[Increasing overhead ressources of the trauma room]

BACKGROUND

Every year up to 35,000 people in Germany are severely injured in accidents in traffic, during work or leisure activities. The 24-h availability of the trauma room as well as surgical and intensive care unit capacities are essential to provide optimal acute care. This study analyzed the frequency of utilization of the resource trauma room in a level I trauma center in the past.

METHODS

Data of a level I trauma center from 2005 to 2016 including trauma room alerts deployed by the rescue coordination center and the number of patients found to be severely injured (ISS ≥ 16) during trauma room diagnostics were analyzed retrospectively. Additionally, alerts due to trauma mechanism, accompanying by the emergency physician, ventilation and resuscitation were evaluated via a web-based interdisciplinary care capacity system (IVENA) from 2012 to 2016. Therefore, a comparison between the number of trauma room alerts and the number of severely injured patients was performed for the time after 2012.

RESULTS

For the time from 2012 to 2016, data obtained by IVENA showed a continuous increase in the number of trauma room alerts (n = 367 to n = 623). At the same time, the number of patients admitted under resuscitation (n = 15 to n = 45) as well as ventilated patients (n = 78 to n = 139) increased significantly; however, there was also an increase in the number of trauma alerts due to trauma mechanisms (n = 84 to n = 194) as well as the number of patients admitted to the trauma room not accompanied by an emergency physician (n = 38 to n = 132). The ratio between the number of trauma room alerts and severely injured patients (ISS ≥ 16) increased from 3.1 in 2012 to 5.4 in 2015 and 4.6 in 2016.

CONCLUSION

The data at hand showed a constant number of severely injured trauma patients admitted to a level I trauma center over the past few years. At the same time, there was a significant increase in utilization of the trauma room; however, in a considerable number of patients admitted to the trauma room the diagnostic process resulted in non-traumatic diagnostic findings. In the analyzed cohort, especially patients admitted to the trauma room due to trauma mechanism or without an accompanying emergency physician contributed to this development, necessitating an increased operational readiness of the trauma room team.

What injuries should we expect in the emergency room?

INTRODUCTION

Beside serious and potentially fatal injuries, the majority of pediatric trauma patients present with minor injuries to emergency departments. The aim of this study was to evaluate age-related injury pattern, trauma mechanism as well as the need for surgery in pediatric patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Retrospective Study from 01/2008 to 12/2012 at a level I trauma center. All patients <18years of age following trauma were included. Injury mechanism, injury pattern as well as need for surgery were analyzed according to different age groups (0-3 years, 4-7 years, 8-12 years and 13-17 years). Major injuries were defined as fractures, dislocations and visceral organ injuries. Minor injuries included contusions and superficial wounds.

RESULTS

Overall, 15300 patients were included (59% male, median age 8 years). A total of 303 patients (2%) were admitted to the resuscitation room and of these, 69 (0.5% of all patients) were multiply injured (median Injury Severity Score (ISS) 20 pts). Major injuries were found in 3953 patients (26%). Minor injuries were documented in 11347 patients (74%). Of those patients with a major injury, 76% (2991 patients) suffered a fracture, 3% (132 patients) a dislocation and 3% (131 patients) an injury of nerves, tendons or ligaments. The majority of fractures were located in the upper extremity (73%) (elbow fractures 16%; radius fractures 16%; finger fractures 14%). Patients with minor injuries presented with head injuries (34%), finger injuries (10%) and injuries of the upper ankle (9%). The most common trauma mechanisms included impact (41%), followed by falls from standing height (24%), sport injuries (15%) and traffic accidents (9%). Overall, 1558 patients (10%) were operated. Of these, 61% had a major and 39% a minor injury.

CONCLUSION

Almost 75% of all children, who presented to the emergency department following trauma revealed minor injuries. However, 25% suffered a relevant, major injury and 0.5% suffered a multiple trauma with a median ISS of 20. Overall, 10% had to be operated. The most frequently found major injuries were extremity fractures, with elbow fractures as the most common fracture.

Epidemiology and outcome of penetrating injuries in a Western European urban region

PURPOSE

Severe life-threatening injuries in Western Europe are mostly caused by blunt trauma. However, penetrating trauma might be more common in urban regions, but their characteristics have not been fully elucidated.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of data from patients admitted to our urban university level I trauma center between 2008 and 2013 with suspicion of severe multiple injuries. Collection of data was performed prospectively using a PC-supported online documentation program including epidemiological, clinical and outcome parameters.

RESULTS

Out of 2095 trauma room patients admitted over the 6-year time period 194 (9.3 %) suffered from penetrating trauma. The mean Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 12.3 ± 14.1 points. In 62.4 % (n = 121) the penetrating injuries were caused by interpersonal violence or attempted suicide, 98 of these by stabbing and 23 by firearms. We observed a widespread injury pattern where mainly head, thorax and abdomen were afflicted. Subgroup analysis for self-inflicted injuries showed higher ISS (19.8 ± 21.8 points) than for blunt trauma (15.5 ± 14.6 points). In 82.5 % of all penetrating trauma a surgical treatment was performed, 43.8 % of the patients received intensive care unit treatment with mean duration of 7.4 ± 9.3 days. Immediate emergency surgical treatment had to be performed in 8.0 vs. 2.3 % in blunt trauma (p < 0.001). Infectious complications of the penetrating wounds were observed in 7.8 %.

CONCLUSIONS

Specific characteristics of penetrating trauma in urban regions can be identified. Compared to nationwide data, penetrating trauma was more frequent in our collective (9.3 vs. 5.0 %), which may be due to higher crime rates in urban areas. Especially, self-inflicted penetrating trauma often results in most severe injuries.

The effect of brain injury on the inflammatory response following severe trauma

INTRODUCTION

The inflammatory response is an important part of the pathophysiology of severe injury and, in particular, of severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). This study evaluates the inflammatory course following major trauma and focuses on the effect of severe TBI on inflammatory markers.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data in 123 severely injured (ISS ≥16) trauma patients. The study cohort was divided into patients with isolated TBI (Head AIS ≥3, all other AIS <3), polytraumatized patients with severe TBI (Head AIS ≥3; AIS of other body area ≥3; Polytrauma+TBI) and polytraumatized patients without TBI (Head AIS <3; Polytrauma). Levels of inflammatory markers (Interleukin-6 [IL-6], C-reactive Protein [CRP], leukocytes) measured upon arrival and through hospital days 1-3 were compared between the groups.

RESULTS

On admission and through hospital day 3, IL-6 levels were significantly different between the 3 groups (admission: isolated TBI vs. Polytrauma+TBI vs. Polytrauma; 94±16 vs. 149±20 vs. 245±50pg/mL; p<0.05). Interleukin-6 levels peaked on hospital day 1 and declined thereafter. C-reactive protein and leukocyte counts were not significantly different between the cohorts on arrival and peaked on hospital day 2 and 1, respectively. In patients with severe TBI, admission IL-6 levels significantly predicted the development of septic complications (ROC analysis, AUC: 0.88, p=0.001, 95% CI: 0.79-0.97) and multiple organ dysfunction (ROC analysis, AUC: 0.83, p=0.001, 95% CI: 0.69-0.96).

CONCLUSION

Severe TBI reduced the inflammatory response following trauma. Significant correlations between admission IL-6 values and the development of MOF, sepsis and the neurological outcome were found in patients with TBI.

Management of Bleeding Pelvic Fractures

INTRODUCTION

In patients with severe pelvic fractures, exsanguinating hemorrhage represents the major cause of death within the first 24 h. Despite advances in management, the mortality rate in these patients remains significantly high. Recently, multiple treatment algorithms have been proposed for patients with severe pelvic fractures; however, the optimal modalities in particular in the hemodynamically unstable patient are still a matter of lively debate.This review article focuses on the recent body of knowledge on the different treatment options in patients with severe pelvic fractures and proposes the possible role of each modality in the management of these patients.

METHODS

The MEDLINE database was searched for medical literature addressing the management of severe pelvic fractures with specific attention given to recent, clinically relevant publications.

RESULTS

Angiography and embolization have emerged as excellent methods for addressing arterial bleeding. Mechanical pelvic stabilization and surgical hemostasis by pelvic packing, on the other hand, may effectively control venous bleeding and bleeding from the fractured bony surface. However, since there is no precise way to determine the major source of bleeding that is responsible for the hemodynamic instability, controversy remains over the timing and optimal order of angiography, mechanical pelvic stabilization, and packing.

CONCLUSIONS

The author's own approach to these patients includes angiographic embolization as a first-line treatment only in hemodynamically stable patients with an arterial blush seen in the computed tomography scan, indicating acute arterial bleeding. Hemodynamically unstable patients are immediately transferred to the operating room, where pelvic packing and mechanical stabilization of the pelvic ring are carried out. Optionally, a subsequent postoperative angio-embolization is performed if signs of further bleeding remain present.

[Importance of the correct placement of the pelvic binder for stabilisation of haemodynamically compromised patients]

A 36-year-old motorcyclist sustained multiple severe injuries in a motorcycle accident. The leading injury was a type B open-book pelvic fracture, resulting in a relevant haemodynamic instability. Due to an initial misplacement of the pelvic binder (Samsling®) by the paramedics in the field, a sufficient compression of the fracture and stabilisation of the haemodynamic situation could not be obtained. After repositioning of the pelvic binder in the emergency room, the pelvis was adequately stabilised, leading to a transient stabilisation of the haemorrhagic shock. This example illustrates the benefit of a simple and effective tool for the initial stabilisation of pelvic fractures in haemodynamically compromised patients and in particular the importance of the correct placement of the pelvic binder.

The changing epidemiology of spinal trauma: a 13-year review from a Level I trauma centre

INTRODUCTION

Spinal injuries secondary to trauma are a major cause of patient morbidity and a source of significant health care expenditure. Increases in traffic safety standards and improved health care resources may have changed the characteristics and incidence of spinal injury. The purpose of this study was to review a single metropolitan Level I trauma centre's experience to assess the changing characteristics and incidence of traumatic spinal injuries and spinal cord injuries (SCI) over a 13-year period.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective review of patients admitted to a Level I trauma centre between 1996 and 2008 was performed. Patients with spinal fractures and SCI were identified. Demographics, mechanism of injury, level of spinal injury and Injury Severity Score (ISS) were extracted. The outcomes assessed were the incidence rate of SCI and in-hospital mortality.

RESULTS

Over the 13-year period, 5.8% of all trauma patients suffered spinal fractures, with 21.7% of patients with spinal injuries having SCI. Motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) were responsible for the majority of spinal injuries (32.6%). The mortality rate due to spinal injury decreased significantly over the study period despite a constant mean ISS. The incidence rate of SCI also decreased over the years, which was paralleled by a significant reduction in MVA associated SCI (from 23.5% in 1996 to 14.3% in 2001 to 6.7% in 2008). With increasing age there was an increase in spinal injuries; frequency of blunt SCI; and injuries at multiple spinal levels.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated a reduction in mortality attributable to spinal injury. There has been a marked reduction in SCI due to MVAs, which may be related to improvements in motor vehicle safety and traffic regulations. The elderly population was more likely to suffer SCI, especially by blunt injury, and at multiple levels. Underlying reasons may be anatomical, physiological or mechanism related.

Thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) is enhanced in major trauma patients without infectious complications

BACKGROUND

Infectious complications frequently occur after major trauma, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. Thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI), a procarboxypeptidase in plasma, plays a dual role in regulating both coagulation and inflammation. Activated TAFI (TAFIa) has broad anti-inflammatory properties due to its inactivation of active inflammatory mediators (anaphylatoxins C3a and C5a, bradykinin, osteopontin).

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to determine if TAFI plays a role in the development of inflammatory complications after major trauma.

PATIENTS/METHODS

Upon arrival at the emergency department (ED), plasma levels of TAFI and TAFIa were measured in 26 multiple traumatized patients for 10 consecutive days. Systemic levels of inflammatory mediators, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP) and leukocytes were determined.

RESULTS

Fifteen patients developed pneumonia and/or sepsis (compl) and 11 had no complications (wo compl). Overall injury severity and age were comparable in both groups. Complications occurred approximately 5 days after trauma. IL-6 increased on day 5, whereas CRP, PCT and leukocytes started to increase on day 6 in the compl-group. Upon arrival at the ED and on days 1 and 4, TAFI levels were significantly lower in the compl-group compared to the wo compl-group (p=0.0215). Similarly, TAFIa was significantly lower on day 4 in the compl-group than in the wo compl-group (p=0.049).

CONCLUSIONS

This pilot study shows that TAFI levels are inversely correlated with inflammation-associated development of complications after major trauma.

Resuscitative emergency thoracotomy in a Swiss trauma centre

BACKGROUND

Resuscitative emergency thoracotomy (ET) is performed as a salvage manoeuvre for selected patients with trauma. However, reports from European trauma centres are scarce.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was undertaken of injured patients who underwent resuscitative ET in the emergency department (ED) or operating room (OR) between January 1996 and September 2008. Survival in the ED and to hospital discharge was analysed using logistic regression.

RESULTS

During the study interval 121 patients required a resuscitative thoracotomy, of which 49 (40·5 per cent) were performed in the ED and 72 (59·5 per cent) in the OR. Patients in the OR had higher blood pressure on arrival (median 110 versus 60 mmHg; P < 0·001), were less often in severe haemorrhagic shock (63 versus 94 per cent; P < 0·001), had fewer serious head injuries (Abbreviated Injury Score of 3 or above in 33 versus 53 per cent; P = 0·031) and more often had a penetrating stab wound as the dominating mechanism (25 versus 10 per cent; P = 0·042) compared with those in the ED. Ten patients (20 per cent) survived to hospital discharge after ED thoracotomy, compared with 53 (74 per cent) of those treated in the OR. Penetrating injury and Glasgow Coma Scale score above 8 were independent predictors of hospital survival following ED thoracotomy. No patient with a blunt injury and no detectable signs of life on admission survived. Three of 26 patients with blunt trauma and signs of life on admission survived to hospital discharge.

CONCLUSION

Resuscitative ET may be life-saving in selected patients. Location of the procedure is dictated by injury severity and vital parameters. Outcome is best when signs of life are present on admission, even for blunt injuries.