Distribution Patterns of Severe Pediatric Trauma: Mandated vs. Non-Mandated Trauma Systems

Objective: To identify how hospital discharge data could discriminate the distribution patterns of high-risk trauma children in mandated and non-mandated trauma systems. Methods: Hospital discharge data of pediatric trauma patients 1 - 15 years of age in Florida (FL), USA—[a mature mandated trauma system with certified trauma centers (TCs)] and in Indiana (IN), USA—(an immature non-mandated trauma system) admitted both to trauma center (TC) and non-TC healthcare facilities were analyzed. The injury severity score (ISS) measurement was used to verify injury severities. Results: Analysis showed that the majority of admissions were mild injuries (ISS = 1 - 8), [FL 70%, IN 66%, odds ratio (OR) 1.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1, 1.3]. Florida trauma children (all severities) generally receive TC care more frequently than Indiana’s (OR = 1.8, CI 1.6 - 1.9). Particularly admission to TCs with severe (ISS ≥ 25) pelvic injury was greater in Florida (OR 3.5, CI 1.6 - 7.4). Florida, encountered some other severe injury mechanisms (motor vehicle accidents, falls) more frequently than Indiana (ORs and CI: 2.2, 1.5 - 3.3 and 3.1, 1.1 - 8.7, respectively). Conclusions: Hospital discharge data can demonstrate the expected patient distribution difference when comparing a mature trauma system with a voluntary evolving system. The level of maturity of the adopted trauma system often influences such difference.

The Association between Perceived Injustice Following Traumatic Injury and Its Impact on Pain-Related, Mental Health and Functional Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review

Background: There is growing evidence suggesting that those who suffer traumatic injury display high levels of perceived injustice which impedes their recovery, both physically and mentally. Aim: The aim of this systematic review was to examine the association between perceived injustice and pain-related, mental health and functional outcomes in patients who have suffered a traumatic injury. Methods: In May 2023, a systematic review of the literature was performed on the electronic databases of PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, and the Cochrane Database of Systemic Reviews. Papers were collected and analysed as per PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews. The outcomes of interest were pain intensity, pain interference, disability, depression, anxiety, and quality of life. The initial search identified 59 papers. Of these papers, five studies met the inclusion criteria and were subsequently analysed (N = 1172). Each of the papers was published in peer-reviewed journals in the English language. Individuals with pain or pathology prior to the trauma and those who were not hospitalised following the trauma were excluded from the study. Results: Of the papers reviewed, each study indicated significant associations between perceived injustice and pain, disability, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as reduced return to work status. Conclusion: This systematic review investigated the relationship between perceived injustice and pain-related, mental health, and functional outcomes in trauma patients. The results highlight the negative role that perceived injustice has on recovery following traumatic injury. Further, it provokes the need for future research regarding the implementation of therapeutic interventions and the development of predictive models of injustice.

An overview of the American trauma system

The American trauma system is designed to provide an organized response to injury. It draws its foundations from lessons learned from America＇s involvement in the wars of the 20th century as well as principles developed in urban community hospitals. Although run at the local and state government level, it is guided by national societies and has become a world class example. It also currently faces challenges with declining reimbursement and providing equal access to care for all Americans. Professional societies and legislative bodies are continuing to work together for fair and equitable solutions to these issues.

Trauma systems in Canada:striving for quality across an expansive landmass

Although Canada has a universal health care program that provides free in-hospital services to all citizens,its vast landmass and nonstandardized prehospital and posthospital systems make delivering quality trauma care challenging,particularly to resource-limited rural regions.This article summarizes the strengths of the prehospital system,facility-based care,trauma network,trauma registry,rehabilitation,and governance/financing/quality assurance components of Canada’s trauma system.Future directions,including the use of telemedicine,standardization of practices,and resource optimization,are also explored.Canada’s trauma system is well developed,yet geography impedes equitable access.More standardization and resource optimization are needed.

The national major trauma system within the United Kingdom: inclusive regionalized networks of care

The United Kingdom has a population of 67 million people and is divided into 4 nations:England,Wales,Scotland,and the North of Ireland.Healthcare is provided free to all within each nation via the National Health Service(NHS),which is funded by taxes and national insurance payments.Each year,there are approximately 22,000 casesof“major trauma”in the UK across the four nations.Prior to 2010,trauma patients in the UK were managed at any acute hospital with an Emergency Department,irrespective of resource availability or clinical experience and expertise.In the late 2000s,national reports identified significant variation or serious failings in the organization of UK trauma care.These reports,together with political drivers for centralized services,led to the formation of the national major trauma system made up of regional trauma networks.England was the first nation to implement the systemin 2012 and this re-organization of major trauma care was asso ciated with a 19% increase in the odds of survivalfor patients who reached hospital alive.This paper will provide an overview of the positive attributes and challenges within 6 key components of the national trauma system:pre-hospital care,facility-based care,trauma networks,the trauma registries,rehabilitation and governance,financing,and quality assurance.

United States trauma system: Maryland focus

Traumatic injury is a public health epidemic within the United States.The growth of trauma systems within the United States has saved countless lives as trauma care continues to improve nationally.This article briefly looks at the history of trauma systems with in the United States,focusing on the Maryland system,one of the nation’s first statewide,regionalized and organized trauma systems.

Israeli trauma system: on constant alert

A trauma system is a chain of activities to provide quality response to the injured from the site of injury to the appropriate hospital and rehabilitation.Israel has a unique trauma system developed from the experience gained in peace and in war.It is characterized by a central national organization responsible for management,coordination,and ongoing quality control.Because of the unique situation,the Israeli Defense Forceshas a significant role in the system.In order to develop an effective trauma system,it is important to devote sufficient resources in education,training,motivation,team-work,and creation of public volunteers for capacity building.An effective trauma system manages mass casualty incidence(MCI)better.System quickly reorganized in order to accommodate the sudden needs of patients with coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19),while being able to maintain the routine surgical and medical requirements of the community.The aim of this article is to present the main components of the Israeli trauma model.

Effect of angioembolisation versus surgical packing on mortality in traumatic pelvic haemorrhage: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: The management of complex pattern of bleeding associated with pelvic trauma remains a big challenge for trauma surgeons. We aimed to conduct a comprehensive meta-analysis to compare the outcomes of angioembolisation and pelvic packing in patients with pelvic trauma.METHODS: We conducted a systematic search of electronic information sources, including MEDLINE; EMBASE; CINAHL; the CENTRAL; the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry; Clinical Trials.gov; ISRCTN Register, and bibliographic reference lists. The primary outcome was defined as mortality. Combined overall effect sizes were calculated using randomeffects models. Results are reported as the odds ratio(OR) and 95% confidence interval(CI).RESULTS: We identified 3 observational studies reporting a total of 120 patients undergoing angioembolisation(n=60) or pelvic packing(n=60) for pelvic trauma. Reporting of the Injury Severity Score(ISS) was variable, with higher ISS in the pelvic packing group. The risk of bias was low in two studies, and moderate in one. The pooled analysis demonstrated that angioembolisation did not significantly reduce mortality in patients with pelvic trauma compared to surgery(OR=1.99; 95% CI= 0.83–4.78, P=0.12). There was mild between-study heterogeneity(I^2=0%, P=0.65).CONCLUSION: Our analysis found no significant difference in mortality between angioembolisation and pelvic packing in patients with traumatic pelvic haemorrhage. The current level of evidence in this context is very limited and insufficient to support the superiority of a treatment modality. Future research is required.

Use of three-dimensional printing in preoperative planning in orthopaedic trauma surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND With the increasing complexity of surgical interventions performed in orthopaedic trauma surgery and the improving technologies used in threedimensional(3D)printing,there has been an increased interest in the concept.It has been shown that 3D models allow surgeons to better visualise anatomy,aid in planning and performing complex surgery.It is however not clear how best to utilise the technique and whether this results in better outcomes.AIM To evaluate the effect of 3D printing used in pre-operative planning in orthopaedic trauma surgery on clinical outcomes.METHODS We performed a comprehensive systematic review of the literature and a metaanalysis.Medline,Ovid and Embase were searched from inception to February 8,2018.Randomised controlled trials,case-control studies,cohort studies and case series of five patients or more were included across any area of orthopaedic trauma.The primary outcomes were operation time,intra-operative blood loss and fluoroscopy used.RESULTS Seventeen studies(922 patients)met our inclusion criteria and were reviewed.The use of 3D printing across all specialties in orthopaedic trauma surgery demonstrated an overall reduction in operation time of 19.85%[95%confidence intervals(CI):(-22.99,-16.71)],intra-operative blood loss of 25.73%[95%CI:(-31.07,-20.40)],and number of times fluoroscopy was used by 23.80%[95%CI:(-38.49,-9.10)].CONCLUSION Our results suggest that the use of 3D printing in pre-operative planning in orthopaedic trauma reduces operative time,intraoperative blood loss and the number of times fluoroscopy is used.

Systemic analysis of pre-hospital trauma emergency treatment in Zhengzhou

Objective: To analyze the data of pre-hospital emergency treatment in zhengzhou from 2007 to 2016, and evaluate the current situation of pre-hospital trauma emergency treatment, in order to provide a scientific basis for effective use of first aid resources and enhance success rate of trauma emergency treatment. Methods: Retrospective analysis was conducted based on pre-hospital emergency resources of Zhengzhou Emergency Medical Rescue Center from 2007 to 2016. Results: The total number of pre-hospital emergency treatment cases was 9305687 from 2007 to 2016 in Zhengzhou, of which 418882 were trauma cases. The top five causes of injury were traffic accident injury, cutting injury, beating injury, crushing injury and falling injury. The top five emergency treatments used were oxygen, hemostasis, dressing and fixation, fluid supplementation, analgesics and sputum aspiration. According to different directions of diagnosis, the pre-hospital emergency patients were divided into four groups:emergency treatment group, emergency observation group, admission to general ward group and admission to ICU group. There was no statistical difference in the ages among the four groups (P>0.05). There were significantly statistical differences in gender composition among the four groups, with more males than females (P<0.01). Significant statistical differences also showed in CRAMS scores among the four groups (P<0.01). Before and after the training of primary trauma care, there was no significant difference in the constituent ratio of the trauma (P>0.05), but the mortality of the trauma, the average arrival time, and the mean treatment time were significantly different (P<0.01). Conclusions: The number of pre-hospital emergency trauma patients increased year by year, but the constituent ratio changed little. CRAMS score is important for the patients triage. Through the training of primary trauma care, the constituent ratio of death was reduced, and the average treatment time was shortened.

Visual outcomes in patients with open globe injuries compared to predicted outcomes using the Ocular Trauma Scoring system

AIMTo determine the visual outcomes in adult patients who sustained open globe injuries and to determine whether the visual prognosis following an eye injury in an African setting differs from the predicted outcomes according to the Ocular Trauma Score (OTS) study. A secondary aim was to establish the evisceration rate for these injuries and assess how this form of intervention affected outcomes in comparison to the OTS.METHODSA prospective case series of all patients admitted with open globe injuries over a two-year (July 2009 to June 2011) period. Injuries were scored using the OTS and the surgical intervention was recorded. The best corrected visual acuity at three months was regarded as visual outcome.RESULTSThere were 249 open globe injuries, of which 169 patients (169 eyes) completed the 3-month follow-up. All patients underwent primary surgery, 175 (70.3%) repairs, 61 (24.5%) eviscerations and 13 (5.2%) other procedures. Globe eviscerations were mainly done on OTS Category 1 cases, but outcomes in this category were not found to be different from OTS outcomes. Outcomes were significantly worse in Category 2, but when the entire distribution was tested, the differences were not statistically significant. The overall association between OTS outcomes and the final visual outcomes in this study was found to be a strong (P&#x0003c;0.005).CONCLUSIONReliable information regarding the expected outcomes of eye injuries will influence management decisions and patient expectations. The OTS is a valuable tool, the use of which has been validated in many parts of the world-it may also be a valid predictor in an African setting.

Fatal and non-fatal injuries due to suspension trauma syndrome: A systematic review of definition, pathophysiology, and management controversies

BACKGROUND: Suspension trauma syndrome is a life-threatening event that occurs when a person is "trapped" in a prolonged passive suspension. It is most commonly seen in people who engage in occupational or sport activities that require harness suspension. The aim of this study is to identify the predisposing factors, pathophysiology, and management of suspension trauma.METHODS: A review and analysis of the literature published in English and Spanish from 1972 to 2020 on suspension trauma were performed. Search sources were Pub Med, Medline, Cochrane Library, MeSH, Up To Date, and Google Scholar. Articles referring to suspension trauma associated with other injury mechanisms(traumatic impact injuries, drowning, asphyxiation, or bleeding), case reports, and pediatric population were excluded.RESULTS: Forty-one articles were identified. Of these, 29 articles related to mechanism, pathophysiology, and management of individuals who suffered prolonged suspension trauma without associated traumatic injuries were included in the study. We encountered several controversies describing the putative pathophysiology, ranging from blood sequestration in the lower extremities versus accumulation of metabolic waste and hyperkalemia to dorsal hook-type harness as a trigger cause of positional asphyxia;to vascular compression of femoral vessels exerted by the harness causing decreased venous return. Pstients suspended in a full-body harness with dorsal hook showed more hemodynamic alterations in response to the compressive effect on the rib cage, causing a reduction in perfusion by presenting a decrease in pulse pressure. Management strategies varied across studies.CONCLUSIONS: Progress has been made in individualizing the population at risk and in the management of suspension trauma. We recommend the formation of consensus definitions, larger cohort or registry studies to be conducted, and experimental animal models to better understand the mechanisms in order to develop management and life support guidelines from a trauma and emergency medicine perspective.

Computer-based simulative training system--a new approach to teaching pre-hospital trauma care

Objective:A computer-based STS(simulative training system) in providing pre-hospital trauma care at a disaster site was applied to teaching nursing students in the Second Military Medical University,China.This article reports on the teaching effectiveness of this system.Methods:Among 92 participants,46 were in the study group and 46 were in the 'control' group. Each student completed a multiple-choice quiz after completing 18 hours(six three-hour sessions) of the study module,and a score was recorded.The simulative training module was completed only by the study group;the 'control' group was assigned in-class discussions for the same amount of time covering the same content as the study group.The final course scores,which included both comprehensive and group task-based tests were compared between these two groups.The study used a descriptive and comparative approach for quantitative data analysis.Tests of independency between the multiple choice scores and the simulation scores were also performed.Finally,anonymous surveys were conducted.Results:The study group performed better than the 'control' group with a significantly higher average score for the group scenario task-based test score,and consequently the study group's final course score was significantly higher than the 'control' group.As per chi-square tests,no significant associations were found between the multiple choice scores and the simulated training scores.The final surveys showed students overwhelmingly agreed that STS training improved their knowledge and skills,their ability to recognize a potential critical event, and their initial response for trauma care at pre-hospital settings.The survey responses of the study group were noteworthy as they indicated that students recognized the importance of simulative training,appreciated the realism of the simulation,and were able to fight/adjust to the stressful feelings in order to focus on the task.Conclusion:Computer-based STS may be an effective teaching model to help students improve their capability in providing pre-hospital trauma care,and in their effectiveness in disaster response.

Neutrophil kinetics and function after major trauma:A systematic review

BACKGROUND Immune dysfunction following major traumatic injury is complex and strongly associated with significant morbidity and mortality through the development of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome(MODS),persistent inflammation,immunosuppression,and catabolism syndrome and sepsis.Neutrophils are thought to be a pivotal mediator in the development of immune dysfunction.AIM To provide a review with a systematic approach of the recent literature describing neutrophil kinetics and functional changes after major trauma in humans and discuss hypotheses as to the mechanisms of the observed neutrophil dysfunction in this setting.METHODS Medline,Embase and PubMed were searched on January 15,2021.Papers were screened by two reviewers and those included had their reference list hand searched for additional papers of interest.Inclusion criteria were adults>18 years old,with an injury severity score>12 requiring admission to an intensive care unit.Papers that analysed major trauma patients as a subgroup were included.RESULTS Of 107 papers screened,48 were included in the review.Data were heterogeneous and most studies had a moderate to significant risk of bias owing to their observational nature and small sample sizes.Key findings included a persistently elevated neutrophil count,stereotyped alterations in cell-surface markers of activation,and the elaboration of heterogeneous and immunosuppressive populations of cells in the circulation.Some of these changes correlate with clinical outcomes such as MODS and secondary infection.Neutrophil phenotype remains a promising avenue for the development of predictive markers for immune dysfunction.CONCLUSION Understanding of neutrophil phenotypes after traumatic injury is expanding.A greater emphasis on incorporating functional and clinically significant markers,greater uniformity in study design and assessment of extravasated neutrophils may facilitate risk stratification in patients affected by major trauma.

Pharmacological interventions targeting the microcirculation following traumatic spinal cord injury

Traumatic spinal cord injury is a devastating disorder chara cterized by sensory,motor,and autonomic dysfunction that seve rely compromises an individual's ability to perform activities of daily living.These adve rse outcomes are closely related to the complex mechanism of spinal cord injury,the limited regenerative capacity of central neurons,and the inhibitory environment fo rmed by traumatic injury.Disruption to the microcirculation is an important pathophysiological mechanism of spinal cord injury.A number of therapeutic agents have been shown to improve the injury environment,mitigate secondary damage,and/or promote regeneration and repair.Among them,the spinal cord microcirculation has become an important target for the treatment of spinal cord injury.Drug inte rventions targeting the microcirculation can improve the microenvironment and promote recovery following spinal cord injury.These drugs target the structure and function of the spinal cord microcirculation and are essential for maintaining the normal function of spinal neuro ns,axons,and glial cells.This review discusses the pathophysiological role of spinal cord microcirculation in spinal cord injury,including its structure and histopathological changes.Further,it summarizes the progress of drug therapies targeting the spinal cord mic rocirc ulation after spinal cord injury.

Shock index and its variants as predictors of mortality in severe traumatic brain injury

BACKGROUND The increase in severe traumatic brain injury(sTBI)incidence is a worldwide phenomenon,resulting in a heavy disease burden in the public health systems,specifically in emerging countries.The shock index(SI)is a physiological parameter that indicates cardiovascular status and has been used as a tool to assess the presence and severity of shock,which is increased in sTBI.Considering the high mortality of sTBI,scrutinizing the predictive potential of SI and its variants is vital.AIM To describe the predictive potential of SI and its variants in sTBI.METHODS This study included 71 patients(61 men and 10 women)divided into two groups:Survival(S;n=49)and Non-survival(NS;n=22).The responses of blood pressure and heart rate(HR)were collected at admission and 48 h after admission.The SI,reverse SI(rSI),rSI multiplied by the Glasgow Coma Score(rSIG),and Age multiplied SI(AgeSI)were calculated.Group comparisons included Shapiro-Wilk tests,and independent samples t-tests.For predictive analysis,logistic regression,receiver operator curves(ROC)curves,and area under the curve(AUC)measurements were performed.RESULTS No significant differences between groups were identified for SI,rSI,or rSIG.The AgeSI was significantly higher in NS patients at 48 h following admission(S:26.32±14.2,and NS:37.27±17.8;P=0.016).Both the logistic regression and the AUC following ROC curve analysis showed that only AgeSI at 48 h was capable of predicting sTBI outcomes.CONCLUSION Although an altered balance between HR and blood pressure can provide insights into the adequacy of oxygen delivery to tissues and the overall cardiac function,only the AgeSI was a viable outcome-predictive tool in sTBI,warranting future research in different cohorts.

Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy Clearance Rate for Salicylate Toxicity in Multi-System Trauma

The management of patients with concomitant xenobiotic toxicity and multisystem trauma can be complex. While hemodialysis is generally the modality of choice for extracorporeal elimination of salicylates, the potential for large volume shifts and hypotension may pose a risk in patients with traumatic brain injury. An alternative therapy to hemodialysis is continuous renal replacement therapy, which has slower clearance rates than hemodialysis, but has decreased adverse effects in cases of traumatic brain injury. However, there are few published reports of clearance rates of salicylates using continuous renal replacement therapy. We report a case of multisystem trauma with concomitant intentional salicylate overdose in which continuous renal replacement therapy was employed. The salicylate clearance rate that was obtained in this case was 7.5 mL/minute using continuous veno-venous hemodiafiltration, a form of continuous renal replacement therapy.

Dental trauma in endoscopy:A systematic review and experience of a tertiary endoscopy centre

BACKGROUND Dental injury is the leading cause of litigation in anaesthesia but an underrecognized preventable complication of endoscopy.AIM To determine frequency and effects of dental injury in endoscopy,we present findings from an audit of outpatient endoscopy procedures conducted at a tertiary university hospital and a systematic review of literature.METHODS Retrospective review of 11265 outpatient upper endoscopy procedures over the period of 1 June 2019 to 31 May 2021 identified dental related complications in 0.284%of procedures.Review of literature identified a similar rate of 0.33%.RESULTS Pre-existing dental pathology or the presence of prostheses makes damage more likely but sound teeth may be affected.Pre-endoscopic history and tooth examination are key for risk stratification and may be conducted succinctly with limited time outlay.Tooth retrieval should be prioritized in the event of dental injury to minimize aspiration and be followed by prompt dental consultation for specific management.CONCLUSION Dental complications occur in approximately 1 in 300 of upper endoscopy cases.These are easily preventable by pre-endoscopy screening.Protocols to mitigate dental injury are also suggested.

Management of genitourinary trauma – current evaluation from the Sub-Saharan region: A systematic review

BACKGROUND Trauma is a major cause of morbidity globally and the sixth leading cause of death,accounting for 10%of all mortalities.The genitourinary trauma is estimated for approximately 10%of all patients presenting with trauma,and the kidney is the most injured genitourinary organ globally.However,there is a paucity of data on genitourinary injury from the Sub-Saharan,and there may be variations from common genitourinary organs injured in developed nations.AIM To provide insight on the epidemiology and management of genitourinary trauma in Sub-Saharan Africa with recommendations based on international guidelines.METHODS A thorough literature search of genitourinary trauma was conducted using PubMed,Google Scholar and African Journal Online.RESULTS A total of 30 studies from the Sub-Saharan region were eligible for the study and reviewed for epidemiology,biodata,types of injury,mechanisms of injury,treatment and follow-up.After evaluating 21904 patients presenting with urological emergencies,approximately 6.6%of cases were due to genitourinary trauma.The commonest injury was urethral 42.9%(22.2-62.2%)followed by injury to the external genitalia(penis,scrotum,testes)25.1%(8.8-67.7%).CONCLUSION Genitourinary injury in Sub-Saharan Africa is underreported,and the presence of more trauma registries,trained urologists and trauma facilities could improve the overall standard of care as well as providing data for research and development in the field.

Focused research in emergency medical systems in Asia: a necessity for trauma system advancement

Since trauma is a growing health problem worldwide,emergency trauma care including emergency medical services(EMS)is becoming an integral part of the healthcare system.The optimal EMS which will improve access to trauma care,will be different in each country because of different healthcare systems,trauma etiology,and economic situations.To adopt models that have succeeded in developed countries is not always appropriate.In order to identify the optimal EMS model in developing countries,comparing the systems among many countries in detail and examining their advantages and disadvantages would be necessary.Therefore,this article tries to identify important elements of EMS to achieve mature EMS systems based on comparisons of 7 Asian countries,and discusses the need to conduct more detailed and extensive comparisons.