Comparison of chest CT scan findings between COVID-19 and pulmonary contusion in trauma patients based on RSNA criteria:Established novel criteria for trauma victims

Propose:In this study,we re-assessed the criteria defined by the radiological society of North America(RSNA)to determine novel radiological findings helping the physicians differentiating COVID-19 from pulmonary contusion.Methods:All trauma patients with blunt chest wall trauma and subsequent pulmonary contusion,COVID-19-related signs and symptoms before the trauma were enrolled in this retrospective study from February to May 2020.Included patients(Group P)were then classified into two groups based on polymerase chain reaction tests(Group Pa for positive patients and Pb for negative ones).Moreover,44 patients from the prepandemic period(Group PP)were enrolled.They were matched to Group P regarding age,sex,and trauma-related scores.Two radiologists blindly reviewed the CT images of all enrolled patients according to criteria defined by the RSNA criteria.The radiological findings were compared between Group P and Group PP;statistically significant ones were re-evaluated between Group Pa and Group Pb thereafter.Finally,the sensitivity and specificity of each significant findings were calculated.The Chi-square test was used to compare the radiologica丨findings between Group P and Group PP.Results:In the Group PP,73.7%of all ground-glass opacities(GGOs)and 80%of all multiple bilateral GGOs were detected(p<0.001 and p=0.25,respectively).Single bilateral GGOs were only seen among the Group PP.The Chi-square tests showed that the prevalence of diffused GGOs,multiple unilateral GGOs,multiple consolidations,and multiple bilateral consolidations were significantly higher in the Group P(p=0.001,0.01,0.003,and 0.003,respectively).However,GGOs with irregular borders and single consolidations were more significant among the Group PP(p=0.01 and 0.003,respectively).Of note,reticular distortions and subpleural spares were exclusively detected in the Group PP.Conclusion:We concluded that the criteria set by RSNA for the diagnosis of COVID-19 are not appropriate in trauma patients.The clinical signs and symptoms are not always useful either.The presence of multiple unilateral GGOs,diffused GGOs,and multiple bilateral consolidations favor COVID-19 with 88%,97.62%,and 77.7%diagnostic accuracy.

Unplanned decannulation of tracheotomy tube in massive burn patients： a retrospective case series study

Background Unplanned extubation is associated with adverse outcomes in intensive care unit. The massive burn patient differs from other critically ill patients in many ways. However, little is known about the unplanned decannulation （UD） in Burn Intensive Care Unit. This paper describes the special features of the circumstances and outcome of UD of tracheotomy tube in massive burn patients. Methods A case series study was performed between January 1999 and December 2008 and UD of tracheotomy tube was analyzed retrospectively. A total of 21 patients with 29 UD events were identified. Demographic data, diagnosis, intervention, UD events and outcome of UD patients were collected. Differences in proportions were compared using the chi-square （X2） or Fisher＇s exact test. Results Patients with UD were often burned with head and neck （67%） and combined with inhalation injury （62%）. The majority of them （76%） were transferred patients, occurred early （55%） and were accidental UD （79%）. UD events tended to happen in day shift （90%） and to be associated with the medical procedure that was performing by caregivers at besides （79%）. Loose of the stabilizing rope, medical procedure and tracheotomy malposition were the main causes of UD. Early UD and reintubation failure were associated with patients＇ death. Conclusions UD happened to massive burn patients can lead to patient death. Careful management of respiratory tract was essential for massive burn patients.

Expert consensus on the use of human serum albumin in critically ill patients

Introduction Human serum albumin(HSA)is a non-glycosylated,negatively charged,single-chain polypeptide composed of 585 amino acid residues with a relative molecular mass of 66.438 kD.It is synthesized by the liver at a rate of approximately 200 mg·kg^(-1)·day^(-1),with a half-life of 21 days,and subjected to catabolism in the muscles,liver,and kidneys at a rate of 4%per day.[1]Albumin,accounting for 60%of the total plasma protein,has various physiological functions,[2]such as maintaining 70%to 80%of effective plasma colloid osmotic pressure,coordinating vascular endothelial integrity,anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities,maintaining the acidbase balance,and participating in the transport,distribution,and metabolism of a variety of endogenous and exogenous substances.