The experiences of patients and family members after being discharged at scene following an emergency ambulance attendance. A rapid evidence review

INTRODUCTION

A large proportion of emergency calls to the ambulance service are non-life-threatening, resulting in some patients being discharged by paramedics at the scene. Negative patient and family member experiences during a clinical encounter may have lasting effects. We aimed to explore the experiences of patients and family members who were discharged on scene after ambulance attendance.

METHODS

A rapid evidence review was conducted. MEDLINE and CINAHL Complete databases were searched simultaneously for all articles published before the 15th March 2024. Study screening and data extraction was performed. The included studies were critically appraised, and a thematic synthesis was conducted.

RESULTS

Five papers representing patients and family members from Australia, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark were included. Patients and family members experienced: fear and uncertainty at transitional points; reassurance from sharing responsibility; relief from a normal physical assessment; confidence from informative worsening advice; being listened to and validated; reliance on each other; and empowerment through being involved in decision making.

CONCLUSION

Patients and family members have varied experiences when being discharged at scene. The limited number of available studies highlights the need for further research to be conducted internationally.

Impairment of emotional processing from cumulative repetitive subconcussion: Evidence from event-related potentials and sLORETA in parachuters

Repetitive subconcussion, often overlooked due to subtle symptoms, but it can lead to cumulative neural alteration. Repetitive subconcussion, commonly arising from indirect brain trauma during sports or military activities, may affect emotional processing and cognition, yet their long-term effects are unclear. This study uses event-related potentials (ERP) and standardized low-resolution brain electromagnetic tomography (sLORETA) to assess the impact of repetitive subconcussive exposure on emotional processing in parachuters. Seventy-five parachuters, divided into low, medium, and high exposure groups based on training duration, and 25 healthy controls were recruited. Participants completed the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and viewed emotional images during EEG recording to measure late positive potential (LPP) amplitudes. sLORETA identified activation patterns in emotional processing regions. Correlation between the number of jumps and LPP amplitude and scale scores were analysed.Results: Compared to healthy controls, medium and high exposure groups exhibited reduced LPP amplitudes, indicating impaired emotional processing. sLORETA analysis revealed no differences in the low exposure group, reduced activation in BA6 for the medium group, and diminished activation in BA2, BA40, and BA46 for the high group. Jump frequency correlated negatively with LPP amplitudes and positively with BDI-II scores. The results demonstrate emotional processing impairment from repetitive subconcussion, with corresponding reductions in BA6, BA2, BA40, and BA46 activation. LPP amplitudes and activation in specific brain regions may serve as biomarkers for brain health assessment in exposed populations. This study highlights the risks of repetitive subconcussion, offering a foundation for targeted interventions.

Influence of Unidirectional Vacuum Application on Bone Healing in Maxillofacial Surgery

Negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) using vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) is a well known tissue defect bridging method that applies a vacuum pump to sterile, open-cell foam dressings via suction tubes. Although it has mostly been described for soft tissue use, there are also a few studies concerning its use on hard tissue. However, as oral and maxillofacial surgery has to deal with both soft and hard tissue, which lie next to each other in these regions, there is a particular need to assess the influence of negative pressure on bone. Therefore, the effects of different negative pressure levels (530 mbar and 725 mbar) and atmospheric pressure (1013 mbar) on bone tissue cultures and osteoblast cell cultures were investigated over periods of 1, 3, and 6 weeks. During the culture period, osteoblast growth and the tissue regeneration of bone defects were studied in vitro using tissue cultures that were histologically supplemented by cytological investigations and quantitative RNA expression studies. In the bone defect model, there was a faster defect reduction using NPWT; the effect was especially strong for 530 mbar. Compared to the control group, up to 30% more newly generated bone tissue was detected. This effect on the mineralization capacity was assessed by the mRNA expression of osteogenic marker genes, as well as the receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG), two multifaceted cytokines that regulate bone metabolism. The influence of negative pressure consequently resulted in a decreased RANKL/OPG ratio in osteoblasts. Associated with the upregulation of marker genes to up to 400%, including Col1, BMP4, OCN, and RUNX2, the decrease in the RANKL/OPG ratio to 41% indicates the stimulation of osteogenesis. Since VAC has been shown to be a safe and effective method to close wounds in general, these data suggest that patients suffering from compound bone and soft tissue defects in the maxillofacial area may benefit from an adapted therapy approach accelerating both soft and hard tissue regeneration.

Retrospective Identification and Characterization of Traumatic Brain Injury-Recommendations from the 2024 National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Traumatic Brain Injury Classification and Nomenclature Initiative Retrospective Classification Working Group

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) convened experts in traumatic brain injury (TBI) research, policy, clinical practice and people with lived experience to propose a system of injury classification less susceptible to misinterpretation and misrepresentation inherent in the current use of "mild", "moderate" and "severe". One of six working groups addressed Retrospective Classification of TBI. The Working Group consisted of 14 experts in brain injury research representing a breadth of professional disciplines. Initial conclusions based on expert opinion were vetted and revised based on public input at the January 2024 NINDS TBI Classification and Nomenclature Workshop. The Working Group examined five types of methodologies for identifying past TBIs (self/proxy-report, medical record extraction, imaging, fluid-based biomarkers, and performance-based tests). They concluded that self/proxy-report is essential for clinical, research and surveillance applications and that clinicians and researchers should employ elicitation protocols that have been studied and found valid. Medical record extraction was also identified as an invaluable tool for identification of past history of medically attended TBIs; however, there is a need to standardize the case definition employed and procedures used. The use of imaging methods, fluid-based biomarkers, and performance-based assessments in isolation lacked sufficient evidence of both sensitivity and specificity in detecting past histories of TBI to be recommended for this use at this time. The Working Group also evaluated identification of repetitive head impacts (RHI), finding no evidence of a common definition of RHI, a requisite initial step for the development and validation of standardized instruments.

Modafinil/armodafinil for excessive daytime sleepiness after traumatic brain injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Previous studies investigated pharmacological options for reducing excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) after traumatic brain injury (TBI), with mixed results. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of modafinil or armodafinil in post-TBI persons experiencing EDS.

METHODS

We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov and identified studies comparing modafinil/armodafinil versus placebo for treating EDS after TBI. We computed pooled risk ratios (RR) or mean differences (MD) for binary and continuous outcomes, respectively. EDS was assessed using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS).

RESULTS

We included data from 158 individuals (mean age 34.28 years; 62.64% male) from three randomized controlled trials. In those treated with modafinil (dose range: 100-400 mg) or armodafinil (dose range: 150-250 mg), the mean ESS score was decreased in comparison with placebo (MD -1.65; 95% CI -3.26 to -0.04; p = 0.04). The risk of insomnia was higher in the modafinil/armodafinil group compared with the placebo group (RR 3.73; 95% CI 1.11 to 12.54; p = 0.03). There was no significant difference between groups in the risk of other adverse events (e.g., nausea, headache, dizziness, and nasopharyngitis).

CONCLUSION

Modafinil/armodafinil effectively improved EDS after TBI, as compared with placebo, albeit with an increased risk of insomnia.

Association of Body Mass Index With Severe Sepsis Outcomes in Critically-Ill Severely Injured Adult Trauma Patients: A National Analysis

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study is to evaluate clinical outcomes of critically-ill adult trauma patients with severe sepsis and severe injuries by body mass index (BMI) classification.

METHODS

This retrospective study utilized the American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program database from 2017 to 2021 to evaluate the relationship between BMI and severe sepsis outcomes. Patients included in this study included critically-ill adult (age ≥18 ys) trauma patients with severe injuries (injury severity score [ISS] ≥15) and a diagnosis of severe sepsis. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included intensive care unit length-of-stay, ventilation-free-days, and complications, including acute respiratory distress syndrome, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, ventilator-associated pneumonia, and acute kidney injury.

RESULTS

There were a total of 3268 patients included in this analysis. There was no significant association between obesity and odds of in-hospital mortality (odds ratio [OR]: 0.811, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.410-1.601, P = 0.545), intensive care unit length-of-stay (B = 5.114, 95% CI: -4.041-14.328, P = 0.268), ventilation-free-days (B = -0.280, 95% CI: -8.558-7.999, P = 0.946), deep vein thrombosis (OR: 1.625, 95% CI: 0.368-7.174, P = 0.522), pulmonary embolism (OR: 5.4 × 10ˆ14, 95% CI: 0.000-N/A, P = 0.992), acute respiratory distress syndrome (OR: 1.858, 95% CI: 0.668-5.179, P = 0.235), ventilator-associated pneumonia (OR: 0.809, 95% CI: 0.312-2.099, P = 0.664), or acute kidney injury (OR: 0.984, 95% CI: 0.449-2.154, P = 0.967) when compared to being normal weight. There was also no significant association between the remaining BMI classifications and all study outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Obesity had no association with outcomes of severely injured critically ill adult trauma patients with severe sepsis as demonstrated through comparable clinical outcomes between study populations regardless of BMI classification.

Classification of trauma-related preventable death; a Delphi procedure in The Netherlands

INTRODUCTION

Trauma-related preventable death is considered death as a consequence of moderate to severe injury under (sub)optimal trauma care conditions and is used as a criterion to evaluate the management and quality of trauma care worldwide. A validated definition of trauma-related preventable death is still lacking due to differences in classification. To reach consensus on a definition and assess the necessity of an additional trauma prediction algorithm, a Delphi procedure was performed.

METHODS

A digital three-round Delphi procedure was performed. Trauma surgeons, neurosurgeons, forensic medicine physicians, anesthesiologists, and emergency care physicians working at a Level 1 or affiliated trauma center in the Netherlands were invited to participate. An electronic questionnaire was administered to assess the most suitable category of trauma-related preventable death (clinical definition, trauma prediction algorithm, clinical definition and trauma prediction algorithm or other) and the additional benefit of a trauma prediction algorithm.

RESULTS

Fifty-four panelists completed the study: 23 trauma surgeons, 13 emergency care physicians, 10 anesthesiologists, 4 neurosurgeons and 4 forensic medicine physicians. In the first round, a clinical definition and a clinical definition and trauma prediction algorithm (Trauma Score and Injury Severity Score and a combination of algorithms) were favored. The results were fed back to the panelists. In the final round, there was a tendency towards group consensus in favor of a clinical definition and trauma prediction algorithm (63 %). Consensus was reached on the most suitable algorithm: the Trauma Score and Injury Severity Score combined with the Probability of survival.

CONCLUSION

The identification of trauma-related preventable death is essential in the evaluation of trauma care. This study elucidates the difficulty of multidisciplinary consensus. However, a propensity towards consensus on a clinical definition, and consensus on the additional benefit of the PS, based on the TRISS, seems to be present.

5. Prehospital management

This chapter outlines the essential requirements for emergency responses to severe injuries. It emphasises the critical steps healthcare professionals must take in urgent situations, including: Rapid assessment and triage to prioritise treatment; Techniques for controlling massive external haemorrhages to prevent life-threatening blood loss; Maintaining a clear airway, ventilation, and neck stabilisation to support breathing and minimise spinal injury risks; Intravenous fluid replacement and medication administration to stabilise patients' conditions; Proper immobilisation of injuries to prevent further harm during transportation; Facilitating rapid and effective transfers to specialised medical centres, with clear communication ensuring seamless continuity of care. By adhering to these protocols, healthcare providers can efficiently navigate emergency situations, saving lives and minimising the long-term impact of critical injuries and illnesses.

Short versus long cephalomedullary nails for intertrochanteric femur fractures: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

PURPOSE

We aim to evaluate the efficacy and safety of short cephalomedullary nails(CMN) versus long CMN in patients with intertrochanteric femur fractures(IFFs).

METHODS

The PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases were searched for relevant publications until July 2024. All randomized controlled studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of short CMN versus long CMN in patients with IFFs were included. We estimated the pooled risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for binary outcomes, and the mean difference (MD) for continuous outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 7 studies with 658 patients were included in this analysis. There was no significant difference between the short CMN group and the long CMN group in Harris hip score, mortality within 1-year, overall complication rates, or reoperation rates. However, durations of surgery were significantly lower in the short CMN group compared to the long CMN group (MD: ‒21.83 minutes, 95% CI: ‒27.54 minutes, ‒16.13 minutes), along with significantly lower intraoperative blood loss (MD: ‒136.70 mL, 95% CI: ‒139.06 mL, ‒134.34 mL) and tip-apex distance (MD: ‒0.47 cm, 95% CI: ‒0.63 cm, ‒0.31 cm). There was also no significant difference in peri-implant fracture or lengths of hospital stays.

CONCLUSIONS

Short CMN are associated with shorter duration of surgery, reduced tip-apex distance, and lower intraoperative blood loss compared to long CMN for the fixation of IFFs. However, there were no significant differences in functional outcomes, overall complication rates, reoperation rates, mortality within one year, peri-implant fracture, or lengths of hospital stays.

Changes in Resting-State Functional Connectivity and Cognitive-Affective Symptoms in Patients With Post-Concussion Syndrome Treated With N-Acetyl Cysteine

OBJECTIVE

Concussion accounts for more than 80% of people experiencing traumatic brain injury. Acute concussion is associated with characteristic cognitive and functional deficits that may persist for weeks to months. A subgroup of these patients (from 10% to 50%) have persistent symptoms referred to as chronic post-concussion syndrome (PCS). There are limited treatment options for these patients and the pathophysiology is poorly understood, though oxidative stress is thought to be a contributing factor. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether an antioxidant, N -acetylcysteine (NAC), might be beneficial in patients with PCS.

SETTING

Outpatient medicine center.

PARTICIPANTS

Fifty patients with chronic PCS for at least 3 months post injury.

DESIGN

The patients with PCS were enrolled in this randomized unblinded clinical trial to receive the antioxidant NAC as a combination of daily oral and weekly intravenous infusions, or assigned to a waitlist control group where they would continue to receive standard of care.

MAIN MEASURES

Resting-state functional connectivity (FC) magnetic resonance imaging (rsFC-MRI) was performed pre and post either NAC or the waitlist period along with cognitive, emotional, and sensory symptom assessments.

RESULTS

The results demonstrated significant ( P < .05) improvements in symptoms as determined by the Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire, Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Profile of Mood Scale in the PCS group receiving NAC as compared to patients receiving ongoing standard care. Importantly, there were significant ( P < .01) changes in FC in the NAC group, particularly in networks such as the default mode network, salience network, and executive control network. These changes in FC also correlated with improvements in symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with chronic PCS, NAC treatment was associated with significant changes in resting state FC and improvement in a variety of symptoms, particularly cognitive and affective symptoms.

Enhancing agreement in classification and surgical approach selection for tibial plateau fractures: The role of identifying metaphyseal fracture exit. - A Cross-sectional study

Objectives

To determine if identifying the metaphyseal exit can enhance intra- and inter-observer agreement in utilizing the Kfuri and Schatzker anatomical classification and selecting the appropriate surgical approach for tibial plateau fractures.

Methods

Design: Cross-sectional observational study.Setting: Academic hospital with access to advanced imaging technologies.Patient Selection Criteria: Tibial plateau fracture cases from January 2019 to March 2021 with complete image sets (AP and lateral knee radiographs, CT scans). Exclusion criteria included periprosthetic, neglected, or pathological fractures.Outcome Measures and Comparisons: Primary outcome measures were intra- and inter-observer agreement in fracture classification and surgical approach selection, quantified using Cohen's and Fleiss Kappa coefficients.

Results

The study analyzed 63 cases. Intra-observer agreement improved from moderate to 'very good,' especially in the third evaluation phase when the metaphyseal exit was identified alongside 3D CT imaging. Inter-observer agreement was generally low but improved when comprehensive image sets were available. Notably, the most experienced evaluator demonstrated significantly higher agreement in both fracture classification and surgical approach selection.

Conclusions

The identification of metaphyseal exit points significantly enhances agreement in fracture classification and surgical approach selection, addressing limitations of traditional systems. While surgeon experience and imaging availability remain critical, incorporating the metaphyseal exit into the Kfuri and Schatzker classification offers a reproducible framework for guiding treatment decisions.

Level of evidence

III Diagnostic Study.

A narrative review: Resuscitation of older adults with hemorrhagic shock

BACKGROUND

The increasing population of older adults presents unique challenges in trauma care due to their reduced physiologic reserve compared to younger patients. Trauma-induced hemorrhage remains a leading cause of mortality, yet there is a significant gap in the optimal management of hemodynamically unstable older adults. This review aims to synthesize current literature on resuscitation strategies, coagulopathy, triage, and the impact of timely interventions in older adult trauma patients experiencing hemorrhagic shock.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A comprehensive narrative review was conducted following PRISMA-Scr guidelines. A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, yielding 380 titles. After removing duplicates, 287 unique articles were screened, of which 120 full-text articles were reviewed. A total of 45 studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Studies were categorized based on resuscitation protocols (14 studies), coagulopathy management (7 studies), frailty and aging physiology (10 studies), and timing/triage in trauma care (14 studies).

RESULTS

Studies highlight the effectiveness of the shock index (SI) over traditional vital signs for identifying hemodynamic instability in older adults. Balanced transfusion ratios and whole blood resuscitation show potential benefits, though data specific to older adults remain limited. Goal-directed resuscitation protocols improve outcomes by addressing the unique physiological needs of this population. While trauma-induced coagulopathy rates are similar across age groups, older adults frequently present with pre-existing anticoagulation, complicating management. Standardized care pathways, early activation of massive transfusion protocols (MTP), and tailored resuscitation approaches are critical for optimizing care.

DISCUSSION

The growing geriatric trauma population necessitates improved resuscitation strategies tailored to their unique physiological responses. While balanced transfusions and goal-directed protocols have demonstrated efficacy, further research is required to refine these interventions specifically for older adults. Establishing standardized resuscitation guidelines and defining futility criteria will enhance decision-making and improve outcomes for this vulnerable population.

The (neuro)inflammatory system in anxiety disorders and PTSD: Potential treatment targets

Targeting the immune system has recently garnered attention in the treatment of stress- associated psychiatric disorders resistant to existing pharmacotherapeutics. While such approaches have been studied in considerable detail in depression, the role of (neuro)inflammation in anxiety-related disorders, or in anxiety as an important transdiagnostic symptom, is much less clear. In this review we first critically review clinical and in part preclinical evidence of central and peripheral immune dysregulation in anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and briefly discuss proposed mechanisms of how inflammation can affect anxiety-related symptoms. We then give an overview of existing and potential future targets in inflammation-associated signal transduction pathways and discuss effects of different immune-modulatory drugs in anxiety-related disorders. Finally, we discuss key gaps in current clinical trials such as the lack of prospective studies involving anxiety patient stratification strategies based on inflammatory biomarkers. Overall, although evidence is rather limited so far, there is data to indicate that increased (neuro)inflammation is present in subgroups of anxiety disorder patients. Although exact identification of such immune subtypes of anxiety disorders and PTSD is still challenging, these patients will likely particularly benefit from therapeutic targeting of aspects of the inflammatory system. Different anti-inflammatory treatment approaches (microglia-directed treatments, pro-inflammatory cytokine inhibitors, COX-inhibitors, phytochemicals and a number of novel anti-inflammatory agents) have indeed shown some efficacy even in non-stratified anxiety patient groups and appear promising as novel alternative or complimentary therapeutic options in specific ("inflammatory") subtypes of anxiety disorder and PTSD patients.

Assessing the costs of midfoot arthrodesis: A retrospective cohort study

This retrospective cohort study aims to determine the economic cost of midfoot arthrodesis when treating midfoot arthritis, identifying the major driving forces of cost. A retrospective analysis was conducted on midfoot arthrodesis cases in South Carolina from 2012 to 2020 using the South Carolina Revenue and Fiscal Affairs (SCRFA) database. Patient cases were identified by ICD-9, ICD-10, or CPT code, yielding a total of 1,313 cases included in our analysis. Patients undergoing midfoot arthrodesis were primarily female (71.1 %), Caucasian (74.6 %), insured through commercial insurance (40.2 %) or Medicare (37.3 %), and had a mean age of 54.27 years (range 4-86). The mean total cost per midfoot arthrodesis was $54,307.08 (range $9,433.05-$120,664.29) and the mean length of stay was 1.26 (range 1-6) days. Total charges trended upward from $42,857 in 2012 to $58,643.43 in 2020. Upon analysis, the largest contributors to this cost were supplies ($27,888.28), operating room costs ($15,876.80), and anesthesia costs ($3,866.70). Notably, surgeon fees were a comparatively minor contributor ($670.49). The mean total cost per midfoot arthrodesis was $54,307.08, with supplies and operating room costs exceeded 80 % of the mean total costs. With professional service (physician) fees accounting for only 1.2 % of costs, hospital systems, hospital administrators, and surgeons should consider improving their understanding of ways to reduce surgical costs, supply negotiation, and transitioning to more outpatient surgery as means to improve the value of midfoot arthrodesis care.

Research and predictive analysis of the disease burden of bloodstream infectious diseases in China

BACKGROUND

Bloodstream Infection(BSI) are one of the leading causes of infection-related mortality worldwide. However, epidemiological data related to BSI in China remain very limited.

METHODS

Based on the Global Burden of Disease(GBD) database, a systematic analysis was conducted on the epidemic trends, pathogen spectrum, and the current status of Antimicrobial Resistance(AMR) related to BSI in China for the year 2021. Additionally, an Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average(ARIMA) time series model was constructed to predict the trend of the disease burden associated with BSI in China from 2022 to 2035.

RESULTS

In terms of pathogens, the top five pathogens causing deaths due to BSI in China are as follows: Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii. There are significant differences in the pathogens causing BSI across different age groups. The disease burden is heaviest in the elderly population aged 70 and above. Among children under five years old, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Candida species are predominant. From 1990 to 2021, although there has been a gradual decline in mortality rates due to BSI across different age groups (with an approximately 52.4% reduction in age-standardized rates), the disease burden of BSI increases with age. This is especially evident in the population aged 70 and above, where the burden of disease is significantly higher than in other age groups. For instance, in 2021, the mortality rate for individuals aged 70-74 was 149.29 (per 100 K), while for those aged 95 and older, the mortality rate reached as high as 896.71 (per 100 K). On a global scale, the disease burden caused by BSI in China is at a moderate level. According to time series model projections, the mortality burden of BSI in China shows a complex trend toward 2035: the crude mortality rate across all age groups is expected to increase by approximately 14.26%, whereas the age-standardized mortality rate and Disability-Adjusted Life Years(DALYs) are projected to decrease significantly. Notably, the mortality burden is expected to decline most prominently in the 70 + and under 5 age groups, while the 25-44 age group is projected to see minimal change. Conversely, the mortality rates for the 5-49 age group are anticipated to increase slightly.

CONCLUSION

Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli are key pathogens contributing to the high mortality burden of BSI. Additionally, the heavy burden associated with AMR poses significant challenges to clinical treatment. From 1990 to 2021, the age-standardized mortality rate mortality of BSI patients is gradually decreasing, and the change in BSI mortality will be mainly affected by the changes in population size and age structure. The forecast analysis for 2022-2035 finds that the death burden of the elderly will be the heaviest, and the mortality of people aged 5-49 years will increase slightly. BSI and its related health problems are still major challenges and need continuous attention.

CLINICAL TRIAL

Inapplicability.

Self-reported concussion history is not related to cortical volume in college athletes

The long-term consequences of concussion are still being uncovered but have been linked to disruptions in cognition and psychological well-being. Previous studies focusing on the association between concussion history and structural changes in the brain have reported inconsistent results. We sought to examine the effect of concussion history on cortical volume with a focus on functional networks. These networks are associated with many of the functions that can be disrupted in those with an extensive concussion history. We collected baseline behavioral data including the Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing, a self-report measure of the number of diagnosed concussions, and structural MRI in college athletes (n=296; 263 men and 33 women, age range 17-24). Behavioral measures were collected by members of the Department of Athletics concussion management team using a standardized protocol as part of their on-boarding process. Collegiate athletes in the present study who self-reported concussion history did not report different baseline symptoms and did not exhibit consistent differences in cognitive performance relative to those who reported no concussion history. We found that concussion history was not related to cortical volume at the network or region level, even when we compared participants with two or more concussions to those with no concussion history. We did identify relationships between cortical volume in the visual network and dorsal attention network with cognitive performance. In addition to comparing cortical volume between individuals with and without reported concussion history, we also examined whether cortical volume changes could be observed within individuals from baseline to acutely following concussion. We found that network level cortical volume did not change within subjects from baseline measurement to acutely post-concussion. Together, these results suggest that both self-reported concussion history and acute concussion effects are not associated with changes in cortical volume in young adult athletes.

Leukemia Inhibitory Factor as a late-stage treatment for delayed white matter loss in concussive head injury

Background

Leukemia Inhibitory Factor (LIF) is an injury-induced cytokine that peaks 48 hours after a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Juvenile LIF haplodeficient mice exhibit desynchronized glial responses, increased neurodegeneration, decreased axonal conductivity and behavioral deficits after a concussive head injury. Given the necessity of LIF during the acute recovery phase after injury, we hypothesized that intranasal (IN) LIF treatment would prevent neurodegeneration when administered during the chronic recovery period from a mild TBI (mTBI).

Methods

Young adult male CD1 mice were subjected to a midline, closed-head frontal cortex injury using a flat metal impactor with a 3mm tip to induce a mTBI. In the 6-8 weeks post-mTBI, known to precede axonal atrophy in this mTBI model, two doses of 40 ng and 100 ng of LIF were administered twice daily, 5 days/week for two consecutive weeks. Sensorimotor functions were assessed at 4 and 8 weeks post mTBI, followed by ex-vivo brain magnetic resonance imaging at 9.4T and histopathology.

Findings

mTBI mice showed sensorimotor deficits at 4 weeks, which worsened by 8 weeks post-injury. IN-LIF treatment prevented the progressive sensorimotor loss seen in the vehicle-treated controls. Increased mean diffusivity (MD) and decreased fractional anisotropy (FA) were observed in the corpus callosum and prefrontal cortex of mTBI brains. In a dose-dependent manner, IN-LIF prevented the mTBI-induced MD increase and FA decrease. Histologically, there was significantly less astrogliosis, microgliosis and axonal injury in the IN-LIF treated mice vs. controls.

Interpretation

These results support the therapeutic potential of IN-LIF to reduce delayed neurodegeneration and improve neurological outcomes after mTBIs.

Funding

Supported by R21 NS125201, which was awarded to SWL, SK, and FH, and Rutgers Busch Biomedical Grant IRES 21-002946 to SWL and SK.

Research in context

Evidence before this study: Earlier studies had shown that LIF haplodeficient mice sustained worse outcomes after brain injury, which supported the hypothesis that LIF was an essential neuroprotective injury induced cytokine. Other studies had shown that acutely administered LIF was neuroprotective and glioprotective in mouse models of multiple sclerosis, neonatal hypoxia-ischemia and pediatric TBI. However, to date most pre-clinical studies for TBI have tested the efficacy of therapeutics delivered during the acute (primary) or sub-acute (secondary) recovery period. Few studies have focused on the mechanisms of delayed neurodegeneration (tertiary neurodegeneration) and therapeutics are entirely lacking. Therefore, we decided to test IN LIF during the chronic recovery period from TBI. With preliminary data, we submitted an NIH exploratory grant (R21) that was awarded to the senior investigators of this manuscript in October of 2021. That grant supported the majority of the studies contained in this submission.A pubmed search performed on Feb. 9th, 2025 using the search string "(traumatic brain injury) AND (axonal damage) AND (magnetic resonance imaging) AND intranasal AND neuroprotection" returned no references.Added value of this study: The standard of care for individuals who have sustained head injuries is to treat their symptoms. They are provided medications to reduce seizures, decrease anxiety, reduce depression and reduce pain and other symptoms. However, none of these medications will prevent tertiary neurodegeneration. Given the number of individuals who have sustained head injuries, new therapeutics, especially therapeutics that can be easily administered, are needed. With the Superbowl having just taken place, there is once again increasing concern that many of these athletes who have sustained head injuries during the course of their careers will go on to develop chronic traumatic encephalopathy, for which there is no treatment.The studies we described herein are innovative as no other group has evaluated any of the cytokines related to LIF for their neuroprotective properties for mTBI and certainly not during the tertiary injury period. Moreover, a Pubmed database search that covered the period from 1966 to 2025 reveals that only a handful of other studies have used intranasal delivery of any compound to treat TBI, and all of these studies administered their therapeutic within 6 hours after an injury. Developing a long-lasting, CNS-targeted therapeutic that can be delivered as a simple nose spray will have a lasting impact on clinical medicine. Our studies presage future clinical trials to assess the therapeutic efficacy of intranasal LIF for individuals who have sustained mild TBIs.

Evaluating factors associated with the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in major trauma - an analysis of the TraumaRegister DGU®

PURPOSE

There is increasing evidence that use of ECMO is beneficial in major trauma patients with refractory organ failure. Hence, increased numbers of ECMO support following major trauma are reported. We set out to determine the use of ECMO among major trauma patients submitted to the TraumaRegister DGUr® as well as patient features associated with ECMO support.

METHODS

The TraumaRegister DGU® is a multinational database compiling trauma related health care data from point-of-injury, initial and critical care to outcome. Major trauma cases (AIS ≥ 3 irrespective of injury location) with subsequent critical care as well as respiratory and/or circulatory failure (SOFA score ≥ 3 per respective category) enrolled in the TraumaRegister DGU® between 2015 and 2022 were reviewed. A logistic regression model was carried out to evaluate patient features associated with ECMO support.

RESULTS

410/ 22,548 individuals (1.8%) received ECMO support. Survival among ECMO patients was 46.1%. At discharge, good functional outcome as indicated by a Glasgow outcome scale > 3 was observed for 97 ECMO patients (23.6%). Age > 65 (OR 95%-CI 1.90, 1.52-2.60), male sex (OR 1.49, 95%-CI 1.41-1.95), coagulopathy at admission to the emergency department (OR 2.37, 95%-CI 1.88-3.00), chest trauma (OR 2.12, 95%-CI 1.61-2.81), sepsis (OR 2.94, 95%-CI 1.93-2.97), as well as massive transfusion (OR 2.23, 95%-CI1.56-3.19) were associated with the use of ECMO following trauma.

CONCLUSION

In the TraumaRegister DGU®, ECMO for trauma related organ failure remains rare. Among ECMO patients, good functional outcome was observed infrequently. However, the design of the registry did not allow for capturing granular data on ECMO management and timing of organ failure. Hence, outcome data should be interpreted with caution. Nevertheless, evaluation of factors associated with ECMO support after trauma might contribute to early identification of ECMO candidates and improve patient distribution for trauma centers without ECMO capability.

Longitudinal multimodal neuroimaging after traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injury is a major cause of long-term cognitive impairment, yet the mechanisms underlying recovery remain poorly understood. Neuroimaging methods such as diffusion MRI, functional MRI, and positron emission tomography (PET) provide insight into micro- and macro-scale changes post-TBI, but the relationships between regional cellular and functional alterations remain unclear. In this study, we conducted a longitudinal, multimodal neuroimaging analysis quantifying TBI-related pathologies in four biomarkers, namely flumazenil PET derived binding potential, dMRI-derived structural connectivity, and resting-state fMRI-derived functional connectivity and fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations in individuals with mild-to-severe brain injury at the subacute (4-6 months post-injury) and chronic (1-year postinjury) stages. Brain injury related regional pathologies, and their changes over time, were correlated across the four biomarkers. Our results reveal complex, dynamic changes over time. We found that flumazenil-PET binding potential was significantly reduced in frontal and thalamic regions in brain injured subjects, consistent with neuronal loss, with partial recovery over time. Functional hyperconnectivity was observed in brain injured subjects initially but declined while remaining elevated compared to non-injured controls, whereas cortical structural hypoconnectivity persisted. Importantly, we observed that brain injury related alterations across MRI modalities became more strongly correlated with flumazenil-PET at the chronic stage. Regions with chronic reductions in flumazenil-PET binding also showed weaker structural node strength and lower amplitude of low frequency fluctuations, a relationship that was not found at the subacute stage. This observation could suggest a progressive convergence of structural and functional disruptions with neuronal loss over time. Additionally, regions with declining structural node strength also exhibited decreases in functional node strength, while these same regions showed increased amplitude of low frequency fluctuations over time. This pattern suggests that heightened intrinsic regional activity may serve as a compensatory mechanism in regions increasingly disconnected due to progressive axonal degradation. Altogether, these findings advance our understanding of how multimodal neuroimaging captures the evolving interplay between neuronal integrity, structural connectivity, and functional dynamics after brain injury. Clarifying these interrelationships could inform prognostic models and enhance knowledge of degenerative, compensatory, and recovery mechanisms in traumatic brain injury.

Mapping the coupling between tract reachability and cortical geometry of the human brain

The study of cortical geometry and connectivity is prevalent in research on the human brain. However, these two aspects of brain structure are usually examined separately, leaving the essential connections between the brain's folding patterns and white matter connectivity unexplored. In this study, we aimed to elucidate fundamental links between cortical geometry and white matter tract connectivity. We developed the concept of tract-geometry coupling (TGC) by optimizing the alignment between tract connectivity to the cortex and multiscale cortical geometry. Specifically, spectral analyses of the cortical surface yielded a set of geometrical eigenmodes, which were then used to explain the locations on the cortical surface reached by specific white matter tracts, referred to as tract reachability. In two independent datasets, we confirmed that tract reachability was well characterized by cortical geometry. We further observed that TGC had high test-retest ability and was specific to each individual. Interestingly, low-frequency TGC was found to be heritable and more informative than the high-frequency components in behavior prediction. Finally, we found that TGC could reproduce task-evoked cortical activation patterns. Collectively, our study provides a new approach to mapping coupling between cortical geometry and connectivity, highlighting how these two aspects jointly shape the connected brain.

Prothrombin time predicting time-dependent and risk-stratified mortality in polytrauma patients

BACKGROUND

Polytrauma is associated with a high mortality rate and often accompanied by coagulopathy. Prothrombin time (PT) is a prognostic factor for mortality in polytrauma patients. The aim was to analyze the time- and severity-dependent role of PT in polytrauma patients related to mortality.

METHODS

Patients (≥ 16 years) with an Injury Severity Score ≥ 16 were retrospectively included, yielding 2890 cases after exclusion criteria. PT was measured at admission and 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, and 48 h thereafter, reported as percentage activity of the reference reagence [%]. According to survival status, two groups were formed and compared. Binary logistic regression was used to test PT as an independent predictor for mortality. A closest top-left threshold method served for calculating threshold values between the survivor and non-survivor group. Patients were divided into subgroups according to PT levels and mortality was assessed for each subgroup at each time point.

RESULTS

PT values in the non-survivor group were lower throughout the measuring period (p < 0.05). PT threshold values declined from admission until 2 h afterwards, reaching less than 50%. Already a slightly compromised PT (≤ 70%) represented a significant factor (p < 0.05) for mortality at early and late time points, associated with a rate of more than 20%. In extremis, PT values of ≤ 25% were related to a mortality rate of more than 50% up to four hours after admission.

CONCLUSION

There are early and significant differences in mortality according to PT values in polytrauma patients (despite resuscitation measures), urging for a fast correction of PT. Time-dependent and stratified referencing may help clinicians estimate the mortality risk and decide upon the extent of surgical care.

Are the same parameters measured at admission and in the ICU comparable in their predictive values for complication and mortality in severely injured patients?

INTRODUCTION

Numerous studies have investigated variables that predict mortality and complications following severe trauma. These studies, however, mainly focus on admission values or a single variable. The aim of this study was to investigate the predictive quality of multiple routine clinical measurements (at admission and in the ICU).

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study of severely injured patients treated at one Level 1 academic trauma centre.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

severe injury (ISS ≥ 16 points), primary admission and complete data set. Exclusion criteria end-of-life treatment based on advanced directive, secondary transferred patients.

PRIMARY OUTCOME

mortality, pneumonia, sepsis. Routine clinical parameters were stratified based on measurement timepoint into Group TB (Trauma Bay, admission) and into Group intensive care unit (ICU, 72 h after admission). Prediction of complications and mortality were calculated using two prediction methods: adaptive boosting (AdaBoost, artificial intelligence, AI) and LASSO regression analysis.

RESULTS

Inclusion of 3668 cases. Overall mean age 45.5 ± 20 years, mean ISS 28.2 ± 15.1 points, incidence pneumonia 19.0%, sepsis 14.9%, death from haemorrhagic shock 4.1%, death from multiple organ failure 1.9%, overall mortality rate 26.8%. Highest predictive value for complications for Group TB include abbreviated injury scale (AIS), new injury severity score (NISS) and systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) score. Highest predictive quality for complications for Group ICU include late lactate values, haematocrit, leukocytes, and CRP. Sensitivity and specificity of late prediction models using a 25% cutoff were 73.61% and 76.24%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The predictive quality of routine clinical measurements strongly depends on the timepoint of the measurement. Upon admission, the injury severity and affected anatomical regions are more predictive, while during the ICU stay, laboratory parameters are better predictor of adverse outcomes. Therefore, the dynamics of pathophysiologic responses should be taken into consideration, especially during decision making of secondary definitive surgical interventions.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III (retrospective cohort study).

Repeat Discectomy or Instrumented Surgery for Recurrent Lumbar Disk Herniation: An Overview of French Spine Surgeons' Practice

Study designRetrospective multicenter cohort study.ObjectiveRecurrent lumbar disc herniation (ReLDH) is a common condition requiring surgical intervention in a large proportion of cases. Evidence regarding the appropriate choice between repeat microdiscectomy (RD) and instrumented surgery (IS) is lacking. To understand the indications for either of the procedures and compare the results, we aimed to provide an overview of spine surgeon practice in France.MethodsThis retrospective, multicenter analysis included adults who underwent surgery for ReLDHs between December 2020 and May 2021. Surgeons were asked which of the following factors determined their therapeutic choice: radio-clinical considerations, non-discal anatomical factors, patient preference, or surgeon background. Data on preoperative clinical status and radiologic findings were collected. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were assessed and compared using propensity scores preoperatively and at 3 and 12 months postoperatively.ResultsThe study included 150 patients (72 IS and 78 RD). Radioclinical elements, anatomical data, patient preferences, and surgeon background influenced the choice of RD in 57.7%, 1.3%, 25.6%, and 15.4% of the cases, respectively, and IS in 34.7%, 6.9%, 13.9%, and 44.5% of the cases, respectively. At 12 months, patient satisfaction, return to work, and changes in PROMs were not significantly different between the groups.ConclusionsThe decision-making process included both objective and subjective factors, resulting in patient satisfaction in 80.3% to 81.5% of cases, with significant clinical improvement in radicular symptoms in 75.8% to 91.8% of cases, and quality of life in 75.8% to 84.9% of cases, depending on the procedure performed.

Bleeding management of thoracic trauma

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Thoracic injuries are directly responsible for 20-30% of deaths in severe trauma patients and represent one of the main regions involved in preventable or potentially preventable deaths. Controlling bleeding in thoracic trauma is a major challenge because intrathoracic hemorrhagic lesions can lead to hemodynamic instability and respiratory failure.

RECENT FINDINGS

The aim of managing intrathoracic hemorrhagic lesions is to control bleeding as quickly as possible and to control any respiratory distress. Extended focus assessment with sonography for trauma enables us to identify intrathoracic bleeding much more quickly and to determine the most appropriate therapeutic strategy.

SUMMARY

Thoracic bleeding can result from the diaphragm, intrathoracic vessels (aorta, but also inferior or superior vena cava, and suprahepatic veins), lung, cardiac, or chest wall injuries. Depending on thoracic lesions (such as hemothorax or hemopericardium), hemodynamic instability, and respiratory failure, a pericardial window approach, sternotomy, thoracotomy, or emergency resuscitation thoracotomy may be considered after discussion with the surgeon. Alongside treatment of injuries, managing oxygenation, ventilation, hemodynamic, and coagulopathy are essential for the patient's outcome.

Clinical Outcome after Endoscopic Facet Denervation in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain

In mehreren Studien wurde berichtet, dass Kreuzschmerzen in der Bevölkerung mit bis zu 85% eine hohe Prävalenz aufweisen. Die perkutane Radiofrequenz-Facettengelenkdenervation (PRFD) ist heute der Goldstandard bei der Rhizotomie von chronischen Kreuzschmerzen (CLBP). Bisher veröffentlichte Studien zeigen jedoch kontroverse Ergebnisse über die Wirksamkeit der PRFD. Ziel dieser Studie war es daher, den Einsatz der endoskopischen Facettengelenkdenervation (EJE) zur Behandlung chronischer Kreuzschmerzen zu analysieren und potenzielle Risikofaktoren zu ermitteln, die die Indikationen für den Eingriff einschränken könnten.Wir haben retrospektiv 31 Patienten in die Studie eingeschlossen, die seit mindestens 24 Monaten an chronische Kreuzschmerzen leiden. Alle Patienten wurden einer endoskopischen Facettengelenkdenervation unterzogen und mussten postoperativ ODI-, COMI-, EQ-5D- und VRS-Scores ausfüllen, wobei die Nachbeobachtungszeit mindestens 12 Monate betrug. Zur Analyse der Korrelationen wurden grundlegende Patientendaten erfasst.Bei allen gemessenen klinischen Werten, wie ODI, COMI, EQ-5D und VRS, wurde eine signifikante Verbesserung festgestellt. Während das beste Ergebnis bei der 3-monatigen Nachuntersuchung erzielt wurde, wurde bei der 12-monatigen Nachuntersuchung eine leichte Verschlechterung festgestellt. Im Vergleich zu den präoperativen Scores wurde jedoch ein signifikanter Nutzen festgestellt. 28/31 Patienten (93,3%) berichteten bei der Nachuntersuchung nach 12 Monaten über geringere Schmerzen und waren mit dem Verfahren zufrieden. Älteres Alter und psychiatrische Vorerkrankungen wurden als potenzielle Risikofaktoren identifiziert, die mit einem schlechteren Ergebnis einhergehen. Postoperative Komplikationen wie Hämatome, eine Sensibilitätsstörung und eine vorübergehende Muskelschwäche der unteren Extremitäten wurden selten beobachtet.Die endoskopische Facettengelenkdenervation zeigte eine signifikante Verbesserung der klinischen Ergebnisse und der VRS im Vergleich zu den präoperativen Werten von Patienten mit einer mindestens 12 Monate bestehenden chronischen Kreuzschmerzen vor der Operation. Ältere Patienten und Patienten mit psychiatrischen Vorerkrankungen profitieren weniger von dem Eingriff.

Beyond the Evidence: Psychological and Institutional Factors Shaping Patent Ductus Arteriosus Stent Adoption

In infants with ductal dependent pulmonary blood flow (DDPBF), clinicians face a critical choice between two interventions to secure stable pulmonary circulation: the Blalock-Taussig-Thomas (BTT) shunt and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) stenting. While the BTT shunt has long been the standard palliative procedure, its risks have prompted interest in less invasive alternatives. This manuscript explores the psychological and institutional factors contributing to the growing preference for PDA stenting over surgical shunting in the management of DDPBF. Cognitive biases, public reporting of surgical outcomes, and family preferences significantly influence clinicians' procedural decisions. Understanding these influences is essential to align clinical decisions with evidence-based practices, ensuring optimal care for patients while maintaining transparency and equity in procedural evaluation.

The need for thoracic magnetic resonance imaging before vertebral augmentation surgery in patients with lumbar vertebral fractures

BACKGROUND

Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) of the lumbar region may be accompanied by thoracic fractures. Treating only the lumbar fractures can lead to worsening of the thoracic fractures or unresolved postoperative symptoms. This study aims to investigate the need to perform thoracic MRI before vertebral augmentation (including percutaneous vertebroplasty and percutaneous kyphoplasty) in patients with lumbar OVCF.

METHODS

This study retrospectively analyzed patients with lumbar OVCF who were scheduled for surgical treatment. All patients underwent thoracic and lumbar MRI before surgery. We evaluated the proportion of thoracic fractures accompanying lumbar fractures at each segment and identified the common locations of these accompanying fractures. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to determine the risk factors and optimal thresholds for predicting accompanying thoracic fractures.

RESULTS

The study recruited 700 patients, of whom 96 (13.71%) had new thoracic fractures along with lumbar fractures. The most common thoracic segments affected were T10 (22.50%), T9 (19.17%), T8 (26.67%), and T7 (20.83%). Univariate analysis showed significant differences in age and cause of injury between the thoracic fracture group and the control group. The bone density of the thoracic fracture group was significantly lower than that of the control group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that lifting heavy objects, sprains, and low bone density are risk factors for thoracic fractures in patients with lumbar OVCF.

CONCLUSION

It is crucial to perform thoracic MRI before surgery in patients with lumbar OVCF. This helps to avoid missing thoracic fractures, prevent the worsening of injuries, and ensure better postoperative outcomes.

Appropriate Use Criteria for Osteoporotic Compression Fractures

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

There is a lack of consensus regarding optimal indications for treatment of patients with osteoporotic vertebral fractures. An opportunity exists to improve outcomes if these indications can be clarified.

PURPOSE

The purpose of the North American Spine Society (NASS) Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC) was to determine the appropriate (i.e. reasonable) multidisciplinary treatment recommendations for patients with osteoporotic vertebral fractures across a spectrum of more common clinical scenarios.

STUDY DESIGN

A Modified Delphi process.

PATIENT SAMPLE

Modified consensus based guideline OUTCOME MEASURES: Final rating for treatment recommendations as either "Appropriate", "Uncertain", or "Rarely Appropriate" based on the median final rating among the raters.

METHODS

The methodology was based on the AUC development process established by the Research AND Development (RAND) Corporation. The topic of osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture was selected by NASS for its Clinical Practice Guideline development (CPG). In conjunction, the AUC committee determined key modifiers and adapted the standard definitions developed by the CPG with minimal modifications. A literature search and evidence analysis performed by the CPG were reviewed by the AUC work group. A separate multidisciplinary rating group was assembled. Clinical scenarios were generated based on a matrix of the modifiers, to rate the appropriateness of medical management, cement augmentation, or surgery. Based on the literature, provider experience, and group discussion, each scenario was scored on a nine-point scale on two separate occasions: once without discussion and again following discussion of the initial responses. The median rating for each scenario and level of agreement was then used to determine final indications as rarely appropriate with agreement (1 - 3), uncertain or disagreement (4-6), or appropriate with agreement (7-9). Consensus was not mandatory.

RESULTS

Medical management was appropriate across all scenarios. Cement augmentation was rarely appropriate in 60% of scenarios and uncertain or disagreement in 35% of scenarios. In the 5% of scenarios rated as appropriate with agreement for cement augmentation, high pain scores, acute duration, and simple fracture pattern were always present. Surgery was appropriate in 35% of scenarios and strongly influenced by instability and stenosis with neurological findings. Surgery was rarely appropriate in 18%, and uncertain or disagreement in 47% of scenarios.

CONCLUSIONS

Multidisciplinary appropriate treatment criteria for osteoporotic vertebral fractures were generated based on the RAND methodology. This document provides comprehensive evidence-based recommendations for evaluation and treatment of osteoporotic vertebral fractures. The document in its entirety will be found on the NASS website (https://www.spine.org/Research-Clinical-Care/Quality-Improvement/Appropriate-Use-Criteria).

Shorter Telomere Length Is Associated With Older Age, Poor Sleep Hygiene, and Orthopedic Injury, but Not Mild Traumatic Brain Injury, in a Cohort of Canadian Children

BACKGROUND

Predicting recovery following pediatric mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) remains challenging. The identification of objective biomarkers for prognostic purposes could improve clinical outcomes. Telomere length (TL) has previously been used as a prognostic marker of cellular health in the context of mTBI and other neurobiological conditions. While psychosocial and environmental factors are associated with recovery outcomes following pediatric mTBI, the relationship between these factors and TL has not been investigated. This study sought to examine the relationships between TL and psychosocial and environmental factors, in a cohort of Canadian children with mTBI or orthopedic injury (OI).

METHODS

Saliva was collected at a postacute (median 7 days) timepoint following injury to assess TL from a prospective longitudinal cohort of children aged 8 to 17 years with either mTBI (n = 202) or OI (n = 90), recruited from 3 Canadian sites. Questionnaires regarding psychosocial and environmental factors were obtained at a postacute follow-up visit and injury outcomes were assessed at a 3-month visit. Univariable associations between TL and psychosocial, environmental, and outcome variables were assessed using Spearman's correlation. Further adjusted analyses of these associations were performed by including injury group, age, sex, and site as covariates in multivariable generalized linear models with a Poisson family, log link function, and robust variance estimates.

RESULTS

After adjusting for age, sex, and site, TL in participants with OI was 7% shorter than those with mTBI (adjusted mean ratio = 0.93; 95% confidence interval, 0.89-0.98; P = .003). As expected, increasing age was negatively associated with TL (Spearman's r = -0.14, P = .016). Sleep hygiene at 3 months was positively associated with TL (adjusted mean ratio = 1.010; 95% confidence interval, 1.001-1.020; P = .039).

CONCLUSION

The relationships between TL and psychosocial and environmental factors in pediatric mTBI and OI are complex. TL may provide information regarding sleep quality in children recovering from mTBI or OI; however, further investigation into TL biomarker validity should employ a noninjured comparison group.

Update on Dupuytren Disease: Pathogenesis, Natural History, Treatment, and Outcomes

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After studying this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Understand the current molecular biology of Dupuytren disease. 2. Critically evaluate the functional outcomes of treatment. 3. Confidently use any of the commonly used treatments. 4. Provide patients with appropriately selected treatment choices.

SUMMARY

Dupuytren disease is a fibroproliferative disease of the palmar fascia that results in debilitating digital contractures. Despite medical advances, the measurement of disease severity, functional deficits, and treatment outcomes remains challenging. Treatment options vary widely, yet practitioners often use only a small number of modalities. These options range from minimally invasive office procedures to extensive surgery, with adjuncts such as radiation and soft-tissue flaps. A thorough understanding of disease pathophysiology and treatment options can help surgeons offer more individualized care for this elusive disease.

Has the documentation of chest injuries and the development of systemic complications in patients with long bone fractures changed over time?-A systematic literature review and meta-analysis by the IMPACT expert group

INTRODUCTION

Blunt chest trauma represents a major risk factor for complications in polytrauma patients. Various scoring systems have emerged, but their impact is not fully appreciated. This review evaluates changes in chest trauma scoring over time and potential shifts in complication rates linked to modified surgical approaches in long bone fractures.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed utilizing Medline and EMBASE. Included studies analyzed the clinical course following blunt chest trauma with orthopedic injuries requiring surgical fixation. Quantification of chest injury severity was assessed based on the utilized scores in the respective publication such as the Abbreviated Injury Scale, Injury Severity Score, Thoracic Trauma Score (TTS) or the Chest Trauma Score (CTS). The studies were categorized into two groups: "ante-millenium" (AM) (<31.12.2000) and "post-millenium" (PM) (>01.01.2000). Endpoint analysis focused on chest-injury-related complications, including acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), pneumonia, multiple organ failure (MOF), and pulmonary embolism. A meta-analysis examined the influence of surgical timing (early vs. late) on clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

Of 9,682 studies on chest trauma, 20 (4,079 patients) met the inclusion criteria. Most studies in both AM and PM reported the thoracic AIS scale for severity assessment. In group PM more clinical parameters were included in the decision making. Incidences of pooled and weighted mortality were higher in AM (5.1 %) compared to PM (2.3 %, p = 0.003), and ARDS incidence was also greater in AM (12.1 %) versus PM (8.9 %, p = 0.045), though these findings were not confirmed through indirect meta-analysis. Early fracture fixation (<24 h) displayed a non-significant trend toward lower ARDS (OR: 0.60; 95 % CI, 0.23-1.52) and mortality (OR: 0.66; 95 % CI, 0.28-1.55), but significantly reduced pneumonia risk (OR, 0.53; 95 % CI, 0.40-0.71).

CONCLUSION

Prior to 2000, chest injuries were quantified using the AIS alone, while afterwards multiple scoring systems that incorporated pathophysiologic response were utilized. Possibly related to changes in timing of surgery, fixation techniques, or general improvements in-patient care seems to have improved in patients with concomitant thoracic trauma regarding mortality and ARDS. Overall, polytrauma patients with concomitant thoracic injuries might benefit from early definitive fracture care if their physiology and overall injury pattern allows it.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Systematic Review; Level IV.

Risk Factors of Failed Conservative Treatment for Adjacent Vertebral Fractures Following Percutaneous Vertebroplasty

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective, single-center, observational study.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the risk factors associated with the failure of conservative treatment for adjacent vertebral fractures (AVFs).

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Adjacent vertebral fractures following vertebroplasty for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures are not uncommon. Presently, there is a lack of consensus regarding the management of adjacent vertebral fractures.

METHODS

We included patients who developed adjacent vertebral fractures within 2 years post single-level vertebroplasty between January 2013 and December 2020. All patients initially underwent 6 weeks of conservative treatment, including pain medications, bracing, and physical therapy. Surgical intervention was offered to those with intractable back pain due to AVFs. Baseline demographics, AVF characteristics, and radiologic measurements were systematically collected, and sequential univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to explore the risk factors.

RESULTS

Of the 114 patients with a mean age of 78.6 years, 2-thirds (76 patients) tolerated conservative treatment well, whereas 38 required surgical interventions for adjacent vertebral fractures. Both groups demonstrated similar baseline demographics and radiologic parameters regarding AVFs ( P >0.05). The multivariable logistic regression analyses revealed that the development of AVFs later than 6 months post-vertebroplasty and their caudal location to the index vertebroplasty were the independent risk factors of unsuccessful conservative treatment, with odds ratios of 3.57 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.14-11.1, P =0.029) and 2.50 (95% CI, 1.09-5.88, P =0.032), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Adjacent vertebral fractures following percutaneous vertebroplasty generally have favorable outcomes under conservative treatment. However, the timing and the relative anatomical location of adjacent vertebral fractures are associated with treatment efficacy. Adjacent vertebral fractures occurring later than 6 months following the initial vertebroplasty or situated in the caudal location to the index vertebroplasty may exhibit reduced responsiveness to conservative treatment. These patients might benefit from a more aggressive therapeutic approach.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.

Racial disparities persist in mortality after firearm assault injuries: A national analysis of the Trauma Quality Improvement Program database

OBJECTIVES

It is unclear whether improvements in the delivery of trauma care over the last decade have diminished racial disparities in mortality after firearm injuries.

METHODS

The American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program was queried for patients (≥18 years old) who experienced penetrating firearm assault injuries between 2008 and 2018. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the association between mortality and race, controlling for demographics, comorbidities, shock index, injury severity score injury location, and hospital characteristics.

RESULTS

This retrospective cohort study included 261,116 patients who experienced firearm injuries secondary to assault between 2008 and 2018. Patients most frequently identified as Black (64.1%, n = 167,494), followed by White (16.3%, n = 42,649), Hispanic/Latino (15.7%, n = 41,044), and other racial groups (3.8%, n = 9,929). On multivariable logistic regression, Black patients (odds ratio, 1.53; 95% confidence interval, 1.45-1.62), and Hispanic/Latino patients (odds ratio, 1.11; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-1.19) were more likely to die after a firearm assault injury than White patients. Black patients were more likely to die in the emergency department (62.2%, n = 13,438) compared with White patients (52.7%, n = 2,838), Hispanic/Latino patients (53.0%, n = 2,635), and patients of other races (54.8%, n = 681). Across all years of the study period, Black patients had a greater risk-adjusted mortality rate than White patients and Hispanic/Latino patients.

CONCLUSION

Significant racial disparities in mortality after firearm assault continue to persist. Early death within the emergency department appears to be a significant driver of these persistent disparities.

Challenges and Research Opportunities for Integrating Quantitative Electroencephalography Into Sports Concussion Rehabilitation

Although concussion management and return to play/learn decision making focuses on reducing symptoms, there is growing interest in objective physiological approaches to treatment. Clinical and technological advancements have aided concussion management; however, the scientific study of the neurophysiology of concussion has not translated into its standard of care. This expert commentary is motivated by novel clinical applications of electroencephalographic-based neurofeedback approaches (eg, quantitative electroencephalography [QEEG]) for treating traumatic brain injury and emerging research interest in its translation for treating concussion. QEEG's low-cost relative to other brain recording/imaging techniques and precedent in clinical and medical care makes it a potential tool for concussion rehabilitation. Although uncommon, licensed and certified clinicians and medical professionals are implementing QEEG neurofeedback for concussion management within their score of practice. These approaches are not widely adopted nor recommended by professional medical societies, likely because of a limited evidence base of well-designed studies with available standard protocols. Thus, the potential efficacy of QEEG neurofeedback for treating persistent symptoms or cognitive dysfunction after sports-related concussion is unknown. This commentary will update the concussion clinician-scientist on the emerging research, techniques, and disagreements pertaining to the translation of QEEG neurofeedback for concussion management, particularly in the treatment of persistent cognitive difficulties. This commentary will also introduce to readers the fundamentals of how the electroencephalogram may be acquired, measured, and implemented during QEEG neurofeedback. An evidence base of supportive findings from well-designed studies, including those that are retrospective, outcomes-based, and, ultimately, placebo/sham-controlled is recommended prior to considering more widespread adoption of QEEG neurofeedback approaches for treating persistent symptoms or cognitive deficits after sports-related concussion. We review the considerable barriers to this research and clinical implementation, and conclude with opportunities for future research, which will be necessary for establishing the quality and efficacy of QEEG neurofeedback for concussion care.

The effectiveness of balloon kyphoplasty compared to conservative treatment for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) are a common and often debilitating condition that significantly impacts quality of life and healthcare costs. While conservative treatment is often pursued initially after fracture, some patients experience severe pain refractory to conservative treatment. In these cases, minimally invasive vertebral augmentation procedures like balloon kyphoplasty (BKP) offer an alternative, but the benefits of BKP compared to conservative treatment remain unclear.

Objectives

To evaluate the effectiveness of BKP versus conservative treatment for pain, quality of life, and function in patients with painful OVCFs.

Primary outcome

Pain improvement up to 12 months after BKP.

Secondary outcomes

Functional improvement, adverse events, and vertebral body height restoration.

Methods

This analysis included randomized controlled trials and prospective comparative studies in which at least 100 participants reported pain outcomes following BKP for OVCFs. The risk of bias was assessed using standard tools, and the certainty of the evidence was evaluated using the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.

Results

BKP demonstrated superior pain reduction versus conservative treatment at 1 month (mean difference (MD): 2.32 [-3.65;-0.99], P < 0.001), 3 months (MD: 1.19 [-2.14; -0.24], P = 0.014), 6 months (MD: 1.34 [-2.65; -0.04], P = 0.044), and 12 months (MD: 1.11 [-1.96;-0.26], P = 0.029), with the largest effect observed at 1 month. Disability improvements were significant at 1 month (standardized mean difference (SMD): 1.08 [-1.67; -0.48], P < 0.001) and 3 months (SMD: 0.50 [-0.96; -0.04], P = 0.032), but not at 6 or 12 months. No significant differences were found in the risk for new vertebral compression fractures between both groups (odds ratio (OR): 1.36 [0.51; 3.64], P = 0.54). According to the GRADE system, moderate certainty evidence indicates that BKP provides superior pain relief compared to conservative treatment at all time points from 1 to 12 months.

Conclusion

BKP showed superior pain reduction compared to conservative treatment from 1 to 12 months and improved disability at 1 and 3 months, with moderate certainty evidence.

Post-concussion changes in the N200 and P300 ERPs are associated with cognitive symptoms and performance

PURPOSE

To examine how post-concussion changes to the N200 and P300 event-related potentials (ERPs) are associated with cognitive symptoms and neurocognitive performance.

METHODS

High-density electroencephalography (EEG) was recorded during a Go/No-Go task from 16 young adults within one month after their concussion and 16 matched controls. Participants were also administered the Cognitive-Linguistic Quick Test (CLQT) and self-reported concussion-like symptoms. Mixed analysis of variance models compared the N200/P300 ERPs between concussion and control groups. Nested linear regressions examined associations between the N200/P300 ERPs and CLQT cognitive domains, cognitive symptom clusters, and total concussion symptoms, with particular interest in within-task changes in the N200/P300 ERPs (e.g. habituation).

RESULTS

N200 and P300 ERP amplitudes were associated with individual differences in cognitive outcomes after concussion. For concussion participants only, smaller P300 amplitudes were significantly associated with greater cognitive symptoms. When considering within-task changes in ERPs over repeated trial presentations, reduced habituation of N200 amplitudes was significantly associated with poorer attention and memory CLQT domain scores. Reduced habituation of P300 amplitudes was also associated with greater cognitive symptoms and total symptoms for concussion participants.

CONCLUSION

Within-task changes in ERP dynamics supporting attention and executive control are associated with individual differences in cognitive outcomes after concussion.

A proposal for computed tomography-based algorithm for the management of radial head and neck fractures: the Proximal and Articular Radial fractures Management (PARMa) classification

Background

Owing to the great variety of fracture patterns and limitations of the standard radiographic investigation, all the already available classification systems for radial head and neck fractures (RHNFs) are limited by a poor-to-moderate degree of intraobserver and interobserver reliability. Although computed tomography (CT) is being increasingly used to better understand the fracture characteristics, a CT-based classification system of RHNFs is still lacking. Therefore, in this agreement study, we aimed to propose a classification system based on two-dimensional and three-dimensional (2D/3D) CT to test the hypothesis that this classification has good intraobserver and interobserver reliability. We have also provided a treatment algorithm.

Methods

Our proposed classification-Proximal and Articular Radial fractures Management (PARMa)-is based on 2D/3D CT imaging. It is divided into four types based on different fractures patterns. The 2D/3D scans of 90 RHNFs were evaluated in a blinded fashion by eight orthopedic and one radiology consultant, according to the proposed classification. The first phase of observation aimed to estimate the interobserver agreement. The second phase involved a new observation, 4 weeks after the first analysis, and estimated the intraobserver reliability. The standard radiographs of these 90 fractures were also evaluated by the same observers, with the same timing and methods, based on the same classification. Cohen's Kappa was applied for intraobserver agreement. Fleiss's Kappa was used both within and among the evaluators. Kendall's coefficient of concordance was employed to determine the strength of association among the appraisers' rankings. Furthermore, Krippendorff's alpha was chosen as an adjunctive analysis to assess between evaluators' agreement.

Results

For the intraobserver agreement, Fleiss' Kappa statistics confirmed the consistency (overall kappa values: 0.70-0.82). Cohen's Kappa statistics aligned with Fleiss' Kappa, with similar kappa values and significant P values (P < .001). For interobserver agreement, Fleiss' Kappa statistics for between appraisers showed moderate-to-substantial agreement, with kappa values ranging from 0.54 to 0.82 for different responses. The results relating to the appraisers' observation of standard radiographs showed that the overall Fleiss' Kappa values for intraobserver agreement ranged from 0.34 to 0.82, whereas Fleiss' Kappa statistics for interobserver agreement ranged from 0.40 to 0.69.

Conclusions

The proposed classification system is expected to be reliable, reproducible, and useful for preoperative planning and surgical management. Both 2D and 3D CT allow the identification of the magnitude and position of displacement and articular surface involvement.

Circulating biomarkers and neuroanatomical brain structures differ in older adults with and without post-traumatic stress disorder

The aim of this study was to advance post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) understanding in older adults (48-77 years) by determining if circulating cytokines (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-12p70, IL17A and TNFα), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) and neuroanatomical brain volumes (grey and white matter, hippocampus, and amygdala) significantly differed in those with versus without PTSD. While none of the tested cytokines showed a significant difference, serum BDNF and VEGF-A levels were found to be significantly higher in the PTSD cohort. The assay used for BDNF quantification was important, with differences in general BDNF detected, but not when pro- and mature BDNF were measured specifically. Additionally, BDNF genotyping revealed a significant difference in Val66Met genotype distribution by PTSD diagnosis, with Val66Met carriers generally having lower circulating levels of BDNF compared to their Val66Val counterparts, regardless of PTSD diagnosis. Neuroanatomically, an all-female subset was examined to find total grey and white matter volumes and left and right hippocampal volumes were significantly smaller in those with PTSD. Collectively, these results show that both novel (VEGF-A) and established targets (BDNF and neuroimaging) may serve as useful biomarkers for older adults with PTSD.

Dysregulation of neutrophil in sepsis: recent insights and advances

Sepsis remains the leading cause of death in intensive care units. Despite newer antimicrobial and supportive therapies, specific treatments are still lacking. Neutrophils are pivotal components of the effector phase of the host immune defense against pathogens and play a crucial role in the control of infections under normal circumstances. In addition to its anti-infective effects, the dysregulation and overactivation of neutrophils may lead to severe inflammation or tissue damage and are potential mechanisms for poor prognosis in sepsis. This review focuses on recent advancements in the understanding of the functional status of neutrophils across various pathological stages of sepsis to explore the mechanisms by which neutrophils participate in sepsis progression and provide insights for the treatment of sepsis by targeting neutrophils.

Examining the epigenetic transmission of risk for chronic pain associated with paternal post-traumatic stress disorder: a focus on veteran populations

Chronic pain is a public health problem that significantly reduces quality of life. Although the aetiology is often unknown, recent evidence suggests that susceptibility can be transmitted intergenerationally, from parent to child. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating psychological disorder, often associated with chronic pain, that has high prevalence rates in military personnel and Veterans. Therefore, we aimed to characterise the epigenetic mechanisms by which paternal trauma, such as PTSD, is transmitted across generations to confer risk in the next generation, specifically focusing on Veterans where possible. Numerous overlapping neurological pathways are implicated in both PTSD and chronic pain; many of which are susceptible to epigenetic modification, such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and RNA regulation. Hence, epigenetic changes related to pain perception, inflammation, and neurotransmission may influence an individual's predisposition to chronic pain conditions. We also examine the effects of PTSD on parenting behaviours and discuss how these variations could impact the development of chronic pain in children. We highlight the need for further research regarding the interactions between paternal trauma and epigenetic processes to ultimately generate effective prevention and therapeutic strategies for Veterans who have been affected by PTSD and chronic pain.

Injuries of the Hamstring Tendons: MR Imaging Diagnosis

MR imaging evaluation of hamstring tendons reveals their association with subgluteal posterior hip pain, emphasizing the superiority of MR imaging over ultrasound due to the deep location of the hamstrings. This review encompasses various conditions, including overuse tendinopathy, metabolic disorders, and sports-related injuries prevalent in elite and recreational athletes. Practical MR imaging-guided approaches tailored to clinical needs and therapeutic options are discussed, highlighting MR imaging's crucial role in monitoring postinjury healing. Furthermore, potential residual complications are outlined, underscoring MR imaging's significance in diagnosing, treating, and evaluating hamstring tendon-related ailments comprehensively.

The stent-screw assisted internal fixation (SAIF) technique: A treatment option for OF5, the three-column unstable osteoporotic vertebral fractures - A case series

PURPOSE

The OF5 type of vertebral osteoporotic fracture (AO Spine-DGOU classification) represents a three-column lesion and as such is considered as highly unstable. These lesions, however, tend to affect elderly, frail patients, in whom invasive management options are limited. The stent-screw-assisted internal fixation (SAIF) technique has previously been reported as a minimally invasive treatment for osteoporotic and neoplastic vertebral fractures. Here, we sought to assess the safety and efficacy of the SAIF technique in a retrospective series of patients with thoracic OF5-fractures.

METHODS

Retrospective identification, in a prospectively maintained database, of patients with OF5-fractures treated with SAIF. Intra- and post-operative complications were reported. Clinical outcome using NRS pain scale and Patient's Global Impression of Change (PGIC) and radiological outcome, with local kyphotic angle (LKA) and VB height (VBH) correction were analyzed.

RESULTS

N = 22 consecutive patients were identified. All fractures were located in the thoracic spine. No intra-procedural complications occurred, although hospitalization-related complications did occur in 2 patients (9 %). There was a statistically significant pain reduction on follow-up. VBH restoration range was 0-12 mm (mean 5.5 mm). The mean postoperative LKA correction was 7.5°, which was maintained at last follow-up.

CONCLUSION

The SAIF technique appears to be a viable alternative in the management of OF5-fractures. Although it does not address all elements of OF5 instability, it appears that the stabilisation of the anterior and middle vertebral columns, coupled with the stabilising effect of the ribcage in the hypomobile thoracic spine, are biomechanically sufficient to treat OF5-fractures in this section of the spine.

Body mass index and sleep disorders after moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury - a national TBI model systems study

OBJECTIVE

To examine the relationship between body mass index (BMI), newly developed sleep disorders and functional outcome after moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (msTBI).

METHODS

Retrospective data from the TBI Model Systems National Database was analyzed, focusing on the independent association between BMI, sleep disorder diagnosis, and functional outcome as measured by the Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOSE) at 1-year post-injury. Linear and logistic regression were used.

RESULTS

Out of 2,142 participants, 84% reported no sleep disorder (NSD), 9% reported a sleep disorder before TBI (PreSD), and 7% developed a sleep disorder after TBI (PostSD). Over 50% of participants were overweight or obese. After adjusting for demographic and clinical characteristics, a one-unit increase of BMI at the time of rehabilitation admission was associated with 3.7% higher odds of PostSD (OR [95%CI]: 1.037 [1.007, 1.068], p = 0.015). PostSD was associated with a 53.6% higher chance of unfavorable GOSE compared to NSD (OR [95%CI]: 1.536 [1.069-2.207], p = 0.02) and an 81.7% higher chance compared to PreSD (OR [95% CI]: 1.817 [1.137-2.905], p = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Being overweight/obese and developing a sleep disorder had adverse effects on functional outcome, emphasizing the importance of addressing sleep and lifestyle factors in post-msTBI rehabilitation.

Preventing confounding in observational studies in orthopedic trauma surgery through expert panels: a systematic review

PURPOSE

Confounding in observational studies can be mitigated by selecting only those patients, in whom equipoise of both treatments is secured by experts' disagreement over optimal therapy.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review to identify observational studies in the field of orthopedic trauma surgery that utilized expert panels for patient inclusion in order to limit the potential for confounding.

RESULTS

Four studies were identified that used expert panels to select participants based on expert disagreement. Derived from these studies and our own experience, recommendations were made regarding reporting of the size and composition of the expert panel, the information the expert panel receives, criteria for disagreement, selection of patients, and statistical analysis.

CONCLUSION

With this review we aim to provide insight into this study design and to stimulate discussions about the potential of expert panels to control for confounding in studies of medical treatments.

Development and Pilot Implementation of a Theory-Based Cognitive Rehabilitation Protocol for Adults With Chronic Cognitive Complaints After Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to describe the development of and pilot feasibility outcomes for a strategy-based, brief, intensive cognitive rehabilitation intervention delivered to U.S. service members and veterans with mild traumatic brain injury in a recently completed 3-year pragmatic clinical trial: Symptom-Targeted Approach to Rehabilitation for Concussion (STAR-C).

METHOD

To develop STAR-C, we used the Rehabilitation Treatment Specification System to identify core elements and principles from a previous randomized clinical trial of cognitive rehabilitation, and incorporated principles of neuroplasticity (e.g., high-dose spaced practice of personally meaningful tasks), best clinical practices (e.g., client-centered goal setting), health psychology (e.g., a focus on self-efficacy and motivation), and community-based participation research (e.g., the protocol was co-designed by clinicians and researchers). Treatment was based on a resource-allocation theory of everyday cognitive challenges, which predicted that automatic strategy use would reduce cognitive demands of everyday activities and therefore reduce cognitive symptoms. Treatment was delivered by speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and occupational therapists (OTs), using a protocol that included a problem-focused intake questionnaire, manualized treatment, and clinician resources. Therapy was delivered individually in six to 10 virtual or in-person sessions over 3-4 weeks. Therapy focused on desired changes in function, scaled using Goal Attainment Scaling.

RESULTS

Trained SLPs and OTs delivered STAR-C to 53 U.S. service members and veterans, with treatment fidelity > 95%. Participants and clinicians rated STAR-C as acceptable, feasible, and appropriate, and most participants attained and maintained targets.

CONCLUSION

STAR-C appears to be a feasible method for improving everyday cognitive performance and efficacy should be tested in a controlled study.

SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.28222613.

In the last 10 years, have our polytrauma patients become geriatric? The emergency trauma bay in the context of demographic change

PURPOSE

One of the key challenges trauma centres are currently facing is the management of polytraumata in an ageing population. The aim of this study is to assess the extent to which demographic changes are reflected in the trauma bay population and the impact on geriatric polytrauma patient outcomes.

METHODS

This is a retrospective single-centre cohort study of a level one trauma centre in Germany. The data were collected from the DGU TraumaRegister. All patients exhibiting vital signs who were primarily admitted to the trauma bay were included in the study. Patient characteristics were compared for years 2011 and 2021. Polytrauma was defined as ISS > 15, and patients aged 65 and over were assigned to the geriatric group.

RESULTS

The study included 214 patients. During the study period, there was a significant increase in the mean age of patients (from 47.7 to 55.9 years) and in the proportion of geriatric patients (from 30.37 to 40.51%). Injury severity, as measured by the Injury Severity Score (ISS), also increased significantly. In the entire patient population, the proportion of patients discharged to their place of residence decreased, while the hospital mortality (2011: 9.63%; 2021: 21.52%) increased.

CONCLUSIONS

The ageing trauma bay population presents new challenges for medical staff, because polypharmacy, multiple comorbidities and frailty become more significant in an ageing population. Enhanced interdisciplinary management, particularly between trauma and geriatric specialists, may mitigate rising mortality rates. Geriatric trauma centres or at least more geriatric expertise might be required to improve the treatment and outcome in this changing population.

Narrow DCP application during intertrochanteric fracture fixation to serve as a fracture reduction maintenance tool and a trochanteric stabilization plate

Intertrochanteric fractures (ITFs) could be treated efficiently using various devices, including dynamic hip screws, proximal femoral nails, and proximal femoral locking plates. To guard against femoral shaft medialization in unstable ITFs, a trochanteric stabilization plate (TSP) could be added as a supplementary fixation, produced by different companies and in various shapes. We describe a simplified technique using a narrow dynamic compression plate (DCP) (applied anterolaterally or posterolaterally) to act as a preliminary or permanent fracture reduction maintenance tool and serve as a TSP. The technique is simple and affordable, as a narrow DCP is available in most orthopedic operating theaters. Furthermore, this option could be a rescue plan if an original TSP is unavailable or cannot be applied.

Sex-Specific Differences in Sepsis Development in Polytrauma Patients Undergoing Stand-Alone Definitive Surgery

Background and Objectives: In the triaging of polytrauma, patients with less severe injuries and lower somatic stress often undergo isolated definitive orthopedic surgery without damage-control procedures. Adverse events, particularly sepsis, should be minimized. We aimed to identify sex-specific predictors for sepsis in polytrauma patients undergoing stand-alone definitive surgery. Materials and Methods: Our institutional trauma database, containing data from 3653 patients between 1996 and 2022, was filtered for polytrauma patients who underwent definitive surgery, were aged ≥16 years, and had an Injury Severity Score (ISS) ≥16. Injury and physiological parameters were documented upon admission, as well as on the first and second days thereafter. Surgical data were also recorded. All factors were evaluated for their association with sepsis development. Results: Among the 276 patients (71.1% male; mean age 45.0 years, 95% confidence interval 42.7-47.2 years; median ISS of 27, interquartile range, 20-34), the rate of sepsis was 13.8% (n = 38), with a higher incidence in males (16.7%; n = 33) than in females (6.8%; n = 5) (p = 0.026). Head and thorax injuries were more common and severe in septic males, with thorax injuries being predictive. Male patients who developed sepsis also had a higher ISS, an increased heart rate (HR), and lower pH at admission, with ISS and HR being predictive of sepsis. On the first day post-admission, septic males showed higher Base Excess and lower Prothrombin Time. Lactate levels were elevated on both the first and second days post-admission. Surgical predictors for males included less primary extremity surgeries and later secondary spine surgeries. Conclusions: Sepsis is more common in males undergoing stand-alone definitive surgery. Several factors, particularly acidosis and coagulopathy, are associated with this phenomenon. Fewer primary extremity surgeries and delayed secondary spine surgeries were also linked to a higher sepsis risk in males. These findings may help identify patients eligible for stand-alone definitive surgery and underscore the need for more data on female polytrauma patients.

Sex differences in the time trends of sepsis biomarkers following polytrauma

Sepsis is a major cause of death in polytrauma patients, with delayed antibiotics increasing mortality. Although biological sex influences immune function and disease outcomes, gender-specific differences in inflammatory response and sepsis progression remain underexplored. This study examined the time-dependent behavior of C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), and white blood cell count (WBC) in male and female polytrauma patients to evaluate their predictive value for sepsis. Additionally, it compared infection sources between genders. This retrospective cohort study at University Hospital Zurich included polytrauma patients aged ≥ 16 years with an Injury Severity Score (ISS) ≥ 16 who developed sepsis within 31 days of admission. Patients were grouped by sepsis status and gender. Time-dependent inflammatory markers (CRP, PCT, WBC) were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U-test and binary logistic regression. The Closest Top-Left Threshold Method determined time-specific sepsis thresholds. The study included 3059 polytrauma patients (26% females, 74% males), with a median age of 43 and a median ISS of 27. CRP levels were higher in sepsis cases from 24 h in females and 48 h in males, peaking at 122.5 mmol/L (females, 4 days) and 136.5 mmol/L (males, 48 h). PCT differences were significant only in males from 12 h, with a threshold of 1.55 µg/L. WBC levels became significant from day 3 in males and day 4 in females, peaking at 12.82 counts/µL (males) and 13.16 counts/µL (females) on day 10. Pneumonia was the most common infection (70% males, 65% females). Females had more wound infections (27% vs. 18%, p = 0.042) and borderline higher urinary tract infections (22% vs. 14%, p = 0.059). CRP and PCT are standard sepsis markers, but PCT's predictive value varies by gender, and women may show different CRP kinetics. Gender-specific differences in inflammatory markers suggest tailored approaches to enhance diagnostic accuracy and improve sepsis management. Further research is needed to evaluate hormonal and genetic influences on immune responses in polytrauma patients.