kreislauf-Stillstand : 11-Jahres-Ergebnisse einer Universitätsklinik.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac arrest is a life-threatening condition requiring urgent medical care and is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Given that in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) is still poorly investigated, data on health-associated quality of life thereafter remains scarce. The available evidence is mostly transferred from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest studies, but the epidemiology and determinants of success might be different. The aim of the study was to investigate the change in the quality of life after in-hospital cardiac arrest and to identify potential risk factors for a poor outcome. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective analysis of data and prospective evaluation of quality of life included all patients surviving an IHCA and being treated by the emergency medical team between 2010 and 2020. The primary endpoint of the study was the quality of life after IHCA at the reference date. Secondary endpoints covered determination of risk factors and predictors of poor outcome after in-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation. RESULTS: In total 604 patients were resuscitated within the period of 11 years and 61 (10%) patients survived until the interview took place. Finally, 48 (79%) patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria and 31 (65%) were included in the study. There was no significant difference in the quality of life before and after cardiac arrest (EQ-5D-5L utility 0.79 vs. 0.78, p = 0.567) and in the EQ-5D-5L visual analogue scale (VAS) score. CONCLUSION: The quality of life before and after IHCA in survivors was good and comparable. The quality of life was mostly affected by reduced mobility and anxiety/depression. Future studies with larger patient samples should focus on potentially modifiable factors that could prevent, warn, and limit the consequences of in-hospital cardiac arrest. Moreover, research on outcomes of IHCA should include available tools for the quality of life assessment.

The impact of cannabinoids on methemoglobin formation and hemoglobin oxygen affinity: An ex-vivo study.

The affinity of hemoglobin (Hb) to oxygen (O2) influences processes of oxygen delivery and extraction at the tissue level. Despite cannabinoids being utilized or ingested in various ways, their possible impact on Hb-O2 affinity has barely been studied. This is an experimental ex-vivo trial. Venous blood samples were drawn from 5 male and 6 female healthy volunteers and subsequently exposed to different cannabinoid types: (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol [Δ9-THC], delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol [Δ8-THC], cannabidiol [CBD]) at different concentrations. Oxygen dissociation curves (ODC) were measured and blood gas analyses were performed for methemoglobin (MetHb) determination. The results revealed no MetHb formation. Besides two statistically significant changes (+1.4 mmHg and -0.9 mmHg) in the female cohort, following Δ9-THC and Δ8-THC exposure, no further P50 changes could be observed. The study demonstrated an in-vitro effect of selected cannabinoids and dosages on P50 values in female participants, with variations not observed at other dosages, leaving the underlying mechanisms open for debate. MetHb formation, as potential mechanism, was not detected in this study. The precise reasons why changes only occurred at specific dosages remain unclear, indicating a need for further in-vivo research to understand the interaction between cannabinoids and Hb-O2 affinity completely.

Thrombotic Events Develop in 1 Out of 5 Patients Receiving ECMO Support: An 11-Year Referral Centre Experience.

BACKGROUND: The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for critically ill patients is growing rapidly given recent developments in technology. However, adverse events are frequently reported that have potentially devastating impacts on patient outcomes. The information on predictors and risk factors for thrombotic events, especially that focusing on the comparison of veno-arterial and veno-venous ECMO configurations, are still inconsistent and sparse; therefore, we aimed to close this gap. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients on extracorporeal life support admitted to the intensive care units of a tertiary university center in Europe. RESULTS: From 645 patients, 417 who received extracorporeal life support due to cardiogenic shock (290, 70%), respiratory failure (116, 28%) or hypothermia (11, 3%) were included. In total, 22% (92) of the patients experienced thrombotic events with a similar incidence in both ECMO configurations. Anticoagulation consisted of unfractionated heparin (296, 71%) and argatroban (70, 17%). Univariate Cox analyses identified hemoconcentration and increased maximal clot firmness (thromboelastometry) as risk factors for thrombosis. Moreover, the patients experiencing thrombosis had longer ECMO duration and intensive care stays. CONCLUSIONS: ECMO is a specialized life-support modality with a high risk of complications. A longer ECMO duration is associated with thrombosis occurrence in patients receiving ECMO support. Following hemorrhage, thromboembolic complications are common adverse events. However, in contrast to major bleeding, no impact on mortality was observed. The question arises if a protocol with less anticoagulation may have a role to play in the future.

Catabolism highly influences ICU-acquired hypernatremia in a mainly trauma and surgical cohort.

PURPOSE: To further analyse causes and effects of ICU-acquired hypernatremia. METHODS: This retrospective, single-centre study, analysed 994 patients regarding ICU-acquired hypernatremia. Non-hypernatremic patients (n = 617) were compared to early-hypernatremic (only before ICU-day 4; n = 87), prolonged-hypernatremic (before and after ICU-day 4; n = 169) and late-hypernatremic patients (only after ICU-day 4; n = 121). Trends in glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), urea-to-creatinine ratio (UCR), fraction of urea in total urine osmolality and urine sodium were compared. Risk factors for i) the development of hypernatremia and ii) mortality were determined. RESULTS: Thirty-eight percent (n = 377) developed ICU-acquired hypernatremia. Specifically in the prolonged- and late-group, decreased eGFRs and urine sodium but increased UCR and fractions of urea in urine osmolality were present. Decreased eGFR was a risk factor for the development of hypernatremia in all groups; disease severity and increased catabolism particularly in the prolonged- and late-hypernatremic group. Increased age, SAPS-III and signs of catabolism but not the development of hypernatremia itself was identified as significant risk factor for mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Late- and prolonged-hypernatremia is highly related to an increased protein metabolism. Besides excessive catabolism, initial disease severity and a decrease in renal function must be considered when confronted with ICU-acquired hypernatremia.

Collisions with another person while skiing and snowboarding: A 13-year national registry analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Interindividual collisions while skiing or snowboarding occur regularly, they can be associated with severe injuries. OBJECTIVE: To elucidate causes of accidents, injury patterns and potential risk factors for injury severity in interindividual collisions of skiers and snowboarders. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of the Austrian Registry for Mountain Accidents within a 13-year timeframe (2005-2018) with regard to on- or off-piste collisions of skiers and snowboarders. RESULTS: A total of 30,503 collisions, involving 52,430 (85.9%) skiers and 8,576 (14.1%) snowboarders were analysed. Denominators are lacking, since total numbers of skiers and snowboarders were not available. Compared to skiers, snowboarders were younger (23 vs. 42 years; p<0.001), predominantly male (77.4% vs. 61.0%; p<0.001) and less often severely injured (46.8% vs. 26.2%; p<0.001). Most accidents occurred on slopes (>95%). Collisions involving two snowboarders occurred proportionally more often in terrain parks (4.1% of 1,664 injured snowboarders; p<0.001) and while one victim was standing or sitting (9.7%; p<0.001). Contusions/strains/sprains were most prevalent (>23%), as were head injuries (>12%). In skiers, chest, shoulder, hip, thigh and knee injuries occurred more often, leading to fractures, dislocations, concussions and internal injuries more frequently. In snowboarders, spine/back, elbow, forearm, wrist and lower leg injuries were more prevalent. Female gender and standing or sitting prior to the accident was a risk factor for being more severely injured in collisions involving i) two skiers (OR: 4.02 (3.79-4.26) and 3.91 (3.26-4.68)), ii) a skier and a snowboarder (OR: 4.50 (3.95-5.14) and 11.49 (8.04-16.41)) or iii) two snowboarders (OR: 2.85 (2.12-3.84) and 12.47 (6.17-25.20)). Wearing a helmet increased the risk when two skiers collided (OR: 1.10 (1.03-1.17)). In skier vs. snowboarder collisions, the skier had a higher risk of being injured more severely (OR: 7.93 (6.98-9.01)). CONCLUSIONS: In interindividual collisions of skiers and snowboarders, injury patterns and preceding causes differ substantially. Skiers are more likely to be severely injured. Awareness of an increased risk of injury should be raised particularly while standing or sitting on the slope.

Rapid reduction of substantially increased myoglobin and creatine kinase levels using a hemoadsorption device (CytoSorb®)-A case report.

Rhabdomyolysis (RM) is a potentially life-threatening entity that can lead to acute kidney injury (AKI). Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) alone is known as effective therapy, but the additional use of a hemoadsorber (like CytoSorb®) might increase its efficacy.

The effect of desflurane, isoflurane and sevoflurane on the hemoglobin oxygen dissociation curve in human blood samples.

Desflurane, isoflurane and sevoflurane, three halogenated ethers, are commonly used inhaled anesthetics, both in the operating room and in the intensive care unit (ICU). The potency and dosage of these drugs is expressed by the MAC value (minimum alveolar concentration). Their interaction with hemoglobin and its affinity for oxygen, best described by the oxygen dissociation curve (ODC), has already been investigated, with conflicting results. Altered by many factors, the ODC can be shifted to the left or to the right, therefore increasing or decreasing hemoglobin oxygen (Hb-O2) affinity. In venous blood samples of 22 healthy participants (11 female, 11 male) ODC were measured with a high-throughput method in vitro. Blood samples were either exposed to control or to three different concentrations of desflurane, isoflurane or sevoflurane prior to and during measurements (low, medium and high corresponding to MAC 0.5, MAC 1.0 and MAC 2.0). With increasing concentrations from control to medium, desflurane and isoflurane significantly decreased Hb-O2 affinity by shifting the ODC to the right (p = 0.016 and p < 0.001) but sevoflurane showed no effects. When further increasing concentrations from medium to high, all three inhaled anesthetics shifted the ODC back to the left (p < 0.001). Comparing only controls to high concentrations, a significant increase in Hb-O2 affinity for desflurane (p = 0.005) and sevoflurane (p < 0.001) was detected. Our study shows a varying effect at different doses of inhaled anesthetics on Hb-O2 affinity. While the underlying mechanisms remain unclear, these results show an effect which needs to be further investigated to determine if patients undergoing anesthesia may potentially benefit or get disadvantage from this slightly increased (e.g. impaired pulmonary oxygen uptake), or decreased Hb-O2 affinity (e.g. arterial vascular disease).Trial registration: This study is registered with clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04612270).

Impact of preoperative anemia, iron-deficiency and inflammation on survival after colorectal surgery-A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Anemia is present in up to two-thirds of patients undergoing colorectal surgery mainly caused by iron deficiency and inflammation. As anemia is associated with increased risk of perioperative death, diagnosis and treatment of preoperative anemia according to etiology have been recommended. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to assess if the association between anemia and survival in patients undergoing colorectal surgery was determined by the severity of anemia alone or also by anemia etiology. METHODS: To determine the prevalence of anemia and etiology, preoperative hematological parameters, C-reactive protein, ferritin and transferrin saturation were retrospectively assessed and correlated with outcome in a cohort of patients undergoing colorectal surgery between 2005 and 2019 at the University Hospital of Innsbruck. Anemia was defined as hemoglobin <120 g/L in females and <130 g/L in males. The etiology of anemia was classified on the basis of serum iron parameters, as iron deficiency anemia, anemia of inflammation or other anemia etiologies. RESULTS: Preoperative anemia was present in 54% (1316/2458) of all patients. Anemia was associated with iron deficiency in 45% (134/299) and classified as anemia of inflammation in 32% (97/299) of patients with available serum iron parameters. The etiology of anemia was a strong and independent predictor of survival, where iron deficiency and anemia of inflammation were associated with better postoperative survival than other anemia etiologies. One year survival rates were 84.3%, 77.3% and 69.1% for patients with iron deficiency anemia, anemia of inflammation and other anemia types. Inflammation indicated by high C-reactive protein is a strong negative predictor of overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: Anemia has a high prevalence among patients undergoing colorectal surgery and rational treatment requires early assessment of serum iron parameters and C-reactive protein.

Difficult reversal of dabigatran with idarucizumab in a multiple-trauma patient: A question of dose?

Dabigatran is an oral anticoagulant directly acting as thrombin inhibitor. The monoclonal antibody idarucizumab was developed to reverse its anticoagulatory effects after application of a standardized dose. Following administration, dabigatran plasma level rebounds have been reported but its consequences are not fully understood. We report a case of a multiple-trauma patient under dabigatran treatment suffering from secondary bleeding relapse after initially successful reversal with idarucizumab. Stabilisation of the patient's coagulopathy and subsequent bleeding was not achieved until application of an additional dose of idarucizumab. We conclude that patients treated with dabigatran and presenting with active bleeding require close attention to its reversal with standard doses of idarucizumab. Screening for thrombin time was shown beneficial in early detection of dabigatran rebound in this case.

Analgesia in adult trauma patients in physician-staffed Austrian helicopter rescue: a 12-year registry analysis.

BACKGROUND: Sufficient analgesia is an obligation, but oligoanalgesia (NRS> 3) is frequently observed prehospitally. Potent analgesics may cause severe adverse events. Thus, analgesia in the helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) setting is challenging. Adequacy, efficacy and administration safety of potent analgesics pertaining to injured patients in HEMS were analysed. METHODS: Observational study evaluating data from 14 year-round physician-staffed helicopter bases in Austria in a 12-year timeframe. RESULTS: Overall, 47,985 (34.3%) patients received analgesics, 26,059 of whom were adult patients, injured and not mechanically ventilated on site. Main drugs administered were opioids (n=20,051; 76.9%), esketamine (n=9082; 34.9%), metamizole (n=798; 3.1%) and NSAIDs (n=483; 1.9%). Monotherapy with opioids or esketamine was the most common regimen (n=21,743; 83.4%), while opioids together with esketamine (n= 3591; 13.8%) or metamizole (n=369; 1.4%) were the most common combinations. Females received opioids less frequently than did males (n=6038; 74.5% vs. n=14,013; 78.1%; p< 0.001). Pain relief was often sufficient (> 95%), but females more often had moderate to severe pain on arrival in hospital (n=34; 5.0% vs. n=59; 3.2%; p=0.043). Administration of potent analgesics was safe, as indicated by MEES, SpO2 and respiratory rates. On 10% of all missions, clinical patient assessment was deemed sufficient by HEMS physicians and monitoring was spared. CONCLUSIONS: Opioids and esketamine alone or in combination were the analgesics of choice in physician-staffed HEMS in Austria. Analgesia was often sufficient, but females more than males suffered from oligoanalgesia on hospital arrival. Administration safety was high, justifying liberal use of potent analgesics in physician-staffed HEMS.

Gender differences in snowboarding accidents in Austria: a 2005-2018 registry analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To elucidate gender differences in snowboarding accidents. DESIGN: Retrospective registry analysis within the Austrian National Registry of Mountain Accidents. SETTING: Snowboard-related emergencies between November 2005 and October 2018. PARTICIPANTS: All injured snowboarders with documented injury severity and gender (3536 men; 2155 women). PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Gender-specific analysis of emergency characteristics and injury patterns. RESULTS: Over time, the number of mild, severe and fatal injuries per season decreased in men but not in women. Accidents most frequently were interindividual collisions (>80%) and occurred when heading downhill on a slope. Men more often suffered injuries to the shoulder (15.1% vs 9.2%) and chest (6.8% vs 4.4%), were involved in accidents caused by falling (12.9% vs 9.6%) or obstacle impact (4.3% vs 1.5%), while on slopes with higher difficulty levels (red: 42.6% vs 39.9%; black: 4.2% vs 2.5%), while snowboarding in a park (4.8% vs 2.1%) and under the influence of alcohol (1.6% vs 0.5%). Women more often sustained injuries to the back (10.2% vs 13.1%) and pelvis (2.9% vs 4.2%), on easier slopes (blue: 46.1% vs 52.4%) and while standing or sitting (11.0% vs 15.8%). Mild injuries were more frequent in women (48.6% vs 56.4%), severe and fatal injuries in men (36.0% vs 29.7% and 0.9% vs 0.4%). Male gender, age and the use of a helmet were risk factors for the combined outcome of severe or fatal injuries (OR (99% CI): 1.22 (1.00 to 1.48), 1.02 (1.02 to 1.03) and 1.31 (1.05 to 1.63)). When wearing a helmet, the relative risk (RR) for severe injuries increased while that for mild injuries decreased in male snowboarders only (RR (95% CI): 1.21 (1.09 to 1.34) and 0.88 (0.83 to 0.95)). CONCLUSIONS: Snowboard injuries are proportionally increasing in women and the observed injury patterns and emergency characteristics differ substantially from those of men. Further gender-specific research in snowboard-related injuries should be encouraged. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03755050.

Early ICU-acquired hypernatraemia is associated with injury severity and preceded by reduced renal sodium and chloride excretion in polytrauma patients.

PURPOSE: To further elucidate the origin of early ICU-acquired hypernatraemia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this retrospective single-centre study, polytrauma patients requiring ICU treatment were analysed. RESULTS: Forty-eight (47.5%) of 101 included polytrauma patients developed hypernatraemia within the first 7 days on ICU. They were more severely ill as described by higher SAPS III, ISS, daily SOFA scores and initial norepinephrine requirements as well as longer requirements of mechanical ventilation and ICU treatment in general. The development of hypernatraemia was neither attributable to fluid- or sodium-balances nor renal impairment. Although lower in the hypernatraemic group from day 4 onwards, median creatinine clearances were sufficiently high throughout the observation period. However, in the hypernatraemic group, urine sodium and chloride concentrations prior to the evolvement of hypernatraemia (56 (27-87) mmol/l and 39 (23-77) mmol/l) were significantly decreased when compared to i) the time after developing hypernatraemia (94 (58-134) mmol/l and 78 (36-115) mmol/l; p < 0.001) and ii) the non-hypernatraemic group in general (101 (66-143) mmol/l and 75 (47-109) mmol/l; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Early ICU-acquired hypernatraemia is associated with injury severity and preceded by reduced renal sodium and chloride excretion in polytrauma patients.

Analgesia in pediatric trauma patients in physician-staffed Austrian helicopter rescue: a 12-year registry analysis.

BACKGROUND: As pediatric patients are typically rare among helicopter emergency medical systems (HEMS), children might be at risk for oligo-analgesia due to the rescuer's lack of experience and the fear of side effects. METHODS: In this retrospective analysis, data was obtained from the ÖAMTC HEMS digital database including 14 physician staffed helicopter bases in Austria over a 12-year timeframe. Primary missions involving pediatric trauma patients (< 15 years) not mechanically ventilated on-site were included. Analgesia was assessed and compared between the age groups 0-5, 6-10 and 11-14 years. RESULTS: Of all flight missions, 8.2% were dedicated to children < 15 years. Analgetic drugs were administered in 31.4% of all primary missions (3874 of 12,324), wherefrom 2885 were injured and non-ventilated (0-5 yrs.: n = 443; 6-10 yrs.: n = 902; 11-14 yrs.: n = 1540). The majority of these patients (> 75%) suffered moderate to severe pain, justifying immediate analgesia. HEMS physicians typically chose a monotherapy with an opioid (n = 1277; 44.3%) or Esketamine (n = 1187; 41.1%) followed by the combination of both (n = 324; 11.2%). Opioid use increased (37.2% to 63.4%) and Esketamine use decreased (66.1% to 48.3%) in children < 6 vs. > 10 years. Esketamine was more often administered in extremity (57.3%) than in head (41.5%) or spine injuries (32.3%). An intravenous access was less often established in children < 6 years (74.3% vs. 90.8%; p < 0.001). Despite the use of potent analgesics, 396 missions (13.7%) were performed without technical monitoring. Particularly regarding patient data at handover in hospital, merely < 10% of all missions featured complete documentation. Therefore, sufficient evaluation of the efficacy of pain relief was not possible. Yet, by means of respiratory measures required during transport, severe side effects such as respiratory insufficiency, were barely noted. CONCLUSIONS: In the physician-staffed HEMS setting, pediatric trauma patients liberally receive opioids and Esketamine for analgesia. With regard to severe respiratory insufficiency during transport, the application of these potent analgesics seems safe.

ICU-Admission Hyperphosphataemia Is Related to Shock and Tissue Damage, Indicating Injury Severity and Mortality in Polytrauma Patients.

Hyperphosphataemia can originate from tissue ischaemia and damage and may be associated with injury severity in polytrauma patients. In this retrospective, single-centre study, 166 polytrauma patients (injury severity score (ISS) ≥ 16) primarily requiring intensive care unit (ICU) treatment were analysed within a five-year timeframe. ICU-admission phosphate levels defined a hyperphosphataemic (>1.45 mmol/L; n = 56) opposed to a non-hyperphosphataemic group (n = 110). In the hyperphosphataemic group, injury severity was increased (ISS median and IQR: 38 (30-44) vs. 26 (22-34); p < 0.001), as were signs of shock (lactate, resuscitation requirements), tissue damage (ASAT, ALAT, creatinine) and lastly in-hospital mortality (35.7% vs. 5.5%; p < 0.001). Hyperphosphataemia at ICU admission was shown to be a risk factor for mortality (1.46-2.10 mmol/L: odds ratio (OR) 3.96 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03-15.16); p = 0.045; >2.10 mmol/L: OR 12.81 (CI 3.45-47.48); p < 0.001) and admission phosphate levels alone performed as good as injury severity score (ISS) in predicting in-hospital mortality (area under the ROC curve: 0.811 vs. 0.770; p = 0.389). Hyperphosphataemia at ICU admission is related to tissue damage and shock and indicates injury severity and subsequent mortality in polytrauma patients. Admission phosphate levels represent an easily feasible yet strong predictor for in-hospital mortality.

Dose- and Sex-Dependent Changes in Hemoglobin Oxygen Affinity by the Micronutrient 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural and α-Ketoglutaric Acid.

5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) is known to increase hemoglobin oxygen affinity (Hb-O2 affinity) and to induce a left shift of the oxygen dissociation curve (ODC). It is under investigation as a therapeutic agent in sickle cell anemia and in conditions where pulmonary oxygen uptake is deteriorated or limited (e.g., various clinical conditions or altitude exposure). The combination of 5-HMF and α-ketoglutaric acid (αKG) is commercially available as a nutritional supplement. To further elucidate dose effects, ODCs were measured in vitro in venous whole blood samples of 20 healthy volunteers (10 female and 10 male) after the addition of three different doses of 5-HMF, αKG and the combination of both. Linear regression analysis revealed a strong dose-dependent increase in Hb-O2 affinity for 5-HMF (R2 = 0.887; p < 0.001) and the commercially available combination with αKG (R2 = 0.882; p < 0.001). αKG alone increased Hb-O2 affinity as well but to a lower extent. Both the combination (5-HMF + αKG) and 5-HMF alone exerted different P50 and Hill coefficient responses overall and between sexes, with more pronounced effects in females. With increasing Hb-O2 affinity, the sigmoidal shape of the ODC was better preserved by the combination of 5-HMF and αKG than by 5-HMF alone. Concerning the therapeutic effects of 5-HMF, this study emphasizes the importance of adequate dosing in various physiological and clinical conditions, where a left-shifted ODC might be beneficial. By preserving the sigmoidal shape of the ODC, the combination of 5-HMF and αKG at low (both sexes) and medium (males only) doses might be able to better maintain efficient oxygen transport, particularly by mitigating potentially deteriorated oxygen unloading in the tissue. However, expanding knowledge on the interaction between 5-HMF and Hb-O2 affinity in vitro necessitates further investigations in vivo to additionally assess pharmacokinetic mechanisms.