European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery最新文献

Purpose: Trauma is known as a leading cause of mortality and injury related disability globally. In South Africa (SA) the socioeconomic burden of trauma is magnified as the working age is most affected. The aim of this study was to describe the proportion of major trauma survivors who returned to work (RTW) during a 6-month period post hospital discharge and to identify the factors associated with the RTW outcome.

Methods: This was a prospective observational cohort study involving major trauma survivors from a private level 1 trauma centre intensive care unit in SA between January and September 2022. RTW status was assessed using the Employment Questionnaire. Univariate and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression was used in analysis.

Results: Sixty-four of the 86 participants (74.4%) RTW at six months post hospital discharge. RTW had a median time of 16 weeks. After adjusting and backwards analysis, Chelsea Critical Care Physical assessment tool scores (adjusted hazard ratio (AHR), 1.06, 95% CI 1.01-1.10, p = 0.007), and not having applied/received any form of grants (AHR 2.26, 95% CI 1.35-3.77, p = 0.002) were the only factors that were associated with the RTW outcome.

Conclusion: The cumulative probability of no RTW was 25.6% among participants after 24 weeks. Higher physical function at ICU discharge and not seeking any form of compensation was associated with a higher probability of RTW. This study has highlighted the complexities of RTW and the socioeconomic burden following major trauma. There is therefore a need for further studies on RTW following major trauma in SA.

Background: Haemorrhage remains the leading cause of preventable mortality following trauma, often aggravated by the acidosis, hypothermia and coagulopathy-the lethal triad of trauma. However, the impact of trauma-induced hypocalcemia on the haemorrhage remains unclear. It is intuitive to consider perturbations of ionised calcium early during trauma resuscitation in acutely injured patients given its pathophysiological significance for an improved outcome. Thus, we conducted a prospective study to analyse the role of ionized calcium ion levels during trauma resuscitation and its association with the need for blood transfusion(s) requirement and mortality.

Methods: A prospective study was conducted on acutely injured patients with haemorrhage getting admitted to a Level 1 trauma center in India between September 2020 and June 2022. Ionised calcium was measured on arrival, after 6 h, and on day two of the injury to assess the prevalence. The amount of blood transfusion received by the patient was noted along with other demographic and in-hospital details. The association of hypocalcemia with blood transfusion and mortality was also evaluated.

Results: Of the 1961 patients screened for eligibility, 200 patients were recruited and analysed. 72.5% of patients were hypocalcaemic on emergency department (ED) admission. Ionized hypocalcaemia was significantly associated with the need for blood transfusion(s) (p-value < 0.01). A significant association was also noted between ionized hypocalcaemia and mortality (p-value: 0.0085). On the univariate and multivariable analysis, ionized hypocalcaemia was a significant predictor of mortality.

Conclusions: Ionized hypocalcaemia is widely prevalent among acutely injured. Trauma-induced hypocalcaemia at admission is associated with increased need for blood transfusions and increased mortality.

Background: The standard approach for addressing intra-articular calcaneal fractures involves open reduction with plate and screw fixation, with ongoing discourse regarding the application of grafts to address bone gaps. The aim of this study is the temporal comparison of the radiological and functional outcomes in patients undergoing surgery for intra-articular calcaneal fractures, with a specific focus on the use of bone grafts.

Methods: Thirty patients, comprising 13 with iliac grafts and 17 without, were enrolled in the study. Preoperative and postoperative assessments included Gissane and Böhler angles, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores, American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle hindfoot scale, and Kellgreen-Lawrance subtalar arthrosis stages. The average follow-up period was 6.7 years, ranging from a minimum of 3.5 to a maximum of 10 years.

Results: The Böhler angle exhibited a significant increase (p < 0.001), while the Gissane angle did not show significant changes in the early postoperative period across the entire study group (p = 0.1). Graft-treated patients demonstrated a significantly higher Böhler angle in the early and late postoperative periods compared to preoperative values (p = 0.04, p = 0.05). Similarly, patients without grafts exhibited a significantly higher Böhler angle in the early and late postoperative periods compared to preoperative values (p = 0.004, p = 0.002). No significant differences were observed between periods in Gissane measurements (p = 0.3), VAS scores, AOFAS scores, and the development of subtalar arthrosis in both grafted and non-grafted patients.

Conclusions: Evaluation of patients with calcaneal fractures, both with and without grafts, was conducted using Böhler and Gissane angles, VAS scores, AOFAS scores, and the development of fracture union and subtalar arthrosis, assessing preoperative, early, and late postoperative periods. No significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of clinical and radiological outcomes during mid-to long-term follow-up.

Level of evidence: A retrospective cohort study.

Purpose: This study aims to identify predictors of discharge to post-acute care in geriatric emergency general surgery (EGS) patients.

Methods: This is a retrospective study of geriatric emergency general surgery (EGS) patients at a tertiary care facility between 2017 and 2018. Inclusion criteria were ≥ 65 years old and presented directly from home. Non-survivors or those admitted from a healthcare facility were excluded. The primary outcome was discharge to home versus post-acute care.

Results: Out of 577 patients, the median age was 74, and 36.9% were discharged to a post-acute care facility. Factors predicting discharge to post-acute care were: mobility aid use (1.92, [1.19-3.11], p = 0.008), cerebrovascular accident (4.67, [1.99-10.94], p < 0.001), delirium (11.06, [2.29-53.43], p = 0.003), pre-operative transfusion (2.39, [1.13-5.08], p = 0.023), fall history (3.74, [1.90-7.36], p < 0.001), AKI (5.42, [2.61-11.25], p < 0.001), and lack of capacity to consent (4.11, [2.10-8.02], p < 0.001). Non-operative management was protective against discharge to post-acute care (0.38, [0.24-0.60], p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Early recognition of the role of these factors in influencing discharge disposition may help with clinical decision-making and discharge planning.

Purpose: Perioperative metabolic acidosis negatively affects patient outcomes. Perioperative fluid therapy has a clinically significant effect on acid-base balance. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of isotonic sodium bicarbonate infusion (ISB) versus balanced crystalloid solution (BCS) on perioperative acid-base balance, in terms of postoperative base excess, among patients undergoing emergency laparotomy for perforation peritonitis.

Methods: This prospective, randomized, single-center, double-blinded study was conducted in a tertiary hospital from October 2021 to November 2022. A total of 90 patients undergoing emergency laparotomy for perforation peritonitis were randomly assigned to receive either isotonic sodium bicarbonate (ISB) or Ringer's Lactate as a balanced crystalloid solution (BCS) for perioperative maintenance fluid therapy. The primary outcome was to compare the base excess (BE) at the end of surgery. The secondary outcomes were to compare the postoperative clinical outcomes, including the requirement of vasopressors, duration of mechanical ventilation, HDU/ICU stay, the incidence of AKI within seven days, the incidence of re-exploration, and in-hospital mortality. Additionally, pH, PaCO2, HCO3, BE, and lactates intraoperatively and up to 24 h postoperatively were also compared.

Results: The median base excess (BE) values at the end of surgery were significantly better in the ISB group - 4.80 [- 6.80, - 4.10] as compared to the BCS group - 7.30 [- 8.50, - 6.30]. The ISB group had a lower incidence of postoperative AKI (9% ISB versus 24% BCS) and requirement of vasopressors (18% ISB versus 44% BCS). However, there was no major difference between the incidence of re-exploration, length of ICU/HDU stay, and in-hospital mortality.

Conclusion: Infusing isotonic sodium bicarbonate (ISB) for intraoperative maintenance fluid therapy in patients undergoing emergency laparotomy for perforation peritonitis significantly improves perioperative acid-base balance with better postoperative clinical outcomes compared to a balanced crystalloid solution (BCS).

Background: Haemorrhagic shock is the leading cause of preventable death among trauma patients. Early detection of severe haemorrhage is essential for initiating timely resuscitation and mobilizing resources for massive transfusion (MT) protocols and damage control procedures. This study aimed to assess the predictive value of prehospital haemoglobin (Hb) levels for the need for transfusion at admission, the presence of haemorrhagic shock (HS), and the necessity for MT or haemostatic surgery. Additionally, the study sought to compare the diagnostic accuracy of Hb with established multiparametric scores such as TASH, ABC, Red Flag, and Shock Index (SI).

Methods: This retrospective, single-centre study was conducted at the Military Teaching Hospital (HIA) Sainte Anne, Toulon, France, a Level 1 trauma centre, from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2022. Trauma patients older than 16 years, with an Injury Severity Score (ISS) ≥ 15, and at least one prehospital Hb measurement were included. The primary outcome was the predictive ability of Hb for the need for transfusion at admission. Secondary outcomes included the prediction of HS, MT, and haemostatic surgery, compared to TASH, ABC, Red Flag, and SI scores.

Results: Among 2731 trauma patients, 1040 had an ISS ≥ 15 and at least one prehospital Hb measurement. Of these, 227 (21.8%) exhibited HS. Hb levels predicted the need for transfusion at admission with an AUC of 0.82. Hb, along with TASH, ABC, Red Flag, and SI, significantly predicted HS, MT, and haemostatic surgery. Using a cut-off value of 11.45 g/dL, Hb predicted the need for transfusion in 79% of cases.

Conclusion: Prehospital Hb levels are as effective as established multiparametric scores in predicting the need for transfusion, HS, MT, and haemostatic surgery. Due to its simplicity and practicality, Hb can serve as an alternative to complex scoring systems in prehospital settings, potentially improving triage and treatment outcomes in civilian and military trauma care.

Background: The number of patients with hip and femoral fractures is increasing and is expected to further increase in upcoming years due to the ageing population and the life expectancy of the general population. In this analysis, we aimed to systematically assess the post-operative complications associated with the pre-operative use of Aspirin in patients undergoing surgery for hip or femoral fracture.

Methods: Common online databases: Google Scholar, Web of Science, MEDLINE, Cochrane database, EMBASE ( www.sciencedirect.com ), and http://www.

Clinicaltrials: gov were searched for English-based studies which reported post-operative outcomes in patients with versus without the use of Aspirin prior to surgery for hip or femoral fracture. The endpoints of this analysis included cerebro-vascular attack, acute coronary syndrome/cardiovascular complications, hematoma, deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, patients requiring blood transfusion, bleeding events, and in-hospital mortality. RevMan software 5.4 was the statistical software used for this meta-analysis. Risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) was used to represent the post-analytical result.

Results: A total number of 2823 participants were included in this analysis whereby 821 were assigned to Aspirin prior to surgery. Results of this analysis showed that post-operatively the risk of cerebrovascular attack (RR: 1.62, 95% CI 0.29-9.20; P = 0.58), cardiovascular complication (RR: 1.86, 95% CI 0.62-5.52; P = 0.27), pulmonary embolism (RR: 2.45, 95% CI 0.77-7.77; P = 0.13), bleeding events (RR: 1.24, 95% CI 0.39-3.96; P = 0.71), and in-hospital mortality (RR: 0.95, 95% CI 0.47-1.91; P = 0.89) were not significantly higher in those patients who were and who were not taking Aspirin pre-operatively. The risk of deep venous thrombosis (RR: 1.82, 95% CI 0.23-14.60; P = 0.57), hematoma formation (RR: 1.57, 95% CI 0.11-21.49; P = 0.74) and patients requiring blood transfusion post-operatively (RR: 1.22, 95% CI 0.99-1.52; P = 0.07) were not significantly different in patients who were on Aspirin and those who were not on Aspirin pre-operatively.

Conclusion: The post-operative complications associated with the pre-operative use of Aspirin in patients undergoing surgery for hip or femoral fracture were apparently not significantly different when compared to patients who were not on Aspirin. Therefore, Aspirin should not be considered an absolute contraindication in patients undergoing surgery for hip or femoral fracture. Hence, an early or emergency surgery for hip or femoral neck fracture in patients on Aspirin therapy should apparently not pose any problem. Further larger trials should be able to confirm this hypothesis.

Background: Isolated posterior malleolar (PM) fractures are rare fractures without consensus regarding treatment decisions and functional outcomes. The study aims to compare the clinical and radiological results of patients treated surgically or conservatively for isolated PM fractures.

Methods: The study included 30 patients who presented with an isolated PM fracture and were treated conservatively (n = 15) or with surgery (n = 15). The two groups were compared regarding demographic data, clinical results, and radiological outcomes. The effect of PM fragment size covering less than or more than 25% of the joint surface on clinical and radiological outcomes was also evaluated.

Results: The Ankle Fracture Scoring System (AFSS), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and satisfaction scores of the patients in the surgical group were determined to be better than those of the conservatively treated group (p = 0.015, p = 0.029, p = 0.021). A higher rate of osteochondral lesion (OCL) in the talus was observed in the surgical group (p = 0.007). In the patients with fracture size > 25%, the AFSS-1, VAS, and patient satisfaction scores were found to be better in the surgical group than in the conservative group (p = 0.004, p = 0.036, p = 0.014), with no difference determined between the groups in respect of the OCL rate.

Conclusion: Independently of the fracture size, surgical treatment of patients with PM fracture provides better clinical results. It does not change the joint ROM however may increase the OCL rate. While surgical treatment does not affect the clinical results in patients with a fracture size smaller than 25%, it positively affects the clinical results in patients with a larger fracture size.

Level of evidence: Level IV, retrospective cohort study.

Background and importance: Traumatic intracranial hemorrhage (tICH) after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is not uncommon in the elderly. Often, these patients are admitted to the hospital for observation. The necessity of admission in the absence of clinically important intracranial injuries is however unclear.

Objectives: The objective of this study is to identify which factors additional to tICH affect the risk of this outcome and to evaluate the differences in the risk of adverse outcome in younger and older mTBI patients with tICH.

Design, setting, and participants: This retrospective study assessed adult (≥ 16 years) mTBI patients with tICH admitted to a Level 1 trauma center between January 2017 and October 2020.

Outcome measures and analysis: Patients were stratified into two groups, age < 65 years and age ≥ 65 years. Adverse outcome due to tICH was assessed using a composite adverse outcome which comprised either, a drop in GCS by more than 1 point, progression of or new neurological deficits, seizure activity, progression of tICH on repeated neuroimaging after clinical deterioration, a neurosurgical intervention, a readmission within three months of injury related to TBI, or death. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of the composite adverse outcome.

Main results: In total, 332 mTBI patients with tICH were enrolled in our study. Older mTBI patients with tICH met the criteria for the composite adverse outcome significantly more often than younger patients (12.6% 95% CI 8.0-17.0% vs. 4.9%, 95% CI 1.0-9.0%, p = 0.033). The univariate analysis showed that a neurological deficit (OR 6.55, 95% CI 2.37-18.08) or a SDH on admission (OR 3.13, 95% CI 1.40-6.99) was positively associated with the composite adverse outcome in older patients. The presence of isolated traumatic SAH (tSAH) was associated with a decreased risk of the composite adverse outcome (OR 0.10, 95% CI 0.01-0.71). Multivariate analysis was not possible.

Conclusion: Serious adverse outcomes are frequently observed in older mTBI patients with tICH. Nonetheless, our findings suggest that older patients with an isolated tSAH are at low-risk for deterioration and may be directly discharged from the ED after a short period of observation.

Background: Rib and sternum fractures are common injuries associated with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The fracture mechanism is either direct by application of force on sternum and anterior ribs or indirect by bending through compression of the thorax. The aim of this study was to determine morphologies of rib fractures after CPR and to reevaluate prior findings on fracture localisation, type and degree of dislocation.

Methods: The present study was based on all inpatients treated for chest wall fractures after non traumatic cardiac arrest at a Level 1 Trauma Centre from 2010 to 2016 who had received CT scans. Each fracture was analyzed for location, degree of dislocation and fracture type classified according to AO/OTA and CWIS. We also analysed Fracture Line orientation.

Results: We enrolled 40 patients with a total of 423 rib fractures. We found most fractures anterolaterally between the 3rd to 6th rib symmetrically on both sides of the thorax. We found sternum fractures in 30% of the patients, 50% being located at the at the corpus sterni between rib 3 and 4. All patients with sternum fractures suffered from rib fractures and most had fractures of the cartilage or osteochondral junction. All cartilage fractures were straight, undisplaced type A fractures. Most indirect fractures occurred anterolaterally between 50 and 60° in the axial plane. More than 90% of those fractures were classified as type A, 70% showed a straight fracture line and 60% were undisplaced. There was no difference in degree of dislocation between straight and oblique fracture lines. We found 143 incomplete fractures.

Conclusion: We confirmed prior findings regarding fracture patterns in CPR related injuries. We observed approximately 2-3 times as many straight-lined fractures as oblique ones following indirect trauma. One third of all fractures are incomplete, these highlights the special characteristics like high elasticity of ribs.