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.

Study on cumulative effects of biological craniocerebral trauma under repeated blast

Repeated blast impacts on personnel in explosive environments can exacerbate craniocerebral trauma.Most existing studies focus on the injury effects of a single blast,lacking in-depth analysis on the injury effects and cumulative effects of repeated blasts.Therefore,rats were used as the experimental samples to suffer from explosion blasts with different peak air overpressures(167 kPa~482 kPa)and varying number of repeated blasts.The cumulative effect of craniocerebral trauma was most pronounced for moderate repeated blast,showing approximately 95%increase of trauma severity with penta blast,and an approximately 85%increase of trauma severity with penta minor blast.The cumulative effect of craniocerebral trauma from severe,repeated blast has a smaller rate of change compared to the other two conditions.The severity of trauma from penta blast increased by approximately 69%compared to a single blast.Comprehensive physiological,pathological and biochemical analysis show that the degree of neurological trauma caused by repeated blasts is higher than that of single blasts,and the pathological trauma to brain tissue is more extensive and severe.The trauma degree remains unchanged after double blast,increases by one grade after triple or quadruple blast,and increases by two grades after penta blast.

Laparoscopic surgery for trans-anal barotrauma: a case report

Trans-anal barotrauma resulting from the use of air guns is rare in the emergency department.Early diagnosis and timely treatment can yield a good prognosis.The first published case of trans-anal barotrauma caused by a manually operated force pump was reported in 1904.[1]Colorectal injuries have the potential to progress to high-mortality complications,such as abdominal infection,peritonitis,and septic shock.[2,3]Herein,we report a case of trans-anal barotrauma in a man who presented with pneumoperitoneum,pneumomediastinum,and pneumoscrotum.We performed laparoscopic exploration and loop ileostomy on this patient.

Risk factors for early death in severe non-brain- injured trauma patients

Severe trauma is one of the main causes of premature death,posing a significant challenge to public health systems.[1]At present,there is a lack of universally accepted guidelines for rapid detection of life-threatening severe trauma,[2]and the accuracy of existing prognostic models in predicting early death is limited.[3,4]Severe non-brain-injured trauma(SNT)patients account for approximately 70%of all trauma-related deaths.Moreover,there is a lack of studies on early death in SNT patients.[5]This study aims to identify risk factors associated with early death(≤72 h post-admission)in SNT patients.

Comprehensive epidemiological assessment of trauma incidents at a level I trauma center

BACKGROUND The continuous development of social and economic progress and ongoing enhancement of infrastructure construction has led to drastic changes in the occurrence of trauma.AIM To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of trauma in Lanzhou City to provide theoretical references for improving quality of trauma care.METHODS A retrospective analysis of clinical data from 16585 trauma patients treated at the First Hospital of Lanzhou University Trauma Center from November 1,2021 to October 31,2023 was conducted.Data including age,sex,time of trauma,cause of trauma,and major injured body parts were statistically analyzed.RESULTS A total of 18235 patients were admitted,with complete data for 16585 cases.Of these,9793 were male and 6792 were female(male-to-female ratio of 1.44:1).The peak times for trauma occurrence were 10 AM-12 PM and 6-10 PM,and the peak months were from May to October.The leading causes of trauma were falls(45.32%),other trauma(15.88%),road traffic accidents(15.15%),violence(10.82%),cutting/stabbing(9.41%),mechanical injuries(2.65%),winter sports injuries(0.36%),animal bites(0.22%),burns(0.09%),and electrical injuries(0.02%).The distribution of majorly injured body parts showed statistical significance,with limbs/skin being the most affected followed by the head/neck,chest/abdomen,and back.CONCLUSION Medical institutions and government agencies can implement preventive measures and policies based on the characteristics of trauma determined in this study to enhance the quality and level of trauma care.

Trauma to the solid abdominal organs:The missed dark box of colonoscopy

Colonoscopy is an integral part of the lower bowel care and is generally considered a potentially safe diagnostic and therapeutic procedure performed as a daycare outpatient procedure.Colonoscopy is associated with different complications that are not limited to adverse events related to the bowel preparation solutions used,the sedatives used,but to the procedure related as well including bleeding and perforation.Injuries to the extra-luminal abdominal organs during colonoscopy are uncommon,however,serious complications related to the procedure have been reported infrequently in the literature.Life threatening injuries to the spleen,liver,pancreas,mesentery,and urinary bladder have been reported as early as in mid-1970s.These injuries should not be overlooked by clinicians and endoscopists.Steadily increasing abdominal pain,abdominal distension,and hemodynamic instability in absence of rectal bleeding should raise the possibility of severe organ injury.Splenic and hepatic injury following colonoscopy are usually serious and may be life threatening.Although conservative management may help,yet they usually need interventional radiology or surgical intervention.Acute pancreatitis following colonoscopy is usually mild and is mostly managed conservatively.The mechanism of abdominal organ injuries during colonoscopy is not fully understood,however many risk factors have been identified,which can be classified as-organ related,procedure related,and local abdominal factors.Difficult colonoscopy and prior intra-abdominal adhesions are probably the most relevant risk factors for these injuries.Left lateral position,avoidance of looping and excessive force during the procedure would probably reduce the risk of such injuries.

Intergenerational Trauma and Resilience among Im/Migrant Families: Child Mental Health Outcomes and Psychosocial Mechanisms of Transmission

Research Background: Psychological stressors leading to poor mental health outcomes accumulate throughout the migration process. The impact of a parent or caregiver’s posttraumatic stress on non-traumatized children is significant and may lead to adverse development and mental health outcomes. Research Objectives: The objective of this review is to explore both the consequences of parental trauma transmission on descendants’ psychological adjustment and well-being, and the mechanisms through which trauma has been transmitted among im/migrant populations. Methods: Criteria outlined in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement guided this systemic review. The questions guiding this review are: (a) What are the consequences of parental trauma transmission on the psychological adjustment and well-being of im/migrant offspring? And (b) What are the psychosocial mechanisms of trauma and resilience transmission among im/migrant populations? Each potential study was assessed based on relevance to the review question(s). Results: Parental trauma can lead to adverse mental health outcomes among descendants including increased internalizing and externalizing problems, the adoption of coping behaviors and worldviews, and worsening school performance. Mechanisms that influence trauma transmission include parental trauma symptom severity, the parent-child dyad, social learning, and family stressors. Pathways of resilience exist across socioecological levels to include individual resilience such as coping skills and meaning making, family resilience, structural protective factors, and social and cultural protective factors. Conclusions: Despite the prevalence of traumatic events throughout the migration process, im/migrant families display strong levels of resilience. Mental health services and providers should incorporate a strength-based approach in designing interventions that are culturally responsive and take into accounts the broader ecological contexts in which im/migrant families live.

Severe acute pancreatitis complicated with intra-abdominal infection secondary to trauma:A case report

BACKGROUND Pancreatic trauma(PT)is rare among traumatic injuries and has a low incidence,but it can still lead to severe infectious complications,resulting in a high mortality rate.Acute pancreatitis(AP)is a common complication after PT,and when combined with organ dysfunction and sepsis,it will result in a poorer prognosis.CASE SUMMARY We report a 25-year-old patient with multiple organ injuries,including the pancreas,due to abdominal trauma,who developed necrotising pancreatitis secondary to emergency caesarean section,combined with intra-abdominal infection(IAI).The patient underwent performed percutaneous drainage,pancreatic necrotic tissue debridement,and abdominal infection foci debridement on the patient.CONCLUSION We report a case of severe AP and IAI secondary to trauma.This patient was managed by a combination of conservative treatment such as antibiotic therapy and fluid support with surgery,and a better outcome was obtained.

Cranial ultrasound in perioperative period of acute severe traumatic brain injury

Objective To observe the value of cranial ultrasound for perioperative patients with acute severe traumatic brain injury(sTBI).Methods Data of 55 sTBI patients who underwent craniotomy were retrospectively analyzed.The patients were divided into observation group(n=15)and control group(n=40)according to received perioperative cranial ultrasound or not.The general data and surgical data were compared between groups,and ultrasonic data of observation group were analyzed.Results The proportions of good prognosis 1 and 6 months after operation in observation group were both higher than those in control group,while the incidence of cerebral infarction in observation group was lower than that in control group(all P<0.05).No significant difference of general data nor other surgical data was found between groups(all P>0.05).Acute encephalocele occurred in 1 case in observation group during operation,and cranial ultrasound accurately showed the contralateral secondary epidural hematoma.Increased intracranial pressure in different degrees were found in all 15 cases(15/15,100%)in observation group after operation with transcranial color coded Doppler(TCCD)or transcranial Doppler(TCD),while cerebral vascular spasm was observed in 5 cases(5/15,33.33%),among them 4 cases(4/5,80.00%)were diagnosed cerebral infarction based on CT examination.Conclusion Cranial ultrasound could be used to evaluate changes of sTBI in perioperative period and guide adjusting treatment strategy in time,being valuable for reducing risk of postoperative cerebral infarction and improving prognosis.

Post-Traumatic Palatine Odontogenic Abscess: About 2 Cases

Introduction: Palatal abscess or cellulitis of dental origin is a rare clinical form of circumscribed cellulitis that can sometimes pose a diagnostic problem. It is the consequence of poor or non-treatment of dental caries or trauma. The aim of this study is to describe the clinical and therapeutic aspects of these two cases of palatal cellulitis of post-traumatic dental origin. Observation: The patients consulted for painful palatal swelling secondary to untreated dental trauma of the 21s. The diagnosis of palatal cellulitis was based on the inflammatory and fluctuating nature of the swelling. A probabilistic bi-antibiotic treatment and an incision and drainage associated with treatment of the portal of entry were carried out. Progression was favourable in both cases. Conclusion: Palatal cellulitis is a rare condition and can be prevented by systematic stomatological consultation after dental trauma. Diagnosis is clinical. However, CT scans are sometimes useful. The course is generally favorable with appropriate treatment.

Functional connectivity of paired default mode network subregions in patients with eye trauma

AIM:To study functional brain abnormalities in patients with eye trauma(ET)and to discuss the pathophysiological mechanisms of ET.METHODS:Totally 31 ET patients and 31 healthy controls(HCs)were recruited.The age,gender,and educational background characteristics of the two groups were similar.After functional magnetic resonance imaging(fMRI)scanning,the subjects’spontaneous brain activity was evaluated with the functional connectivity(FC)method.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis was used to classify the data.Pearson’s correlation analysis was used to explore the relationship between FC values in specific brain regions and clinical behaviors in patients with ET.RESULTS:Significantly increased FC between several regions was identified including the medial prefrontal cortex(MPFC)and left hippocampus formations(HF),the MPFC and left inferior parietal lobule(IPL),the left IPL and left medial temporal lobe(MTL),the left IPL and right MTL,and the right IPL and left MTL.No decreased region-to-region connectivity was detected in default mode network(DMN)sub-regions in patients with ET.Compared with HCs,ET patients exhibited significantly increased FC between several paired DMN regions,as follows:posterior cingulate cortex(PCC)and right HF(HF.R,t=2.196,P=0.032),right inferior parietal cortices(IPC.R)and left MTL(MTL.L,t=2.243,P=0.029),and right MTL(MTL.R)and HF.R(t=2.236,P=0.029).CONCLUSION:FC values in multiple brain regions of ET patients are abnormal,suggesting that these brain regions in ET patients may be dysfunctional,which may help to reveal the pathophysiological mechanisms of ET.

Abdominal Trauma during Pregnancy with Splenic Rupture and Fetal Death in Utero at Bogodogo University Hospital: A Case Report

Splenic injury caused by abdominal trauma during pregnancy is rare. Splenic injury associated with fetal death in utero following a fall from a tree top is even rarer. The authors report a case of splenic trauma associated with fetal death in utero following a fall from the top of a tree in a 19-year-old pregnant woman at 30 weeks amenorrhoea. She was referred from a 1st level health facility for trauma that had occurred the day before admission. She was in poor general condition (WHO performance status IV) and had a cardiovascular collapse. Ultrasound was used to diagnose haemoperitoneum and fetal death in utero. A CT scan was used to diagnose splenic lesions. Treatment consisted of splenectomy and caesarean section after resuscitation.

Traumatic Diaphragmatic Hernia in Children: A Case Report

Introduction: Traumatic diaphragmatic hernia is a rare condition in children complicating closed or penetrating trauma to the abdomen and thorax. We report the case of an 11-year-old girl with a traumatic diaphragmatic hernia. Case Presentation: An 11-year-old girl was seen in the paediatric surgery department for a thoracolumbar spine deformity and intermittent chest pain. These symptoms occurred after a domestic accident involving a fall from a low wall onto the thoracolumbar spine 5 months previously. The diagnosis was suggested by the presence of a left hemithoracic hydroaera and confirmed by a thoraco-abdominal CT scan. Surgical exploration revealed a linear rupture of the entire left hemi-diaphragm with herniation of the stomach, small intestine, cecum, transverse colon and omentum. We performed a double-layer suture of the diaphragmatic rupture with a non-absorbable suture without edge rejuvenation after the reduction of the hernia. The outcome was favourable with normal postoperative radiographs at one year follow-up. Conclusion: Traumatic diaphragmatic hernia, although uncommon and difficult to diagnose, is a condition that is relatively easy to manage surgically, even if it is discovered late. In all cases of trauma to the thoracolumbar spine, regular follow-up and repeat X-rays are necessary if pain persists.

Effect of a cervical collar on optic nerve sheath diameter in trauma patients

BACKGROUND:As advocated in advanced trauma life support and prehospital trauma life support protocols,cervical immobilization is applied until cervical spine injury is excluded.This study aimed to show the difference in optic nerve sheath diameter(ONSD)between patients with and without a cervical collar using computed tomography(CT).METHODS:This was a single-center,retrospective study examining trauma patients who presented to the emergency department between January 1,2021,and December 31,2021.The ONSD on brain CT of the trauma patients was measured and analyzed to determine whether there was a difference between the ONSD with and without the cervical collar.RESULTS:The study population consisted of 169 patients.On CT imaging of patients with(n=66)and without(n=103)cervical collars,the mean ONSD in the axial plane were 5.43±0.50 mm and 5.04±0.46 mm respectively for the right eye and 5.50±0.52 mm and 5.11±0.46 mm respectively for the left eye.The results revealed an association between the presence of a cervical collar and the mean ONSD,which was statistically significant(P<0.001)for both the right and left eyes.CONCLUSION:A cervical collar may be associated with increased ONSD.The effect of this increase in the ONSD on clinical outcomes needs to be investigated,and the actual need for cervical collar in the emergency department should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Enhancing the clinical relevance of haemorrhage prediction models in trauma

We read with interest the recent systematic reviewaArtificial intelligence and machine learning for hemorrhagic trauma careoby Peng et al.[1],which evaluated literature on machine learning(ML)in the management of traumatic haemorrhage.We thank the authors for their contribution to the role of ML in trauma.

Predictors of Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes Following Traumatic Injuries

Objective After traumatic injury in pregnant women,providing timely and appropriate management for high-risk patients is crucial for both pregnant women and fetuses.This study aimed to identify risk factors that predict adverse pregnancy outcomes after traumatic injury.Methods A retrospective cohort study including 317 pregnant patients who experienced trauma was conducted.The collected data included general demographics,injury mechanisms and adverse pregnancy outcomes.Patients were divided into two subgroups based on the absence or presence of trauma-related adverse pregnancy outcomes.Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were conducted to estimate the associations between clinical variables and adverse pregnancy outcomes.Results A total of 41(12.93%)patients experienced adverse pregnancy outcomes within the first 24 h post-trauma.This study revealed that age>35 years(OR=14.995,95%CI:5.024–44.755,P<0.001),third trimester trauma(OR=3.878,95%CI:1.343–11.204,P=0.012),abdominal pain(OR=3.032,95%CI:1.221–7.527,P=0.017),vaginal bleeding(OR=3.226,95%CI:1.093–9.523,P=0.034),positive scan in focused assessment with sonography for trauma(FAST)positive(OR=8.496,95%CI:2.825–25.555,P<0.001),9≤injury severity score(ISS)<16(OR=3.039,95%CI:1.046–8.835,P=0.041)and ISS≥16(OR=5.553,95%CI:1.387–22.225,P=0.015)increased the probability of posttraumatic adverse pregnancy outcomes.Maternal age,gestational age at delivery,vaginal bleeding and positive FAST results were risk factors for abnormal delivery.Conclusion Advanced maternal age,third trimester,and positive FAST results should alert multidisciplinary trauma teams to closely monitor patients to prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes.

The Impact of Perineal Trauma on Postpartum Women at Ndola Teaching Hospital, Zambia: A Phenomenological Study

Perineal trauma following childbirth affects over two-thirds of women in low and medium-income countries (LMICs) birthing in health facilities. Although it is an unfavourable outcome with the potential to affect many aspects of a woman’s well-being in both the immediate and long-term, it is still a neglected phenomenon of women’s health, particularly in sub-Saharan African countries like Zambia. This study sought to understand the impact of birth perineal trauma on postnatal women at Ndola Teaching Hospital (NTH). This study employed a cross-sectional qualitative design using a descriptive phenomenological approach. Fifteen women who had birthed at NTH and sustained birth perineal trauma were purposively sampled as study participants. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews aided by an interview guide. Four themes, namely, perineal pain, substandard perineal wound management, fear of future reproductive health outcomes and diversion from reality, emerged from the study. Most women experiencing childbirth perineal trauma do not receive adequate care to manage their condition effectively. Therefore, midwives should utilise their professional knowledge and skills when providing postnatal care because morbidity affects women. Thus, it has the potential to negatively affect mother-infant bonding. The study concluded that birth perineal trauma is a distressing phenomenon of childbirth;hence, skillful repair, pain management and sexual counselling can greatly reduce its negative impacts.

Prevalence of Ocular Trauma at the Reference Health Center (CSREF) of Kati

Introduction: The authors wanted to study the prevalence of ocular trauma in the ophthalmology unit of the CSREF of Kati. Patients and method: This is a retrospective study, covering the period from January to December 2015, carried out in the ophthalmology unit of the CSREF in Kati. Results: The sample consisted of 568 patients, or 6.82% of ophthalmological consultations. Children aged 0 to 14 years accounted for 154 (27.11%) of the trauma cases. Bruises constitute the main circumstance (58.1%) of eye trauma, followed by domestic accidents (15.6%). Closed globe ocular trauma was the main type of trauma (61.6%), followed by ocular adnexal trauma (30.1%) and open globe trauma (8.3%) in which the penetrating wound was the lesion, the least common (2.6%) but the most serious. Medical treatment was the most used therapeutic modality in 82.4% of cases, followed by surgery with 17.6% of cases. The evolution of the lesions after treatment was favorable in 85.6% of cases and unfavorable in 14.4% of cases. Complications were observed in 5.8% of cases and sequelae in 8.6% of cases. Conclusion: Ocular trauma constitutes an important reason for ophthalmological consultation at the CSREF of Kati. The severity of some of these lesions requires frequent recourse to surgery. The complexity of the treatment should encourage us to favor preventive measures.

Epidemiological and Computed Tomography Aspects of Facial Trauma at Kira Hospital in Bujumbura

Background: Maxillofacial trauma affects young adults more. The injury assessment is difficult to establish in low-income countries because of the imaging means, particularly the scanner, which is poorly available and less financially accessible. The aim of this study is to describe the epidemiological profile and the various tomodensitometric aspects of traumatic lesions of the face in patients received in the Radiology department of Kira Hospital. Patients and methods: This is a descriptive retrospective study involving 104 patients of all ages over a period of 2 years from December 2018 to November 2019 in the medical imaging department of KIRA HOSPITAL. We included in our study any patient having undergone a CT scan of the head and presenting at least one lesion of the facial mass, whether associated with other cranioencephalic lesions. Results: Among the 384 patients received for head trauma, 104 patients (27.1% of cases) presented facial damage. The average age of our patients was 32.02 years with extremes of 8 months and 79 years. In our study, 87 of the patients (83.6%) were male. The road accident was the circumstance in which facial trauma occurred in 79 patients (76% of cases). These injuries were accompanied by at least one bone fracture in 97 patients (93.3%). Patients with fractures of more than 3 facial bones accounted for 40.2% of cases and those with fractures of 2 to 3 bones accounted for 44.6% of cases. The midface was the site of the fracture in 85 patients (87.6% of cases). Orbital wall fractures were noted in 57 patients (58.8% of cases) and the jawbone was the site of a fracture in 50 patients (51.5% of cases). In the vault, the fractures involved the extra-facial frontal bone (36.1% of cases) and temporal bone (18.6% of cases). Cerebral contusion was noted in 41.2% of patients and pneumoencephaly in 15.5% of patients. Extradural hematoma was present in 16 patients and subdural hematoma affected 13 patients. Conclusion: Computed tomography is a diagnostic tool of choice in facial trauma patients. Most of these young patients present with multiple fractures localizing to the mid-level of the face with concomitant involvement of the brain.