Using Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Nasal Screens to Rule Out Methicillin-Resistant S aureus Pneumonia in Surgical Intensive Care Units.

INTRODUCTION: The methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has a high negative predictive value (NPV). We aimed to understand if there was a difference in the NPV of the MRSA screen in surgical intensive care units (ICUs) and to determine its role in antibiotic de-escalation. METHODS: We performed a single-center, retrospective cohort study of adults with a positive respiratory culture and MRSA nasal PCR admitted to a surgical ICU from 2016 to 2019. Patients were stratified by surgical ICU: cardiothoracic/cardiovascular intensive care unit (CVICU) or transplant/acute care surgery intensive care unit (ACS-ICU). Our primary outcome was the NPV of MRSA screen. Secondary outcome was the duration of empiric MRSA-targeted therapy. RESULTS: We analyzed 61 patients: 42.6% (n = 26) ACS-ICU and 57.4% (n = 35) CVICU. There were no differences in age, comorbidities, prior MRSA infection, recent antibiotic use, immunocompromised status, or renal replacement therapy. At pneumonia diagnosis, more patients in the ACS-ICU were hospitalized ≥5 d (65.4% versus 8.6%, P < 0.0001) and more patients in the CVICU were in septic shock (88.6% versus 34.5%, P < 0.0001) and thrombocytopenic (40% versus 11.5%, P = 0.02). NPV of the PCR was similar (ACS-ICU: 0.92 [0.75-0.98], CV-ICU 0.89 [0.73-0.96]). On multivariable linear regression, the CVICU was associated with longer empiric therapy (ß 1.5, 95% CI 0.8-2.3, P < 0.0001), as was hospitalization for ≥5 d (ß 0.73, 95% CI 0.06-1.39, P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The MRSA nasal PCR screen has a high NPV for ruling out MRSA pneumonia in critically ill surgical patients. However, patients in the CVICU and patients hospitalized ≥5 d had a longer time to de-escalation of MRSA-targeted therapy, potentially due to higher clinical risk profile.

HIV geospatially clusters with firearm trauma in 35 Atlanta zip codes.

The purpose of this study was to assess if rates of firearm trauma within Atlanta geospatially clustered with HIV prevalence and new HIV diagnosis rates. We retrospectively reviewed our Atlanta trauma center's registry for patients sustaining a ballistic firearm trauma from 2014 through 2018. Using the patient's zip code of home residence, we determined the rate of firearm trauma for that zip code. We obtained publicly available rates for HIV that corresponded with these select zip codes to perform a geospatial cluster analysis. The cohort was comprised of 1495 patients and represented 35 zip codes in Atlanta. The mean rate of firearm trauma for the 35 zip codes was 171.1 (±296.4) per 100,000 people. Compared to all Atlanta, the 35 zip codes' mean HIV prevalence (1863.9 vs 924.1, p < .0001) and new HIV diagnosis rate (396.9 vs 199.7, p < .0001) were significantly higher. Rates of firearm trauma and HIV prevalence demonstrated significant geospatial clustering (ß 0.38, 95% CI 0.22-0.53, p < .0001) as did rates of firearm trauma and new HIV diagnoses (ß 0.36, 95% CI 0.18-0.54, p = 0.0002). Our findings provide granular geographic data that could guide targeted HIV screening efforts in communities where our firearm-injured patients live.

Examining the accuracy of the AM-PAC "6-clicks" at predicting discharge disposition in traumatic brain injury.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the accuracy of the AM-PAC "6-Clicks" in predicting discharge dispositions among severely injured patients with an acute traumatic brain injury (TBI). METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of patients with a TBI who presented to our trauma center from 2016 through 2018 and received a "6-Clicks" assessment. Outcomes were hospital length of stay (LOS) and discharge disposition: home, inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF), subacute location (SL), or death/hospice. Subgroup analyses evaluated patients with concomitant mobility-limiting injuries (CM-LI). RESULTS: There were 432 patients with a TBI; 42.6% (n = 184) had CM-LI. CM-LI patients had lower "6-Clicks" scores compared to patients with an isolated TBI (9 vs 14, p < .0001) and a longer hospital LOS (16.5 d vs 9 d, p < .0001). Increasing "6-Clicks" scores were associated with a home discharge (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.15-1.28, p < .0001) while decreasing scores were predictive of an IRF or SL discharge or death/hospice. Increasing scores correlated with decreasing hospital LOS for the cohort (ß - 8.93, 95% CI -10.24 - -7.62, p < .0001). CONCLUSION: Among patients with an acute TBI, increasing "6 Clicks" scores were associated with a shorter hospital LOS and greater likelihood of home discharge. Decreasing mobility scores correlated with discharge to an IRF, SL, and death/hospice.

Dual Neurostimulant Therapy May Optimize Acute Neurorecovery for Severe Traumatic Brain Injuries.

BACKGROUND: Neurostimulants (NS) can be used to treat patients with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) with altered levels of consciousness. We sought to determine if amantadine alone (monotherapy) versus amantadine + methylphenidate (dual therapy) would correlate with better neurorecovery (NR) among acutely hospitalized patients with a severe TBI. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of adult patients admitted to our level I trauma center from 2016-2019 with a severe TBI. NR was calculated by dividing the difference between admission and discharge Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores by 12. Resulting ratios were used to divide the cohort into two groups: excellent NR (1) and non-excellent NR (<1). RESULTS: A total of 76 patients comprised the cohort; 19.7% (n = 15) had excellent NR. The excellent NR group had a larger proportion of patients receiving dual therapy compared to the non-excellent group (86.7% versus 59%, P = 0.04). In monotherapy (n = 27), amantadine was initiated 13 (8-20) d following injury and treatment lasted 7 (2-16) d. In dual therapy (n = 49), amantadine was initiated 12 (6-19) d following injury and continued for 9 (4-25.5) d. Methylphenidate was initiated 15 (7-20.5) d following injury and continued for 5 (2-13.5) d. After adjusting for confounders, dual versus monotherapy predicted excellent NR (OR 5.4, 95% CI 1.2 - 38.9, P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: During the acute hospitalization for a severe TBI, dual NS therapy compared to monotherapy is associated with an increased likelihood of excellent NR. Larger prospective trials are warranted to validate these findings.

Random forest modeling using socioeconomic distress predicts hernia repair approach.

BACKGROUND: Surgical techniques for abdominal wall hernia repair have advanced, yet it is unclear if all patient populations experience these innovations equally. We hypothesized that in patients undergoing abdominal wall herniorrhaphy, there would be socioeconomic variation between robotic, laparoscopic, and open approaches. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of patients undergoing abdominal wall herniorrhaphy at a tertiary care center from 2013 through 2019. Patients were stratified by approach: laparoscopic (LH), open (OH), or robotic (RH). Insurance type was categorized as private, Medicare, or Medicaid/uninsured. Using zip code data, we obtained a Distressed Communities Index (DCI), which is comprised of 7 unique socioeconomic variables. We employed random forest (RF) modeling to predict surgical approach and determined each factor's variable importance (VI) for our model. RESULTS: There were 559 patients; 39.7% (n = 222) LH, 33.3% (n = 186) OH, and 27% (n = 151) RH. The DCI (p < 0.01) and rates of poverty (p = 0.01), adults without diplomas (p < 0.01), and unemployment (p < 0.01) were highest in the OH group while job growth (p = 0.02) and median income ratio (p < .01) were highest in the RH group. The LH group had a greater proportion of privately insured patients than Medicaid/ uninsured patients (43.4% vs 15.9%, p < 0.01). The most important variables identified by our RF model were job growth (for RH), insurance type (for LH), and no high school diploma (for OH). CONCLUSION: Insurance type, job growth, and educational attainment may influence operative approach and can contribute to the existing disparities in hernia surgery. Surgeons should address these inequalities and commit to parity in the delivery of surgical care.

The 5 and 11 Factor Modified Frailty Indices are Equally Effective at Outcome Prediction Using TQIP.

BACKGROUND: The 5-factor modified frailty index (mFI-5) and the 11-factor modified frailty index (mFI-11) are equally effective in predicting adverse outcomes in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. The similarly structured American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program (TQIP) database has not been studied with these two frailty indices. We hypothesized that the mFI-5 and mFI-11 could similarly predict adverse outcomes with TQIP data. METHODS: The mFI-5 and mFI-11 were calculated for each patient comprising our institutional TQIP registry (2016-2018). Spearman ρ was calculated to assess correlations between the two indices across multiple predefined TQIP patient cohorts. Complications were stratified by frailty score for each index. Multivariable logistic regression models adjusting for age, Glasgow Coma Scale score, and Injury Severity Score were created to assess each mFI's association with any complication and discharge dispositions (home, facility, and expired). RESULTS: There were 8467 patients. Spearman ρ was >0.9 (P < 0.0001) for all patient cohorts except elderly, elderly blunt multisystem, and isolated hip fractures. Increasing frailty scores for both mFIs were associated with greater rates of acute kidney injury (P < 0.0001), myocardial infarction (P < 0.001), severe sepsis (P < 0.05), unplanned return to the intensive care unit (P < 0.0001), and unplanned intubation (P < 0.0001). On separate multivariable logistic regressions, the mFI-5 and mFI-11 were each predictive of any complication (P < 0.0001) and a facility discharge (P < 0.001). Neither the mFI-5 nor the mFI-11 were associated with mortality (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The mFI-5 and mFI-11 are highly correlated across several TQIP patient cohorts. They also are both predictive of complications and discharge dispositions; however, neither index can predict mortality. Given its ease of use, the mFI-5 may be a better option for identifying frail patients and predicting adverse outcomes at the point of care in trauma.

The 5-Item Modified Frailty Index Predicts Adverse Outcomes in Trauma.

BACKGROUND: The 5-item modified frailty index (mFI-5) has been shown to predict adverse outcomes in surgery; yet, its role in trauma patients is unclear. We hypothesized that increasing frailty, as indicated by increasing mFI-5 scores, would correlate with worse outcomes and greater mortality in trauma patients. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of patients captured by our 2018 Spring and Fall Trauma Quality Improvement Program registry. The mFI-5 was calculated by assigning one point for each comorbidity present: diabetes, hypertension, congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and functionally dependent health status. Outcomes included complications, length of stay, mortality, and discharge location. RESULTS: A total of 3364 patients were included; 68.0% (n = 2288) were not frail, 16.5% (n = 555) were moderately frail, and 15.5% (n = 521) were severely frail. Higher frailty scores were associated with greater rates of unplanned intubations (P < 0.01) and unplanned admissions to the intensive care unit (P < 0.01). Rates of nonhome discharge (P < 0.0001) were significantly higher in the severe frailty group compared with the moderate and no frailty groups. On multivariable regression adjusting for demographics and injury details, severe frailty was predictive of any complication (odds ratio [OR], 1.53; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.12-2.11; P < 0.01), failure to rescue (OR, 2.88; 95% CI, 1.47-5.66; P = 0.002), nonhome discharge (OR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.47-2.40; P < 0.0001), and mortality (OR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.07-3.15; P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Frailty is not only associated with longer hospitalizations but also with more complications, adverse discharge locations, and increased odds of mortality. The mFI-5 is a quick and intuitive tool that can be used to determine an individual's frailty at the time of admission.

Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in neurosurgical trauma patients.

BACKGROUND: Venous thromboembolisms (VTEs) occur more frequently in patients with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and spinal cord injuries, yet the use of chemoprophylaxis is controversial. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the timing of chemical VTE prophylaxis initiation and the development of VTE events in these patients. METHODS: Prospective data were collected and retrospectively reviewed on 1425 patients sustaining TBIs or spinal injuries from 2010 to 2014. Patients were reviewed with respect to age, gender, injury severity score, Glasgow coma score, and mechanism of injury as well as timing of initiation of chemical VTE prophylaxis and presence or absence of VTE. RESULTS: Patients who developed a VTE had a significantly longer time to initiation of chemical VTE prophylaxis (6.7 ± 4.9 d versus 4.7 ± 4.9 d, P < 0.001) compared with those that did not develop a VTE. Also, for each 1 d increase in time to prophylaxis initiation, the odds of developing a VTE increased significantly (odds ratio = 1.055, P < 0.001). The combination subarachnoid hemorrhage/subdural hemorrhage group was started on VTE prophylaxis significantly later (8.3 ± 6.1 d versus 6.7 ± 3.9 d, P < 0.01) than the overall TBI group and had a higher incidence of VTE (14.4 versus 10.4%, P = NS). In contrast, patients sustaining isolated spinal injuries received chemical VTE prophylaxis significantly earlier (3.4 ± 4.2 d versus 6.7 ± 3.9 d, P < 0.001) and had a significant decrease in their VTE rate (4.4 versus 10.4%, P < 0.0001) compared with the overall TBI group. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with VTEs had a significant delay in time to initiation of chemoprophylaxis compared with patients without VTEs. Patients sustaining a TBI had a 2-fold delay in initiation of chemoprophylaxis and an associated 2-fold increase in VTE events compared with patients who sustained spinal injuries. Of those patients who developed a TBI, patients who sustained a combination subarachnoid hemorrhage and/or subdural hemorrhage had a significant delay in initiation of chemoprophylaxis with a higher rate of VTE events.

Surgical Apgar scores predict complications after emergency general surgery laparotomy.

BACKGROUND: The Surgical Apgar Score (SAS) is a 10-point validated score comprised of three intraoperative variables (blood loss, lowest heart rate, and lowest mean arterial pressure). Lower scores are worse and predict major postoperative complications. The SAS has not been applied in emergency general surgery (EGS) but may help guide postoperative disposition. We hypothesize that SAS can predict complications in EGS patients undergoing a laparotomy. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of adult patients at a single, quaternary care center who underwent an exploratory laparotomy for EGS conditions within 6 hours of surgical consultation from 2015 to 2019. Patients were grouped by whether they experienced a postoperative complication (systemic, surgical, and/or death). Multivariable regression was performed to predict complications, accounting for SAS and other statistically significant variables between groups. Using this model, predicted probabilities of a complication were generated for each SAS. RESULTS: The cohort comprised 482 patients: 32.8% (n = 158) experienced a complication, while 67.2% (n = 324) did not. Patients with complications were older, frailer, more often male, had worse SAS (6 vs. 7, p < 0.0001) and American Society of Anesthesiologists scores, and higher rates of perforated hollow viscus ( p = 0.0003) and open abdomens ( p < 0.0001). On multivariable regression, an increasing SAS independently predicted less complications (adjusted odds ratio, 0.85; 95% confidence interval, 0.75-0.96; p = 0.009). An SAS ≤4 was associated with a 49.2% predicted chance of complications, greater rates of septic shock (9.7% vs. 3%, p = 0.01), respiratory failure (20.5% vs. 10.8%, p = 0.02), and death (24.1% vs. 7.5%, p < 0.0001). An SAS ≤ 4 did not correlate with surgical complications ( p = 0.1). CONCLUSION: The SAS accurately predicts postoperative complications in EGS patients undergoing urgent laparotomy, with an SAS ≤ 4 identifying patients at risk for septic shock, respiratory failure, and mortality. This tool can aid in rapidly determining postoperative disposition and resource allocation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic/Care Management; Level IV.

The effect of amantadine on acute cognitive disability after severe traumatic brain injury: An institutional pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Amantadine is used in the post-acute care setting to improve cognitive function after a traumatic brain injury. Its utility in the acute postinjury period is unknown. In this pilot study, we sought to examine the effect of amantadine on short-term cognitive disability among patients with a severe traumatic brain injury and hypothesized that patients receiving amantadine would have a greater improvement in disability throughout their acute hospitalization. METHODS: We performed a prospective, observational study of patients ≥18 years with severe traumatic brain injury (Glasgow Coma Scale ≤8) at a level I trauma center between 2020 and 2022. Patients with penetrating trauma, death within 48 hours of admission, and no radiographic evidence of intracranial pathology were excluded. Patients were grouped according to whether they received amantadine. Our primary outcome was the change in cognitive disability, measured by the Disability Rating Scale (DRS), over the index hospitalization. RESULTS: There were 55 patients in the cohort: 41.8% (n = 23) received amantadine and 58.2% (n = 32) did not. There were higher rates of motor vehicle collisions (65.2% vs 46.9%, P = .02), diffuse axonal injury (47.8% vs 18.8%, P = .02), intracranial pressure monitor use (73.9% vs 21.9%, P = .0001), and propranolol use (73.9% vs 21.9%, P = .0001) in the amantadine. There was a larger improvement in DRS scores among patients receiving amantadine (7.8 vs 3.6, P = .001), and amantadine independently predicted improvement in DRS scores (ß, 1.61; 95% confidence interval, 0.20-3.02, P = .03). Rates of discharge to traumatic brain injury rehabilitation were significantly higher in the amantadine group (73.9% vs 21.9%, P = .0002). CONCLUSION: Among patients with severe traumatic brain injury, amantadine use in the acute postinjury period may be associated with an improvement in cognitive disability and discharge to traumatic brain injury rehabilitation.

Using chest X-ray to predict tube thoracostomy in traumatic pneumothorax: A single-institution retrospective review.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic pneumothorax (PTX) is a common occurrence in thoracic trauma patients, with a majority requiring tube thoracostomy (TT) for management. Recently, the "35-mm" rule has advocated for observation of patients with PTX less than 35 mm on chest computed tomography (CT) scan. This rule has not been examined in chest x-ray (CXR). We hypothesize that a similar size cutoff can be determined in CXR predictive of need for tube thoracostomy. METHODS: We performed a single-institution retrospective review of patients with traumatic PTX from 2018 to 2022, excluding those who underwent TT prior to CXR. Primary outcomes were size of pneumothorax on CXR and need for TT; secondary outcome was failed observation, defined as TT more than 4 hours after presentation. To determine the size cutoff on CXR to predict TT need, area under the receiver operating curve (AUROC) analyses were performed and Youden's index calculated (significance at p < 0.05). Predictors of failure were calculated using logistic regression. RESULTS: There were 341 pneumothoraces in 304 patients (94.4% blunt trauma, median injury severity score 14). Of these, 82 (24.0%) had a TT placed within the first 4 hours. Fifty-five of observed patients (21.2%) failed, and these patients had a larger PTX on CXR (8.6 mm [5.0-18.0 mm] vs. 0.0 mm [0.0-2.3 mm] ( p < 0.001)). Chest x-ray PTX size correlated moderately with CT size (r = 0.31, p < 0.001) and was highly predictive of need for TT insertion (AUC 0.75, p < 0.0001), with an optimal size cutoff predicting TT need of 38 mm. CONCLUSION: Chest x-ray imaging size was predictive of need for TT, with an optimal size cutoff on CXR of 38 mm, approaching the "35-mm rule." In addition to size, failed observation was predicted by presenting lactic acidosis and need for supplemental oxygen. This demonstrates this cutoff should be considered for prospective study in CXR. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic/Care Management; Level IV.

Effect of Frailty on the Management of Suspected Choledocholithiasis.

INTRODUCTION: The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and The Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (ASGE-SAGES) guidelines for managing choledocholithiasis (CDL) omit patient-specific factors like frailty. We evaluated how frail patients with CDL undergoing same-admission cholecystectomy were managed within ASGE-SAGES guidelines. METHODS: We analyzed patients undergoing same-admission cholecystectomy for CDL and/or acute biliary pancreatitis (ABP) from 2016 to 2019 at 12 US academic medical centers. Patients were grouped by Charlson comorbidity index into non-frail (NF), moderately frail (MF), and severely frail (SF). ASGE-SAGES guidelines stratified likelihood of CDL and were used to compare actual to suggested management. Rate of guideline deviation was our primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included rates of surgical site infections (SSIs), biliary leaks, and 30-day surgical readmissions. Rates are presented as NF, MF, and SF. RESULTS: Among 844 patients, 43.3% (n = 365) were NF, 25.4% (n = 214) were MF, and 31.4% (n = 265) were SF. Frail patients were older (33y vs 56.7y vs 73.5y, P < .0001) and more likely to have ABP (32.6% vs 47.7% vs 43.8%, P = .0005). As frailty increased, guideline deviation increased (41.1% vs 43.5% vs 53.6%, P < .006). Severe frailty was predictive of guideline deviation compared to MF (aOR 1.47, 95% CI 1.02-2.12, P = .04) and NF (aOR 1.46, 95% CI 1.01-2.12, P = .04). There was no difference in SSIs (P = .2), biliary leaks (P = .7), or 30-day surgical readmission (P = .7). CONCLUSION: Frail patients with common bile duct stones had more management deviating from guidelines yet no difference in complications. Future guidelines should consider including frailty to optimize detection and management of CDL in this population.

The Impact of Steroids and Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Colectomies in the Era of Enhanced Recovery.

INTRODUCTION: Enhanced recovery after surgery protocols are commonly used, but their utility in patients with inflammatory bowel disease and steroid use is poorly studied. We sought to examine influence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and steroid use on hospital length of stay (LOS) and operative duration in patients undergoing colectomies in the era of ERAS. METHODS: We performed retrospective review of our institutional National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) registry (2016-2018) for colectomies. We performed 2 distinct analyses to examine influence of steroids and IBD on LOS and operative duration. Multivariable linear regression was used to predict outcomes after adjusting for relevant perioperative features. RESULTS: There were 366 patients in the cohort; 17.8% were on steroids and 16.4% had IBD. Patients using steroids had longer LOS (6 vs 4 days, P < .0001). IBD patients had a longer LOS (7 vs 5 days, P < .0001) and longer operative duration (383 min vs 335.5 minute, P = .01) compared to non-IBD patients. On multivariable analysis, steroid use was not associated with increased LOS or operative duration. Inflammatory bowel disease was associated with an increased hospital LOS and operative duration. DISCUSSION: Patients on steroids had longer LOS when compared to patients not on steroids. Inflammatory bowel disease regardless of steroid use was found to be a significant risk factor for both increased LOS and operative duration. A closer look at preoperative physiology may help to tailor ERAS protocols in patients with inflammatory conditions.

Fatal opioid overdoses geospatially cluster with level 1 trauma centers in Ohio.

OBJECTIVE: Ohio is consistently ranked as one of the worst states for opioid overdose deaths. Traumatic injury has been linked to opioid overdose deaths, yet the location of trauma centers has not been explored. We examined whether geospatial clustering occurred between county-level opioid overdose deaths (OODs) and trauma center levels. METHODS: We obtained 2019 county-level data from the Ohio Department of Health for fatal overdoses from prescription opioids. We obtained the total number of opioid doses prescribed in 2019 per county from the Ohio Automated Rx Reporting System and American College of Surgeons designated trauma center locations within Ohio from their website. We used geospatial analysis to assess if clustering occurred between trauma center level and prescription opioid overdose deaths at a county level. RESULTS: There were 42 trauma centers located within 21 counties: 7 counties had level 1, and 14 counties had only level 2/level 3. There was no difference in rates of opioid doses prescribed per 100,000 people between counties with level 1 trauma centers and only level 2/level 3. However, prescription OODs rates were significantly higher in counties with level 1 trauma centers (37.6 vs 20, P = .02). Geospatial clustering was observed between level 1 trauma centers and prescription opioid overdose deaths at the county level (P < .01). CONCLUSION: Geospatial clustering exists between prescription OODs and level 1 trauma center locations in Ohio. Improved at-risk patient identification and targeted community outreach represent opportunities for trauma providers to tackle the opioid epidemic.

Characterizing injury patterns and outcomes in hospitalized trauma patients with non-English Language Preferences.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with Non-English Language Preferences (NELP) experience challenges navigating the US healthcare system which can lead to disparate outcomes. This study sought to investigate injury patterns and outcomes in hospitalized trauma patients with NELP. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed at a trauma center from January 2019-December 2020. An institutional database of all emergency department video consultations for interpreter services was cross-referenced with the trauma registry and comparisons were made between NELP and English-preferred (EP) speaking patients. RESULTS: During the study, 257 NELP patients were hospitalized after traumatic injury. Twenty-two percent had work related injuries compared to only 3.0% in the EP cohort (p < 0.001). When propensity score matched, there were no significant differences in ICU and hospital length of stay or mortality between NELP and EP patients. DISCUSSION: Trauma patients are linguistically diverse and understanding their injury patterns and outcomes is crucial for guiding culturally and linguistically appropriate injury prevention.

Retained Bullets After Firearm Injury: A Survey on Surgeon Practice Patterns.

Retained bullets are common after firearm injuries, yet their management remains poorly defined. Surgeon members of the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma (N = 427) were surveyed using an anonymous, web-based questionnaire during Spring 2016. Indications for bullet removal and practice patterns surrounding this theme were queried. Also, habits around screening and diagnosing psychological illness in victims of firearm injury were asked. Most respondents were male (76.5%, n = 327) and practiced at urban (84.3%, n = 360), academic (88.3%, n = 377), Level 1 trauma centers (72.8%, n = 311). Only 14.5% (n = 62) of surgeons had institutional policies for bullet removal and 5.6% (n = 24) were likely to remove bullets. Half of the surgeons (52.0%, n = 222) preferred to remove bullets after the index hospitalization and pain (88.1%, n = 376) and a palpable bullet (71.2%, n = 304) were the most frequent indications for removal. Having the opportunity to follow-up with patients to discuss bullet removal was significantly predictive of removal (odds ratio (OR) = 2.25, 95% confidence interval (CI) = [1.05, 4.85], p = .04). Furthermore, routinely asking about retained bullets during outpatient follow-up was predictive of new psychological illness screening (OR = 1.94, 95% CI [1.19, 3.16], p = .01) and diagnosis (OR = 1.86, 95% CI = [1.12, 3.09], p = .02) in victims of firearm injury. Thus, surgeons should be encouraged to allot time for patients concerning retained bullet management so that a shared decision can be reached.

Examining Violence Against Women at a Regional Level 1 Trauma Center During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

INTRODUCTION: There is a growing concern that certain public health restrictions imposed to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) could result in more violence against women (VAW). We sought to determine if the rates and types of VAW changed during the COVID-19 pandemic at our level 1 trauma center (L1TC). METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of female patients who presented to our L1TC because of violence from 2019 through 2020. Patients were grouped into a pre-COVID or COVID period. The primary aim of this study was to compare rates of VAW between groups. Secondary aims sought to evaluate for any difference in traumatic mechanism between periods and to determine if a temporal relationship existed between COVID-19 and VAW rates. RESULTS: There was no difference in rates of VAW between the pre-COVID and COVID period (3.1% vs 3.6%, P = .6); however, rates of penetrating trauma were greater during the COVID period (38.2% vs 10.3%, P = .01). After controlling for patient age and race, the odds of penetrating trauma increased during the pandemic (OR 5.8, 95% CI 1.6-28.5, P < .01). From February 2020 through October 2020, there was a direct relationship between rates of COVID-19 and VAW (r2 .78, P < .01). CONCLUSION: Rates of VAW were unchanged between the pre-COVID and COVID periods, yet the odds of penetrating VAW were 5 times greater during the pandemic. Moving forward, trauma surgeons must remain vigilant for signs of violence and ensure that support services are available during future crises.

The Metabolic Syndrome Paradox: Increased Morbidity and Decreased Mortality in Operative Orthopedic Trauma.

We examined the impact of metabolic syndrome (MetS) on operative outcomes with orthopedic trauma, particularly among patients with pelvic, acetabular, and lower extremity fractures. This retrospective cohort study used the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database to identify patients who had operative pelvic, acetabular, and lower extremity trauma from 2006 through 2014. We defined MetS as type 2 diabetes, a history of hypertension requiring medication, and body mass index of 30 kg/m2 or greater. Patients with MetS were compared with unaffected patients and assessed for association with in-hospital complications and mortality. The study population included 37,495 patients; 5.7% (n=2154) had MetS. On multivariable logistic regression, MetS was associated with increased odds of any hospital complication (odds ratio [OR], 1.30; 95% CI, 1.13-1.51; P<.001), Clavien-Dindo grade IV complications (OR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.23-1.87; P<.001), readmission (OR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.18-1.63; P<.001), and reoperation (OR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.11-1.76; P=.004). Conversely, MetS significantly decreased the odds of mortality (OR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.49-0.92; P=.01). Although MetS is a risk factor for postoperative complications, longer length of stay, and increased readmission after surgical intervention for orthopedic lower extremity trauma, MetS appears to decrease the odds of mortality in this specific patient population, which merits further investigation. [Orthopedics. 2022;45(2):103-108.].

The Effect of Physiatry Involvement for Patients With Acute Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury at a Level 1 Trauma Center.

Objective: To explore the impact of physiatry on acute traumatic spinal cord injury (ATSCI) outcomes using a propensity score matching (PSM) analysis. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all patients with ATSCI at a level 1 trauma center from 2018 to 2019. In a 1:1 fashion, we matched patients who were evaluated by physiatry to those who were not. Our PSM analysis controlled for patient demographics, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, Injury Severity Score (ISS), comorbidities, mechanism, and presence of a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Outcomes included complications, discharge disposition, and 30-day mortality. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier plots. Results: A total of 102 patients (physiatry 51; no physiatry 51) were matched. Median age was 38 (28-55) years, and median ISS was 25.5 (17-35); 82.4% (n = 84) were male, and 77.5% (n = 79) were bluntly injured. Rates of in-hospital complications were similar between groups. Physiatry involvement was associated with increased odds of discharge to inpatient rehabilitation (odds ratio, 4.6; 95% CI, 2-11.6; p < .001). There was a significant survival benefit seen with physiatry involvement at 30 days (92.6% vs. 78.6%, p = .004) that correlated with a decreased risk of mortality (hazard ratio, 0.2; 95% CI, 0.03-0.7; p = .01). Conclusion: Incorporating physiatry into the management of patients with ATSCI is associated with improved survival and greater odds of discharge to rehabilitation. In this population, physiatry should be incorporated into the trauma care team to optimize patient outcomes.

Mechanisms of Self-Inflicted Injuries at an Urban City Hospital.

BACKGROUND: Suicide is a major public health issue with root causes including psychological, economical, and societal factors. METHODS: Retrospective review identified self-inflicted traumatic injuries (SITIs) at Grady Health System between 2009 and 2017. Patients were categorized by penetrating or blunt mechanism of injury (MOI). Outcomes included hospital length of stay (HLOS) and ventilator duration, mortality, and location of death. RESULTS: 678 patients in total were identified. Penetrating MOI was most prevalent (n = 474). Patients with a blunt MOI were significantly younger (32 Y vs. 37 Y; P < .0001). Psychiatric illness was equally common between MOI at more than 50%. Penetrating traumas required longer ventilator times (1 D vs. 0 D; P < .0001) but shorter overall HLOS (4 D vs. 6 D; P = .0013). Mortality was twice as high in the penetrating group (29.8% vs. 11.8%; P < .0001). CONCLUSION: Self-inflicted traumatic injuries occurred most often among younger adults and those with history of psychiatric illness. Penetrating traumas result in worse outcomes. Self-inflicted traumatic injuries carry high morbidity and mortality. Improved prevention strategies targeting high-risk groups are needed.