Trauma-associated pneumonia: time to redefine ventilator-associated pneumonia in trauma patients

Background

The high prevalence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in trauma patients has been reported in the literature, but the reasons for this observation remain unclear. We hypothesize that trauma factors play critical roles in VAP etiology.

Methods

In this retrospective study, 1,044 ventilated trauma patients were identified from December 2010 to December 2013. Patient-level trauma factors were used to predict pneumonia as study endpoint.

Results

Ninety-five of the 1,044 ventilated trauma patients developed pneumonia. Rib fractures, pulmonary contusion, and failed prehospital intubation were significant predictors of pneumonia in a multivariate model.

Conclusions

It is time to redefine VAP in trauma patients based on the effect of rib fractures, pulmonary contusions, and failed prehospital intubations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention definition of VAP needs to be modified to reflect the effect of trauma factors in the etiology of trauma-associated pneumonia.     

Increased risk of pneumonia among ventilated patients with traumatic brain injury: every day counts!

Background

Patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) frequently require mechanical ventilation (MV). The objective of this study was to examine the association between time spent on MV and the development of pneumonia among patients with TBI.

Materials and methods

Patients older than 18 y with head abbreviated injury scale (AIS) scores coded 1–6 requiring MV in the National Trauma Data Bank 2007–2010 data set were included. The study was limited to hospitals reporting pneumonia cases. AIS scores were calculated using ICDMAP-90 software. Patients with injuries in any other region with AIS score >3, significant burns, or a hospital length of stay >30 d were excluded. A generalized linear model was used to determine the approximate relative risk of developing all-cause pneumonia (aspiration pneumonia, ventilator-associated pneumonia [VAP], and infectious pneumonia identified by the International Classification of Disease, Ninth Revision, diagnosis code) for each day of MV, controlling for age, gender, Glasgow coma scale motor score, comorbidity (Charlson comorbidity index) score, insurance status, and injury type and severity.

Results

Among the 24,525 patients with TBI who required MV included in this study, 1593 (6.5%) developed all-cause pneumonia. After controlling for demographic and injury factors, each additional day on the ventilator was associated with a 7% increase in the risk of pneumonia (risk ratio 1.07, 95% confidence interval 1.07–1.08).

Conclusions

Patients who have sustained TBIs and require MV are at higher risk for VAP than individuals extubated earlier; therefore, shortening MV exposure will likely reduce the risk of VAP. As patients with TBI frequently require MV because of neurologic impairment, it is key to develop aggressive strategies to expedite ventilator independence.     

Local access to care programs increase trauma patient follow-up compliance

Background

Inadequate follow-up of uninsured trauma patients after discharge remains a major challenge for trauma programs. Local access to care programs (LACPs) have been developed to improve access to health care to the uninsured. We hypothesized that enrollment in LACP would improve postdischarge follow-up of uninsured trauma patients.

Methods

Study population consisted of 5,830 uninsured trauma patients from 2006 to 2011, treated at a large urban level-I trauma center. Patients with burn injuries, transfers to another acute-care facility, and those who died or who left against medical advice were excluded. Patients who enrolled in our LACP were compared with those who did not to determine the relationship between enrollment in LACP and postdischarge follow-up, while controlling for injury severity, demographics, and discharge disposition.

Results

Patients in LACP were significantly more likely to schedule follow-up appointments after discharge (odds ratio = 1.78; 95% confidence interval, 1.51 to 2.10) and to comply with them (odds ratio = 2.44; 95% confidence interval, 1.98 to 2.99). However, 30-day readmission rates were similar in the 2 groups (1.1% vs 1.9%).

Conclusions

Enrollment in the LACP was associated with improved postdischarge follow-up but not readmissions.     

Women in surgical leadership positions: further assessment and future planning needed

Background

Retained hemothorax (RH) is relatively common after chest trauma and can lead to empyema. We hypothesized that patients who have surgical fixation of rib fractures (SSRF) have less RH and empyema than those who have medical management of rib fractures (MMRF).

Methods

Admitted rib fracture patients from January 2009 to June 2013 were identified. A 2:1 propensity score model identified MMRF patients who were similar to SSRF. RH, and empyema and readmissions, were recorded. Variables were compared using Fisher exact test and Wilcoxon rank–sum tests.

Results

One hundred thirty-seven SSRF and 274 MMRF were analyzed; 31 (7.5%) had RH requiring 35 interventions; 3 (2.2%) SSRF patients had RH compared with 28 (10.2%) MMRF (P = .003). Four (14.3%) MMRF subjects with RH developed empyema versus zero in the SSRF group (P = .008); 6 (19.3%) RH patients required readmission versus 14 (3.7%) in the non-RH group (P = .002).

Conclusions

Patients with rib fractures who have SSRF have less RH compared with similar MMRF patients. Although not a singular reason to perform SSRF, this clinical benefit should not be overlooked.     

The role of diabetes and other co-morbidities on survival after esophageal cancer surgery in a population-based study

Background

There is limited knowledge on how diabetes and other comorbidities influence the survival of patients undergoing curative esophageal cancer surgery.

Methods

A population-based and prospective cohort study included patients who underwent surgical resection for esophageal or cardia cancer in Sweden from 2001 to 2005, with follow-up until 2011. Associations between diabetes and other comorbidities in relation to postoperative mortality were analyzed using Cox proportional-hazards regression with adjustment for potential confounding factors.

Results

Among 609 patients, 67 (11%) with diabetes had no increased risk for mortality compared with those without diabetes (hazard ratio, .81; 95% confidence interval, .60 to 1.09). Compared with patients without any predefined comorbidities, those with 1 (hazard ratio, 1.15; 95% confidence interval, .93 to 1.43) or ≥2 comorbidities (hazard ratio, 1.05; 95% confidence interval, .83 to 1.33) had no statistically significantly increased risk for mortality.

Conclusions

This study revealed no strongly increased risk for mortality in patients with diabetes or other comorbidities selected for esophageal cancer surgery.     

Risk factors for pulmonary complication following fixation of spine fractures

Background Context

Previous studies have suggested pulmonary complications are common among patients undergoing fixation for traumatic spine fractures. This leads to prolonged hospital stay, worse functional outcomes, and increased economic burden. However, only limited prognostic information exists regarding which patients are at greatest risk for pulmonary complications.

The effect of time to sentinel lymph node biopsy on cutaneous melanoma survival

Background

Whether timing of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in cutaneous melanoma improves survival is not yet clear. The aim of this study was to investigate if the timing of SLNB influences long-term melanoma mortality.

Methods

A 10-year retrospective cohort study was conducted on 748 cutaneous melanoma patients who underwent excision of the SLN. Hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated from Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

After adjusting for sex, age, Breslow thickness, mitotic rate, ulceration, and histologic type, patients who underwent early SLNB (≤30 days) and resulted positive on final pathology had a 3 times decreased risk of melanoma mortality (hazard ratio = .29; 95%confidence interval = .11 to .77) in comparison to patients who underwent delayed SLNB (≥31 days) and resulted positive on final pathology.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that early SLNB (≤30 days) improves melanoma survival.     

Location of civilian ballistic femoral fracture indicates likelihood of arterial injury

Background

We evaluated whether the location of a ballistic femoral fracture helps predict the presence of arterial injury. We hypothesized that fractures located in the distal third of the femur are associated with a higher rate of arterial injury.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of electronic medical records at our level I trauma centre and found 133 consecutive patients with femoral fractures from civilian gunshots from 2002 to 2007, 14 of whom sustained arterial injury. Fracture extent was measured with computerized viewing software and recorded with a standard technique, calculating proximal, distal, and central locations of the fracture as a function of overall length of the bone. Analyses were conducted with Student's t, Chi-squared, and Fisher's exact tests.

Results

The location of any fracture line in the distal third of the femur was associated with increased risk of arterial injury (P < 0.05). The odds ratio for the presence of arterial injury when the proximal fracture line was in the distal third of the femur was 5.63 (95% confidence interval, 1.7–18.6; P < 0.05) and when the distal fracture line was in the distal third of the femur was 6.72 (95% confidence interval, 1.78–25.44; P < 0.05).

Conclusions

A fracture line in the distal third of the femur after ballistic injury is six times more likely to be associated with arterial injury and warrants careful evaluation. Our data show that fracture location can help alert clinicians to possible arterial injury after ballistic femoral fracture.     

The impact of intracranial pressure monitoring on mortality after severe traumatic brain injury

Background

The effect of intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring on mortality after severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) remains unclear. We hypothesized that ICP monitoring would not be associated with improved survival in patients with sTBI.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed on sTBI patients, defined as admission Glasgow Coma Scale score of 8 or less with intracranial hemorrhage. Patients who underwent ICP monitoring were compared with patients who did not. The primary outcome measure was inhospital mortality.

Results

Of 123 sTBI patients meeting inclusion criteria, 40 (32.5%) underwent ICP monitoring. On bivariate and multivariate regression analyses, ICP monitoring was associated with decreased mortality (odds ratio = .32, 95% confidence interval = .10 to .99, P = .049). This finding persisted on propensity-adjusted analysis.

Conclusions

ICP monitoring is associated with improved survival in adult patients with sTBI. In addition, significant variability exists in the use of ICP monitoring among patients with sTBI.     

Readmission following open ventral hernia repair: incidence,indications, and predictors

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence, indications, and predictive factors of hospital readmission after open ventral hernia repair.

Methods

A retrospective review of all open ventral hernia repairs at a single institution from 2000 to 2010 was performed to assess readmissions between 1 to 30, 1 to 90, and 91 to 365 days. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of 30-day readmission.

Results

Of the 888 patients, 75 (8%) were readmitted between 1 and 30 days, 97 (11%) between 1 and 90 days, and 78 (9%) between 91 and 365 days. Unplanned readmissions related to the surgery constituted the majority of 1-day to 30-day and 1-day to 90-day readmissions (82% and 74%, respectively) but not between 91 and 365 days (32%). Prior superficial or deep surgical-site infection (odds ratio, 2.39; 95% confidence interval, 1.32 to 4.32) and duration of surgery (odds ratio, 1.35; 95% confidence interval, 1.05 to 1.73) were associated with 30-day readmission.

Conclusions

Efforts to reduce readmissions should be directed at modifiable risk factors for surgical-site infection and other surgical complications, particularly among those with prior skin infections and longer durations of surgery.     

Outcomes after resection of cortisol-secreting adrenocortical carcinoma

Background

We sought to define the impact of cortisol-secreting status on outcomes after surgical resection of adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC).

Methods

The U.S ACC group database was queried to identify patients who underwent ACC resection between 1993 and 2014. The short-term and long-term outcomes were assessed.

Results

The incidence of all functional and cortisol-secreting tumors was 40.6% and 22.6%, respectively. On multivariable analysis, cortisol secretion remained associated with an increased risk of postoperative complications (odds ratio = 2.25, 95 % confidence interval = 1.04 to 4.88; P = .04). At a median follow-up of 17.6 months, 118 patients (50.4%) had developed a recurrence. On multivariable analysis, after adjusting for patient and disease-related factors cortisol secretion independently predicted shorter recurrence-free survival (Hazard ratio = 2.05, 95% confidence interval = 1.16 to 3.60; P = .01).

Conclusions

Cortisol secretion was associated with an increased risk of postoperative morbidity. Recurrence remains high among patients with ACC after surgery; cortisol secretion was independently associated with a shorter recurrence-free survival. Tailoring postoperative surveillance of ACC patients based on their cortisol secreting status may be important.     

Predictors of early versus late timing of pulmonary embolus after traumatic injury

Objective

To identify risk factors predictive of pulmonary embolus (PE) timing after a traumatic injury.

Methods

One hundred eight traumatic injury patients with a confirmed diagnosis of PE were classified as early PE (≤4 days, n = 54) or late PE (>4 days, n = 54). Independent predictors of early versus late PE were identified using multivariate logistic regression.

Results

Half the PEs were diagnosed ≤4 days of injury. Only long bone fractures independently predicted early PE (odds ratio 2.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.1–7.1). Severe head injuries were associated with late PE (odds ratio 11.1; 95% confidence interval, 3.9–31). Established risk factors such as age did not affect timing.

Conclusions

Half the PEs were diagnosed ≤4 days after injury. The risk of early PE appeared highest in patients with long bone fractures, and the benefits of immediate prophylaxis may outweigh risks. Patients with severe head injuries appear to have later PE events. Prospective interventional trials in these injury populations are needed.     

Utilidad y versatilidad del titanio para la reconstrucción de la pared torácica

Introduction

Chest wall deformities/defects and chest wall resections, as well as complex rib fractures require reconstruction with various prosthetic materials to ensure the basic functions of the chest wall. Titanium provides many features that make it an ideal material for this surgery.The aim is to present our initial results with this material in several diseases.

Material and methods

From 2008 to 2012, 14 patients were operated on and titanium was used for reconstruction of the chest wall. A total of 7 patients had chest wall tumors, 2 with sternal resection, 4 patients with chest wall deformities/defects and 3 patients with severe rib injury due to traffic accident.

Results

The reconstruction was successful in all cases, with early extubation without detecting problems in the functionality of the chest wall at a respiratory level. Patients with chest wall tumors including sternal resections were extubated in the operating room as well as the chest wall deformities. Chest trauma cases were extubated within 24 h from internal rib fixation. There were no complications related to the material used and the method of implementation.

Conclusions

Titanium is an ideal material for reconstruction of the chest wall in several clinical situations allowing for great versatility and adaptability in different chest wall reconstructions.     

Increased fluid resuscitation can lead to adverse outcomes in major-burn injured patients, but low mortality is achievable

Background

Excessive fluid resuscitation of large burn injuries has been associated with adverse outcomes. We reviewed our experience in patients with major-burn injury to assess the relationship between fluid, clinical outcome and cause of variance from expected resuscitation volumes as defined by the Parkland formula.

Methods

Eighty patients with new burns ≥15% total body surface area (TBSA) admitted to the intensive care unit within 48 h of injury were included.

Results

Mean fluid volume was 6.0 ± 2.3 mL/kg/% TBSA at 24 h. Bolus fluids for hypotension and oliguria explained 39% of excess variance from Parkland estimates and inaccurate burn size and weight assessment explained 9% of variance. Higher fluid volume was associated with pneumonia (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.0; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2–3.4) and extremity compartment syndrome (AOR = 7.9; 95% CI 2.4–26). Colloid use during the first 24 h reduced the risk of extremity compartment syndrome (AOR = 0.06; 95% CI 0.007–0.49) and renal failure (AOR = 0.11; 95% CI 0.014–0.82). In-hospital mortality was low (10%) and not associated with >125% Parkland resuscitation (P = 0.39).

Conclusions

Although fluid resuscitation in excess of the Parkland formula was associated with several adverse events, mortality was low. A multi-centre trial is needed to more specifically define the indications and volumes needed for burns fluid resuscitation and revise traditional formulae emphasising patient outcome. Improved training in burn size assessment is needed.     

Sex variability of fine-needle aspiration reliability in the diagnosis of malignancy in thyroid nodules ≥4 cm

Background

The effect of sex on fine-needle aspiration (FNA) diagnosis of thyroid cancer remains unknown. This study determines the reliability of FNA when evaluating thyroid nodules ≥4 cm in women and men.

Methods

Prospectively collected data of 1,068 patients who underwent FNA and thyroidectomy at a tertiary medical center were retrospectively reviewed. Data were stratified by sex and thyroid nodule size ≥4 cm.

Results

The FNA false-negative rate for thyroid malignancy in women and men was 17% and 0%, respectively. FNA was less predictive of malignancy in women (odd ratio = 31.7; 95% confidence interval, 19.2 to 52.5; P < .0001) compared with men (odds ratio = 51.7; 95% confidence interval, 11.8 to 225.1; P < .0001) with thyroid nodules ≥4 cm.

Conclusions

For the diagnosis of malignancy in large thyroid nodules, FNA may be less reliable in women compared with men. This study advocates using a more aggressive approach that includes surgical resection for definitive diagnosis in women with thyroid nodules ≥4 cm.     

Intracranial pressure versus cerebral perfusion pressure as a marker of outcomes in severe head injury: a prospective evaluation

Background

Intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring is a standard of care in severe traumatic brain injury when clinical features are unreliable. It remains unclear, however, whether elevated ICP or decreased cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) predicts outcome.

Methods

This is a prospective observational study of patients sustaining severe blunt head injury, admitted to the surgical intensive care unit at the Los Angeles County and University of Southern California Medical Center between January 2010 and December 2011. The study population was stratified according to the findings of ICP and CPP. Primary outcomes were overall in-hospital mortality and mortality because of cerebral herniation. Secondary outcomes were development of complications during the hospitalization.

Results

A total of 216 patients met Brain Trauma Foundation guidelines for ICP monitoring. Of those, 46.8% (n = 101) were subjected to the intervention. Sustained elevated ICP significantly increased all in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 3.15 [1.11, 8.91], P = .031) and death because of cerebral herniation (adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 9.25 [1.19, 10.48], P = .035). Decreased CPP had no impact on mortality.

Conclusions

A single episode of sustained increased ICP is an accurate predictor of poor outcomes. Decreased CPP did not affect survival.     

Laparoscopic accuracy in prediction of appendiceal pathology: oncologic and inflammatory aspects

Background

In the prelaparoscopy era, macroscopically normal appendices were routinely resected. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of laparoscopy.

Methods

A review of 1,899 patients who underwent appendectomy with multivariate analysis was conducted.

Results

Laparoscopic and open approaches had similar false-positive rates, false-negative rates, accuracy, and sensitivity. The study population included 17 false-negative cases (11% of all macroscopically normal appendices). Tumors were found in 1.1% of our study population. Female gender (1.9% vs .5%; odds ratio, 4; 95% confidence interval, 1.5 to 11; P < .005) and appendiceal perforation were independent risk factors for harboring a tumor.

Conclusions

It is suggested that laparoscopy has diagnostic quality similar to that of the open approach. Until randomized trials evaluate the fate of patients who receive false-negative diagnoses, routine appendectomy is recommended. Special attention should be paid to female patients and to patients with perforations, who have a 4-fold increased risk for harboring a tumor.     

Complete cervical spinal cord injury above C6 predicts the need for tracheostomy

Background

Failed extubation and delayed tracheostomy contribute to poor outcomes in patients with a traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). We determined if the level and completeness of SCI predict the need for tracheostomy.

Methods

Data from 256 patients with SCI between C1 and T3 with or without tracheostomy were retrospectively analyzed. Logistic regression identified predictors for tracheostomy. Data are presented as raw percentage or odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval. P < .05 indicates significance.

Results

Complete spinal cord injuries were common in patients requiring tracheostomy (55% vs 18%, P < .05), and predicted the need for tracheostomy (OR: 6.4 (3.1 to 13.5), P < .05). An injury above C6 predicted the need for tracheostomy in patients with complete injury (OR: 3.7 (1 to 11.9), P < .05), but not incomplete injury (OR: .7 (.3 to 1.9); P = .53).

Conclusion

Tracheostomy is unlikely in patients with incomplete SCI, regardless of the level of injury. Patients with complete SCI above C6 are likely to require tracheostomy.